bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual gastric contents volume does not differ following 4 or 6 h fasting after a light breakfast – a magnetic resonance imaging investigation in healthy non‐anaesthetised school‐age children
Authors: SCHMITZ A. , KELLENBERGER C. J. , LIAMLAHI R. , FRUEHAUF M. , KLAGHOFER R. , WEISS M.
Published: December 2011

Background

While American Society of Anesthesiologists and European Society of Anaesthesiology guidelines recommend 6 h pre‐anaesthetic fasting for food and non‐clear fluids in children, some institutions allow shorter fasting times of 4 h. Aim of this pilot study was to compare weight‐indexed residual gastric contents volumes (GCVw) after 4 vs. 6 h after a light breakfast, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy volunteer children not scheduled for anaesthesia.

Methods

Four vs. 6 h (F4/F6) of food fasting were simulated in a crossover study. After overnight fasting (baseline), each child ingested a light breakfast (cereal flakes, milk products) on two separate days. Additional clear fluid (7 ml/kg raspberry syrup) was given either after 2 (F4) or 4 h (F6), followed by half‐hourly MRI acquisition for 2 h. MRI was obtained on a 1.5 Tesla scanner as 5 mm axial images (FIESTA) and volumes were traced manually by one blinded observer. Data are given as median (range) or mean ± standard deviation.

Results

Eighteen healthy volunteers aged 9.0 (6.8–12.2) years participated. GCVw for F4 and F6 at baseline was 0.50 ± 0.27 and 0.76 ± 0.48 ml/kg (P = 0.07), respectively, GCVw after 4 and 6 h was 0.72 ± 0.85 and 0.47 ± 0.25 ml/kg (P = 0.88). T1/2 after syrup intake was 30.8 ± 12.2 and 28.3 ± 5.7 min (P = 0.47) for F4 and F6, respectively.

Conclusion

Residual gastric contents volumes at a hypothetical anaesthesia start were similar for 4 and 6 h food fasting in healthy volunteer school‐age children.
Comparing systemic defence‐related gene expression changes upon migratory and sedentary nematode attack in rice
Authors: Kyndt T. , Nahar K. , Haegeman A. , De Vleesschauwer D. , Höfte M. , Gheysen G.
Published: December 2011

Complex defence signalling pathways, controlled by different hormones, are known to be involved in the reaction of plants to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stress factors. Here, we studied the differential expression of genes involved in stress and defence responses in systemic tissue of rice infected with the root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne graminicola and the migratory root rot nematode Hirschmanniella oryzae, two agronomically important rice pathogens with very different lifestyles. qRT‐PCR revealed that all investigated systemic tissues had significantly lower expression of isochorismate synthase, a key enzyme for salicylic acid production involved in basal defence and systemic acquired resistance. The systemic defence response upon migratory nematode infection was remarkably similar to fungal rice blast infection. Almost all investigated defence‐related genes were up‐regulated in rice shoots 3 days after root rot nematode attack, including the phenylpropanoid pathway, ethylene pathway and PR genes, but many of which were suppressed at 7 dpi. Systemic shoot tissue of RKN‐infected plants showed similar attenuation of expression of almost all studied genes already at 3 dpi, with clear attenuation of the ethylene pathway and methyl jasmonate biosynthesis. These results provide an interesting starting point for further studies to elucidate how nematodes are able to suppress systemic plant defence mechanisms and the effect in multitrophic interactions.
Phaeomoniella chlamydospora‐induced Oxidative Burst in Vitis vinifera Cell Suspensions: Role of NADPH Oxidase and Ca2+
Authors: Lima Marta R. M. , Dias Alberto C. P.
Published: December 2011

The biphasic oxidative burst induced by Phaeomoniella chlamydospora extract (Pce) in Vitis vinifera (Vv) cell suspensions was investigated. Treatment of cell suspensions with diphenyleneiodonium chloride, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, prevented the Pce‐induced biphasic reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, suggesting that NADPH oxidase is the primary ROS source in the oxidative burst induced by Pce elicitation of Vv cells. The role of Ca2+ in the oxidative burst was also investigated using a Ca2+ chelator and several Ca2+ channel blockers. The treatment of Vv cell suspensions with the Ca2+ chelator ethylene glycol‐bis(2‐aminoethylether)‐N, N, N’; N’‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) completely inhibited Pce‐induced ROS accumulation, suggesting that Ca2+ availability is necessary for occurrence of the induced oxidative burst. However, only the Ca2+ channel blocker ruthenium red strongly inhibited the Pce‐induced ROS accumulation, suggesting that the specific Ca2+ channel types from which Ca2+ influx is originated also play an important role in the Pce‐induced oxidative burst. Furthermore, Ca2+ availability seems to be necessary for the Pce‐induced activity of NADPH oxidase.
Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae, Curculionoidea) in sclerophyll woodland: variation in assemblages among host plants, and host specificity of phytophagous and predatory beetles
Authors: Baker Michelle R , Kitching Roger L , Reid Chris A M , Sheldon Fran
Published: December 2011

