bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak interactions in chain polymers [M(μ-X)2
L
2]∞ (M = Zn, Cd; X = Cl, Br; L = substituted pyridine) – an electron density study
Authors: Wang Ruimin , Lehmann Christian W. , Englert Ulli
Published: August 2009

The experimental electron-density distributions in crystals of five chain polymers [M(μ-X)2(py)2] (M = Zn, Cd; X = Cl, Br; py = 3,5-substituted pyridine) have been obtained from high-resolution X-ray diffraction data sets (sin θ/λ > 1.1 Å−1) at 100 K. Topological analyses following Bader's `Atoms in Molecules' approach not only confirmed the existence of (3, −1) critical points for the chemically reasonable and presumably strong covalent and coordinative bonds, but also for four different secondary interactions which are expected to play a role in stabilizing the polymeric structures which are unusual for Zn as the metal center. These weaker contacts comprise intra- and inter-strand C—H...X—M hydrogen bonds on the one hand and C—X...X—C interhalogen contacts on the other hand. According to the experimental electron-density studies, the non-classical hydrogen bonds are associated with higher electron density in the (3, −1) critical points than the halogen bonds and hence are the dominant interactions both with respect to intra- and inter-chain contacts.
The experimental and theoretical QTAIMC study of the atomic and molecular interactions in dinitrogen tetroxide
Authors: Tsirelson Vladimir G. , Shishkina Anastasia V. , Stash Adam I. , Parsons Simon
Published: August 2009

The atomic and molecular interactions in a crystal of dinitrogen tetraoxide, α-N2O4, have been studied in terms of the quantum topological theory of molecular structure using high-resolution, low-temperature X-ray diffraction data. The experimental electron density and electrostatic potential have been reconstructed with the Hansen–Coppens multipole model. In addition, the three-dimensional periodic electron density of crystalline α-N2O4 has been calculated at the B3LYP/cc-pVDZ level of theory with and without the geometry optimization. The application of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and crystals (QTAIMC) recovered the two types of intermolecular bond paths between O atoms in crystalline α-N2O4, one measuring 3.094, the other 3.116 Å. The three-dimensional distribution of the Laplacian of the electron density around the O atoms showed that the lumps in the negative Laplacian fit the holes on the O atoms in the adjacent molecules, both atoms being linked by the intermolecular bond paths. This shows that the Lewis-type molecular complementarity contributes significantly to intermolecular bonding in crystalline N2O4. Partial overlap of atomic-like basins created by zero-flux surfaces in both the electron density and the electrostatic potential show that attractive electrostatic interaction exists between O atoms even though they carry the same net formal charge. The exchange and correlation contributions to the potential energy density were also computed by means of the model functionals, which use the experimental electron density and its derivatives. It was found that the intermolecular interactions in α-N2O4 are accompanied by the correlation energy-density `bridges' lowering the local potential energy along the intermolecular O...O bond paths in the electron density, while the exchange energy density governs the shape of bounded molecules.
Centrifugal lipodystrophy of the scalp presenting with an arch‐form alopecia: A 10‐year follow‐up observation
Authors: FUKUMOTO Daisuke , KUBO Yoshiaki , SAITO Minako , ARASE Seiji
Published: August 2009

We describe a 10‐year follow‐up observation of progressive arch‐form alopecia caused by centrifugal lipodystrophy (CLD) in a Japanese boy. A 2.5‐year‐old boy developed a slightly depressed lesion demarcated by a horseshoe‐shaped erythematous border on his right neck, which then extended to the scalp. Four years later, arch‐form alopecia became apparent in the right temporal region along with an erythematous border. The arch‐form alopecia gradually expanded centrifugally, leaving a slight residual depression, but hair regrowth was seen within the area of alopecia. Histological examination of the erythematous border revealed non‐specific inflammatory changes in the subcutaneous fat. Magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed a loss of subcutaneous fat inside the lesion. The alopecia continuously extended until he was 12 years old, but, thereafter, expansion ceased and hair regrowth gradually occurred in the arch‐form alopecia. A linear non‐hairy lesion 5 cm in length still remained when he was 13 years old. CLD might involve the scalp and cause linear, arch‐form alopecia.
PEDF inhibits growth of retinoblastoma by anti‐angiogenic activity
Authors: Yang Huasheng , Cheng Rui , Liu Guoying , Zhong Qinghua , Li Chaoyang , Cai Weibin , Yang Zhonghan , Ma Jianxing , Yang Xia , Gao Guoquan
Published: August 2009

Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF), an angiogenesis inhibitor with multiple other functions, balances angiogenesis in the eye and blocks tumor progression. Retinoblastoma, an angiogenesis‐dependent tumor, is the most common ocular cancer in children without effective treatment. It has been reported that PEDF can induce neuronal differentiation of retinoblastoma cells; however, its anti‐angiogenic potential for inhibition of retinoblastoma growth in vivo has not been elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of PEDF on growth of retinoblastoma and the possible molecular mechanism. Soluble and non‐fusion recombinant PEDF were generated in E. coli. Recombinant PEDF dose‐dependently inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of endothelial cells. PEDF had no effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of retinoblastoma cell line SO‐Rb50. Intraperitoneal injection of PEDF resulted in growth inhibition of heterotopic retinoblastoma xenografts at 68.78%. MVD in tumor tissues treated with PEDF was significantly decreased. These results suggested that PEDF suppressed tumor growth by blocking angiogenesis instead of a direct cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major angiogenic stimulator, was down‐regulated by PEDF in both SO‐Rb50 cells and retinoblastoma xenografts. Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, a crucial transcriptional factor for VEGF expression, was also down‐regulated by PEDF both in vitro and in vivo. PEDF reduced HIF‐1α nuclear translocation, which may be responsible for the down‐regulation of VEGF. Down‐regulation of VEGF expression in tumor cells through inhibiting HIF‐1α, thus attenuating the paracrine effect of VEGF on endothelial cell proliferation and vascular permeability in tumor tissues, may represent a mechanism for the anti‐angiogenic activity of PEDF. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 2419–2425)
Individualized assessment and treatment program for alcohol dependence: results of an initial study to train coping skills
Authors: Litt Mark D. , Kadden Ronald M. , Kabela‐Cormier Elise
Published: August 2009

Aims  Cognitive–behavioral treatments (CBT) are among the most popular interventions offered for alcohol and other substance use disorders, but it is not clear how they achieve their effects. CBT is purported to exert its beneficial effects by altering coping skills, but data supporting coping changes as the mechanism of action are mixed. The purpose of this pilot study was to test a treatment in which coping skills were trained in a highly individualized way, allowing us to determine if such training would result in an effective treatment.

Design  Participants were assigned randomly to a comprehensive packaged CBT program (PCBT), or to an individualized assessment and treatment program (IATP). The IATP program employed experience sampling via cellphone to assess coping skills prior to treatment, and provided therapists with a detailed understanding of patients' coping strengths and deficits.

Setting  Out‐patient treatment.

Participants  A total of 110 alcohol‐dependent men and women.

Measurements  Participants in both conditions completed experience sampling of situations, drinking and coping efforts prior to, and following, 12 weeks of treatment. Time‐line follow‐back procedures were also used to record drinking at baseline and post‐treatment.

Findings  IATP yielded higher proportion of days abstinent (PDA) at post‐treatment (P < 0.05) than did PCBT, and equivalent heavy drinking days. IATP also elicited more momentary coping responses and less drinking in high‐risk situations, as recorded by experience sampling at post‐treatment. Post‐treatment coping response rates were associated with decreases in drinking.

Conclusions  The IATP approach was more successful than PCBT at training adaptive coping responses for use in situations presenting a high risk for drinking. The highly individualized IATP approach may prove to be an effective treatment strategy for alcohol‐dependent patients.
Structural myocardial changes after coronary artery surgery
Authors: Eberhardt F. , Mehlhorn U. , Larosé K. , De Vivie E. R. , Dhein S.
Published: August 2009

Background

Postoperative contractile dysfunction or ‘myocardial stunning’ has been described after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In the present study we sought to determine if and to what extent clinical, structural and histochemical evidence of myocardial changes associated with stunning could be found in patients after CABG and cold crystalloid cardioplegia.

Materials and methods

Left ventricular (LV) biopsies were obtained from CABG patients (n = 10) prior to and at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These biopsies were immunostained for the inducible heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP‐70i), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and actin. ATP was measured by bioluminescence.

Results

Biopsies pre‐CPB showed no evidence of myocardial damage as HSP‐70i was absent and a regular actin cross‐striation pattern and only constitutive ICAM‐1‐expression were present. After CPB we found significantly increased HSP‐70i and ICAM‐1 levels as well as a deranged actin cross‐striation pattern with a widening of actin bands. ATP levels declined from 10 mmol L−1 pre‐CPB to 4.9 mmol L−1 after CPB. Correspondingly, coronary sinus effluent showed a significant lactate production. Although, cardiac function determined by transoesophageal echocardiography did not deteriorate, significant inotropic support was necessary to maintain cardiac output.

Conclusions

Our results present clinical and structural evidence of ‘myocardial stunning’ after CABG and cold crystalloid cardioplegia. Increased HSP‐70i and ICAM‐1 expression, as well as a deranged actin cross‐striation pattern, might be structural markers to determine ‘myocardial stunning’ in clinical settings.
Effect of rectal distension on gallbladder emptying and circulating gut hormones
Authors: Van Hoek F. , Mollen R. M. H. G. , Hopman W. P. M. , Kuijpers H. H. C. , Jansen J. B. M.
Published: August 2009

Abnormalities of upper gut motility, including a delay of gastric emptying and small bowel transit, found in patients with constipation may be secondary to factors originating in the colon or rectum as a result of faecal stasis. The aim was to determine if stimulation of mechanosensory function by rectal distension affects postprandial gallbladder emptying and release of gastrointestinal peptides participating in control of upper gut motility.

Eight healthy volunteers were studied with an electronic barostat and a plastic bag positioned in the rectum. Intrabag pressure was maintained at minimal distension pressure + 2 mmHg on one occasion and on a pressure that induced a sensation of urge on the other. Gallbladder volume and plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK), pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and peptide YY (PYY) were measured before and after ingestion of a 450‐kcal mixed liquid meal.

