bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality matters: resource quality for hosts and the timing of epidemics
Authors: Hall Spencer R. , Knight Christine J. , Becker Claes R. , Duffy Meghan A. , Tessier Alan J. , Cáceres Carla E.
Published: November 2008

Epidemiologists increasingly realize that species interactions (e.g. selective predation) can determine when epidemics start and end. We hypothesize here that resource quality can also strongly influence disease dynamics: epidemics can be inhibited when resource quality for hosts is too poor and too good. In three lakes, resource quality for the zooplankton host (Daphnia dentifera) was poor when fungal epidemics (Metschnikowia bicuspidata) commenced and increased as epidemics waned. Experiments using variation in algal food showed that resource quality had conflicting effects on underlying epidemiology: high‐quality food induced large production of infective propagules (spores) and high birth rate but also reduced transmission. A model then illustrated how these underlying correlations can inhibit the start of epidemics (when spore production/birth rate are too low) but also catalyse their end (when transmission becomes too low). This resource quality mechanism is likely to interface with other ones controlling disease dynamics and warrants closer evaluation.
The high prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in refractory focal epilepsy is related to recurrent seizures
Authors: Liimatainen S. , Peltola M. , Fallah M. , Kharazmi E. , Haapala A.‐M. , Peltola J.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Previous studies have shown the association between antiphospholipid antibodies with epilepsy but there are no studies addressing the effect of seizure frequency, duration of epilepsy, epilepsy type and aetiology on the prevalence of these antibodies in well‐evaluated refractory epilepsy.

Methods:  Anticardiolipin, anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I and antinuclear antibody levels were measured in 105 well‐evaluated patients with refractory focal epilepsy. Clinical determinants included the patient history, electroclinical classification and high resolution brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:  Patients with seizures during the month prior to sampling (recent seizures) had increased prevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G class anticardiolipin antibodies (29%) compared with healthy controls [13%; age‐adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–7.34] and patients with no recent seizures (11%; age‐adjusted OR: 4.00, CI: 0.84–19.02). The patients with recent seizures had increased prevalence of moderate positive IgG class anticardiolipin antibodies (12%) compared with the controls (4%) and the patients with no recent seizures (0%; age‐adjusted OR: 4.45, CI: 1.14–17.36). The prevalence of IgG class anticardiolipin antibodies was not associated with epilepsy type, duration or aetiology.

Conclusion:  The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is associated with recurrent seizures in patients with refractory focal epilepsy. The measurement of these antibodies may be useful in evaluating the outcome of epilepsy.
KIERKEGAARD, INDIRECT COMMUNICATION, AND AMBIGUITY
Authors: TURNBULL JAMIE
Published: November 2008

Notoriously, Kierkegaard claims his project to be one of indirect communication. This paper considers the idea that Kierkegaard's distinction between direct and indirect communication is to be accounted for in terms of ambiguity. I begin by outlining the different claims Kierkegaard makes about his method, before examining the textual evidence for attributing such a distinction to him. I then turn to the work of Edward Mooney, who claims that the distinction between direct and indirect communication is to be drawn in just this way. I argue that Mooney misinterprets the type of ambiguity Kierkegaard holds to be involved in indirect communication, and consequently ends up with an unsatisfactory account of Kierkegaard's method. Finally I seek to cast doubt on the very idea that ambiguity might do justice to the claims Kierkegaard makes about his project, and suggest that what is required to do so is a theological interpretation of his work.
An Examination of the Relationship Between Absorptive Capacity and Organizational Learning, and a Proposed Integration
Authors: Sun Peter Y.T. , Anderson Marc H.
Published: November 2008

Since its inception, the concept of absorptive capacity has been closely linked with notions of organizational learning. Yet the precise nature of the relationship between these two concepts has never been established. This relationship is examined in a variety of ways, and it is suggested that the literature on these two concepts shares a conceptual affinity which needs to be delineated. It is suggested that absorptive capacity (a dynamic capability) is a concrete example of organizational learning that concerns an organization's relationship with new external knowledge. Using the 4I Model for organizational learning (Crossan, M.M., Lane, H.W. and White, R.E. (1999). An organizational learning framework: from intuition to institution.Academy of Management Review, 24, 522–537) and Zahra and George's conceptualization of absorptive capacity (Zahra, S.A. and George, G. (2002). Absorptive capacity: a review, reconceptualization, and extension.Academy of Management Review, 27, 185–203), this paper proposes an integration of the two concepts.
The roles of microRNA in cancer and apoptosis
Authors: Lynam‐Lennon Niamh , Maher Stephen G. , Reynolds John V.
Published: November 2008

microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved, non‐protein‐coding RNAs that function to regulate gene expression. In mammals this regulation is primarily carried out by repression of translation. miRNAs play important roles in homeostatic processes such as development, cell proliferation and cell death. Recently the dysregulation of miRNAs has been linked to cancer initiation and progression, indicating that miRNAs may play roles as tumour suppressor genes or oncogenes. The role of miRNAs in apoptosis is not fully understood, however, evidence is mounting that miRNAs are important in this process. The dysregulation of miRNAs involved in apoptosis may provide a mechanism for cancer development and resistance to cancer therapy. This review examines the biosynthesis of miRNA, the mechanisms of miRNA target regulation and the involvement of miRNAs in the initiation and progression of human cancer. It will include miRNAs involved in apoptosis, specifically those miRNAs involved in the regulation of apoptotic pathways and tumour suppressor/oncogene networks. It will also consider emerging evidence supporting a role for miRNAs in modulating sensitivity to anti‐cancer therapy.
Dopamine auto‐oxidation aggravates non‐apoptotic cell death induced by over‐expression of human A53T mutant alpha‐synuclein in dopaminergic PC12 cells
Authors: Zhou Zhi Dong , Kerk Sze Yen , Xiong Gao Gao , Lim Tit Meng
Published: November 2008

