bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-performance inertial confinement fusion target implosions on OMEGA
Authors: Meyerhofer D.D. , McCrory R.L. , Betti R. , Boehly T.R. , Casey D.T. , Collins T.J.B. , Craxton R.S. , Delettrez J.A. , Edgell D.H. , Epstein R. , Fletcher K.A. , Frenje J.A. , Glebov Y. Yu. , Goncharov V.N. , Harding D.R. , Hu S.X. , Igumenshchev I.V. , Knauer J.P. , Li C.K. , Marozas J.A. , Marshall F.J. , McKenty P.W. , Nilson P.M. , Padalino S.P. , Petrasso R.D. , Radha P.B. , Regan S.P. , Sangster T.C. , Séguin F.H. , Seka W. , Short R.W. , Shvarts D. , Skupsky S. , Soures J.M. , Stoeckl C. , Theobald W. , Yaakobi B.
Published: April 2011

The Omega Laser Facility is used to study inertial confinement fusion (ICF) concepts. This paper describes progress in direct-drive central hot-spot (CHS) ICF, shock ignition (SI) and fast ignition (FI) since the 2008 IAEA FEC conference. CHS cryogenic deuterium–tritium (DT) target implosions on OMEGA have produced the highest DT areal densities yet measured in ICF implosions (∼300 mg cm−2). Integrated FI experiments have shown a significant increase in neutron yield caused by an appropriately timed high-intensity, high-energy laser pulse.
Rapid membrane protein topology prediction
Authors: Hennerdal Aron , Elofsson Arne
Published: April 2011

Summary: State-of-the-art methods for topology of α-helical membrane proteins are based on the use of time-consuming multiple sequence alignments obtained from PSI-BLAST or other sources. Here, we examine if it is possible to use the consensus of topology prediction methods that are based on single sequences to obtain a similar accuracy as the more accurate multiple sequence-based methods. Here, we show that TOPCONS-single performs better than any of the other topology prediction methods tested here, but ∼6% worse than the best method that is utilizing multiple sequence alignments.

Availability and Implementation: TOPCONS-single is available as a web server from http://single.topcons.net/ and is also included for local installation from the web site. In addition, consensus-based topology predictions for the entire international protein index (IPI) is available from the web server and will be updated at regular intervals.

Contact:  arne@bioinfo.se

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are avaliable at Bioinformatics online.
Persistence of host defence behaviour in the absence of avian brood parasitism
Authors: Peer Brian D. , Kuehn Michael J. , Rothstein Stephen I. , Fleischer Robert C.
Published: April 2011

The fate of host defensive behaviour in the absence of selection from brood parasitism is critical to long-term host–parasite coevolution. We investigated whether New World Bohemian waxwingsBombycilla garrulusthat are allopatric from brown-headed cowbirdMolothrus aterand common cuckooCuculus canorusparasitism have retained egg rejection behaviour. We found that egg rejection was expressed by 100 per cent of Bohemian waxwings. Our phylogeny revealed that Bohemian and Japanese waxwingsBombycilla japonicawere sister taxa, and this clade was sister to the cedar waxwingBombycilla cedrorum. In addition, there was support for a split between Old and New World Bohemian waxwings. Our molecular clock estimates suggest that egg rejection may have been retained for 2.8–3.0 Myr since New World Bohemian waxwings inherited it from their common ancestor with the rejecter cedar waxwings. These results support the ‘single trajectory’ model of host–brood parasite coevolution that once hosts evolve defences, they are retained, forcing parasites to become more specialized over time.
Discovery and initial analysis of novel viral genomes in the soybean cyst nematode
Authors: Bekal Sadia , Domier Leslie L. , Niblack Terry L. , Lambert Kris N.
Published: April 2011

Nematodes are the most abundant multicellular animals on earth, yet little is known about their natural viral pathogens. To date, only two nematode virus genomes have been reported. Consequently, nematode viruses have been overlooked as important biotic factors in the study of nematode ecology. Here, we show that one plant parasitic nematode species, Heterodera glycines, the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), harbours four different RNA viruses. The nematode virus genomes were discovered in the SCN transcriptome after high-throughput sequencing and assembly. All four viruses have negative-sense RNA genomes, and are distantly related to nyaviruses and bornaviruses, rhabdoviruses, bunyaviruses and tenuiviruses. Some members of these families replicate in and are vectored by insects, and can cause significant diseases in animals and plants. The novel viral sequences were detected in both eggs and the second juvenile stage of SCN, suggesting that these viruses are transmitted vertically. While there was no evidence of integration of viral sequences into the nematode genome, we indeed detected transcripts from these viruses by using quantitative PCR. These data are the first finding of virus genomes in parasitic nematodes. This discovery highlights the need for further exploration for nematode viruses in all tropic groups of these diverse and abundant animals, to determine how the presence of these viruses affects the fitness of the nematode, strategies of viral transmission and mechanisms of viral pathogenesis.
Inhibition of the Epstein–Barr virus lytic cycle by protoapigenone
Authors: Tung Chao-Ping , Chang Fang-Rong , Wu Yang-Chang , Chuang Da-Wei , Hunyadi Attila , Liu Shih-Tung
Published: April 2011