Rectal distension enhanced maximum gallbladder emptying from 66 ± 7% to 78 ± 5% (P < 0·05). Distension tended to increase integrated plasma PYY from 77 ± 30 pM min to 128 ± 40 pM min in the first hour after the meal (P = 0·08) and it suppressed integrated plasma PP from 1133 ± 248 pM min to 269 ± 284 pM min in the second hour (P < 0·05). Integrated plasma CCK concentrations were not significantly affected.

Mechanosensory stimulation of the rectum enhances postprandial gallbladder emptying and influences postprandial release of gut hormones involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility in healthy subjects. These mechanisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of the upper gastrointestinal motor abnormalities observed in constipated patients.
An evaluation of transient elastography in the discrimination of HBeAg‐negative disease from inactive hepatitis B carriers
Authors: Maimone S. , Calvaruso V. , Pleguezuelo M. , Squadrito G. , Amaddeo G. , Jacobs M. , Khanna P. , Raimondo G. , Dusheiko G.
Published: August 2009

Summary.  Liver biopsy is frequently required in HBeAg‐negative disease to determine the stage of fibrosis. It can be difficult to distinguish cohorts with undetectable HBeAg who may have varying degrees of fibrosis due to different stages of disease. We have assessed the utility of transient elastography (TE) to evaluate differences in HBeAg‐negative patients. A total of 220 HBsAg‐positive individuals were studied: 125 (group 1) had an inactive HBsAg carrier state and 95 (group 2) were HBeAg‐negative, anti‐HBe‐positive patients with persistently or intermittent elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or HBV DNA >105 copies/mL. Mean stiffness was 4.83 ± 1.2 kPa in group 1 vs 8.53 ± 6 kPa in group 2 (P < 0.001); statistically significant differences were also found between AST/ULN ALT/ULN ratios, HBV DNA in group 1 vs group 2, respectively (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the only variable independently associated with the stage of fibrosis was the stiffness. This study shows that mean hepatic stiffness by elastography is significantly lower in patients with inactive hepatitis B compared to those with HBeAg‐negative disease. The procedure is a useful adjunct to diagnosis to confirm a clinical pattern of disease, and for more selective use of liver biopsy before considering antiviral therapy.
Rectal motility after sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Michelsen H. B. , Worsøe J. , Krogh K. , Lundby L. , Christensen P. , Buntzen S. , Laurberg S.
Published: August 2009

Abstract  Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is effective against faecal incontinence, but the mode of action is obscure. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of SNS on fasting and postprandial rectal motility. Sixteen patients, 14 women age 33–73 (mean 58), with faecal incontinence of various aetiologies were examined. Before and during SNS, rectal cross‐sectional area (CSA) and ano‐rectal pressures were determined with impedance planimetry and manometry for 1 h during fast and 1 h postprandially. Neither in the fasting state nor postprandially did SNS affect the number of single rectal contractions, total time with cyclic rectal contractions, the number of aborally and orally propagating contractions, the number of anal sampling reflexes or rectal wall tension during contractions. Postprandial changes in rectal tone were significantly reduced during SNS (P < 0.02). Before SNS, median rectal CSA was 2999 mm2 (range: 1481–3822) during fast and 2697 mm2 (range: 1227–3310) postprandially (P < 0.01). During SNS, median rectal CSA was 2990 mm2 (1823–3678) during fast and 2547 mm2 (1831–3468) postprandially (P = 0.22). SNS for faecal incontinence does not affect phasic rectal motility but it impairs postprandial changes in rectal tone.
Chronology of the transition from a spreading ridge to an accretional seamount in the Marsili backarc basin (Tyrrhenian Sea)
Authors: Cocchi L. , Caratori Tontini F. , Muccini F. , Marani M. P. , Bortoluzzi G. , Carmisciano C.
Published: August 2009

Inversion of new high‐resolution magnetic data from the Marsili seamount and the surrounding basin in the Tyrrhenian Sea reveals NNE–SSW magnetization stripes ranging from the Matuyama chron to the Brunhes chron, including the short positive Jaramillo subchron. The detailed magnetic chronology shows that from the late Matuyama (1.77 Ma), the average half spreading rate was about 1.5 cm yr−1, with a slight decrease between the Jaramillo and the Brunhes events, when the growth of the volcanic edifice overcame lateral spreading. Analysis of spreading rate and volume of erupted lava indicates that at the beginning of the Jaramillo subchron (1.07 Ma), the Marsili basin evolved from pure horizontal spreading to a superinflated seamount as a consequence of tearing of the Ionian slab. Our data give us a snapshot of the geodynamic transition from an active backarc spreading phase to the vertical accretion of the seafloor because of a radical change in the subduction dynamics.
Childhood Asthma Control Test and airway inflammation evaluation in asthmatic children
Authors: Piacentini G. L. , Peroni D. G. , Bodini A. , Bonafiglia E. , Rigotti E. , Baraldi E. , Liu A. H. , Boner A. L.
Published: August 2009

Background:  The Childhood Asthma Control Test (C‐ACT) has been proposed as a tool in assessing the level of disease control in asthmatic children. To evaluate the position of C‐ACT in the clinical management of asthmatic children, in relationship to the level of airway inflammation as assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and with lung function.