In this study, we demonstrated that transient transfection and over‐expression of human mutant A53T alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) could induce expression level‐ and time‐dependent, non‐apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells, while wild‐type and mutant A30P α‐syn could not. The non‐apoptotic cell death induced by over‐expression of A53T α‐syn in PC12 cells was found to be dopamine (DA) related. It could be alleviated by nerve growth factor but not by chemicals that abrogate endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, PC12 cell death could be alleviated by N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) as well as by l‐cysteine; but not by cell permeable tyrosinase inhibitors. NAC could prevent DA auto‐oxidation and tyrosinase‐catalyzed DA oxidation, whereas l‐cysteine could potently abrogate DA auto‐oxidation but could not prevent tyrosinase‐catalyzed DA oxidation. Both NAC and l‐cysteine could increase the reduced and total GSH levels, and concurrently decrease the oxidized GSH level in PC12 cells. On the other hand, over‐expression of human mutant A53T α‐syn could decrease the reduced and total GSH levels, and increase the oxidized GSH level in the cells. Taken together, we concluded that auto‐oxidation of endogenous DA aggravates non‐apoptotic cell death induced by over‐expression of human mutant A53T α‐syn in PC12 cells.
Assessment of Carotid Compliance Using Real Time Vascular Ultrasound Image Analysis in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Kiotsekoglou Anatoli , Moggridge James C. , Kapetanakis Venedictos , Newey Valentine R. , Kourliouros Antonios , Mullen Michael J. , Kaski Juan C. , Nassiri Dariush K. , Camm John , Sutherland George R. , Child Anne H.
Published: November 2008

Background: Fibrillin‐1 deficiency, dysregulated cytokine transforming growth factor‐β, and increased collagen deposition related to fibrillin‐1 gene mutations could predispose to impaired carotid compliance (CC) in Marfan syndrome (MFS). We sought to detect any alterations in CC using the vascular image analysis system (VIA). Methods and Results: Thirty‐two MFS patients, 20 men and 12 women (mean age 34.2 ± 12.05 years), and 29 controls matched for age, sex, and body surface area (BSA) were recruited. The entire length of each carotid system was initially scanned longitudinally using a 14 MHz linear transducer. Then, a stereotactic clamp held the transducer in contact with the carotid artery. Arterial diameter changes during the cardiac cycle were recorded for 1 minute from both right (RCCA) and left common carotid arteries (LCCA) separately using the VIA system. RCCA and LCCA compliance and distensibility measurements were significantly reduced in MFS patients when compared to controls, P < 0.05. RCCA and LCCA intima‐media thickness did not differ between patients and controls, P > 0.05. MFS diagnosis and age were associated with reduced CC in both carotid arteries after adjusting for variables such as, sex, BSA, heart rate, beta‐blockade, intima‐media thickness, and aortic root size. Conclusions: Our findings showed a reduction in CC in adult patients with MFS. This could be attributed to fibrillin‐1 deficiency resulting in structural abnormalities in the carotid arterial wall.
A comparison of methods of aesthetic assessment in root coverage procedures
Authors: Kerner Stéphane , Katsahian Sandrine , Sarfati Alexandre , Korngold Stéphane , Jakmakjian Sébastien , Tavernier Bruno , Valet Fabien , Bouchard Philippe
Published: November 2008

Aim: To evaluate the reliability of professional qualitative scoring methods used in evaluating aesthetic results after root coverage therapy and to evaluate the relationship between subjective and objective measurements.

Material and Methods: A review panel of seven professional and non‐professional, trained and untrained observers used photographic records to assess the overall cosmetic results of 162 root coverage surgical procedures in 133 patients (mean follow‐up 17.51±17.37 months). Two different methods were used. In the before–after panel scoring system, observers evaluated the difference between preoperative and postoperative views, whereas in the random panel scoring system, observers rated each photograph independently.

Results: For both methods, intrarater agreement ranged from substantial to almost perfect for the periodontists. The best interrater agreement was found for trained periodontists using the five‐point ordinal scale of the before–after panel scoring system (κ=0.68). Neither root coverage percentage nor gingival augmentation was correlated to cosmetic assessment.