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) expresses two transcription factors, Rta and Zta, during the immediate–early stage of the lytic cycle to activate the transcription of early and late genes. This study finds that 0.31 mM protoapigenone fromThelypteris torresiana(Gaud.) inhibits the expression of EBV lytic proteins, including Rta, Zta, EA-D and VCA, in P3HR1 cells after lytic induction with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and sodium butyrate. The lack of expression of EBV lytic proteins after protoapigenone treatment is attributed to the inhibition of the transactivation function of Zta because protoapigenone reduces the transactivation activity of Zta and Gal4–Zta, which contains the transactivation domain of Zta fused with Gal4. In contrast, protoapigenone does not affect the ability of Rta to activate a promoter that contains an Rta-response element, showing that the inhibition is unrelated to Rta. Furthermore, in a lactate dehydrogenase assay, protoapigenone is not toxic to P3HR1 cells at the concentrations that inhibit the function of Zta, showing that protoapigenone is valuable for studying the function of Zta and preventing EBV lytic proliferation.
Eosinophilic inflammation: life, death and apoptosis
Authors: Rosenberg H. F.
Published: April 2011

Cite this as: H. F. Rosenberg, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 612–614.
Re‐defining food allergy phenotypes and management paradigm: is it time for individualized egg allergy management?
Authors: Leonard S. A. , Nowak‐Węgrzyn A.
Published: April 2011

Cite this as: S. A. Leonard and A. Nowak‐Węgrzyn, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 609–611.
Utility of inhaled allergen challenge in clinical diagnosis and management of asthma: What never? Well, hardly ever!
Authors: Robinson D. S.
Published: April 2011

Cite this as: D. S. Robinson, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 606–608.
Restaurant staff's knowledge of anaphylaxis and dietary care of people with allergies
Authors: Bailey S. , Albardiaz R. , Frew A. J. , Smith H.
Published: April 2011

Background
Deaths caused by food‐induced anaphylactic reactions are increasing, with most caused by food purchased outside the home. Primary prevention by allergen avoidance is desirable, but is easier in the home than when eating out, where the responsibility is shared with restaurant staff.

Objective
To investigate restaurant staff's knowledge about food allergies.

Method
A structured telephone questionnaire was administered to a member of staff at 90 table‐service restaurants in Brighton.

Results
Fifty‐six percent (90/162) restaurants that were contacted agreed to participate. Responders included seven owners, 48 managers, 20 waiters and 15 chefs. Ninety per cent (81/90) reported food hygiene training; 33% (30/90) reported specific food allergy training. Fifty‐six percent (50/90) could name three or more food allergens. Eighty‐one percent reported confidence (very or somewhat) in providing a safe meal to a food‐allergic customer. Answers to true–false questions indicated some frequent misunderstandings: 38% believed an individual experiencing a reaction should drink water to dilute the allergen; 23% thought consuming a small amount of an allergen is safe; 21% reported allergen removal from a finished meal would render it safe; 16% agreed cooking food prevents it causing allergy and 12% were unaware allergy could cause death. Forty‐eight percent expressed interest in further training on food allergy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Despite a high confidence level, there are obvious gaps in restaurant staff's knowledge of allergy. Food‐allergic patients need to be aware of this and adapt their behaviour accordingly. Our data challenge the impact of current food allergy training practice for restaurant staff, and support the need for more rigorous and accessible training.

Cite this as: S. Bailey, R. Albardiaz, A. J. Frew and H. Smith, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 713–717.
The utility of contemporary and historical estimates of dispersal in determining response to habitat fragmentation in a tropical forest‐dependent bird community
Authors: BOWIE RAURI C. K.
Published: April 2011

It is often assumed that species which exhibit a greater propensity for dispersal are less susceptible to the impacts of habitat fragmentation; however, a growing body of literature suggests that such generalizations should be carefully evaluated as not all species appear to be equally sensitive to fragmentation. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Callens et al. (2011) take an innovative approach to compare contemporary estimates of dispersal from an extensive mark‐recapture and patch occupancy data set with historical estimates derived from multilocus population genetic models for seven sympatric forest‐dependent species in the Taita Hills, Africa. As has been observed for forest‐dependent species from the Amazon, populations of sedentary species were more strongly differentiated and clustered when compared to those of more dispersive taxa. The most intriguing result recovered though, was that the five species with similar historical estimates of gene flow (dispersal) differed substantially in their contemporary dispersal rates, suggesting that for some species the propensity for dispersal has decreased over time. As a consequence, the authors suggest that post‐fragmentation estimates of dispersal on their own may not be the best predictors of how habitat fragmentation could affect forest‐dependent animal communities. This work significantly advances our understanding of the dynamics of habitat fragmentation and makes a strong case for the need to integrate data on historical processes with contemporary data.
The genomic and physiological basis of life history variation in a butterfly metapopulation
Authors: KLEPSATEL PETER , FLATT THOMAS
Published: April 2011