The host specificity of insects on plants and the resulting insect assemblages characteristic of certain plants are well documented. The majority of studies relate to phytophagous insects and their specialisation on particular host plants. Less documented, however, is the specificity of predatory insects to plant hosts. Contrasting sets of beetle taxa (phytophagous Chrysomelidae and Curculionoidea, and predatory Coccinellidae) occurring on plants from selected Myrtaceae and Fabaceae were compared. Characteristic assemblages were identified on the host plants. Taxonomically related plants shared similar beetle assemblages. In contrast, taxonomically related beetles did not share similar host‐plant preferences. The host specificity of predatory beetles (coccinellids) was as great as that of the phytophagous taxa.
Rate of trabecular bone area in 3–6‐year‐old children and relation to intrauterine growth
Authors: Ochiai Fumie , Ohzeki Takehiko
Published: December 2011

Background:  The aim of the present study was to investigate bone mass using rate of trabecular bone area (RTBA) in Japanese children to determine its relationship with indices of growth such as height and weight from before birth through childhood.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of Japanese boys (n= 716) and girls (n= 586) aged 3–6 years. RTBA was measured using quantitative ultrasound (ultrasonic bone densitometer, Benus III; Ishikawa Seisakusho, Kanazawa, Japan). The relation between RTBA and height and weight during childhood and also at birth was assessed.

Results:  The average RTBA in boys was 27.7 ± 1.59% (mean ± SD) and that in girls was 27.9 ± 1.59%. RTBA significantly correlated with weight both in boys (P= 0.013) and girls (P= 0.016). Significant correlation was demonstrated between RTBA and height, especially in girls (P= 0.045). Statistical significance was shown between RTBA and birth length in boys (P= 0.015) and girls (P= 0.007), and weight at birth in boys (P= 0.014). On multiple regression analysis RTBA correlated significantly with birthweight for boys (standardized coefficient β= 0.093, P= 0.028) and birth length for girls (β= 0.122, P= 0.007).

Conclusion:  Augmentation of bone mass is related not only to weight and height during childhood but also to prenatal factors such as growth, and possibly with nutrition in utero.
Silodosin and its potential for treating premature ejaculation: A preliminary report
Authors: Sato Yoshikazu , Tanda Hitoshi , Nakajima Hisao , Nitta Toshikazu , Akagashi Keigo , Hanzawa Tatsuo , Tobe Musashi , Haga Kazunori , Uchida Kosuke , Honma Ichiya
Published: December 2011

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual problem, as is erectile dysfunction. We evaluated silodosin, a highly selective α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist, as a new treatment option for premature ejaculation. α1‐Adrenoceptor antagonists are widely used for lower urinary tract symptoms, and clinical studies on silodosin have shown excellent clinical efficacy for lower urinary tract symptoms. However, compared with other α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists, silodosin appeared to suppress ejaculation in a relatively higher percent of trial participants. This suppression of ejaculation by silodosin suggested its potential for treating premature ejaculation. Consequently, we evaluated the feasibility of off‐label silodosin as a new treatment option for premature ejaculation. Eight patients suffering premature ejaculation were treated with silodosin. Silodosin (4 mg) was given 2 h before sexual intercourse. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time, premature ejaculation profile item, clinical global impression change in premature ejaculation and systemic adverse events were recorded. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time was significantly prolonged (from 3.4 min to 10.1 min, P = 0.003). All patients answered better (much better) or slightly better for their own premature ejaculation problem compared with pretreatment condition in the clinical global impression change. Premature ejaculation profile also significantly improved. Two (25%), three (37.5%) and seven patients (87.5%) experienced anejaculation, reduced semen volume and discomfort during orgasm, respectively. However, these problems were not of major concern for the participants. No systemic adverse effects were reported. The current results support the possible use of silodosin as a new treatment option for premature ejaculation, and suggest that a placebo controlled study assessing its clinical usefulness would be worthwhile.
Effects of the seed weight and burial depth on the seed behavior of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Authors: GUILLEMIN JEAN‐PHILIPPE , CHAUVEL BRUNO
Published: December 2011

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is one of the annual plants that were described recently as invasive weeds in Europe. This species is described as an invasive plant that produces seeds that are highly variable. Its production of variably sized seeds is regarded as promoting its spread in different environments. Experiments were carried out to determine the influence of the seed weight and temperature on germination and the influence of the seed weight and burial depth on seedling emergence. The seeds were divided into a number of classes of weight and the seed weight effect on germination was evaluated by Petri dish assays. In another experiment, the seeds were buried at different depths in a clay soil/sand mix to estimate the burial effect on germination and seedling emergence. The germination level of A. artemisiifolia was high overall, between 76.8% and 94.2%. The seed germination was modified by temperature but it was not influenced by the seed weight. The amounts of germination and seedling emergence were greater for the seeds on the soil surface and decreased with an increasing burial depth, from 2 to 8 cm. No germination or emergence was observed for the seeds that were buried at 10 and 12 cm. The lightest seeds were more sensitive to burial. A greater level of seedling emergence for those seeds that were placed near the soil surface could explain the success of this species in open habitats, where the probability of deeper burial is low. After high seed production, the management of A. artemisiifolia in fields could be partly achieved through soil tillage, burying seeds below 10 cm, and not carrying out deep soil tillage the following year.
Differentially expressed genes in dicamba‐resistant and dicamba‐susceptible biotypes
Authors: KEITH BARBARA K. , KALININA ELENA B. , DYER WILLIAM E.
Published: December 2011