Conclusions: The before–after scoring system is an acceptable and reliable method for professional cosmetic assessment of root coverage therapy. The overall cosmetic evaluation does not appear to be related to the percentage of root coverage.
Historical distribution and regional dynamics of twoBrassicaspecies
Authors: Wichmann Matthias C. , Alexander Matt J. , Hails Rosie S. , Bullock James M.
Published: November 2008

Plants often show a patchy distribution. This can be related to the discontinuous distribution of environmental variables that define suitable habitat. Metapopulation theory suggests that additional patchiness may be caused by the dynamics of local extinctions and recolonisations. However, the contribution of these two mechanisms to explaining the observed patterns, and thus the applicability of metapopulation theory to plants remains controversial partly because population turnover may occur at long time‐scales not usually covered by ecological studies. We analyzed the role of environmental variation and population turnover in determining the distribution of twoBrassicaspecies, an annual and a perennial, along 44 km of coastline in Dorset, UK. Mapped occurrence and abundance of both species in recent years was compared with distributions from a 70 yr‐old dataset and a survey of present‐day environmental parameters. Abiotic and vegetation parameters were correlated with the occurrence of both species in binary logistic regression models and explained spatial auto‐correlation in theBrassicadistributions. These regression models suggest that neither species is occupying all potential habitat in the region studied. The relationship between historical and present distributions differed between the species. While an historical signal was very weak in the annualB. nigra,it had a large influence in predicting the present distribution of the perennialB. oleracea. This suggests local extinction and colonisation events forB. nigraover the 70 yr period, but not forB. oleraceawhich showed little evidence of population turnover. Our results demonstrate that the consideration of large time‐scales can reveal patterns of regional dynamics. We conclude that metapopulation dynamics might be possible for our annual but can be ruled out for our perennial study species over the past 70 yr. We argue that beyond this time‐scale possible metapopulation dynamics may be overridden by faster processes of environmental change.
Invasion success and threat status: two sides of a different coin?
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Jeschke Jonathan M.
Published: November 2008

The characteristics possessed by invasive species have been suggested to be the reverse of those possessed by species threatened with extinction, such that relationships of species’ traits to invasion success should be opposite in sign to relationships of the same traits to extinction threat. A recent study (Jeschke, J. M. and Strayer, D. L. 2008. Are threat status and invasion success two sides of the same coin? – Ecography 31: 124–130) found no evidence for this “two‐sides‐of‐the‐same‐coin” hypothesis but compared characteristics of species in each taxon that were invasive to a control group consisting of all other species. A different view of the “two‐sides‐of‐the‐same‐coin” hypothesis may be obtained if the characters of invasive species are compared to those of a control group consisting of species that have not invaded despite actually being introduced. Here, we show that changing the control group for comparison with invasive species does not change the lack of support for the “two‐sides‐of‐the‐same‐coin” hypothesis but does change views about which specific traits are consistent with the hypothesis.
Indeterminacy in a forward‐looking regime switching model
Authors: Farmer Roger E. A. , Waggoner Daniel F. , Zha Tao
Published: November 2008

This paper considers the properties of Markov switching rational expectations (MSRE) models. We discuss possible solution concepts for MSRE models, distinguishing between stationary and bounded equilibria. For the case of models with one variable we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for uniqueness of a bounded equilibrium and we relate this condition to an alternative, the “generalized Taylor principle,” suggested by Davig and Leeper. We provide examples of models with multiple bounded and multiple stationary equilibria which suggest that it might be more difficult to rule out non‐fundamental equilibria in MSRE models than in the single regime case where the Taylor principle is known to guarantee local uniqueness.
Impaired oxygen kinetics in beta‐thalassaemia major patients
Authors: Vasileiadis I. , Roditis P. , Dimopoulos S. , Ladis V. , Pangalis G. , Aessopos A. , Nanas S.
Published: November 2008

Aim:  Beta‐thalassaemia major (TM) affects oxygen flow and utilization and reduces patients’ exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to assess phase I and phase II oxygen kinetics during submaximal exercise test in thalassaemics and make possible considerations about the pathophysiology of the energy‐producing mechanisms and their expected exercise limitation.

Methods:  Twelve TM patients with no clinical evidence of cardiac or respiratory disease and 10 healthy subjects performed incremental, symptom‐limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and submaximal, constant workload CPET. Oxygen uptake (Vo2), carbon dioxide output and ventilation were measured breath‐by‐breath.

Results:  Peak Vo2 was reduced in TM patients (22.3 ± 7.4 vs. 28.8 ± 4.8 mL kg−1 min−1, P < 0.05) as was anaerobic threshold (13.1 ± 2.7 vs. 17.4 ± 2.6 mL kg−1 min−1, P = 0.002). There was no difference in oxygen cost of work at peak exercise (11.7 ± 1.9 vs. 12.6 ± 1.9 mL min−1 W−1 for patients and controls respectively, P = ns). Phase I duration was similar in TM patients and controls (24.6 ± 7.3 vs. 23.3 ± 6.6 s respectively, P = ns) whereas phase II time constant in patients was significantly prolonged (42.8 ± 12.0 vs. 32.0 ± 9.8 s, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  TM patients present prolonged phase II on‐transient oxygen kinetics during submaximal, constant workload exercise, compared with healthy controls, possibly suggesting a slower rate of high energy phosphate production and utilization and reduced oxidative capacity of myocytes; the latter could also account for their significantly limited exercise tolerance.
Effects of Firocoxib and Tepoxalin on Healing in a Canine Gastric Mucosal Injury Model
Authors: Goodman L. , Torres B. , Punke J. , Reynolds L. , Speas A. , Ellis A. , Budsberg S.
Published: November 2008

Background: Little is known about the effect of dual cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase inhibition on canine gastric mucosal healing.

