bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral cortical effects of desflurane in sheep: comparison with isoflurane, sevoflurane and enflurane
Authors: Voss L. J. , Ludbrook G. , Grant C. , Sleigh J. W. , Barnard J. P. M.
Published: February 2006

Background:  Different volatile anesthetic agents have differing propensities for inducing seizures. A measure of the predilection to develop seizures is the presence of interictal spike discharges (spikes) on the electrocorticogram (ECoG). In this study, we investigated the propensity of desflurane to induce cortical spikes and made a direct objective comparison with enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane. The ECoG effects of desflurane have not been previously reported.

Methods:  After establishment of invasive monitoring and a parasagittal array of eight electrodes to record the ECoG; eight adult merino sheep were given a series of short inhalational anesthetics (using desflurane, enflurane, sevoflurane and isoflurane); each titrated to ECoG burst suppression. Anesthetic effect was estimated by the effects on the approximate entropy of the ECoG. The effect of anesthetic on the spike‐rate in the ECoG was analyzed using a non‐linear mixed‐effect method with a sigmoid Emax model.

Results:  A similar ‘depth of anesthesia’ was achieved for each agent, as estimated by the approximate entropy. The mean (SD) values of Emax for the spike‐rate vs. approximate entropy relationship were desflurane 0.5 (0.9), enflurane 17.2 (4.0), isoflurane 0.7 (1.2), and sevoflurane 5.3 (1.2) spikes/min. The spike rate caused by desflurane was similar to isoflurane and significantly lower than that of enflurane (P < 0.001), and sevoflurane (P = 0.009).

Conclusion:  Desflurane induces minimal cerebral cortical spike activity when administered to burst suppression, consistent with its low propensity for inducing seizures in non‐epileptic brains. The agents can be ranked by their relative ability to cause spike activity: enflurane >> sevoflurane > isoflurane = desflurane.
Group Structure and Stability in Social Aggregations of White's Skink,Egernia whitii
Authors: Chapple David G. , Scott Keogh J.
Published: February 2006

Most lizards display relatively simple social systems, but more complex and stable social aggregations appear to be common in one lineage of Australian skinks, the Egernia Group. Previous studies on this lineage have focused on species inhabiting crevices in large and disjunct rocky outcrops. Here, we describe the social organization of White's skink,Egernia whitii, a burrowing species that inhabits rocky habitats in southeastern Australia. We examined social group size, composition and stability over two field seasons using a capture‐mark‐recapture study, behavioral observations and genetic analyses. Twenty‐four social groups, each comprising two to six individuals, were present at our study site, with 75% of lizards belonging to a social grouping. A higher proportion of adults than juveniles were part of a group, while more adult females belonged to a group than adult males. Groups generally comprised a single adult pair or an adult pair with juveniles. However, groups comprising one male with multiple females and multiple individuals of both sexes also were present. Groups were highly stable throughout the study, although individual group members were observed singly on half of all observations. Paternity analysis using four microsatellite loci revealed that juveniles within groups were closely related to adults in the group, with 38% living in groups with both parents and 71% in groups with at least one parent. Our data demonstrate the presence of complex sociality in a burrowingEgerniaspecies and, together with previous studies, suggest that stable social organization is widespread across different habitats and phylogenetic groupings within the Egernia Group.
Is Difference in Body Weight, Antler Length, Age or Dominance Rank related to the Number of Fights between Fallow Deer (Dama dama)?
Authors: Jennings Dómhnall J. , Gammell Martin P. , Carlin Caitríona M. , Hayden Thomas J.
Published: February 2006

Competitive interactions between mature male fallow deer were investigated to determine whether antler length, body weight, age or dominance rank were related to the number of fights between individuals. Four different hypotheses were tested; the first predicted that body weight and antler length indicate individual quality and, therefore, as the difference between competitors in body weight and antler length increases, there should be a corresponding decrease in fight rate. The second and third hypotheses predicted that, as difference in dominance rank increased there would be a decrease in fight rate between males either, as a risk reduction measure or because of inhibitory control by dominant males. A fourth hypothesis predicted that, where dominance rank does not mediate fight rate, that similarity between contestants based on age might be important. If this is the case, then as the difference in age between competitors increased there should be a decrease in fight rate. Our results show that when dominance rank is controlled for, there was no relation between body weight, antler length or age with fight rate. There was a negative relation between dominance rank difference and fight rate, a result that supports both the risk reduction and inhibitory hypotheses. There was an increasing tendency to fight with closely ranked males as cohorts reached peak reproductive age; males aged 5 yr fought with other 5‐yr‐old males based on rank difference and males aged 6 yr fought with other males aged six and across all age groups based on rank difference. This trend was not observed in 4 or 7‐yr‐old males. Our results suggest that males in prime breeding condition limit potential costs of fighting (such as time and energy) by only interacting with other males of similar rank.
Population dynamics and functional response of Citrostichus phyllocnistoides (Narayanan) (Hym., Eulophidae) on citrus leaf‐miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lep., Phyllocnistidae) in Fuzhou region of south‐east China
Authors: Wang L. , Bisseleua D. H. B. , You M. , Huang J. , Liu B.
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Population dynamics of the citrus leaf‐miner (CLM) Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, and its major parasitoid Citrostichus phyllocnistoides (Narayanan) were investigated from June to September 1994 at the teaching and research farm of the Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University (FAFU), south‐east China. Based on the field investigation, the functional and numerical responses of C. phyllocnistoides were studied in laboratory experiments. During the survey period, four peaks of CLM and C. phyllocnistoides populations were observed in the growing stage of summer shoots and two peaks of CLM and C. phyllocnistoides populations, respectively, in the growing stage of fall shoots. C. phyllocnistoides is the most abundant parasitoid both in seasonal and spatial dynamics, and demonstrates a Holling type III functional response to CLM. Parasitism varied with the densities of both parasitoid and host. A 1 : 10 ratio was recorded to be an optimal proportion of C. phyllocnistoides to CLM.
Components of Pink Snow Mould Resistance in Winter Wheat are Expressed Prior to Cold Hardening and in Detached Leaves
Authors: Ergon Å. , Tronsmo A. M.
Published: February 2006