In an ongoing effort to investigate the mechanism of auxinic herbicide resistance in Kochia scoparia (kochia), polymerase chain reaction‐based cDNA suppression subtractive hybridization was used to identify genes that are differentially expressed between dicamba‐resistant (HRd) and dicamba‐susceptible (S1) kochia biotypes in response to herbicide treatment. Both the HRd and S1 adaptor‐ligated cDNAs were used in separate hybridizations in order to generate biotype‐specific clones. A total of 710 cDNAs, representing putative differentially expressed mRNAs, were isolated and subjected to further screening. The false‐positive cDNAs were removed by conducting two colony hybridizations and at least one Northern hybridization. Differential or biotype‐specific expression was confirmed for six clones each from the HRd and S1 plants. The S1‐related genes were constitutively expressed at higher levels than in the HRd plants, but none had significant sequence similarity to known genes. Among the HRd‐related genes, HRd‐88 had 42% amino acid sequence identity to a conserved domain within thiol peptidases, which might be involved in auxin‐regulated gene expression. The constitutively expressed and inducible (by the dicamba treatment) HRd‐39 had 40% identity and 60% similarity to a domain from the Fe(II)/α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent hydroxylase superfamily. The HRd‐39 gene product had the characteristics of an enzyme that is able to detoxify dicamba via oxidative hydroxylation and thus its overexpression might confer the dicamba resistance phenotype.
Herbicidal action of clove oil on cucumber seedlings
Authors: PARK KEE WOONG , CHOI SUNG HWAN , AHN JAE YOUNG , SOHN YOUNG GEOL , KIM CHANG‐GI , LEE JEUNG JOO
Published: December 2011

The herbicidal action of clove oil on cucumber seedlings was characterized under light and dark conditions. Paraquat showed herbicidal activity only under the light condition, whereas the clove oil displayed herbicidal activity in both the light and the dark condition. Specifically, wilting and water content reduction progressed rapidly under both the light and the dark condition 1 h after the clove oil treatment, whereas the paraquat damage occurred only under the light condition 5 h after treatment. The malondialdehyde concentration increased more with the clove oil treatment than with the paraquat treatment under the light and dark conditions. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was stimulated, but the catalase activity decreased in the clove oil treatment. In contrast, both the SOD and catalase activity decreased in the paraquat treatment. These results suggest that clove oil exerts herbicidal effects through a mechanism that is different from that of paraquat.
Light–dark (12:12) cycle of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501: relation to the cell cycle
Authors: Dron Anthony , Rabouille Sophie , Claquin Pascal , Le Roy Bertrand , Talec Amélie , Sciandra Antoine
Published: December 2011

This study provides with original data sets on the physiology of the unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacterium Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501, maintained in continuous culture in conditions of obligate diazotrophy. Cultures were exposed to a 12:12 light–dark regime, representative of what they experience in nature and where growth is expected to be balanced. Nitrogen and carbon metabolism were monitored at high frequency and their dynamics was compared with the cell cycle. Results reveal a daily cycle in the physiological and biochemical parameters, tightly constrained by the timely decoupled processes of N2 fixation and carbon acquisition. The cell division rate increased concomitantly to carbon accumulation and peaked 6 h into the light. The carbon content reached a maximum at the end of the light phase. N2 fixation occurred mostly during the dark period and peaked between 9 and 10 h into the night, while DNA synthesis, reflected by DNA fluorescence, increased until the end of the night. Consequently, cells in G1‐ and S‐phases present a marked decrease in their C : N ratio. Nitrogen acquisition through N2 fixation exceeded 1.3‐ to 3‐fold the nitrogen requirements for growth, suggesting that important amounts of nitrogen are excreted even under conditions supposed to favour balanced, carbon and nitrogen acquisitions.
Weight change in people with type 2 diabetes: secular trends and the impact of alternative antihyperglycaemic drugs
Authors: Morgan C. Ll. , Jenkins‐Jones S. , Evans M. , Barnett A. H. , Poole C. D. , Currie C. J.
Published: December 2011

Aim: This study aimed to describe the pattern of weight change in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) over time and when using alternative treatment regimens.

Methods: Data were from routine clinical practice in the UK. The weight trend was determined for each year from 1995 to 2010 for both prevalent and incident cases. Baseline weight was compared to absolute (mean Δ) and relative weights (% Δ) at 6, 12 and 24 months.