Objective: This study compares the effects of putative dual COX and 5‐lipoxygenase inhibition with that of COX‐2 selective inhibition on gastric mucosal lesion healing in dogs.

Animals: Six normal adult mixed‐breed research dogs.

Methods: Gastric body and pyloric lesions were induced by endoscopic biopsy. Dogs were treated with tepoxalin, firocoxib, or placebo for 7 days in a randomized 3‐way crossover study design. Healing was evaluated on days 2, 4, and 7 of treatment by endoscopic lesion scoring. Eicosanoid concentrations in plasma and at the lesion margins were determined on days 2, 4, and 7. Repeated measures analyses were performed. All hypothesis tests were 2‐sided with P < .05. Multiple comparisons were adjusted using Tukey's test.

Results: Significant treatment differences were noted in the pyloric lesion area measurements. Overall, the firocoxib group had larger lesions than the placebo (P= .0469) or tepoxalin (P= .0089) groups. Despite larger pyloric lesions in the firocoxib group, mucosal prostaglandin production did not differ significantly from placebo. In contrast, the tepoxalin group had significantly lower pyloric mucosal prostaglandin production compared with the firocoxib (P < .0001) or the placebo (P < .0001) groups but pyloric lesions were not significantly larger than those of the placebo group (P= .7829).

Conclusion: COX‐2 inhibition by firocoxib slowed wound healing by a mechanism independent of prostaglandin synthesis. Suppression of mucosal prostaglandin production by tepoxalin did not alter mucosal lesion healing compared with placebo.
Prospective Evaluation of Coagulation in Critically Ill Neonatal Foals
Authors: Bentz A.I. , Palmer J.E. , Dallap B.L. , Wilkins P.A. , Boston R.C.
Published: November 2008

Background: Coagulopathy is a potentially underrecognized complication of sepsis and septic shock in critically ill neonatal foals.

Hypothesis: Critically ill neonatal foals have abnormalities in coagulation that are associated with disease severity and outcome.

Animals: Foals <72 hours old admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods: Prospective, observational study. Blood was collected at admission, 24, and 48 hours for platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin activity and concentrations of fibrin degradation products, and fibrinogen in plasma from all foals.

Results: Sixty‐three foals were enrolled and classified as Septic Shock (12), Septic (28), and Other (23). At least 1 abnormal value was found in 18/28 (64%) samples from the Septic Shock group, 66/85 (78%) from the Septic group, and 30/59 (51%) from the Other group (P= .01). Coagulopathy (3 or more abnormal values) was present in 7/28 (25%) samples in the Septic Shock group, 14/85 (16%) samples in the Septic group, and 3/59 (5%) samples in the Other group (P= .0028). Clinically detectable bleeding occurred in 8/12 (67%) Septic Shock cases, 11/28 (39%) Septic cases, and 3/23 (13%) Other cases (P= .009). Foals in Septic Shock were 12.7 times more likely to have clinical evidence of bleeding than those in the Other group (95% CI 2.3–70, P= .004). Treatment with fluids or plasma did not have a detectable effect on coagulation values.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Coagulopathy commonly occurs in critically ill neonatal foals, especially those with sepsis and septic shock.
Genomic Analysis of the Clonal Origins of Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Mullighan Charles G. , Phillips Letha A. , Su Xiaoping , Ma Jing , Miller Christopher B. , Shurtleff Sheila A. , Downing James R.
Published: November 2008

Most children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be cured, but the prognosis is dismal for the minority of patients who relapse after treatment. To explore the genetic basis of relapse, we performed genome-wide DNA copy number analyses on matched diagnosis and relapse samples from 61 pediatric patients with ALL. The diagnosis and relapse samples typically showed different patterns of genomic copy number abnormalities (CNAs), with the CNAs acquired at relapse preferentially affecting genes implicated in cell cycle regulation and B cell development. Most relapse samples lacked some of the CNAs present at diagnosis, which suggests that the cells responsible for relapse are ancestral to the primary leukemia cells. Backtracking studies revealed that cells corresponding to the relapse clone were often present as minor subpopulations at diagnosis. These data suggest that genomic abnormalities contributing to ALL relapse are selected for during treatment, and they point to new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Spawning of Escaped Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): Hybridization of Females with Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Youngson A. F. , Webb J. H. , Thompson C. E. , Knox D.
Published: November 2008

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and F1 hybrids between Atlantic salmon and brown trout (Salmo trutta) were distinguished among juvenile salmonids sampled at emergence from rivers in western and northern Scotland. Hybrids were present in samples obtained from seven of the 16 rivers examined. Salmon fry and hybrid fry that were demonstrably the progeny of female salmon that had escaped from fish farms were identified by detecting the presence of maternal canthaxanthin, a synthetic flesh colorant, in the juveniles' pigment load. Canthaxanthin was detected in 101 (4%) of the 2350 salmon and eight (35%) of the 23 hybrids examined. The difference in the frequencies of salmon and hybrids carrying canthaxanthin was significant. Escaped female salmon hybridized with trout more frequently than did wild females.
FACTORIZED FORMULA FOR THE CROSS-SECTION OF TWO-PARTICLE SCATTERING
Authors: KUKSA V. I.
Published: November 2008