Resistance to pink snow mould, caused by Microdochium nivale, was investigated in four resistant winter wheat lines from the USDA World Cereal Collection (CI9342, CI14106, PI173440 and PI181268) and three Nordic wheat lines (Bjørke, Rida and V1004). Pink snow mould resistance was tested in non‐hardened and cold‐hardened plants incubated under artificial snow cover and in detached leaf segments mounted on water agar and incubated at either 3°C in darkness or at room temperature with light during the day. The wheat lines CI9342, CI14106 and PI181268 were more resistant than the Nordic lines, both before and after cold hardening. Thus, although cold hardening strongly increases the level of snow mould resistance in all the wheat lines, some resistance mechanisms are also present prior to cold hardening in some of the resistant lines. CI9342, CI14106 and PI181268 also had a higher level of resistance than the other lines in the detached leaf assay, indicating that these lines have some resistance mechanisms acting in the leaves. The resistance of PI173440 was expressed only in intact hardened plants and not in non‐hardened plants or in detached leaves. This indicates that this line relies on cold hardening‐related changes in the crown for its resistance. In the detached leaf assay the rate of lesion development varied greatly between leaves of different order. The highest correlation with the whole plant test was obtained when using secondary leaves and incubation at 3°C in the dark.
Relationship between Ripening and the Development of Banana Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum musae (Berck. and Curt.) Arx
Authors: Chillet M. , Hubert O. , de Lapeyre de Bellaire L.
Published: February 2006

Wound anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae is the main disease affecting the quality of export bananas from the French Antilles. Little is known about the effects of ethylene on the development of wound anthracnose and quiescent anthracnose. The results of our experiments with 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), an ethylene receptor site inhibitor, clearly revealed that ethylene was not directly involved in triggering rot development. Quiescent anthracnose symptoms were found to appear only after bananas began ripening. In contrast, wound anthracnose developed just as quickly in ‘green 1‐MCP‐treated bananas’ as in ‘yellow ripening bananas’. In cases of wound anthracnose, contrary to quiescent anthracnose, rot development was not dependent on the extent of peel ripeness.
Plasmodiophora brassicae‐induced Cell Death and Medium Alkalization in Clubroot‐resistant Cultured Roots of Brassica rapa
Authors: Takahashi H. , Ishikawa T. , Kaido M. , Takita K. , Hayakawa T. , Okazaki K. , Itoh K. , Mitsui T. , Hori H.
Published: February 2006

Plasmodiophora brassicae causes clubroot in the turnip, Brassica rapa L. We used organ cultures of adventitious roots from B. rapa seedlings to investigate the initial response of resistant and susceptible cultivars to P. brassicae infection. Primary plasmodia of P. brassicae were observed in root hairs of both susceptible and resistant cultured roots. On the other hand, secondary plasmodia were able to proliferate only in the susceptible root culture but not in the resistant one. Root cultures from the susceptible cultivar all developed clubroot 4 weeks after treatment with 104, 105 or 106 spores/ml, but roots from the resistant cultivar did not develop clubroot under the same conditions. Cell death, as measured by Evans blue and TTC dye methods, was observed in cultured roots from the resistant cultivar but did not occur in roots from the susceptible cultivar after exposure to P. brassicae spores. Cell death was inhibited almost completely by EGTA and verapamil but not by the calmodulin antagonist W7. These results suggest the involvement of Ca2+ in P. brassicae‐induced cell death. Alkalization of the root culture medium of the resistant cultivar was observed 2 days after treatment with P. brassicae spores but was not observed in root culture medium from the susceptible strain. We conclude that our root culture system must be a useful tool for further studies of the molecular mechanism of clubroot resistance.
Molecular Cloning of PbSTKL1 Gene from Plasmodiophora brassicae Expressed during Clubroot Development
Authors: Ando S. , Yamada T. , Asano T. , Kamachi S. , Tsushima S. , Hagio T. , Tabei Y.
Published: February 2006