Results: Mean, standardized weight in prevalent cases increased from 83.4 to 92.1 kg for males and from 73.5 to 79.9 kg for females between 1995 and 2010 (p < 0.0001). For incident cases, the respective figures were 86.7 to 93.6 kg for males and 76.0 to 80.7 kg for females (p < 0.001). Between baseline and 6, 12 and 24 months, there were significant changes in weight for the majority of the treatment regimens selected for analysis. The largest weight increase at 12 months was for the patients who were prescribed a combination therapy with insulin and a thiazolidinedione, with a median increase of 4.1 kg (95% CI −0.60 to 8.0, p < 0.001). The largest weight decrease at 12 months was for the patients who were prescribed a combination therapy of metformin and exenatide, with a median decrease of −7.0 kg (95% CI −12.0 to −2.0, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: There was a continual increase in body weight in people with T2DM over time, and considerable differences in the impact on weight using alternative treatment regimens. At the same time, glycaemic control remained relatively unchanged.
Maintained intentional weight loss reduces cardiovascular outcomes: results from the Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes (SCOUT) trial
Authors: Caterson I. D. , Finer N. , Coutinho W. , Van Gaal L. F. , Maggioni A. P. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Sharma A. M. , Legler U. F. , Shepherd G. M. , Rode R. A. , Perdok R. J. , Renz C. L. , James W. P. T. ,   on behalf of the SCOUT Investigators
Published: December 2011

Aim: The Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes trial showed that sibutramine produced greater mean weight loss than placebo but increased cardiovascular morbidity but not mortality. The relationship between 12‐month weight loss and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes is explored.

Methods: Overweight/obese subjects (N = 10 744), ≥55 years with cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus, received sibutramine plus weight management during a 6‐week Lead‐in Period before randomization to continue sibutramine (N = 4906) or to receive placebo (N = 4898). The primary endpoint was the time from randomization to first occurrence of a primary outcome event (non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest or cardiovascular death).

Results: For the total population, mean weight change during Lead‐in Period (sibutramine) was −2.54 kg. Post‐randomization, mean total weight change to Month 12 was −4.18 kg (sibutramine) or −1.87 kg (placebo). Degree of weight loss during Lead‐in Period or through Month 12 was associated with a progressive reduction in risk for the total population in primary outcome events and cardiovascular mortality over the 5‐year assessment. Although more events occurred in the randomized sibutramine group, on an average, a modest weight loss of approximately 3 kg achieved in the Lead‐in Period appeared to offset this increased event rate. Moderate weight loss (3–10 kg) reduced cardiovascular deaths in those with severe, moderate or mild cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions: Modest weight loss over short‐term (6 weeks) and longer‐term (6–12 months) periods is associated with reduction in subsequent cardiovascular mortality for the following 4–5 years even in those with pre‐existing cardiovascular disease. While the sibutramine group experienced more primary outcome events than the placebo group, greater weight loss reduced overall risk of these occurring in both groups.
Identification of 5‐HT2C mediated mechanisms involved in urethral sphincter reflexes in a guinea‐pig model of urethral function
Authors: Conlon Kelly , Miner Wes , McCleary Scott , McMurray Gordon
Published: December 2011

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

Preclinically, studies investigating urethral function have shown that the clinical benefit of agents such as duloxetine may partly reflect increases in urethral striated muscle activity via a central mode of action. Duloxetine has been shown to inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of 5‐HT and norepinephrine in Onuf's nucleus, leading to an increased activity of pudendal motor neurones and a subsequent increase in the strength of urethral sphincter contractions. Preclinical studies have postulated a role for both 5‐HT2C receptors and 5‐HT2A receptors in external urethral sphincter (EUS) function, with differences between species that may reflect the differing physiological roles of the EUS in different preclinical species. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the 5‐HT receptor subtype involved in EUS function in the guinea‐pig.

The in vivo data reported in the present study suggest that the effects of clinical agents used to treat stress urinary incontinence, which enhance serotonergic drive, may be mediated, at least in part, via 5‐HT2C receptors.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the subtype of 5‐HT receptor involved in urethral function using a preclinical model of urethral function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of the 5‐HT2C agonist Ro 600‐175 were investigated by measuring the urethral pressure profile in anaesthetized guinea‐pigs together with antagonists at 5‐HT2A, 5‐HT2B and 5‐HT2C receptor subtypes.

RESULTS

Ro 600‐175 increased peak urethral pressure in a dose‐dependent manner

This effect was reversed by the selective 5‐HT2C antagonist SB 242084

Neither the 5‐HT2A antagonist MDL 100907, nor the 5‐HT2B antagonist SB 240741 had any significant effect on the response.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical benefit of drugs used to treat stress urinary incontinence through enhanced serotonergic and adrenergic drive may be mediated, at least in part, via 5‐HT2C receptors

Selective 5‐HT2C agonism increases urethral tone, and hence provides an opportunity for developing new pharmacotherapies for stress urinary incontinence with reduced side‐effects.
A temperate palaeodiversity peak in Mesozoic dinosaurs and evidence for Late Cretaceous geographical partitioning
Authors: Mannion Philip D. , Benson Roger B. J. , Upchurch Paul , Butler Richard J. , Carrano Matthew T. , Barrett Paul M.
Published: December 2011

Aim  Modern biodiversity peaks in the tropics and declines poleward, a pattern that is potentially driven by climate. Although this latitudinal biodiversity gradient (LBG) also characterizes the marine invertebrate fossil record, distributions of ancient terrestrial faunas are poorly understood. This study utilizes data on the dinosaur fossil record to examine spatial patterns in terrestrial biodiversity throughout the Mesozoic.