Unravelling the mechanisms underlying variation in life history traits is of fundamental importance for our understanding of adaptation by natural selection. While progress has been made in mapping fitness‐related phenotypes to genotypes, mainly in a handful of model organisms, functional genomic studies of life history adaptations are still in their infancy. In particular, despite a few notable exceptions, the genomic basis of life history variation in natural populations remains poorly understood. This is especially true for the genetic underpinnings of life history phenotypes subject to diversifying selection driven by ecological dynamics in patchy environments—as opposed to adaptations involving strong directional selection owing to major environmental changes, such as latitudinal gradients, extreme climatic events or transitions from salt to freshwater. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Wheat et al. (2011) now make a significant leap forward by applying the tools of functional genomics to dispersal‐related life history variation in a butterfly metapopulation. Using a combination of microarrays, quantitative PCR and physiological measurements, the authors uncover several metabolic and endocrine factors that likely contribute to the observed life history phenotypes. By identifying molecular candidate mechanisms of fitness variation maintained by dispersal dynamics in a heterogeneous environment, they also begin to address fascinating interactions between the levels of physiology, ecology and evolution.
Methoprene and protein supplements accelerate reproductive development and improve mating success of male tephritid flies
Authors: Teal P. E. A. , Pereira R. , Segura D. F. , Haq I. , Gómez‐Simuta Y. , Robinson A. S. , Hendrichs J.
Published: April 2011

We have been studying the behavioural and physiological mechanisms associated with coordination of reproductive maturity and sex pheromone communication in male tephritid flies in order to develop methods for acceleration of reproductive maturity among sterilized males. Our studies revealed that exposure to the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene can accelerate the rate of sexual maturity in some but not all tephritid species tested. Additionally, we have determined that incorporation of protein hydrolysate into the adult diet improves sexual performance of sterile males. Coupling a diet enriched with protein hydrolysate for adult food and application of methoprene to adult males or pupae was found to advance significantly the age at which males of a number of species of flies from the genus Anastrepha and Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillet) become sexually mature and improve reproductive success of the males. These results have led to the development of a novel strategy to accelerate the reproductive development and increased competitiveness of mass‐reared fruit flies for use in the sterile insect technique by incorporating methoprene treatment and protein hydrolysate diets into protocols for fruit fly emergence and release facilities. The following reviews research conducted to develop the system and our suggestions for use in improving efficacy of mating by sterile males destined for release in programmes to control some species of tephritid flies using the sterile insect technique.
Role of pH response in Candida albicans virulence
Authors: Fonzi W. A.
Published: April 2011

Summary. Over 25 years ago it was noted that the pH of the culture medium influenced germ tube formation of Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen. This simple observation has been the stimulus for a number of investigations to discern the mechanisms controlling this response and the significance of this response to the biology of C. albicans. Recent studies have demonstrated that a signaling pathway conserved in several fungal species regulates this morphological response to ambient pH and controls the pH‐conditional expression of multiple genes. Significantly, C. albicans responds to the pH of the host niche and this response is critical for virulence.

Zusammenfassung. Bereits vor über 25 Jahren wurde beobachtet, dass der pH‐Wert des Kulturmediums die Keimschlauchbildung des opportunistischen Pilzes Candida albicans beeinflusst. Dies war der Anlass zu Studien über Kontrollmechanismen und Bedeutung dieser pH‐Abhängigkeit in der Biologie von C. albicans. Inzwischen wurde deutlich, dass in mehreren Pilzarten ein Signalweg existiert, der die morphologischen Auswirkungen des Umgebungs‐pH auf den Pilz reguliert und die pH‐abhängige Expression multipler Gene kontrolliert. Candida albicans reagiert in bedeutsamer Weise auf den pH‐Wert in der Wirtsnische, und diese Reaktion beeinflusst maßgeblich die Virulenz.
Histologische Untersuchungen bei Otomykosen*
Authors: Vennewald Irina , Schönlebe J. , Klemm E.
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. Pilzerkrankungen des Ohres werden am häufigsten als Gehörgangsmykose beschrieben. Ziel unserer Untersuchungen war die Frage nach der Art der Besiedlung im Ohr bei immunkompetenten Patienten. Von 1993 bis 2000 wurden 128 Patienten mit Verdacht auf Otomykose untersucht. 115 Patienten litten an chronischer Otitis media bei persistierender Trommelfellperforation und Ohrsekretion. 13 weitere Patienten hatten klinische Zeichen einer Otitis externa. Bei 59 Patienten wurde eine Gehörgangsmykose diagnostiziert, bei fünf auch eine Pilzinfektion des Mittelohres. Von 139 Proben wurden im Gehörgang 54‐mal, am Trommelfell fünfmal und im Mittelohr fünfmal Pilze nachgewiesen. Zu 2/3 wurden Schimmelpilze und zu 1/3 Hefen isoliert. Dabei dominierten Aspergillus niger und Candida parapsilosis. Bei Mastoiditis oder Cholesteatomverdacht wurden Proben von 15 Patienten entnommen und histologisch nach Pilzfärbung untersucht. Bei vier Patienten wurden Pilzelemente neben der Kultur auch in histologischen Präparaten vom Mittelohr nachgewiesen. Die Pilzhyphen fanden sich in den Hohlräumen des Mittelohres oder zwischen den Hornlamellen des Cholesteatoms. Im Mittelohr immunkompetenter Patienten fand sich eine chronisch‐hyperplastische (polypöse) Entzündung mit starker Sekretion, was wahrscheinlich Ansiedlung und saprophytäres Wachstum der Pilze sowohl im Mittelohr als auch im Gehörgang fördert. Invasives Pilzwachstum in das subepitheliale Bindegewebe hinein wurde nicht beobachtet.