Infection of crucifers by the obligate plant pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae Woron. results in the formation of clubroot disease in these plants. Plasmodiophora brassicae gene expression during disease development was studied by differential display analysis of total RNA extracted from the roots of Chinese cabbage inoculated with the pathogen. In a series of experiments, 30 differentially expressed bands of cDNA were detected, and the expression of clone no. 17 was confirmed in clubbed roots. Southern blot analysis showed that this clone was a single‐copy gene in the P. brassicae genome. Putative amino acid sequence analysis of the full‐length cDNA of clone no. 17 (4.6 kb, designated PbSTKL1) revealed a serine/threonine kinase‐like domain at the C‐terminal region and a coiled‐coil structure in the middle region of the putative protein. PbSTKL1 expression increased strongly beginning 30 days after inoculation and was coincident with resting spore formation.
TAURINE ATTENUATES HYPERTENSION AND RENAL DYSFUNCTION INDUCED BY CYCLOSPORINE A IN RATS
Authors: Hagar Hanan H , El Etter Eman , Arafa Maha
Published: February 2006

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the first‐line immunosuppressant used for the management of solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases. Nephrotoxicity is the major limitation of CsA use. Recent evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in mediating CsA‐induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity. Taurine, the major intracellular free β‐amino acid, is known to be an endogenous anti‐oxidant and membrane‐stabilizing agent. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of taurine on CsA‐induced oxidative stress, hypertension and renal dysfunction.

Animals were assigned into four groups of seven rats each as follows: (i) control group, receiving vehicle (olive oil; 1 mL/kg, s.c.); (ii) CsA group, given CsA (25 mg/kg per day, s.c.) for 21 days; (iii) taurine group, supplemented with taurine (1% in the drinking water); and (iv) taurine + CsA group, treated with taurine 3 days before and concurrently during CsA injections for 21 days.

Cyclosporine A administration elevated blood pressure, reduced serum nitric oxide (NO) levels and deteriorated renal function, as assessed by increased serum creatinine levels and proteinuria and reduced urine flow rate and creatinine clearance compared with vehicle‐treated rats. Cyclosporine A induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased renal tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and reduced concentrations of renal glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Conversely, no change was noted in renal catalase activity. Moreover, the kidneys of CsA‐treated rats showed interstitial inflammation and renal tubular atrophy.

Taurine markedly reduced elevated blood pressure, attenuated renal dysfunction and the reduction in serum NO levels and counteracted the deleterious effects of CsA on oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, taurine ameliorated CsA‐induced morphological changes.

These data clearly indicate the protective potential of taurine against CsA‐induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity and suggest a significant contribution of its anti‐oxidant property to this beneficial effect.
EFFECTS OF CASTRATION ON CANNABINOID CB1RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AND ON THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF CANNABINOID IN THE PAROTID GLAND
Authors: Busch Lucila , Sterin‐Borda Leonor , Borda Enri
Published: February 2006

In the present study, we examined whether cannabinoid receptor expression and the effects of receptor stimulation vary as a function of gonadal status in a peripheral tissue, namely the male rat parotid gland. Four groups of male rats were studied: gonadal intact, castrated, castrated testosterone (1 mg/100 g bodyweight) treated and gonadal intact testosterone treated.

The results showed that the density of CB1receptors decreased after castration and that receptor density was restored to control values after testosterone treatment. This decrement was associated with a decrease of anandamide (10‐10to 10‐5 mol/L)‐induced cAMP accumulation and amylase release without changes in the anandamide‐induced inhibition of Na+/K+‐ATPase activity.

Castration did not modify either the subtype of cannabinoid receptor involved in the actions of anandamide or drug affinity for the receptor.

The mechanism underlying anandamide‐induced cAMP accumulation, amylase release and inhibition of Na+/K+‐ATPase activity, namely through the activation of adenylyl cyclase, was the same in control and castrated rats.

Basal cAMP accumulation, amylase release and Na+/K+‐ATPase activity were not altered by castration.

Castration had no effect on the concentration of total protein.

It can be concluded that CB1cannabinoid receptor expression is regulated by testosterone in male rat parotid gland and this has functional implications for cAMP accumulation and amylase release.
ROLE OF THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT IN LUNG DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Hooper Stuart B , Wallace Megan J
Published: February 2006

Mechanical forces, exerted on lung tissue via alterations in lung expansion are a major determinant of fetal lung development, having a potent effect on the rate of cellular proliferation, the differentiated state of alveolar epithelial cells and the three‐dimensional tissue structure. As a result, much research is currently focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved.