Methods:  A total of 200 asthmatic children were included in the study: 47 children with newly diagnosed asthma (‘New’) and without any regular controller therapy; and 153 children with previously diagnosed asthma, treated according to GINA guidelines, and evaluated during a scheduled follow‐up visit (‘Follow‐up’). Childhood Asthma Control Test, FeNO and lung function [forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] were evaluated.

Results:  In New vs Follow‐up participants, C‐ACT score (P < 0.001), FVC (P < 0.005) and FEV1 (P < 0.05) were significantly lower, and FeNO (P = 0.011) were significantly higher. In New, but not in Follow‐up participants, significant correlations were observed between C‐ACT score and FeNO (r = −0.51; P < 0.001), FEV1 (r = 0.34; P = 0.022) and FEV1/FVC (r = 0.32; P = 0.03). This lack of correlation in Follow‐up visits seemed attributable to dissociation between inadequately controlled asthma by C‐ACT ratings with normalization of other measures such as FeNO levels.

Conclusions:  This study confirms and expands the concept that C‐ACT is complementary to, but not a substitute for, other markers of disease control in asthmatic children, especially in the context of follow‐up visits.
Association of high IFN‐γ plasma levels with low B‐cell counts in renal transplant recipients with stable long‐term graft function
Authors: Daniel Volker , Naujokat Cord , Sadeghi Mahmoud , Renner Fabrice Christoph , Weimer Rolf , Opelz Gerhard
Published: August 2009

Daniel V, Naujokat C, Sadeghi M, Renner FC, Weimer R, Opelz G. Association of high IFN‐γ plasma levels with low B‐cell counts in renal transplant recipients with stable long‐term graft function. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01067.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Recently, we reported that patients with long‐term stable good graft function had higher interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and lower IL‐4 plasma levels late as compared with early post‐transplant. These patients had more often detectable CD3+CD4+CD25+IFN‐γ+Foxp3+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) late post‐transplant than patients with impaired graft function. We therefore speculated that high plasma IFN‐γ late post‐transplant might contribute to the maintenance of graft acceptance. Using ELISA and four‐color flow cytometry, plasma cytokines and PBL subpopulations were measured in 65 renal transplant recipients with stable graft function late post‐transplant. High IFN‐γ plasma levels were associated with low CD19+ B PBL (r = −0.329; p = 0.009) and low activated CD3+CD8+DR+ T PBL (r = −0.266; p = 0.035). Plasma IFN‐γ increased with time post‐transplant (r = 0.288; p = 0.022) and was not associated with the dose of immunosuppressive drugs (p = n.s.). High plasma IFN‐γ was not associated with serum creatinine (r = 0.038; p = 0.765). Five patients showed evidence of chronic allograft nephropathy in previous biopsies and none of them exhibited increased plasma IFN‐γ. In patients with good long‐term graft function, high IFN‐γ plasma levels were associated with low numbers of B PBL and activated CD8+ T PBL. High IFN‐γ plasma levels might prevent the development of an immunological alloresponse and thereby contribute to the maintenance of graft acceptance.
What is the best biomarker for diagnosis of rejection in heart transplantation?
Authors: Martínez‐Dolz L. , Almenar L. , Reganon E. , Vila V. , Sánchez‐Soriano R. , Martínez‐Sales V. , Moro J. , Agüero J. , Sánchez‐Lázaro I. , Salvador A.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Introduction:  Acute cellular rejection is a major cause of graft loss in heart transplantation (HT). Endomyocardial biopsy remains the gold standard for its diagnosis, but it is an invasive procedure not without risk. A proinflammatory state exists in rejection that could be assessed by determining plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

Objective:  To analyze the utility of various inflammatory markers, which is most important and what values best classify patients to diagnose rejection.

Materials and methods:  A prospective study in 123 consecutive cardiac transplant recipients was conducted from January 2002 to December 2006. Fibrinogen protein (Fgp) and function (Fgf), C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and sialic acid (SA) determinations were performed at one, two, four, six, nine, and 12 months post‐HT at the same time as biopsies. Coronary arteriography and intravascular ultrasound were performed on the first and last follow‐up visits. Heart‐lung transplants, retransplants, pediatric transplants, patients who died in the first month, and patients who refused consent were excluded. Also excluded were determinations that coincided with renal dysfunction, active infection, hemodynamic instability, or a non‐evaluable biopsy. The final analysis included 79 patients and 294 determinations. The correlation between the levels of these biomarkers and the presence of rejection in the biopsy (≥ISHLT grade 3) was studied.

Results:  We did not find significant differences in the values of any of the markers analyzed on the six follow‐up visits. Only CRP showed significant and sustained differences between the two groups (with and without rejection) from the second follow‐up visit (month 2). The area under the curve showed significant differences in Fgp (0.614, p = 0.013), Fgf (0.585, p = 0.05), TNF‐α (0.605, p = 0.02), SA (0.637, p = 0.002) and mainly CRP (0.765, p = 0.0001). CRP levels below 0.87 mg/dL ruled out rejection with a specificity of 90%.