Summary. Fungal infections of the ear are mostly described as mycoses of the auditory canal. The aim of our investigations was to find out how fungi colonize the ear in immunocompetent patients. In the years from 1993 to 2000, 128 patients suspected of having otomycosis were examined. Of these 115 patients suffered from chronic otitis media with persisting tympanum perforation and otorrhea. A further 13 patients had clinical signs of otitis externa only. In 54 out of 139 samples, fungi were found in the auditory canal, in five on the tympanic membrane, and in five in the middle ear. Two‐thirds were isolated as moulds and one‐third as yeasts. Dominating species were Aspergillus niger and Candida parapsilosis. Samples of 15 patients suspected of having mastoiditis or cholesteatoma were examined histologically. Fungal hyphae were observed in the middle ear cavity and/or between horny lamellae of cholesteatoma in 4 patients. In the middle ear of immunocompetent patients chronic‐hyperplastic (polypous) inflammation was detected with increased production of mucus, which probably promotes the colonization with pathogenic fungi as in the middle ear just like in the auditory canal.
Flucytosin — ein klassischer Kombinationspartner
Authors: Polak Annemarie
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. 5FC mit seiner guten Verträglichkeit und seinem spezifischen Wirkungsmechanismus, der in Kombination mit keinem der bekannten Antimykotika einen Antagonismus aufweist, kann der ideale Kombinationspartner sein bei den systemischen Infektionen bei schwer immunsupprimierten Patienten, die durch opportunistische Pilze der Arten Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus und Dematiacaeen verursacht sind. Eine Dreier‐Kombinationen mit 5FC plus einem Antimykotikum und einem Immunmodulator oder einer Virulenz‐beeinflussenden Substanz könnte in der Zukunft die ideale Therapie werden bei Patienten mit einem sehr geschädigten Immunsystem.
Fluconazole: optimized antifungal therapy based on pharmacokinetics
Authors: Silling G.
Published: April 2011

Summary. Fluconazole, a triazole, inhibits synthesis of ergosterol. The key enzyme of antifungal activity is C‐14‐Demethylase, which itself depends on Cytochrom‐P‐450. So drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme lead to interactions that have to be considered when dosing fluconazole. Oral bioavailability is more than 90% after a 50mg dose, peak levels are reached after 0.5–1.5 h (empty stomach) or 4 h (with nutritition). A loading dose on the first day leads to steady state levels on the second day. Because of the hydrophilic properties fluconazole penetrates very well into body fluids and tissues. With the M27 method conditions regarding susceptibility testing have been standardized and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) have been established for fluconazole. The linear relation between dose and concentration offers the possibility to treat less susceptible fungi with higher doses, but only when MICs correlate with efficacy and higher doses are tolerated as well. Prospectively randomized studies are rare. With the limited data indications as consensus recommendations are demonstrated. Data regarding high dose therapy with fluconazole in surgical or intensive care patients demonstrate efficacy and tolerability. In addition dosage has to be adjusted in case of haemofiltration or haemodialysis. At last future options for high dose fluconazole are discussed.

Zusammenfassung. Fluconazol ist ein Triazol, das die Ergosterol‐Biosynthese hemmt. Das Schlüsselenzym der antimykotischen Wirkung ist die C‐14‐Demethylase, die wiederum vom Coenzym Cytochrom‐P‐450 abhängig ist. Medikamente, die über eine Hemmung oder Induktion dieses Enzyms wirken, führen zu Interaktionen, die in der Dosierung berücksichtigt werden müssen. Die orale Bioverfügbarkeit beträgt mehr als 90% nach Einnahme von 50 mg, Spitzenspiegel werden nach 0,5–1,5 h (nüchtern) bzw 4 h (bei Nahrungsaufnahme) erreicht. Eine „loading dose” am ersten Tag führt zu „steady state” Bedingungen am 2. Tag. Aufgrund der Hydrophilie ist die Penetration in flüssige Kompartimente und Körpergewebe gut. Mit der M27‐Methode wurden die Testbedingungen zur Empfindlichkeitstestung standardisiert und minimale Hemmkonzentrationen (MIC) für Fluconazol festgelegt. Die lineare Beziehung zwischen Dosis und Serumkonzentration ermöglicht es, weniger sensible Pilze durch eine Dosiserhöhung von Fluconazol zu therapieren. Voraussetzungen dafür sind, dass die MIC mit der Wirkung korreliert und das Nebenwirkungsprofil der Substanz diese Dosissteigerung zulässt. Prospektiv randomisierte Studien zu dieser Fragestellung sind limitiert. Anhand der verfügbaren Daten sollen Indikationen und Konsensus‐Empfehlungen dargestellt werden. Die Daten zur Hochdosistherapie bei chirurgischen und Intensivpatienten sollen die Wirksamkeit und Tolerabilität aufzeigen sowie die Komplexität in der Dosierung und Therapie bei Einsatz von Nierenersatzverfahren. Abgeleitet werden soll ein Ausblick auf zukünftige Therapieoptionen.
Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? – fasting times in elective outpatient pediatric patients
Authors: Engelhardt Thomas , Wilson Graham , Horne Lesley , Weiss Markus , Schmitz Achim
Published: April 2011