We applied the factorization method to the processes of two-particle scattering with an unstable particle in the intermediate state. It was shown, that in the framework of this method, the cross-section can be represented in the universal factorized form for an arbitrary set of particles. An exact factorization is caused by a specific structure of unstable particles propagators. Phenomenological analysis of the factorization effect is performed.
IMPROVED DYNAMIC CURRENT MODE LOGIC FOR LOW POWER APPLICATIONS
Authors: RAMAKRISHNAN S. , LAU K. T.
Published: November 2008

In this paper, a newly improved dynamic current mode logic (I-DyCML) is proposed to achieve low power dissipation. The principle used in I-DyCML is the reduction of the leakage current by turning the part of the circuit to "standby mode", when not in use, while achieving lower dynamic power during the active mode. HSpice simulations show that I-DyCML saves up to 15–30% of the total power dissipation when compared to Dynamic Current mode logic.
PROBING FOR THE COSMOLOGICAL PARAMETERS WITH PLANCK MEASUREMENT
Authors: XIA JUN-QING , LI HONG , ZHAO GONG-BO , ZHANG XINMIN
Published: November 2008

In this paper we investigate the constraints on the cosmological parameters, especially the equation of state of dynamical dark energy w DE , the inflationary parameters ns, αs and r, the total neutrino mass ∑ mν and the curvature of the universe ΩK, using the simulated data of future Planck measurement. First, we determine the cosmological parameters with the current observations, including ESSENCE (192 samples), Three-Year WMAP (WMAP3), Boomerang-2K2, CBI, VSA, ACBAR, SDSS LRG and 2dFGRS, and then we take the best-fit model as the fiducial model in the ensuing simulations. In the simulations we pay particular attention to the effects of the dynamical dark energy in the determination of the cosmological parameters. For this reason, in order to make our constraints more robust, we have added the simulated SNAP data to our simulations. Using the present data, we find that the Quintom dark energy model is mildly favored, while the ΛCDM model remains a good fit. In the framework of the dynamical dark energy model, the constraints on the inflationary parameters, ∑ mν and ΩK, become weak, compared with the constraints in the ΛCDM model. Intriguingly, we find that the inflationary models with a "blue" tilt, which are excluded about 2σ in the ΛCDM model, are well within the 2σ region with the presence of the dynamics of dark energy. The upper limits of neutrino mass are weakened by a factor of 2 (95% CL) — say, ∑ mν < 1.59 eV and ∑ mν < 1.53 eV for two forms of parametrization of the equation of state of dark energy. The flat universe is a good fit to the current data, namely |ΩK| < 0.03 (95% CL). With the simulated Planck and SNAP data, the dynamical dark energy model and the ΛCDM model might be distinguished at the 4σ confidence level. And the uncertainties of the inflationary parameters, ∑ mν and ΩK, can be reduced significantly in the framework of the dynamical dark energy model. We also constrain the rotation angle Δα, denoting the possible CPT violation, from the simulated Planck and CMBpol data and find that our results are much more stringent than the current constraint and will be used to verify the CPT symmetry with a higher precision.
CHAIN OF FIRMS' BANKRUPTCY: A MACROSCOPIC STUDY OF LINK EFFECT IN A PRODUCTION NETWORK
Authors: FUJIWARA YOSHI
Published: November 2008

A link in a supplier–customer network is usually a creditor–debtor relationship. If a firm goes into a state of financial insolvency or bankruptcy, then firms on its upstream are affected secondarily along the links. By using 10-year data from recent data on bankruptcy in Japan, we show that this "link effect" is by no means negligible in a nationwide economy. While the total debt of bankruptcy typically amounts to as much as a few percent of GDP in Japan, nearly 20% of all bankruptcies are due to the link effect. Interestingly, we find that such a link effect becomes comparable with other causes of bankruptcy, including poor performance in business (namely solo failure) with respect to the number of events, as the bankruptcy is larger. This means that the link effect grows for larger bankruptcies. Because the supplier–customer network has a heavy tail in its degree distribution, the ripple effect due to the bankruptcy chain is considerable. Since every firm is embedded in a giant network of production, this study would suggest the importance of understanding the heterogeneity in the large-scale network of suppliers and customers on a nationwide scale.
UTILIZATION OF GENERALIZED MORSE PARAMETERS FOR CONVENTIONAL MORSE FUNCTIONS USED IN MOLECULAR MECHANICS
Authors: LIM TEIK-CHENG
Published: November 2008

The greater number of parameters in the generalized Morse (GM) potential energy function, as compared with the conventional Morse (CM) potential, allows the former to be more flexible for curve fitting of experimental data. Owing to its simplicity, the CM function has been more widely adopted in molecular modeling softwares. Hence the conversion of the more accurate GM parameters into the commonly used CM parameter is useful for enhancing the latter. This paper proposes three methods for extracting the CM parameter from the GM parameters. The short-range relation was obtained by equating curvatures at the minimum well-depth, whereas the mid-range relation was obtained by equating equal energy integral from equilibrium to dissociation. The long-range relation was obtained by equating the CM parameter with the attractive index of the GM parameter.
ANAGRAM PROBLEM-SOLVING AND LEARNING IN ANTERIOR PREFRONTAL CORTEX
Authors: NIOKA SHOKO , TRACY JOSEPH I. , RAINES SHANE , BUNCE SCOTT , CHANCE BRITTON
Published: November 2008