Conclusions:  Among the inflammatory markers analyzed, CRP was the most useful parameter for non‐invasive screening of acute cellular rejection in the first year post‐HT.
Effects of Predation Threat on the Structure and Benefits from Vacancy Chains in the Hermit Crab Pagurus bernhardus
Authors: Briffa Mark , Austin Mark
Published: August 2009

Vacancy chains occur when individuals occupy discrete re‐useable resource units, which once abandoned by the current owner can then be occupied by a new owner. In order to enter the newly vacated resource the new owner must first vacate its current resource unit, such that a vacancy chain consists of a series of linked moves between resource units of different value, equivalent to different ‘strata’ in the chain. Vacancy chains may represent an important route by which resources are distributed through populations. Indeed, the arrival of a new resource has the potential to initiate a series of moves propagating beyond the individual that encounters the new resource unit. Thus, the chain participants as a whole may experience ‘aggregate benefits’ from the arrival of the new resource unit. The extent of these benefits, however, may not necessarily be evenly distributed between all chain participants; some individuals could receive greater than average benefits by moving through more than one stratum (‘skipping’) and some individuals could experience a reduction in resource value by moving to a resource unit of lower quality than that occupied initially (a ‘backward move’). Such moves represent deviations from the ‘ideal’ vacancy chains assumed by theory. Here we analyse the aggregate benefits and benefits to individuals participating in vacancy chains of empty gastropod shells in the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus. We also investigate the effect of predation risk on these two levels of benefits and on chain structure. Adding a new shell at the top of the chain causes an overall increase in shell quality after 24 h but the distribution of benefits between strata in the chain varies with the presence and absence of the predator cue. Although there was significant concordance between chain structure in the presence and absence of the predator cue, the structure was significantly different from an ideal vacancy chain in the absence but not the presence of the predator cue.
Tachycardia in adults with cystic fibrosis is associated with normal autonomic function
Authors: Szollosi I. , King S. J. , Wilson J. W. , Naughton M. T.
Published: August 2009

Background: Whether autonomic dysfunction contributes to tachycardia in cystic fibrosis (CF) is unknown.

Methods: Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed to determine high frequency power and the low/high frequency power ratio (HF, LF/HF) as markers of vagal and sympathovagal balance, respectively, under spontaneous and controlled breathing (15 breaths per minute (bpm)) conditions in 17 CF and 17 healthy control subjects.

Results: Under spontaneously breathing conditions, the CF group was tachycardic (75.4 ±11.2 vs 60.2 ±9.0 br/min P < 0.001) and tachypnoeic (22.6 ±5.8 vs 13.6 ±4.1 br/min, P= 0.001) compared with controls. No significant difference in HRV was observed between groups during spontaneous or controlled breathing. Coexistent diabetes mellitus and β2 agonist use were not associated with altered autonomic control. During controlled breathing, the CF group showed a negative correlation between forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % predicted and HF power (P= 0.013, r=−0.59) and a positive correlation between FEV1 % predicted and LF/HF ratio (P= 0.002, r= 0.69) suggesting an exaggerated normal vagal response.

Conclusion: CF patients have normal autonomic function.
Variation in the use of recombinant activated factor VII in critical bleeding
Authors: Willis C. D. , Cameron P. A. , Phillips L.
Published: August 2009

Background:  Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is being increasingly used as a treatment option in settings of uncontrolled bleeding. Despite this, national practice guidelines are lacking, resulting in widespread practice variation between providers. This investigation aimed to describe the differences in use of rFVIIa across Australian and New Zealand hospitals.

Methods:  Data were extracted from the Haemostasis Registry that collects both contemporaneous and retrospective cases of off‐licence (i.e. in non‐haemophilia patients) rFVIIa use in participating institutions. Hospitals were classified according to geographical location and service provision.

Results:  2075 cases from 87 hospitals were recorded on the Haemostasis Registry. Across all hospital categories, over 41% of cases received rFVIIa in relation to cardiac surgery. Case complexity varied between providers, with large urban centres treating more severely ill patients. This was reflected in significant differences in the use of blood components and products before rFVIIa administration. Despite differences in patient complexity and use of blood products between hospital categories, response to treatment and patient outcomes remained similar across providers, with survival rates ranging from 68.29% to 70.41%.

Conclusion:  This is the largest study of off‐licence use of rFVIIa. There is significant regional variation in the administration of rFVIIa in Australian and New Zealand hospitals, with little documentation of adherence to guidelines. National consensus guidelines based on available evidence should be developed and promulgated to ensure optimal outcomes.
Targets, receptors and effects of muscarinic neuromodulation on giant neurones of the rat dorsal cochlear nucleus
Authors: Pál B. , Kőszeghy Á. , Pap P. , Bakondi G. , Pocsai K. , Szűcs G. , Rusznák Z.
Published: August 2009