Objective:  This study assessed the duration of pre‐operative fasting in children and its impact on the subjective feeling of hunger and thirst prior to elective outpatient anesthesia.

Background:  Pediatric fasting guidelines are designed to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during general anesthesia, and a fasting regimen of 6–8 h for solids, 4 h for breast milk, and 2 h for clear fluids is commonly used. Anecdotal evidence suggests that fasting times are often excessive.

Methods:  A total of 1350 consecutive healthy children aged <16 (median 7.7, range 2–16) presenting for elective dental treatment under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study. On hospital arrival, all children were asked when they last ate or drank and to rate their degree of hunger and thirst.

Results:  The median (range) fasting times were 12:05 (00:45–21:50) hours and 07:57 (00:05–20:50) hours for solids and fluids, respectively. The majority of children were very hungry or starving (756/1350 = 56%), but less than third of all children were very thirsty (361/1350 = 27%). Duration of solid food fast and severity of hunger correlated for patients fasted from before midnight (r = 0.92) but not for food after midnight. No correlation was found for fluid intake and perception of thirst.

Conclusion:  This study shows that children presenting for elective outpatient surgery are suffering from a considerable amount of pre‐operative discomfort because of excessive fasting. Strategies to guarantee minimal fasting at hospital admission are urgently needed.
Microevolution of the major common Pseudomonas aeruginosa clones C and PA14 in cystic fibrosis lungs
Authors: Cramer Nina , Klockgether Jens , Wrasman Kristie , Schmidt Mario , Davenport Colin F. , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: April 2011

Clones C and PA14 are the worldwide most abundant clonal complexes in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa population. The microevolution of clones C and PA14 was investigated in serial cystic fibrosis (CF) airway isolates collected over 20 years since the onset of colonization. Intraclonal evolution in CF lungs was resolved by genome sequencing of first, intermediate and late isolates and subsequent multimarker SNP genotyping of the whole strain panel. Mapping of sequence reads onto the P. aeruginosa PA14 reference genome unravelled an intraclonal and interclonal sequence diversity of 0.0035% and 0.68% respectively. Clone PA14 diversified into three branches in the patient's lungs, and the PA14 population acquired 15 nucleotide substitutions and a large deletion during the observation period. The clone C genome remained invariant during the first 3 years in CF lungs; however, 15 years later 947 transitions and 12 transversions were detected in a clone C mutL mutant strain. Key mutations occurred in retS, RNA polymerase, multidrug transporter, virulence and denitrification genes. Late clone C and PA14 persistors in the CF lungs were compromised in growth and cytotoxicity, but their mutation frequency was normal even in mutL mutant clades.
CORRUPTION AND INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: DINCER OGUZHAN C. , GUNALP BURAK
Published: April 2011

In this study we analyze the effects of corruption on income inequality. Our analysis advances the existing literature in three ways. First, instead of using one of the corruption indices assembled by various investment risk services, we use an objective measure of corruption: the number of public officials convicted in a state for crimes related to corruption. Second, we minimize the problems which are likely to arise because of data incomparability by examining the differences in income inequality across the United States. Finally, we exploit both time series and cross‐sectional variation in the data. We find robust evidence that an increase in corruption increases income inequality. (JEL D31, D73, I32)
Inequality, Imbalance, Instability: Reflections on a Structural Crisis
Authors: Saith Ashwani
Published: April 2011

Globalization has been accompanied by worsening inequality within core countries of global accumulation processes, as exemplified by China and the USA, where income and wealth inequalities have regained the stratospheric heights of the 1920s. In parallel, there are significantly diverging life chances for the rich and the poor. Extreme inequalities are deemed intrinsically toxic due to their potential for the subversion of regulatory and accountability institutions, the corrosion of societal norms, and the quality of democracy. The present conjuncture of crises provides credible evidence that inequality, especially extreme inequality, is not just a contextual feature or a downstream outcome issue, but a crucial upstream, causal factor in the pathology of the financial meltdown. This article introduces contributions elaborating causal pathologies connecting inequality, imbalances and instability, emphasizing the centrality of global interdependence. Beyond surviving the crisis through assorted fiscal stimuli packages of emergency resuscitation and life support, there are deeper structural policy issues to consider. The crisis briefly opened up democratic space for short‐term protective, and long‐term corrective interventions. However, this space was equally quickly shut down again, as the political and financial establishment resisted yielding permanent ground: witness the return to fiscal conservatism, the revival of the culture of bankers’ bonuses, and persisting international divisions over coordinated global action. There is an imperative to regulate rampant and dysfunctional financialization; to cooperate internationally for sustainable balanced economic growth; for an alternative politics to pull back from an inexorable slide into plutocracy, to let the people back in. Otherwise we risk lurching from one crisis episode to another, from tragedy to farce, and back again.
CHANGES IN SPATIAL PATTERNS OF THE IMMIGRANT POPULATION OF A SOUTHERN EUROPEAN METROPOLIS: THE CASE OF THE BARCELONA METROPOLITAN AREA (2001–2008)
Authors: MARTORI JOAN CARLES , APPARICIO PHILIPPE
Published: April 2011