We utilized Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to closely investigate the activation change in anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) during verbal anagram problem-solving and learning. We used a parametric design of anagram-solving with three difficulty levels and evaluated anagram skill with two sets of subjects and protocols. The first protocol was a one-time evaluation of untrained subjects (n = 10) and the second protocol evaluated subjects over 6 weeks of training (n = 6). The untrained subjects in the first protocol demonstrated blood oxygenation corresponding to neuronal activation in the aPFC in response to medium and hard difficulty levels of the stimuli, while the easy anagram task deoxygenated the aPFC bilaterally, corresponding to deactivation. Higher performers have more aPFC activation than lower performers in the medium difficulty level anagram-solving task. Six weeks of training in the second protocol showed that training reduced oxygenation in aPFC. In particular, subjects with lower baseline skill in anagram production showed a larger reduction in oxygenation where true performance gains occurred (medium difficulty) and smaller reduction where the performance gains were limited (hard anagrams).

Association of the aPFC activation with the difficulty of the complex task suggests that aPFC is a part of a circuit for execution of task performance. In addition, more use of aPFC by untrained high performers suggests that the role of the aPFC is to increase efficiency of a problem-solving task. Thus, the NIR spectroscopy showed that the aPFC is a key structure in the circuit implementing the development of anagram skill.
Insulin inhibits Na+/H+exchange in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells in situ: involvement of H2O2and tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2
Authors: Boedtkjer Ebbe , Aalkjaer Christian
Published: November 2008

Insulin signals through several intracellular pathways. Here, we tested the hypothesis that insulin modulates Na+/H+exchange (NHE) activity in vascular cells through H2O2-mediated inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 domain containing tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP-2). We measured intracellular pH (pHi) in isolated mouse mesenteric arteries using fluorescence confocal and wide-field microscopy. In the absence of CO2/HCO3−, removal of bath Na+produced endothelial acidification (ΔpHi= −0.71 ± 0.12) inhibited by cariporide. Cariporide reduced endothelial steady-state pHi(ΔpHi=−0.28 ± 0.08). Insulin and H2O2acidified endothelial cells 0.2–0.3 pH units and reduced the acidification upon Na+removal by ∼65%. Cariporide abolished the effect of insulin and H2O2. In vascular smooth muscle cells, H2O2produced intracellular acidification (ΔpHi= −0.48 ± 0.06) as did high concentrations of insulin (ΔpHi= −0.03 ± 0.01). NHE activity after an NH4+prepulse was ∼80% attenuated by H2O2and ∼40% by high insulin concentrations. H2O2had no effect on Na+-HCO3−cotransport activity. NHE1 (slc9a1) was the only plasma membrane NHE isoform detected in mouse mesenteric arteries by RT-PCR analyses. In both cell types, polyethylene glycol catalase abolished the effect of insulin on pHi. Exposure to insulin increased the intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species estimated with the fluorophore 5-(6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein. The SHP-2 selective inhibitor NSC-87877 and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor IV reduced steady-state pHiup to 0.3 pH units and inhibited NHE activity 60–80%; when applied in combination with insulin or H2O2, no further effect was obtained. We conclude that NHE contributes to pHiregulation in arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells in situ and is inhibited by insulin and H2O2. We propose that insulin signaling involves H2O2and inhibition of PTP SHP-2.
The underwater environment: cardiopulmonary, thermal, and energetic demands
Authors: Pendergast D. R. , Lundgren C. E. G.
Published: November 2008

Water covers over 75% of the earth, has a wide variety of depths and temperatures, and holds a great deal of the earth's resources. The challenges of the underwater environment are underappreciated and more short term compared with those of space travel. Immersion in water alters the cardio-endocrine-renal axis as there is an immediate translocation of blood to the heart and a slower autotransfusion of fluid from the cells to the vascular compartment. Both of these changes result in an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output. The stretch of the atrium and transient increase in blood pressure cause both endocrine and autonomic changes, which in the short term return plasma volume to control levels and decrease total peripheral resistance and thus regulate blood pressure. The reduced sympathetic nerve activity has effects on arteriolar resistance, resulting in hyperperfusion of some tissues, which for specific tissues is time dependent. The increased central blood volume results in increased pulmonary artery pressure and a decline in vital capacity. The effect of increased hydrostatic pressure due to the depth of submersion does not affect stroke volume; however, a bradycardia results in decreased cardiac output, which is further reduced during breath holding. Hydrostatic compression, however, leads to elastic loading of the chest wall and negative pressure breathing. The depth-dependent increased work of breathing leads to augmented respiratory muscle blood flow. The blood flow is increased to all lung zones with some improvement in the ventilation-perfusion relationship. The cardiac-renal responses are time dependent; however, the increased stroke volume and cardiac output are, during head-out immersion, sustained for at least hours. Changes in water temperature do not affect resting cardiac output; however, maximal cardiac output is reduced, as is peripheral blood flow, which results in reduced maximal exercise performance. In the cold, maximal cardiac output is reduced and skin and muscle are vasoconstricted, resulting in a further reduction in exercise capacity.
Discovery of the Role of Wall Shear in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Caro C.G.
Published: November 2008