Although cholinergic modulation of the cochlear nucleus (CN) is functionally important, neither its cellular consequences nor the types of receptors conveying it are precisely known. The aim of this work was to characterise the cholinergic effects on giant cells of the CN, using electrophysiology and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Application of the cholinergic agonist carbachol increased the spontaneous activity of the giant cells; which was partly the consequence of the reduction in a K+conductance. This effect was mediated via M4 and M3 receptors. Cholinergic modulation also affected the synaptic transmission targeting the giant cells. Excitatory synaptic currents evoked by the stimulation of the superficial and deep regions of the CN were sensitive to cholinergic modulation: the amplitude of the first postsynaptic current was reduced, and the short‐term depression was also altered. These changes were mediated via M3 receptors alone and via the combination of M4, M2 and M3 receptors, when the superficial and deep layers, respectively, were activated. Inhibitory synaptic currents evoked from the superficial layer showed short‐term depression, but they were unaffected by carbachol. In contrast, inhibitory currents triggered by the activation of the deep parts exhibited no significant short‐term depression, but they were highly sensitive to cholinergic activation, which was mediated via M3 receptors. Our results indicate that pre‐ and postsynaptic muscarinic receptors mediate cholinergic modulation on giant cells. The present findings shed light on the cellular mechanisms of a tonic cholinergic modulation in the CN, which may become particularly important in evoking contralateral excitatory responses under certain pathological conditions.
Neural generators of sustained activity differ for stimulus‐encoding and delay maintenance
Authors: Malecki Ulrike , Stallforth Sabine , Heipertz Dorothee , Lavie Nilli , Duzel Emrah
Published: August 2009

The ability to maintain information online beyond sensory stimulation is regarded as a key contribution of working memory to goal‐directed behaviour. It is widely accepted that sustained neural activity is a key mechanism of stimulus maintenance, but it is unclear to what extent the neural generators of sustained activity change from stimulus‐encoding to maintenance. Using event‐related potentials in humans, we show that, in a delayed match‐to‐sample task, slow shifts over parieto‐occipital electrode sites had a different topography and polarity during encoding and delay maintenance of images depicting scenes. This clearly demonstrates that neural generators of sustained activity associated with stimulus‐encoding and delay maintenance differed, and that the change between these generators occurred time‐locked to the onset of the delay period. We also investigated how monetary reward incentives modulated the amplitude and topography of sustained delay activity and the ability to suppress irrelevant distracting information during the delay. Reward incentives improved maintenance performance and this was correlated with an expansion of the parieto‐occipital electrode sites that were entrained into sustained delay activity (rather than improved distractor suppression), suggesting that under the influence of reward, the parieto‐occipital regions that contributed to delay maintenance expanded in size.
The second brain and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lebouvier Thibaud , Chaumette Tanguy , Paillusson Sébastien , Duyckaerts Charles , Bruley des Varannes Stanislas , Neunlist Michel , Derkinderen Pascal
Published: August 2009

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. It has been classically considered that the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease, namely Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, affect primarily the substantia nigra. Nevertheless, it has become increasingly evident in recent years that Parkinson’s disease is a multicentric neurodegenerative process that affects several neuronal structures outside the substantia nigra, among which is the enteric nervous system. Remarkably, recent reports have shown that the lesions in the enteric nervous system occurred at a very early stage of the disease, even before the involvement of the central nervous system. This led to the postulate that the enteric nervous system could be critical in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease, as it could represent a route of entry for a putative environmental factor to initiate the pathological process (Braak’s hypothesis). Besides their putative role in the spreading of the pathological process, it has also been suggested that the pathological alterations within the enteric nervous system could be involved in the gastrointestinal dysfunction frequently encountered by parkinsonian patients. The scope of the present article is to review the available studies on the enteric nervous system in Parkinson’s disease patients and in animal models of the disease. We further discuss the strategies that will help in our understanding of the roles of the enteric nervous system, both in the pathophysiology of the disease and in the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal symptoms.
Effects of early vs. late initiation of levodopa treatment in hemiparkinsonian rats
Authors: Marin C. , Aguilar E. , Mengod G. , Cortés R. , Obeso J. A.
Published: August 2009

We investigated the effect of early vs. late initiation of levodopa treatment on dyskinetic movements, rotational behavior and molecular markers in hemiparkinsonian rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats received a unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) administration in the nigrostriatal pathway. Rats were divided into three groups treated with: (i) levodopa (6 mg/kg) twice daily for 22 days starting at 4 weeks after 6‐OHDA (Early group); (ii) levodopa at the same dose, regimen and duration but starting at 12 weeks after 6‐OHDA (Late group), and (iii) saline starting at 4 weeks after 6‐OHDA and continuing until the Late group finished treatment. Dyskinesias were quantified on days 1 and 22 of levodopa treatment. Striatal expression of preproenkephalin and preprodynorphin mRNAs, subthalamic cytochrome oxidase mRNA, and glutamate decarboxylase 67 mRNA in the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra was measured byin‐situhybridization. After 22 days of levodopa treatment, the percentage of rats showing dyskinesia was lower in the Early group than in the Late group (60% vs. 100%, respectively). No significant differences in total dyskinesia score were observed between both groups with the exception of the orolingual dyskinesias that were significantly less frequent in the Late group (P < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the molecular markers between the Early and Late groups. Prompt initiation of levodopa treatment might be able to delay some of the basal ganglia molecular and circuitry changes underlying the development of dyskinesia but, once developed, they are behaviorally and molecularly similar to those appearing after late initiation of levodopa.
Embryonic and adult stem cells promote raphespinal axon outgrowth and improve functional outcome following spinal hemisection in mice
Authors: Boido Marina , Rupa Rosita , Garbossa Diego , Fontanella Marco , Ducati Alessandro , Vercelli Alessandro
Published: August 2009