To date, the evolution of residential segregation patterns in southern European cities has received little attention. The case of Barcelona metropolitan area (BMA) is particularly relevant following a rapid growth of immigrant population over a very short period. This empirical study seeks to see if this rapid growth has changed the spatial segregation patterns of immigrant groups and led to the emergence of ethnic enclaves. First, we calculate five indices according to the classic dimensions of residential segregation. Then, we use an adapted version of the Poulsen et al. typology in order to identify ethnic enclaves. In the period under study, there was a general increase in two dimensions: Exposure and clustering. There was a decline in evenness and concentration, and a variety of situations in terms of centralization. The evolution of the segregation indices indicates a diversity of segregation patterns: an increase of segregation according to exposure and clustering dimensions, a decline in evenness and concentration, and a variety of situations in terms of centralization. Finally, the findings confirm the presence of ethnic enclaves following seven years of growth in the immigrant population.
Downward Nominal Wage Rigidity and Gender
Authors: Anspal Sten , Järve Janno
Published: April 2011

We test whether there are gender differences in downward rigidity, using Kahn's histogram‐location method and longitudinal registry data on all formally employed persons from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. The results show that women resist pay cuts less than men. Also, in circumstances of increasing unemployment women's opposition to pay cuts decreases substantially, whereas men's attitudes towards pay cuts are not significantly affected by labour market conditions.
WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS: CHILDHOOD MORTALITY AND BURIAL PRACTICE IN LATE NEOLITHIC ATLANTIC EUROPE
Authors: WATERMAN ANNA J. , THOMAS JONATHAN T.
Published: April 2011

Towards the end of the fifth millennium BC, a new funerary tradition developed in Iberia and elsewhere in Atlantic Europe involving the use of megalithic tombs and natural or artificially constructed caves for the collective burial of the dead. Ancestor worship has been the most common theoretical framework used to explain this Neolithic burial tradition, despite demographic information which indicates that these burials house the remains of a significant percentage of children and adolescents. Using data from Late Neolithic (3500–2500 BC) tombs in south‐western Iberia as a departure point, in this paper we suggest that by reconsidering the impact that childhood mortality had upon burial and grave visitation practices in Neolithic communities, archaeologists can gain valuable phenomenological information which will allow for a more robust, multivocal interpretative approach.
REIMAGINING ROMAN PORTS AND HARBOURS: THE PORT OF ROMAN LONDON AND WATERFRONT ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: ROGERS ADAM
Published: April 2011

This paper explores some theoretically informed ways in which to use the rich evidence relating to ports, harbours and other waterfront installations in archaeology. It argues that studies of waterfront structures within the specialisms of nautical/maritime and wetland archaeology are extremely important in their own right, but they could also be used to explore broader issues connected with their use and context. These include the cultural and religious significance of water and its dangers, the symbolic significance of landscape change, the relationship between people and their environment and the negotiation of the land/water interface. Examining the evidence of the port of Roman London as a case study, this paper explores the archaeology in its local setting and addresses a number of subjects relating to both its temporal and spatial position. It focuses on the religious significance of water and the implications of altering waterscapes through artificial construction.
Violence and compassion: a bioethical insight into their cognitive bases and social manifestations
Authors: Mercadillo Roberto E. , Arias Nallely A.
Published: April 2011

This article considers the social problem of violence and the alternative of resolution through cooperation and compassion from the perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Violence is a social problem, the manifestations of which have a biological basis reflected in the development of aggression and the neural mechanisms that regulate it. Cooperation and compassion are two forms of behaviour with similar developmental, cognitive and cerebral regulatory bases to the mechanisms activated in violence, even though they result in radically different forms of behaviour. The article examines violence and compassion as two mechanisms that lead to moral action that depends on whether sociocultural contexts are adverse or favourable to human well‐being. It concludes that the neuro‐cognitive system is a flexible and adaptable mechanism that regulates behaviour directly, according to the sociocultural context in which individuals live. Against that background, the UNESCO Declarations on the culture of peace refer to concepts relating to cognition or the human mind. Cognitive neuroscience therefore provides tools for creating and changing mental concepts that could eventually enable human beings to live together in peace.
Young people, multiculturalism, and educational interventions for the development of empathy
Authors: Pagani Camilla , Robustelli Francesco
Published: April 2011