The suggestion was made in the 1870s that mechanical irritation of the arterial wall is a cause of atherosclerosis, because the changes were chiefly found at points “exposed to the full stress and impact of the blood.” The mechanical damage theory persisted until well into the 20th century when, with interest increasing in multidisciplinary research, two fluid mechanical proposals were advanced for the patchy distribution of the lesions. One advocated high- and the other low-wall shear. Arterial wall shear stress levels appeared, however, insufficiently high to damage the endothelium. In contrast, examination of cadaver human arteries, combined with flow studies in models and casts of arteries, implied that the lesions occurred preferentially in regions expected to experience low-wall shear; a mechanism, involving arterial wall lipid metabolism and shear-dependent blood-wall mass transport, was suggested to account for that distribution. These proposals helped stimulate extensive investigation of arterial fluid mechanics/mass transport and vascular biology/pathology, revealing mechanisms that may explain the now widely confirmed preferred occurrence of atherosclerosis in low wall shear regions in adult human beings.
A Medication Error Prevention Survey: five years of results
Authors: Cusano Frances L , Chambers Carole R , Summach D. Lee
Published: November 2008

Background. The Alberta Cancer Board is composed of 19 cancer centers in Alberta, Canada. In 1996, the Alberta Cancer Board's Medication Error Prevention Committee developed a medication error prevention survey based on the medication error prevention policies. Since 1996, this survey has been sent annually to the pharmacy departments of the 19 cancer centers. Each year, the results are presented to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of the Alberta Cancer Board.

Objectives. The purpose of the paper was to present and analyze five years of medication error prevention survey results, thus summarizing adherence to the Alberta Cancer Board's medication error prevention policies.

Methods. Medication error prevention survey results from 2003 to 2007 were collected. For each of the five years, a medication error prevention survey was faxed to the pharmacy department at each of the 19 cancer centers of the Alberta Cancer Board. Results of the survey were tabulated by the pharmacist responsible for quality assurance.

Results. Analysis of the five years of medication error prevention survey results revealed that over 90% of the medication error prevention policies were followed within the 19 Alberta Cancer Board sites. Adherence to the policies was 490% in the tertiary sites and associate clinics. Adherence was also >90% in the community cancer centers.

Conclusions. Results from the survey indicated that the medication error prevention policies are practiced within the Alberta Cancer Board. Potential areas of improvement have been identified and will be addressed by the Medication Error Prevention Team. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 87—93.
Ethanol for cardiac ischemia: the role of protein kinase c
Authors: Churchill Eric N. , Disatnik Marie-Helene , Budas Grant R. , Mochly-Rosen Daria
Published: November 2008

The physiological effects of ethanol are dependent upon the amount and duration of consumption. Chronic excessive consumption can lead to diseases such as liver cirrhosis, and cardiac arrhythmias, while chronic moderate consumption can have therapeutic effects on the cardiovascular system. Recently, it has also been observed that acute administration of ethanol to animals prior to an ischemic event provides significant protection to the heart. This review focuses on the different modalities of chronic vs. acute ethanol consumption and discusses recent evidence for a protective effect of acute ethanol exposure and the possible use of ethanol as a therapeutic agent.
Elevated infection parameters and infection symptoms predict an acute coronary event
Authors: Pesonen Erkki , Andsberg Eva , Grubb Anders , Rautelin Hilpi , Meri Seppo , Persson Kenneth , Puolakkainen Mirja , Sarna Seppo , Öhlin Hans
Published: November 2008

Background: The etiology and significance of flu-like symptoms often appearing before myocardial infarction should be clarified.

Methods: In a case-control study of 323 matched controls and a random sample of 110 out of 351 cases the presence of infection symptoms during the preceding four weeks before admission were asked and blood samples taken.

Results: Enterovirus (EV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA titers were significantly higher in cases than in controls ( p<0.001, 0.008 and 0.046, respectively). Flu-like symptoms appeared significantly more often in patients than in controls the most common one being fatigue ( p<0.001). In controls with fatigue, EV and HSV titers showed a trend to be higher (1.50 vs 1.45 and 4.29 vs 3.73) than in controls without fatigue but only HSV titers were statistically significantly higher (3.47 vs 3.96, p = 0.02). Even CRP and amyloid A concentrations (3.49 vs 2.08, p<0.0001 and 5.70 vs 3.77 mg/l, p = 0.003, respectively) as well as C4 (0.40 vs 0.44, p = 0.02) were higher in controls with fatigue.

Conclusions: Odds ratios for a coronary event in a logistic regression model were 4.79 for fatigue and 2.72 for EV antibody levels in their fourth quartile. A linear-by-linear association test showed increasing number of single symptoms with higher EV titer quartiles ( p = 0.004).
Intergenic DNA sequences from the human X chromosome reveal high rates of global gene flow
Authors: Cox Murray P , Woerner August E , Wall Jeffrey D , Hammer Michael F
Published: November 2008

Background

Despite intensive efforts devoted to collecting human polymorphism data, little is known about the role of gene flow in the ancestry of human populations. This is partly because most analyses have applied one of two simple models of population structure, the island model or the splitting model, which make unrealistic biological assumptions.