Although it is likely that mechanical forces exert similar influences on lung development after birth, the types of forces applied to the air‐filled lung are very different and more complex. For example, lung aeration causes surface tension to form, which greatly increases lung recoil, leading to a reduction in interstitial tissue and pleural pressures, as well as lung expansion.

Because of the loss of the distending influence of lung liquid, the chest wall assumes the role of maintaining resting lung volumes after birth by acting as an external brace that opposes lung recoil. As a result, the distribution of force throughout lung tissue changes markedly.

Little is known of how changing the mechanical environment of the lung influences its development after birth, but this has important implications for understanding the impact of assisted ventilation on patients, particularly very preterm infants, who are often ventilated using high positive pressures.

Although the application of positive internal distending pressures may, in part, duplicate the fetal environment, the effect of gas versus liquid is unknown and high positive airway pressures are known to adversely affect cardiopulmonary physiology. Understanding the role of mechanical forces in regulating lung development as well as pulmonary physiology in the fetus and newborn is central to improving the care and management of infants suffering respiratory failure.
A Multi‐Theoretical Model of Knowledge Transfer in Organizations: Determinants of Knowledge Contribution and Knowledge Reuse*
Authors: Watson Sharon , Hewett Kelly
Published: February 2006

abstract  Knowledge has become one of the most important sources of competitive advantage for firms in many industries, particularly those in which firms provide knowledge services to their clients. Many knowledge intensive firms have spent enormous amounts of time and money trying to find ways to better manage their knowledge resources. Effective leveraging of knowledge resources through the transfer and reuse of existing knowledge is an important aspect of most knowledge management systems. In this study we argue that the effectiveness of intrafirm knowledge transfer based on the reuse of existing knowledge depends on two key factors: (1) the willingness of individuals to contribute their knowledge to the system; and (2) the rate at which individuals access and reuse knowledge within the system. Here we use social exchange theory to develop a model of the factors that will impact the frequency with which individuals contribute their knowledge to the system. Additionally, we use expectancy theory to develop a model of the factors that lead to knowledge reuse. Results of hypothesis tests using data collected from a multinational services firm support our multi‐theoretical model, and suggest ways in which the model might be refined. We discuss the implications of these findings for further theory building and for managers engaged in the development and improvement of knowledge management systems.
Idea Management: A Systemic View*
Authors: Vandenbosch Betty , Saatcioglu Argun , Fay Sharon
Published: February 2006

abstract  Ideas are a central ingredient of organizational life and ideation is an essential faculty that propels every day management action. Yet, little is known about how ideation is manifested and managed. We employ the philosophies of transcendentalism, process and interactionism to provide insights into the empirical referents of idea management. We use these referents as a point of departure in our interpretations. Rather than studying idea management in terms of lists of categories, continua of characteristics, or details about process, we explore its systemic nature and investigate the inter‐relatedness of idea generation, problem solving and inquiry. Based on field interviews, we propose idea management archetypes that reflect managers’ dominant approaches and a model of idea management based on patterns of behaviour. The study validates the notion of idea management and demonstrates the strengths of grounded theorizing. We discuss implications for theory and practice and identify possible strategies for future research.
Promoting Stability and Development in Fragile and Failed States
Authors: François Monika , Sud Inder
Published: February 2006

There is a growing recognition of the threat to international security posed by failed and fragile states, often marred by serious internal conflict that also has the potential of destabilising neighbouring states and providing ungoverned territory that can provide safe haven for terrorists. The inability of their governments to provide basic services is considered a significant contributory factor. Considerable donor efforts have been mobilised in recent years to help with the post‐conflict reconstruction of states emerging from failure, and to halt the slide of fragile states towards failure, but with mixed effect. The international community needs to focus much more squarely on strengthening the emerging state and increasing its domestic legitimacy, rather than on promoting democracy.
The Rapid Rise of Supermarkets?
Authors: Traill W. Bruce
Published: February 2006

A series of articles, many of them published in this journal, have charted the rapid spread of supermarkets in developing and middle‐income countries and forecast its continuation. In this article, the level of supermarket penetration (share of the retail food market) is modelled quantitatively on a cross‐section of 42 countries for which data could be obtained, representing all stages of development. GDP per capita, income distribution, urbanisation, female labour force participation and openness to inward foreign investment are all significant explanators. Projections to 2015 suggest significant but not explosive further penetration; increased openness and GDP growth are the most significant factors.
Time to Exchange the Exchange‐Rate Regime: Are Hard Pegs the Best Option for Low‐Income Countries?
Authors: Harrigan Jane
Published: February 2006

This paper revisits the debate over the most appropriate exchange‐rate regime for low‐income countries. The debate revolves around: the effect of the exchange‐rate regime on macroeconomic management, particularly inflation; the links between the exchange‐rate regime and vulnerability to crisis (often in the form of twin banking and currency crises); and the effect on international trade and competitiveness. The theoretical and empirical literature and the views of international organisations are reviewed. It is concluded that a hard peg might constitute the most appropriate regime but this is contingent on a number of important preconditions. This view, supported by recent empirical research, is shown to be at odds with the current orthodoxy of international organisations such as the IMF.
Strategic Alliance Outcomes: a Transaction‐Cost Economics Perspective
Authors: Judge William Q. , Dooley Robert
Published: February 2006