As is maintained in the Seville Statement on Violence, the role of education in shaping human relations is fundamental. In order to develop effective educational interventions aiming to foster empathic relations, some important prerequisites need to be satisfied. One of these prerequisites, which is based on a constructivist model, is constituted by the identification and analysis of the pre‐existing concepts and attitudes of those to whom interventions are directed, regarding the specific issues involved in the specific educational process. More effective positive changes can be obtained this way as they are generated from within the individuals themselves. Using this perspective, a study was conducted in Italian schools on the attitudes of young people between 9–18 years of age towards multiculturalism in contemporary society. The participants (N=350, 176 girls and 174 boys) were invited to write down anonymously their thoughts about multiculturalism. Their essays were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed. The aim was to obtain a deep understanding not only of the explicit but also of the implicit meaning of the texts and consequently also of the motivations underlying the participants' attitudes. Some of the results of this study are discussed and suggestions are made for the development of educational interventions aiming to foster young people's empathic attitudes.
Vehicle routing problems with split deliveries
Authors: Archetti C. , Speranza M. G.
Published: April 2011

This paper is a survey on the vehicle routing problems with split deliveries, a class of routing problems where each customer may be served by more than one vehicle. Starting from the most classical routing problems, we introduce the split delivery vehicle routing problem (SDVRP). We review a formulation, the main properties and exact and heuristic solution approaches for the SDVRP. Then, we present a general overview of several variants of the SDVRP and of the literature available.
Reading Philippe Desportes in Le Rencontre des muses de France et d'Italie
Authors: ESCHRICH GABRIELLA SCARLATTA
Published: April 2011

This essay focuses on Le Rencontre des muses de France et d’Italie, a text that is rarely discussed yet is crucially important in the reading and interpretation of Philippe Desportes. Through a close textual analysis of the editor's preface, and of four paired sonnets from Le Rencontre, this study shows Desportes’ poetic skills and contributions to early modern poetry, and also how he differentiated himself from his Italian sources. It argues that this volume, possibly compiled with the intention to denounce Desportes’ many Italianisms, in fact, turned out to herald his work and further his career, just as other anthologies had done for many sixteenth‐century Italian poets. Thus, this analysis enables the reader to reflect on Desportes’ imitative style and his vibrant approach to intertextuality, as well as on the importance of Le Rencontre as a significant moment in the poetry of both France and Italy.
Microeconomics After Keynes: Post Keynesian Economics and Public Policy
Authors: PRESSMAN STEVEN
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Post Keynesian economics has mainly focused on macroeconomic issues and ignored microeconomic policy issues. This paper begins to remedy this gap. It outlines the main principles of the Post Keynesian approach, distinguishes them from neoclassical economics, explains how these principles can be applied to microeconomic issues, and then draws out some policy implications that differ markedly from neoclassical theory on the issues of health care and productivity growth.
Lineages of Embeddedness: On the Antecedents and Successors of a Polanyian Concept
Authors: DALE GARETH
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Since the 1980s, much debate has revolved around Karl Polanyi's concept of the “dis/embedded economy,” generating some light and not a little heat. This paper looks at three reasons that account for part of the “heat.” It begins by tracing the sources upon which Polanyi drew. They include Karl Marx, Ferdinand Tönnies, and Max Weber, along with anthropology of the inter‐war period, and German and American Institutionalist economics. After exploring the differing ways in which these varying currents conceptualize the relationship between economy and society, I explore the different interpretations of what Polanyi means by embeddedness, and the different purposes to which contemporary economic sociologists have put the term. For some, he is held up as the originator of a line of sociological analysis that treats “the economy” as a subsystem “embedded in” a social system. In this reading the emphasis is upon the moral underpinnings of market behavior, in contrast to the naturalism of Ricardo, Malthus and their heirs. For others, his “disembedding” thesis contains a more radical tale: of the market economy coming to dominate “society,” bringing forth a sorcerer's apprentice world of untrammeled market forces that, although human creations, lie beyond conscious human control.
Ultraviolet B light–exposed human platelets mediate acute lung injury in a two‐event mouse model of transfusion
Authors: Gelderman Monique P. , Chi Xuan , Zhi Li , Vostal Jaroslav G.
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) light has been used alone on platelet (PLT) transfusion products to prevent alloimmunization or with chemical sensitizers to reduce pathogens. Such processing can damage PLTs and potentiate their storage lesion. Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (ALI) has occurred in patients whose underlying condition led to an inflamed endothelium and who were transfused with products that contained either HLA or HNA antibodies or biologic modifiers such as lipids or antigens from stored cells. Clinical trials of UV‐treated PLTs in patients with thrombocytopenia generated controversy regarding association of these cells with respiratory distress. We evaluated whether UVB PLTs could mediate ALI in an animal model of ALI.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a two‐event animal model where the sensitizing event was lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the second event was infusion of human PLTs or UVB human PLTs (2.4 J/cm2). Infused human PLTs were followed with whole animal imaging, lung histology, confocal microscopy, lung water, and changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) related to ALI.