Results

Here, we analyze 98-kb of DNA sequence from 20 independently evolving intergenic regions on the X chromosome in a sample of 90 humans from six globally diverse populations. We employ an isolation-with-migration (IM) model, which assumes that populations split and subsequently exchange migrants, to independently estimate effective population sizes and migration rates. While the maximum effective size of modern humans is estimated at ~10,000, individual populations vary substantially in size, with African populations tending to be larger (2,300–9,000) than non-African populations (300–3,300). We estimate mean rates of bidirectional gene flow at 4.8 × 10-4/generation. Bidirectional migration rates are ~5-fold higher among non-African populations (1.5 × 10-3) than among African populations (2.7 × 10-4). Interestingly, because effective sizes and migration rates are inversely related in African and non-African populations, population migration rates are similar within Africa and Eurasia (e.g., global mean Nm = 2.4).

Conclusion

We conclude that gene flow has played an important role in structuring global human populations and that migration rates should be incorporated as critical parameters in models of human demography.
A proximal conserved repeat in theXistgene is essential as a genomic element for X-inactivation in mouse
Authors: Hoki Yuko , Kimura Naomi , Kanbayashi Minako , Amakawa Yuko , Ohhata Tatsuya , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Sado Takashi
Published: November 2008

X-inactivation in female mammals is triggered by the association of non-coding Xist RNA in cis with the X chromosome. Although it has been suggested that the A-repeat located in the proximal part of the Xist RNA is required for chromosomal silencing in ES cells, its role in mouse has not yet been addressed. Here, we deleted the A-repeat in mouse and studied its effects on X-inactivation during embryogenesis. The deletion,when paternally transmitted, caused a failure of imprinted X-inactivation in the extraembryonic tissues, demonstrating the essential role of the A-repeat in X-inactivation in the mouse embryo. Unexpectedly, the failure of X-inactivation was caused by a lack of Xist RNA rather than by a defect in the silencing function of the mutated RNA, which we expected to be expressed from the mutated X. Interestingly, the normally silent paternal copy of Tsix, which is an antisense negative regulator of Xist,was ectopically activated in the preimplantation embryo. Furthermore, CpG sites in the promoter region of paternal Xist, which are essentially unmethylated in the extraembryonic tissues of the wild-type female embryo,acquire a significant level of methylation on the mutated paternal X. These findings demonstrate that the DNA sequence deleted on the mutated X, most probably the A-repeat, is essential as a genomic element for the appropriate transcriptional regulation of the Xist/Tsix loci and subsequent X-inactivation in the mouse embryo.
PUBLIC HEALTH IN EASTERN MACEDONIA
Authors: White Paul Dudley
Published: November 2008

In Macedonia a band of devoted, associated physicians fought the plagues of the nearer Orient, a splendid example of cosmopolitan coöperation. Here is the story as viewed by American eyes of a work which is fundemental in the removal of a very serious menace to the health of the world.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND WAR
Authors: Ravenel Mazÿck P.
Published: November 2008

Enthusiastically received at New Orleans this paper merits careful attention. Dr. Ravenel asserts that the young man in the army was a greater health risk than the same man in civil life. The large-roomed barrack must go, and also unpreparedness, military and civil. The woful showing of draft rejections is a form of civil unpreparedness that must be amended.
PRIVY SYMPOSIUM. I
Authors: Lumsden L. L.
Published: November 2008

So important is the sanitary privy in national and local public health that the A. P. H. A. devoted almost a full session at New Orleans to a symposium by half a dozen practical men, national authorities, who contributed each one a short, pithy story. The Journal presents here the first group, papers by Dr. Lumsden and Dr. Stiles, with others reserved for future issues.
NEW SPECIFICATIONS FOR HEALTH OFFICERS
Authors: Knowles Morris , Scharff Maurice R.
Published: November 2008

The new specifications include special training in sanitation for health officers, for which training the degree of M. D., although desirable, is not a satisfactory substitute. These authors advocate the incorporation of the principle in National, State and Municipal laws. A Sanitary Corps on this plan would be a desirable addition to the Army of the country.
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH EDUCATION—A MEANS AND AN END
Authors: Schevitz Jules
Published: November 2008

If health officers were backed in their work by business men they would no longer worry about inadequate appropriations or political interference. Business men already know the economy of health in the factory. It is the duty of industrial hygienists to furnish the missing link and educate the business man to the value of bettered public health to his factory and himself.
TRUTH IN ADVERTISING DRUG PRODUCTS
Authors: Cramp Arthur J.
Published: November 2008

Advertisements of patent medicines are not controlled by law, although the labels on the boxes and bottles are, to some extent. Statements made in patent medicine advertisements are often notoriously exaggerated. Dr. Cramp asserts that, so long as the individual can have proprietary monopoly in his product, it is hopeless to expect truth in the advertisements.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN INFANT MORTALITY IN THE UNITED STATES, 1917-1920
Authors: Crum Frederick S.
Published: November 2008

How to reduce infant mortality is one of the most pressing health problems of today. More babies saved means larger adult population. Dr. Crum establishes standards whereby to measure future improvement. His charts disclose irregularities related to season or location. They suggest means of closer study through seperation of racial statistics.
DIAGNOSIS AND DETECTION OF RODENT PLAGUE
Authors: Williams C. L.
Published: November 2008

Stories of his own observations by one who has had experience are the most valuable kind of lessons. This authority places before his readers details of the diagnosis of plague and practical laboratory methods. He outlines the essential features of technique and determination clearly and accurately and has here really a preparatory course in plague detection that it is not easy to get from books.