Empirical research on strategic alliances has been limited because previous studies examined alliance outcomes, and the factors associated with them, from a single partner in a manufacturing alliance. Furthermore, many of these studies have been done from a transaction cost perspective and researchers have inferred opportunistic behavior, rather than directly measuring it and observing its actual relationship with alliance performance. Building on previous transaction cost theory and research, this study seeks to address these gaps by analyzing factors associated with both opportunistic behavior and alliance performance within a major service sector, namely the US healthcare industry. After controlling for asset specificity and alliance age, we found that partner trustworthiness and contractual safeguards were negatively related to opportunistic behavior. Furthermore, opportunistic behavior was negatively related to alliance performance, as hypothesized. Interestingly, mutual equity investments were found to be unrelated to opportunistic behavior, counter to transaction‐cost logic. These findings refine and extend the transaction‐cost economics perspective regarding our understanding of strategic alliance behavior and outcomes, and offer executives in service‐based industries some practical ideas for assuring favorable strategic alliance outcomes.
THE CHARACTER OF VIRTUE: ANSWERING THE SITUATIONIST CHALLENGE TO VIRTUE ETHICS
Authors: Fleming Diana
Published: February 2006

Neo‐Aristotelian virtue ethics makes essential reference to the notion of a stable, robust character‐trait. It also claims to be constrained by at least a minimal degree of psychological realism. Recent developments in empirical psychology have drawn into question the evidence for the existence of such robust traits, arguing that it rests on what has been called a ‘fundamental attribution error’. Virtue ethics has thus seemingly been made vulnerable to criticisms that it is essentially dependent on an erroneous, folk‐psychological, notion of character and, so, must either abandon their characteristic notion of virtue or forego any pretensions to psychological realism.

I develop a two‐pronged response to this objection. First, I argue that there is reason to question much of the empirical evidence and that such evidence as does exist can easily be accommodated by virtue ethics. Next, I argue that even if we allow that neo‐Aristotelian virtue ethical theories does sometimes presuppose a stronger conception of character‐traits than is warranted by the evidence, this does not significantly undermine the virtue ethicist's project.
Model Choice in Time Series Studies of Air Pollution and Mortality
Authors: Peng Roger D. , Dominici Francesca , Louis Thomas A.
Published: February 2006

Multicity time series studies of particulate matter and mortality and morbidity have provided evidence that daily variation in air pollution levels is associated with daily variation in mortality counts. These findings served as key epidemiological evidence for the recent review of the US national ambient air quality standards for particulate matter. As a result, methodological issues concerning time series analysis of the relationship between air pollution and health have attracted the attention of the scientific community and critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of current model formulations. Time series data on pollution and mortality are generally analysed by using log-linear, Poisson regression models for overdispersed counts with the daily number of deaths as outcome, the (possibly lagged) daily level of pollution as a linear predictor and smooth functions of weather variables and calendar time used to adjust for time-varying confounders. Investigators around the world have used different approaches to adjust for confounding, making it difficult to compare results across studies. To date, the statistical properties of these different approaches have not been comprehensively compared. To address these issues, we quantify and characterize model uncertainty and model choice in adjusting for seasonal and long-term trends in time series models of air pollution and mortality. First, we conduct a simulation study to compare and describe the properties of statistical methods that are commonly used for confounding adjustment. We generate data under several confounding scenarios and systematically compare the performance of the various methods with respect to the mean-squared error of the estimated air pollution coefficient. We find that the bias in the estimates generally decreases with more aggressive smoothing and that model selection methods which optimize prediction may not be suitable for obtaining an estimate with small bias. Second, we apply and compare the modelling approaches with the National Morbidity, Mortality, and Air Pollution Study database which comprises daily time series of several pollutants, weather variables and mortality counts covering the period 1987–2000 for the largest 100 cities in the USA. When applying these approaches to adjusting for seasonal and long-term trends we find that the Study's estimates for the national average effect of PM10 at lag 1 on mortality vary over approximately a twofold range, with 95% posterior intervals always excluding zero risk.
Pathways Between Education and Health: A Causal Modelling Approach
Authors: Chandola Tarani , Clarke Paul , Morris J. N. , Blane David
Published: February 2006

The association of poor education and poor health has been consistently observed in many studies and in various countries. Thus far, studies examining the mechanisms underlying this association have looked at only a limited set of potential pathways. This study simultaneously examines six distinctive pathways, which have been hypothesized to link education and health and found support from previous studies. A causal analysis of education and health was performed using structural equation models. Data were used from six phases of the National Child Development Study, which is based on following up an initial sample of 17416 children who were born in 1958. The association between education and health appears to be explained by a combination of mechanisms: adolescent health and adult health behaviours for men and women, adult social class among men and parental social class among women. We conclude that improvements in population educational attainment may not automatically lead to improvements in population health, and that health policies for improving health and reducing health inequalities need to target specific causal pathways.
‘Bully Dance’: Animation as a Tool for Conflict Resolution
Authors: JENNIFER DAWN , COWIE HELEN , BRAY DIANE
Published: February 2006