Location  We compiled data on fossil occurrences across the globe.

Methods  We compiled a comprehensive dataset of Mesozoic dinosaur genera (738), including birds. Following the utilization of sampling standardization techniques to mediate for the uneven sampling of the fossil record, we constructed latitudinal patterns of biodiversity from this dataset.

Results  The dominant group of Mesozoic terrestrial vertebrates did not conform to the modern LBG. Instead, dinosaur diversity was highest at temperate palaeolatitudes throughout the 160 million year span of dinosaurian evolutionary history. Latitudinal diversity correlates strongly with the distribution of land area. Late Cretaceous sauropods and ornithischians exhibit disparate LBGs.

Main conclusions  The continuity of the palaeotemperate peak in dinosaur diversity indicates a diminished role for climate on the Mesozoic LBG; instead, dinosaur diversity may have been driven by the amount of land area among latitudinal belts. There is no evidence that the tropics acted as a cradle for dinosaur diversity. Geographical partitioning among major clades of herbivorous dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous may result from the advanced stages of continental fragmentation and/or differing responses to increasing latitudinal climatic zonation. Our results suggest that the modern‐day LBG on land was only established 30 million years ago, following a significant post‐Eocene recalibration, potentially related to increased seasonality.
Vertebrate metacommunity structure along an extensive elevational gradient in the tropics: a comparison of bats, rodents and birds
Authors: Presley Steven J. , Cisneros Laura M. , Patterson Bruce D. , Willig Michael R.
Published: December 2011

Aim  We evaluated the structure of metacommunities for each of three vertebrate orders (Chiroptera, Rodentia and Passeriformes) along an extensive elevational gradient. Using elevation as a proxy for variation in abiotic characteristics and the known elevational distributions of habitat types, we assessed the extent to which variation in those factors may structure each metacommunity based on taxon‐specific characteristics.

Location  Manu Biosphere Reserve in the Peruvian Andes.

Methods  Metacommunity structure is an emergent property of a set of species distributions across geographic or environmental gradients. We analysed elements of metacommunity structure (coherence, range turnover and range boundary clumping) to determine the best‐fit structure for each metacommunity along an elevational gradient comprising 13 250‐m elevational intervals and 58 species of rodent, 92 species of bat or 586 species of passerine.

Results  For each taxon, the environmental gradient along which the metacommunity was structured was highly correlated with elevation. Clementsian structure (i.e. groups of species replacing other such groups along the gradient) characterized rodents, with a group of species that was characteristic of rain forests and a group of species that was characteristic of higher elevation habitats (i.e. above 1500 m). Distributions of bats were strongly nested, with more montane communities comprising subsets of species at lower elevations. The structure of the passerine metacommunity was complex and most consistent with a quasi‐Clementsian structure.

Main conclusions  Each metacommunity exhibited a different structure along the same elevational gradient, and each structure can be accounted for by taxon‐specific responses to local environmental factors that vary predictably with elevation. The structures of rodent and bird metacommunities suggest species sorting associated with habitat specializations, whereas structure of the bat metacommunity is probably moulded by a combination of species‐specific tolerances to increasingly cold, low‐productivity environs of higher elevations and the diversity and abundance of food resources associated with particular habitat types.
Career Change and the Iron Cage: Organizations and the Early Labour Market Experience of Professional Managers
Authors: Dobrev Stanislav D.
Published: December 2011

abstract

Although it is often acknowledged that organizational structure and career outcomes are related, developed theory on how formal features of the design affect inter‐firm job mobility is incomplete. I focus on organizational size and structural differentiation and relate them to ideas about internal labour markets, organizational senescence, bureaucratic complexity, and resource endowments. Analysing data on the early career histories of professional managers, I find that the negative effect of organizational size on quits weakens with organizational age while a firm's elaborate hierarchy monotonically increases quits in all but very large firms. I interpret these effects as potential mechanisms for linking demographic processes between and within organizations and as a basis for integrating research in corporate demography and career mobility.
The Relative Value Relevance of Shareholder versus Stakeholder Corporate Governance Disclosure Policy Reforms in South Africa
Authors: Ntim Collins G. , Opong Kwaku K. , Danbolt Jo
Published: December 2011

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: South Africa (SA) has pursued distinctive corporate governance (CG) disclosure policy reforms in the form of the King Reports, which require firms to disclose a set of recommended good CG practices on both shareholders and stakeholders. This paper investigates the effect of the new shareholder and stakeholder CG disclosure rules on firm value, as well as the relative value relevance of disclosing good CG practices on shareholders versus stakeholders.