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in permanent neurological deficits below the injury site. Serotonergic raphespinal projections promote functional recovery after SCI, but spontaneous regeneration of most severed axons is limited by the glial cyst and scar that form at the lesion site. Stem cell (SC) transplantation offers a promising approach for inducing regeneration through the damaged area. Here we compare the effects of transplantation of embryonic neural precursors (NPs) or adult mesenchymal SCs, both of which are potential candidates for SC therapy. The spinal cord was hemisected at the L2 neuromer in adult mice. Two weeks post‐injury, we transplanted neural precursors or mesenchymal SCs into the cord, caudal to the hemisection. Injured mice without a graft served as controls. Mice were tested for functional recovery on a battery of motor tasks, then killed and analysed for survival of grafted cells, for effects of engraftment on the local cellular environment and for the sprouting of serotonergic axons. Both types of SCs survived and were integrated into the host tissue, but only the NPs expressed neuronal markers. All transplanted animals displayed an increased number of serotonin‐positive fibres caudal to the hemisection, compared with untreated mice. And both cell types led to improved motor performance. These results point to a therapeutic potential for such cell grafting.
Granular and dysgranular retrosplenial cortices provide qualitatively different contributions to spatial working memory: evidence from immediate‐early gene imaging in rats
Authors: Pothuizen Helen H. J. , Davies Moira , Albasser Mathieu M. , Aggleton John P. , Vann Seralynne D.
Published: August 2009

The present study revealed striking task‐dependent differences in immediate‐early gene activity in the two main subregions (granular and dysgranular) of the retrosplenial cortex. In addition, there were activity differences along the rostro‐caudal axis of both subregions. Two groups of rats were trained on a working memory task in a radial‐arm maze, one group in the light, the other in the dark. Each working memory group had two sets of yoked controls. Working memory consistently increased retrosplenial immediate‐early gene activity (c‐fos and zif268 ), although systematic differences occurred in the granular and dysgranular subregions. Both c‐fos and zif268 expression increased in granular cortex irrespective of whether the spatial memory task was in the light or dark. In contrast, only in the light did spatial memory increase dysgranular cortex activation. Correlations based on the counts of Fos‐positive cells helped to reinforce the particular association between the dysgranular retrosplenial cortex and radial‐arm maze performance in the light. These results provide clear evidence for proposed functional differences between the major retrosplenial subregions: the granular cortex contributes to spatial learning and navigation based on both internal and external cues (light and dark), while dysgranular cortex is more selectively involved when distal visual cues control performance (light only).
Multi‐potent differentiation of human purified muscle‐derived cells: potential for tissue regeneration
Authors: Lu Shing‐Hwa , Yang An‐Hang , Wei Chou‐Fu , Chiang Han Sun , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether CD34+ purified human muscle‐derived cells (hMDCs) are capable of multiple lineage differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hMDCs were isolated from human skeletal muscle and purified using a CD34+ cell selection system (Dynal Biotech, Oslo, Norway). Adherent populations of cells were expanded in culture and cell differentiation was induced using different kinds of growth factors and different differentiation‐conditional media. The immunohistochemical properties of CD34+ hMDCs were examined after varying periods in culture. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting were used to investigate the gene expression of the undifferentiated and differentiated hMDCs.

RESULTS

Using special differentiation conditions the CD34+ hMDCs could be differentiated into myogenic cells, adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. The differentiation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RT‐PCR and Western blotting showed multiple‐lineage gene‐level expression in the different cultivation periods of the differentiated cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the multi‐lineage capacity of a population of stem cells, termed CD34+ hMDCs. Our findings showed that CD34+ hMDCs are capable of multiple mesodermal‐lineage differentiation, as shown by the expression of several lineage‐specific genes. They can be differentiated toward the myogenic, osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages. These cells might have potential for use in tissue regeneration.
HOW DOES INCOMPATIBILITY AFFECT PRICES?: EVIDENCE FROM ATM'S*
Authors: KNITTEL CHRISTOPHER R. , STANGO VICTOR
Published: August 2009