RESULTS: In LPS‐treated mice UVB human PLTs accumulated in the lungs and were associated with ALI manifested by increased protein and white blood cells (WBCs) in BALF. Untreated human PLTs did not accumulate in the lungs or increase BALF protein or WBC counts.

CONCLUSIONS: We provide a proof of principle that UVB human PLTs can accumulate in lungs of LPS‐primed animals and mediate ALI. PLTs exposed to high doses of UVB could potentially mediate similar effects in patients predisposed with sepsis or other causes of endothelial cell inflammation.
Effectiveness and cost analysis of “just‐in‐time” salvage plerixafor administration in autologous transplant patients with poor stem cell mobilization kinetics
Authors: Li Jie , Hamilton Ellie , Vaughn Louette , Graiser Michael , Renfroe Heather , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Langston Amelia , Prichard Jefferson Mark , Anderson Darlene , Gleason Charise , Lonial Sagar , Flowers Christopher R. , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Waller Edmund K.
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: Plerixafor is a recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved CXCR4 antagonist, which is combined with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) to facilitate stem cell mobilization of lymphoma and myeloma patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To evaluate the effectiveness and the related costs of a “just‐in‐time” strategy of plerixafor administration, we performed a retrospective cohort study comparing 148 consecutive lymphoma and myeloma patients in whom mobilization was attempted during 2008 before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of plerixafor with 188 consecutive patients mobilized during 2009 after FDA approval.

RESULTS: Plerixafor was administered to 64 of 188 patients considered to be at risk for mobilization failure due to either their medical history (“high risk,” n = 23) or the occurrence of peripheral blood CD34+ count of fewer than 15 × 106 cells/L with a white blood cell count of greater than 10 × 109 cells/L after at least 5 days of G‐CSF administration (just‐in‐time, n = 41). The success rates of collecting a minimum transplant CD34+ cell dose (≥2 × 106 cells/kg) or target cell dose (≥5 × 106 lymphoma or ≥10 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg myeloma) in the just‐in‐time patients compared favorably with the 36 poor mobilizers collected with G‐CSF alone: 93% versus 72% and 42% versus 22%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of plerixafor in selected high‐risk patients and poor mobilizers did not increase the total charges associated with stem cell collection when compared with poor mobilizers treated with G‐CSF alone. The targeted use of plerixafor increased the overall success rate of mobilizing a minimum number of CD34+ cells from 93% to 98% in patients with hematologic malignancies scheduled for autotransplant and increased the overall charges associated with stem cell collection in all patients by an average of 17%.
Synthesis, Characterization, and m‐Xylene Sensing Properties of Co–ZnO Composite Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Li , Zhong Zhicheng , Wang Zhijun , Wang Lianyuan , Li Shouchun , Liu Zhen , Han Yu , Tian YunXia , Wu Peilin , Meng Xin
Published: April 2011

Co–ZnO composite nanofibers (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 wt%) are synthesized by electrospinning and calcination techniques. The fiber diameters are found to decrease by increasing the Co content in the ZnO nanofibers. The m‐xylene sensing properties of the ZnO nanofibers are effectively enhanced with appropriate Co amount. The best sensing properties are found based on the 0.4 wt% Co–ZnO composite nanofibers at 320°C. The corresponding response is up to 14.8 when the sensor is exposed to 100 ppm m‐xylene, and the response and recovery times are about 4 and 6 s, respectively. Moreover, excellent selectivity is also observed in the sensing investigation. The results make Co–ZnO composite nanofibers good candidates for fabricating high performance m‐xylene sensors.
Successful resuscitation from bupivacaine‐induced cardiovascular collapse with intravenous lipid emulsion following femoral nerve block in an emergency department
Authors: Harvey Martyn , Cave Grant , Chanwai Giles , Nicholson Tonia
Published: April 2011

We report a case of a 69‐year‐old woman with femoral neck fracture undergoing bupivacaine femoral nerve block for preoperative analgesia in an ED. Seizure and cardiovascular collapse developed immediately after instillation of local anaesthetic. Resuscitation including 20% lipid emulsion was successful in achieving normalization of haemodynamic parameters and ECG QRS duration. No adverse sequelae of lipid administration were observed. We recommend the immediate availability of lipid emulsion in emergency room settings where local anaesthetics are used.
Pneumocephalus and Brown‐Sequard syndrome caused by a stab wound to the back
Authors: Musker Paul , Musker Ginette
Published: April 2011

This report describes a case of Brown‐Sequard syndrome in a man who presented to the ED after a stabbing to the left scapula region. The incidental finding of pneumocephalus found on CT scan during workup lead to cervical MRI that revealed the spinal cord pathology associated with Brown‐Sequard syndrome.
Stercoral perforation of the rectum
Authors: Oakenful Cindy , Lambrianides Andreas L
Published: April 2011

Stercoral perforation of the rectum is an uncommon complication of chronic constipation and is therefore often not considered as a differential in patients presenting to primary health‐care facilities. Unfortunately, until awareness of this rare but potentially life‐threatening disorder is raised patients will continue to be misdiagnosed and potentially suffer from poorer outcomes. We review the literature and discuss a case of rectal perforation and its management.