Research Findings/Insights: Using a sample of 169 SA listed firms from 2002 to 2007, we find that disclosing good CG practices on both shareholders and stakeholders impacts positively on firm value, with the latter evidence providing new explicit support for the resource dependence theory. However, we provide additional new evidence, which suggests that disclosing shareholder CG practices contributes significantly more to firm value than stakeholder ones. Our results are robust to controlling for different types of endogeneities.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: The paper generally contributes to the literature on the association between disclosure of CG practices and firm value by specifically modeling the relationship within a unique institutional and CG environment. Specifically, we make two new contributions to the extant literature. First, we show how stakeholder CG disclosure practices impact on firm value. Second, we provide evidence on the relative value relevance of disclosing shareholder and stakeholder CG practices.

Practical/Policy Implications: Our results have important policy and regulatory implications, especially for authorities in other developing countries facing socio‐economic problems that are currently contemplating or pursuing CG disclosure policy reforms. Since our evidence indicates that additional value can be created for firms that provide more transparent information on stakeholder CG practices, it provides authorities in other emerging countries currently planning or pursing CG reforms with a strong motivation to formally extend CG disclosure rules to cover both shareholder and stakeholder provisions.
Martyrdom: A Philosophical Perspective
Authors: Verbin N.
Published: December 2011

Martyrdom has played and continues to play a dominant role in the religious imagination of many. Jews and Christians alike conceive of their martyrs as exceptional people of faith who express exceptional love and devotion to God. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the conceptual features of martyrdom by virtue of which it has its role and to show, using those very features and using Simone Weil's observations, that martyrdom cannot mark the logical climax of the believer's love of God.
Special and Differential Treatment of Developing Countries and Export Promotion Policies under the WTO
Authors: Mah Jai S.
Published: December 2011

This paper explains the export promotion measures that can be utilised by developing countries under the current World Trade Organization (WTO) system and compares the WTO Members’ proposals on modification of export promotion provisions in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations. Non‐reciprocity between developed countries and developing countries in favour of the latter needs to be strengthened in modifying the current WTO regulations, because of the very different levels of economic development between those two groups of countries. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ‘distributional fairness’, it suggests ways of modifying special and differential treatment provisions applied to export promotion policies of developing economies in the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures of the WTO.
Politicizing Brandom's Pragmatism: Normativity and the Agonal Character of Social Practice
Authors: Fossen Thomas
Published: December 2011

This paper provides an agonistic interpretation of Robert Brandom's social‐pragmatic account of normativity. I argue that social practice, on this approach, should be seen not just as cooperative, but also as contestatory. This aspect, which has so far remained implicit, helps to illuminate Brandom's claim that normative statuses are ‘instituted’ by social practices: normative statuses are brought into play in mutual engagement, and are only in play from an engaged social perspective among others. Moreover, in contrast to a positivist or conventionalist understanding of Brandom's work, it shows that the possibility of a critical stance toward existing practices is not only compatible with, but already implicit in this form of pragmatism. This can be made explicit with the notion of farcical practices: practices that are treated merely as if they institute genuine commitments and entitlements. Interpreting a practice as farcical is taking a critical stance toward it, and this possibility is inherent in Brandom's theoretical framework. This opens the way for a fruitful appropriation of Brandom's pragmatism for social and political philosophy.
Body Beautiful? Gender, Identity and the Body in Professional Services Firms
Authors: Haynes Kathryn
Published: December 2011

This article explores the professional identity formation of professionals and its relationship with their embodied physical image, with a particular focus on women in accounting and law. It examines the role of the professional services firm in defining a professional body image, socialization processes that contribute to the definition of the professional body, the role of the client in defining professionalism, the legitimation of certain types of embodied identities and the importance of the body in defining gendered perceptions of the self. The article draws on Bourdieu's concepts of capital to explore how physical capital is implicated in processes of socialization, subordination and control. By examining the development of professional embodiment of women in accounting and law, and drawing on interviews with contemporary practitioners, the article argues that notions of physical capital remain highly gendered in professional services firms, with implications for equality and diversity in the professions.
A randomized two‐sided placebo‐controlled study on the efficacy and safety of atmospheric non‐thermal argon plasma for pruritus
Authors: Heinlin J. , Isbary G. , Stolz W. , Zeman F. , Landthaler M. , Morfill G. , Shimizu T. , Zimmermann J.L. , Karrer S.
Published: December 2011

Background  To look into new potential indications for physical plasma and because some reports suggest plasma having antipruritic effects, we investigated the treatment of pruritus that often represents a therapeutic challenge.

Objectives  To assess the efficacy and safety of cold atmospheric argon plasma as add‐on‐therapy in pruritic diseases.