This paper presents the outcomes of a 4‐hour activity day centred upon a short film entitled Bully Dance, a non‐verbal animation featuring a unique soundtrack that focuses on identifying bullying behaviours and coping strategies, and understanding the role of the bystander. Participants were 34 year 6 children, aged 10/11 years old, from one primary school in a London Local Education Authority. The activity day consisted of an initial brainstorming session, with the whole class, entitled ‘what is bullying?’ followed by a viewing of the film. In groups of five or six, subsequent structured activities (brainstorming, poster making, letter writing, role‐play, worksheets) were facilitated with the aim of stimulating discussion. Using the Children's Attitudes to Bullying scale, data were collected both before and after the activity day. Overall, the results suggested that children mostly expressed anti‐bullying attitudes about bullying in schools; however, a minority reported pro‐bullying attitudes. Anti‐bullying attitudes did not significantly increase and, in the case of males, anti‐bullying attitudes actually decreased. Females expressed higher anti‐bullying attitudes than males, both before and after the activity day. The authors suggest that participating in the activity day may have had an impact upon knowledge and understanding of bullying, rather than attitudes as such. Furthermore, the results indicate that further consideration of the design and delivery of structured activities is required so that boys can be reached as effectively as girls can.
Cognitive and Behavioural Effects of Migraine in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Riva D , Aggio F , Vago C , Nichelli F , Andreucci E , Paruta N , D'Arrigo S , Pantaleoni C , Bulgheroni S
Published: February 2006

Since cognitive and behavioural characteristics of paediatric migraineurs have yet to be adequately defined, in this study we assessed the effect of migraine on the interictal functioning of children and adolescents by comparing the performance of two patient groups, 17 migraineurs with aura (MA) and 31 without aura (MoA) and by correlating the duration of the disorder, the frequency of attacks and interictal period with neuropsychological and behavioural findings. Both patient groups had cognitive performance within normal range except for a significant delay in the reaction time (RT) task. Both MA and MoA revealed a behavioural phenotype characterized by internalizing problems on Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL) scales. Slower RT to simple visual stimuli may be an early sign of a subclinical neuropsychological dysfunction, significantly correlated with the frequency of headache attacks and interictal period. The lack of a control group and other methodological limitations, such as patient selection bias and unadjusted P-value for multiple testing, make it difficult to give this finding a clearcut meaning. Further studies are needed on larger samples compared with a control group.
The Psycho‐Ecology of Armed Conflict
Authors: Du Nann Winter Deborah , Cava Mario M.
Published: February 2006

As natural resources are depleted and global population grows, environmental security is becoming an increasingly salient dimension of long‐term peace. In this article, we discuss current views of environmental security and go on to argue that the social psychological dimensions of resource‐based conflict should also be addressed. We briefly describe six examples of such conflicts, and conclude that psychologists can play an important role in promoting peace, by bringing attention to, and helping find ways to mitigate, the psycho‐ecological dimensions of armed conflict.
Terrorism: A Peace Psychological Analysis
Authors: Wagner Richard V.
Published: February 2006

Peace psychologists emphasize the importance of recognizing both direct and structural bases of peace and conflict. In the peace psychological analysis of terrorism presented here, I attempt to further our understanding of the bases of terrorism in the context of how inequities in political, economic, and social structures may feed into or exacerbate terrorism. I analyze the effectiveness of responses to terrorism in terms of the tripartite peacekeeping, peacemaking, and peacebuilding model of nonviolent response to violence.
Equilibrium Real Options Exercise Strategies with Multiple Players: The Case of Real Estate Markets
Authors: Wang Ko , Zhou Yuqing
Published: February 2006

This article derives a closed‐form solution for an equilibrium real options exercise model with stochastic revenues and costs for monopoly, duopoly, oligopoly and competitive markets. Our model also allows one option holder to have a greater production capacity than others. Under a monopolistic environment we find that the optimal option exercise strategy in real estate markets is dramatically opposite to that in a financial (warrant) market, indicating the importance of paying attention to the institutional details of the underlying market when analyzing option exercise strategies. Our model can be generalized to the pricing of convertible securities and capital investment decisions involving both stochastic revenues and costs under different types of market structures.
The Impact of Environmental Contamination on Condo Prices: A Hybrid Repeat‐Sale/Hedonic Approach
Authors: Case Bradford , Colwell Peter F. , Leishman Chris , Watkins Craig
Published: February 2006