If consumers value ‘mix and match’ combinations of network complements, incompatibility between different sellers' components should affect prices. In ATM markets, a 1996 governance change exogenously generated such incompatibility, by allowing banks to impose surcharges when other banks' deposit customers use their ATM's. In our data, incompatibility makes the relationship between deposit account pricing and own ATM's more positive, and makes the relationship between deposit account pricing and competitors ATM's more negative. The level effect on prices is positive. The pattern of results is more pronounced in high population density markets, where customers may care more about ATM's.
OPTIMAL MERGER POLICY: ENFORCEMENT VS. DETERRENCE*
Authors: SØRGARD LARS
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this article is to investigate the optimal merger policy in the presence of deterrence as of well as of type I and type II errors. We consider the optimal number of merger investigations, both when the competition authorities commit to a particular activity level and when they do not commit. If they commit, it is shown that the low quality of final decisions may lead to the deterrence of mergers that would have been welfare improving. On the other hand, when potential mergers with the largest negative impact on welfare are deterred, we find that the merger investigations themselves might have a negative impact on welfare (enforcement effect). It is shown that the absence of commitment can lead to a less active merger policy and lower welfare than what is the case if the authority did commit to a certain level of activity. The results have important implications for how one should interpret the empirical studies of the effects of merger enforcement.
CARTEL DAMAGES CLAIMS AND THE PASSING‐ON DEFENSE*
Authors: VERBOVEN FRANK , DIJK THEON van
Published: August 2009

We develop a general framework for computing cartel damages claims. We decompose a direct purchaser plaintiff's lost profits in three parts: the price overcharge, the pass‐on effect and the output effect. The output effect is usually neglected: it is the lost business resulting from passing on the price overcharge. To evaluate the relative importance of the three effects, we introduce various models of imperfect competition for the plaintiff's industry. We show that the passing‐on defense generally remains justified after accounting for the output effect, provided that the cartel affects a sufficient number of firms. We derive exact discounts to the price overcharge, and illustrate how to compute these in the European vitamin cartel. We finally extend our framework to measure the cartel's total harm, i.e., the total damages to direct purchasers and their consumers.
Earnings Management to Exceed the Threshold: A Comparative Analysis of Consolidated and Parent‐only Earnings*
Authors: Shuto Akinobu
Published: August 2009

This paper examines whether consolidated earnings are managed to a greater extent than parent‐only earnings or vice versa in an attempt to exceed the threshold in Japanese firms. The analysis reveals that earnings management to avoid earnings decreases is more pronounced in parent‐only earnings for the period 1980–1999. Further, it reveals that the management of parent‐only earnings has been less pervasive following the introduction of the new consolidated reporting system in March 2000. In addition, this paper provides evidence suggesting that earnings management in consolidated earnings increased after March 2000. These results indicate that the new consolidated reporting system and principles might affect the earnings management behaviors of Japanese firm managers.
Where Corporate Governance and Financial Analysts Affect Valuation
Authors: Barniv Ran R. , Bao Yan
Published: August 2009

We examine whether corporate governance and financial analysts affect accounting‐based valuation models for B and H shares traded by foreign investors in China and Hong Kong, respectively. We expect that better corporate governance and more effective analyst activity mitigate potential adverse effects on accounting valuation models generated by country‐specific problems in accounting, auditing, and legal systems. We find that valuation models perform better for companies with a greater analyst following, smaller forecast errors, relatively high public ownership and a strong board structure. Valuation models and accounting numbers have only limited explanatory power and valuation role for companies with weak governance and less effective analyst performance. The findings are robust across various market value, return, unexpected return, and other accounting valuation models. The results are consistent with less informed foreign investor clienteles searching for signals of more effective analyst activity and better corporate governance mechanisms.
Equity‐Liabilities Distinction: The case for Co‐operatives*
Authors: López‐Espinosa Germán , Maddocks John , Polo‐Garrido Fernando
Published: August 2009

Members' shares in co‐operative entities are financial instruments with particular characteristics. In this paper we analyse the relation between firm leverage and systematic risk to provide empirical evidence on the economic substance of the member shares of members of cooperatives. We have studied the characteristics of members' shares in six European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom. We have also conducted tests on co‐operatives of these countries over the period 1993–2005. The study reports that in global terms the economic substance of the redeemable part of equity in co‐operatives is not the same across countries. Therefore if accounting standards setters want to develop a global standard for co‐operatives, a recommendation derived from this study would be to follow a probabilistic model to classify the redeemable part of co‐operative financial instruments, where the entity does not have the unconditional right to refuse the redemption, or to report this part as an intermediate item with characteristics of debt and equity.
Fiscal Reliance on Tariff Revenues: In Search of a Political Economy Explanation?
Authors: Adam Antonis
Published: August 2009

One “stylized fact” about trade policy is that trade taxes as a proportion of total tax revenue are inversely related to a country's economic development, as in countries with poor administrative capabilities trade taxes represent the easiest way for governments to raise revenue (Administrative Capabilities Hypothesis). In this paper we develop an alternative explanation based on political economy considerations: using data from 64 developing countries from 1982 until 1997 we find that the Administrative Capabilities Hypothesis must be complemented with a political economy explanation in order to be able to provide a better account of the relevant empirical evidence.
Low‐paid women: the impact of regulatory change in Australia
Authors: Baird Marian , Cooper Rae , Ellem Bradon
Published: August 2009

How is low‐paid work experienced and understood by women at a time of marked regulatory change? Using a qualitative methodology, we examine women's experiences under Work Choices to assess the impact of the new laws. As in other neoliberal environments, we find that labour standards can have marked effects on low‐paid workers; that heightened managerial prerogative leads to fear and insecurity; and that, in spite of all this, low‐paid women have significant pride in their work. Furthermore, the results of regulatory change go beyond the workplace to affect women as carers, citizens and community members.