Methods  We treated 46 patients with various pruritic diseases with cold plasma for 2 min daily in addition to standard treatment. All patients served as their own control, when their pruritic disease was treated with argon gas (placebo). The outcome measure was a long‐term and short‐term reduction in itching measured by means of a visual analogue score (VAS).

Results  The VAS scores at baseline were comparable (plasma 4.57, SD 2.38, argon 4.34, SD 2.35). We did not find any significant differences in VAS reduction between plasma and argon: long‐term VAS difference of 1.97 (SD 1.33) for plasma and 1.74 (SD 2.37) for argon [P = 0.224, 95% CI: (−0.15; 0.60)], short‐term VAS difference of 1.92 (SD 1.33) for plasma and 1.97 (SD 1.29) for argon [P = 0.544, 95% CI: (−0.21; 0.11)]. In both groups, patients experienced a significant reduction of pruritus at the end of therapy compared to baseline [plasma 1.97 (P < 0.0001), placebo 1.74 [P < 0.0001)]. No relevant side effects occurred, and treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusions  Treatment with cold plasma did not result in higher pruritus reduction than treatment with placebo. A significant reduction of pruritus compared to no effect was found at the end of therapy in both groups. Both treatment options had similar safety profiles.
Mephedrone, an abused psychoactive component of ‘bath salts’ and methamphetamine congener, does not cause neurotoxicity to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum
Authors: Angoa‐Pérez Mariana , Kane Michael J. , Francescutti Dina M. , Sykes Katherine E. , Shah Mrudang M. , Mohammed Abiy M. , Thomas David M. , Kuhn Donald M.
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 1097–1107.

Mephedrone (4‐methylmethcathinone) is a β‐ketoamphetamine with close structural analogy to substituted amphetamines and cathinone derivatives. Abuse of mephedrone has increased dramatically in recent years and has become a significant public health problem in the United States and Europe. Unfortunately, very little information is available on the pharmacological and neurochemical actions of mephedrone. In light of the proven abuse potential of mephedrone and considering its similarity to methamphetamine and methcathinone, it is particularly important to know if mephedrone shares with these agents an ability to cause damage to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum. Accordingly, we treated mice with a binge‐like regimen of mephedrone (4 × 20 or 40 mg/kg) and examined the striatum for evidence of neurotoxicity 2 or 7 days after treatment. While mephedrone caused hyperthermia and locomotor stimulation, it did not lower striatal levels of dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase or the dopamine transporter under any of the treatment conditions used presently. Furthermore, mephedrone did not cause microglial activation in striatum nor did it increase glial fibrillary acidic protein levels. Taken together, these surprising results suggest that mephedrone, despite its numerous mechanistic overlaps with methamphetamine and the cathinone derivatives, does not cause neurotoxicity to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum.
Nicotine stimulates secretion of corticosterone via both CRH and AVP receptors
Authors: Lutfy Kabirullah , Aimiuwu Otaren , Mangubat Michael , Shin Chang‐Sung , Nerio Namiko , Gomez Richard , Liu Yanjun , Friedman Theodore C.
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 1108–1116.

Corticosterone‐releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are crucial components of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis that stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary and mediate the stress response. CRH binds to two subtypes of CRH receptors (CRH‐R1 and CRH‐R2) that are present in both central and peripheral tissues. We used the CRH‐R1‐specific antagonist, antalarmin (ANT), the CRH‐R1 and CRH‐R2 peptide antagonist, astressin (AST), and the CRH‐R2‐specific peptide antagonist, astressin2b (AST2b), to determine which CRH receptor is involved in the nicotine‐stimulated secretion of corticosterone. Male C57BL/6 mice were administered ANT (20 mg/kg, i.p.), AST (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), AST2b (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle prior to administration of nicotine (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.), CRH (10 μg/kg, s.c.), AVP (10 μg/kg, s.c.) or saline (s.c.), killed 15 min later and trunk blood collected and assayed for corticosterone plasma levels. We found that CRH enhanced corticosterone release, and this response was blocked by both AST and ANT. Nicotine also increased corticosterone secretion, but this effect persisted in the presence of either CRH antagonist. Furthermore, AST but not ANT or AST2b decreased corticosterone levels associated with stress of handling and injection. We also assessed the role of AVP V1b‐specific receptor antagonist, SSR149415 alone and in combination with AST and AST2b. Although the AVP antagonist did not alter basal or nicotine‐stimulated corticosterone secretion, it attenuated the AVP‐induced stimulation of corticosterone and its combination with AST but not AST2b completely abolished nicotine‐mediated stimulation of corticosterone secretion. Our results demonstrate that the nicotine‐induced stimulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is mediated by both the CRH‐R and the AVP V1b receptor and when the CRH receptor is blocked, nicotine may utilize the AVP V1b receptor to mediate secretion of corticosterone. These results argue in favor of the development of specific antagonists that block both AVP and CRH receptors to decrease the pleasurable component of nicotine, which may be mediated by corticosterone.
Retracted: The serine protease inhibitor neuroserpin regulates the growth and maturation of hippocampal neurons through a non‐inhibitory mechanism
Authors: Lee Tet Woo , Montgomery Johanna M. , Birch Nigel P.
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 561–574.