We extend the literature on the impact of externalities using an approach based on a hybrid of hedonic and repeat‐sales methods. The externality in question is groundwater contamination in Scottsdale, Arizona. The use of condominium sales allows us to assume that major physical characteristics remain unchanged, but location parameters may be altered by urban growth and development as well as contamination. We find an economically significant discount for properties located in the contaminated area. Interestingly, it does not appear until several years after the contamination becomes publicly known, and it seems to have disappeared before the end of the study period.
A Simple Bayesian Procedure for Sample Size Determination in an Audit of Property Value Appraisals
Authors: Berg Nathan
Published: February 2006

The article proposes a simple Bayesian technique for auditing property appraisals to determine whether state accuracy guidelines are met. The proposed technique addresses elicitation of appraisers' prior beliefs, computation of reappraisal sample sizes and reporting of audit results. To facilitate communication of quantitative audit findings to nonstatistician stakeholders, the concept of variance appears nowhere in prior elicitation or reporting. In contrast to classical frequentist techniques, the Bayesian procedure easily integrates expert judgment and responds flexibly to the arrival of new information. In addition, the Bayesian procedure significantly reduces the number of reappraisals required to regulate appraisal systems when they are functioning well. The technique can be applied in other settings where government officials audit their own work and must convince overseers, especially the public, that accuracy requirements are satisfied.
Profitability of Office Rental Market in Seoul: An Application of Simultaneous Structural Equations
Authors: Kim Euijune , Yang Wankyu
Published: February 2006

This article is concerned with the estimation of excess rates of return on the office rental market in Seoul using a simultaneous structural equation model. The office rental market in Seoul is spatially divided into CBD and non‐CBD, and the model has three behavior equations of Chonsei price, monthly rent and key deposit, with two identity equations of conversion rate and excess rate of return. This article reveals that it would be rational for the owners to ask tenants for a higher deposit with a lower monthly rent under increasing interest rates because the interest rate has a positive effect on the Chonsei deposit and the key deposit, but a negative effect on the monthly rent. Although high nominal interest rate and low economic growth reduce the excess rate of return on both submarkets, the non‐CBD office rental market would be more profitable than the CBD market despite lower levels of the monthly rent and key deposit.
Selective Aldosterone Blockade Suppresses Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Heart Failure
Authors: SHROFF SUNIL C. , RYU KYUNGMOO , MARTOVITZ NICHOLE L. , HOIT BRIAN D. , STAMBLER BRUCE S.
Published: February 2006

Introduction: Renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system activation may be involved in the pathogenesis of atrial arrhythmias in congestive heart failure (CHF). The effects of aldosterone blockade on atrial tachyarrhythmias have not been evaluated. This study's aim was to determine whether selective aldosterone blockade suppresses atrial tachyarrhythmia inducibility and modifies atrial electrical and/or structural remodeling in a canine model of rapid ventricular pacing (RVP)‐induced CHF.

Methods and Results: Dogs were assigned randomly to treatment with oral placebo or eplerenone (50 mg/day) and divided into four groups: two sham‐operated (no RVP) and two RVP groups. After 5 weeks of no RVP or RVP at 230 beats/min along with concurrent placebo or eplerenone treatment, dogs underwent electrophysiologic and echocardiographic studies. Sustained atrial tachyarrhythmia inducibility (>10‐minute duration), atrial effective refractory periods (ERPs), systolic and diastolic function, and left atrial and left ventricular (LV) chamber sizes were assessed. Placebo‐treated RVP dogs developed CHF with LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, left atrial and LV enlargement, increased atrial ERPs, and inducible sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias. Eplerenone treatment in RVP dogs significantly suppressed sustained atrial tachyarrhythmia inducibility, nonuniformly prolonged atrial ERPs and attenuated LV diastolic dysfunction without modifying left atrial or LV dilation or ejection fractions in CHF. Isoproterenol (2–4 μg/min) reversed eplerenone's atrial antiarrhythmic and ERP prolonging effects in CHF. Eplerenone did not alter atrial ERPs in sham (no RVP) dogs without CHF.

Conclusions: Eplerenone suppresses inducibility of sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias, selectively prolongs atrial ERPs, and attenuates LV diastolic remodeling in RVP‐induced CHF. Aldosterone blockade may be a promising new approach for atrial tachyarrhythmia prevention in CHF.
Persistent Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia After Radiofrequency Ablation of Left Lateral Accessory Pathway
Authors: MOREIRA JOSÉ MARCOS , CURIMBABA JEFFERSON , FILHO HALIM CURY , PIMENTA JOÃO
Published: February 2006

A patient with palpitations and narrow QRS tachycardia was evaluated. In the EP study an atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia mediated by a left lateral accessory pathway was identified and catheter ablation was performed with success. A week later she returned with palpitations and pre‐syncope. The resting ECG showed a sinus tachycardia with 110 bpm. After unsuccessful clinical treatment with beta‐blockers, diltiazem and digoxin she underwent sinus node modification using radiofrequency catheter ablation with success. We postulated that RF application to ablate the lateral accessory pathway damaged the parasympathetic innervation in the left atrioventricular groove, causing inappropriate sinus tachycardia.
SCN5A Mutation Associated with Cardiac Conduction Defect and Atrial Arrhythmias
Authors: LAITINEN‐FORSBLOM PÄIVI J. , MÄKYNEN PEKKA , MÄKYNEN HEIKKI , YLI‐MÄYRY SINIKKA , VIRTANEN VESA , KONTULA KIMMO , AALTO‐SETÄLÄ KATRIINA
Published: February 2006

Introduction: We aimed at identifying the molecular defect underlying the clinical phenotype of a Finnish family with a cardiac conduction defect and atrial arrhythmias.