Neuroserpin is a brain‐specific serine protease inhibitor that is expressed in the developing and adult nervous system. Its expression profile led to suggestions that it played roles in neuronal growth and connectivity. In this study, we provide direct evidence to support a role for neuroserpin in axon and dendritic growth. We report that axon growth is enhanced while axon and dendrite diameter are reduced following neuroserpin treatment of hippocampal neurons. More complex effects are seen on dendritic growth and branching with neuroserpin‐stimulating dendritic growth and branching in young neurons but switching to an inhibitory response in older neurons. The protease inhibitory activity of neuroserpin is not required to activate changes in neuronal morphology and a proportion of responses are modulated by an antagonist to the LRP1 receptor. Collectively, these findings support a key role for neuroserpin as a regulator of neuronal development through a non‐inhibitory mechanism and suggest a basis for neuroserpin’s effects on complex emotional behaviours and recent link to schizophrenia.
Activation of NK1 receptors in the locus coeruleus induces analgesia through noradrenergic‐mediated descending inhibition in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Muto Y , Sakai A , Sakamoto A , Suzuki H
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a major source of noradrenergic projections to the dorsal spinal cord, and thereby plays an important role in the modulation of nociceptive information. The LC receives inputs from substance P (SP)‐containing fibres from other regions, and expresses the NK1 tachykinin receptor, a functional receptor for SP. In the present study, we investigated the roles of SP in the LC in neuropathic pain.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the left sciatic nerve was performed in rats to induce neuropathic pain. After development of neuropathic pain, SP was injected into the LC and the nocifensive behaviours were assessed. The involvement of noradrenergic descending inhibition in SP‐induced analgesia was examined by i.t. administration of yohimbine, an α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist. NK1 receptor expression in the LC was examined by immunohistochemistry.

KEY RESULTS

In CCI rats, mechanical allodynia was alleviated by SP injection into the LC. These effects were abolished by prior injection of WIN 51708, an NK1 receptor antagonist, into the LC or i.t. treatment with yohimbine. NK1 receptor‐like immunoreactivity was observed in noradrenergic neurons throughout the LC in intact rats, and remained unchanged after CCI.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

SP in the LC exerted analgesic effects on neuropathic pain through NK1 receptor activation and resulted in facilitation of spinal noradrenergic transmission. Accordingly, manipulation of the SP/NK1 receptor signalling pathway in the LC may be a promising strategy for effective treatment of neuropathic pain.
3D‐Sutra—Interactive Analysis Tool for a Web Atlas of Scanned Sutra Inscriptions in China
Authors: Schmidt Natalie , Schütze Rainer , Boochs Frank
Published: December 2011

Buddhist stone inscriptions of the 8th to 12th centuries ad are important cultural assets of China that need to be documented, analysed and interpreted archaeologically, art‐historically and linguistically. On the one hand, such Buddhist stone inscriptions have to be conserved for future generations, but on the other hand, further possibilities for analysing the data could be achieved if the inscriptions were made accessible to a wider community, for instance, for understanding of the historical growth of Buddhism in China. In this paper, innovative techniques for the documentation of stone inscriptions located in the province of Sichuan, in the south‐west of China, are demonstrated. The tasks to be performed include capturing the stone inscriptions by using high precision measuring techniques to generate copies of the original inscriptions, together with processing of the data enabling improvement in the legibility of characters and thus aiding the interpretation of the inscriptions. The concept and features of image processing as applied to the captured inscriptions are outlined. In order to present the outcome to as many people as possible and to allow individual interpretations of the results of the stone inscription reconstruction, their current interpretation and additional 2D/3D maps are published within an interactive web platform.
Enhancing Nursing Students’ Understanding of Poverty Through Simulation
Authors: Patterson Nena , Hulton Linda J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

The purposes of this study were (a) to describe the implementation of a poverty simulation, (b) to evaluate its use on nursing students’ attitudes about poverty, and (c) to offer lessons learned.

Design and Sample

Using a mixed‐method design, a convenience sample of senior undergraduate nursing students (n = 43) from a public university in a mid‐Atlantic state participated in a poverty simulation experience. Students assumed the roles of real‐life families and were given limited amounts of resources to survive in a simulated community. This simulation took place during a community health practicum clinical day.

Measures

The short form of Attitudes about Poverty and Poor Populations Scale (APPPS) was adapted for this evaluation. This 21‐item scale includes factors of personal deficiency, stigma, and structural perspective, which measures a range of diverse attitudes toward poverty and poor people.

Results

The results of this evaluation demonstrated that nursing students viewed the poverty simulation as an effective teaching strategy and actively participated. In particular, nursing students’ scores on the factor of stigma of poverty demonstrated statistically significant changes.

Conclusion

With proper planning, organization, and reflection, a poverty simulation experience can be a positive impetus for lifelong learning and civic engagement.