Methods and Results: A large Finnish family was clinically evaluated (ECG, 24‐hour ambulatory ECG, echocardiography). We performed linkage analysis with markers flanking the SCN5A gene and subsequently sequenced the SCN5A gene. Five family members had atrial arrhythmias and intracardiac conduction defects, and due to bradycardia needed a pacemaker when adolescents. No heart failure or sudden cardiac death was observed. Left ventricle dilatation was seen in one individual and three individuals had a slightly enlarged right ventricle. Premature death due to stroke occurred in one subject during the study, and two other members had suffered from stroke at young age. Linkage analysis favored the role of the SCN5A gene in disease pathogenesis, and direct sequencing disclosed D1275N mutation. This alteration was present not only in all six affected individuals, but also in two young individuals lacking clinical symptoms.

Conclusions: Cardiac conduction defect and atrial arrhythmias in a large Finnish family appear to result from the SCN5A D1275N mutation. Although no sudden cardiac death was recorded in the family, at least three affected members had encountered brain infarction at the age of 30 or younger.
Acculturation, Parent‐Adolescent Conflict, and Adolescent Adjustment in Mexican American Families
Authors: PASCH LAURI A. , DEARDORFF JULIANNA , TSCHANN JEANNE M. , FLORES ELENA , PENILLA CARLOS , PANTOJA PHILIP
Published: February 2006

We tested an acculturation model in a community sample of Mexican American families (146 mothers, 137 fathers, and 146 adolescents) that proposed that differences between parents and adolescents in acculturation would be associated with parent‐adolescent conflict and adolescent adjustment problems. Contrary to hypotheses, we found that families who exhibited an acculturation gap were not more likely to report parent‐adolescent conflict or adolescent adjustment problems. In fact, familial conflict and adolescent sexual experience were associated with high levels of acculturation among adolescents and their parents. Pending replication, these findings suggest that both parent and children acculturation may independently predict familial processes and youth outcomes, irrespective of an acculturation gap. Future research should consider other factors aside from acculturation differences that might account for parent‐adolescent conflict and adolescent adjustment in Mexican American families.
Ophthalmological findings in a sample of Swedish children aged 4–15 years
Authors: Grönlund Marita Andersson , Andersson Susann , Aring Eva , Hård Anna‐Lena , Hellström Ann
Published: February 2006

Aims: To characterize ophthalmological findings in a sample of Swedish children aged 4–15 years.

Methods: A prospective cross‐sectional comprehensive ophthalmological investigation was performed on a sample of 143 children (67 girls, 76 boys) aged 4–15 years.

Results: Visual acuity (VA) in the better eye ≥1.0 (≤0.0 logMAR) was found in 79% of subjects. None of the children had VA in the better eye <0.5 (>0.3 logMAR). Amblyopia was found in 0.7% of subjects. A total of 68% of the children had no refractive errors. Hyperopia (≥2.0 dioptres [D] in spherical equivalent [SE]) was found in 9% and myopia (≥0.5 D SE) in 6% of children. Astigmatism (≥0.75 D) was recorded in 22% and anisometropia (≥1.0 D SE) in 3%. A total of 8% were optically corrected. Strabismus was recorded in 3.5%. Signs of visuoperceptual problems were reported in 3% of the children.

Conclusion: This sample of Swedish children may serve as a comparison group regarding ophthalmological findings in children aged 4–15 years.
Functions of the TGFβ superfamily in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: VALDIMARSDOTTIR GUDRUN , MUMMERY CHRISTINE
Published: February 2006

The establishment of human embryonic stem (ES) cells has opened possibilities for cell replacement therapy to treat diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and cardiac myopathies. Self‐renewal is one of the essential defining characteristics of stem cells. If stem cells are to have widespread therapeutic applications, it is essential to identify the extrinsic and intrinsic factors maintaining self‐renewal, particularly in culture. Insight into the regulation of known self‐renewal transcription factors and cross‐talk between their upstream signalling pathways is important for a better understanding of how stem cell self‐renewal and differentiation are related to downstream target genes. This may lead to the establishment of protocols for obtaining a large supply of ES cells. Here, we review the role that TGFβ superfamily members are thought to play in self‐renewal and differentiation of human and mouse ES cells. We focus on the prototype TGFβ, TGFβ1, activin A, nodal and bone morphogenetic proteins and their expression, activity and function in embryonic stem cells.