bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The experience of fathers in dual‐earner families following the births of their first infants
Authors: Hall W.
Published: July 2007

This study explores the experience of fathers in dual‐earner families following the births of their first infants. The grounded theory method was used to collect, code, compare and contrast data gathered in interviews with 10 men. The fathers indicated that they viewed their return to a dual‐earner lifestyle as a process of redefining roles. Redefining roles was influenced by four basic life resources and two sets of value systems and occurred in the context of needs which were either met or unmet. The basic life resources and value systems not only influenced family members' needs, but also the two basic strategies which the men used in redefining their roles. First, the men monitored role strain and, second, they limited role strain. Each of these strategies evolved from the central concept of redefining roles. The consequences of redefining roles included effects on marital intactness, family members' health and family members' satisfaction. Redefining roles has implications for nurses who work with men in dual‐earner families. As first‐time fathers assume multiple roles and struggle with redefining their roles, nurses can offer anticipative and concurrent guidance.
The perceptions of Canadian young adults with asthma of their health teaching/ learning needs
Authors: Richardson Heather M.
Published: July 2007

Nurses maintain that they can assist individuals with chronic illness to cope with their health problems experienced in daily living through health (patient) teaching. However, several authors claim that in planning health teaching, nurses tend to rely on their perceptions of the learning needs of persons, as opposed to drawing upon the individual's understanding of their needs. Few research studies have investigated the health teaching needs of persons with chronic illness from their unique point of view. This study examined the perceived learning needs to manage the associated health problems of young adults with asthma. The University of British Columbia Model for Nursing provided an innovative and holistic means to attain perceptions in the health teaching assessment process and facilitated the development of a learning needs assessment tool. Survey methodology was used. A convenience sample of 40 young adults between the ages of 20 and 45 years was interviewed. Twenty of the sample resided in British Columbia, Canada, and 20 in Ontario, Canada. Implications of findings are discussed with regard to nursing practice.
Negotiating commitment and involvement in the nurse‐patient relationship
Authors: Morse Janice M.
Published: July 2007

The relationship that is established between the nurse and the patient is the result of interplay or covert negotiations until a mutually satisfying relationship is reached. Depending on the duration of the contact between the nurse and the patient, the needs of the patient, the commitment of the nurse and the patient's willingness to trust the nurse, one of four types of mutual relationship will emerge: a clinical relationship, a therapeutic relationship, a connected relationship or an over‐involved relationship. If the nurse is unwilling or unable to be committed to the patient, a unilateral relationship will develop, with the patient continuing to use manipulative or coercive behaviours, attempting to increase the nursing involvement in the relationship. If the patient is unwilling to trust the nurse and accept his or her illness situation, she or he will manifest ‘difficult’ behaviours, be withdrawn or elope. The changing nature of the relationship, and the conditions and consequences of each type of relationship are discussed.
Can combined oral contraceptives be made more effective by means of a nursing care model?
Authors: Lindell Marianne , BSc Henny Olsson PhD BSc
Published: July 2007

This manuscript is a theoretical attempt to show how the Neuman Systems Model can be practically used in combined oral contraceptive counselling by Swedish midwives. Counselling regarding combined oral contraceptives is not solely of a medical nature. There are many dimensions of care, namely sociological, developmental and philosophical. In 1980, the midwife in Sweden was responsible for between 70–80% of counselling in contraceptive methods. To facilitate the contraceptive counselling by the midwives, the Neuman Systems Model can be used as a theoretical aid. In the present report, the midwife's oral contraceptive counselling is described at an individual level with primary prevention. It is concluded that, from a theoretical standpoint, it is not possible to predict how the Neuman Systems Model, as a theoretical aid for the midwife, can increase the effectiveness of the birth control pill in preventing pregnancy. Research about the use of the nursing care model in oral contraceptive counselling should be carried out.
The developments and trends in relaation to men practising midwifery: a review of the literatur
Authors: McKenna Hugh P.N RGN
Published: July 2007

The literature shows that throughout history the duties and responsibilities of the female midwife have been eroded and impinged upon by better ‐educated and better‐ equipped male medical men. Although several of these early men midwiver's greatly improved midwifery practice, they tended to commandeer not only the best methods and the kudos but also the most interesting cases. The midwives of the past failed to stop the growth of obstertics, and their. contemporaries through the intercession the 1951 Midwifer Act attempted to block entry into the profession by male nurses. Prior to the mid 1970s, it was assumed by the leadership of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) that the introduction of male midwives would be unpopular not only with the expectant mothers but also with their husbands. Subsequent research demonstrated that this was not necessarily the case. Rather it was female midwives themselves who did not welcome the invasion of male practitioners into their domain, A review of the research literature suggests that the fears expressed by the RCM were unfounded and, by the late 1970s through to the Equal Opportunties Commission, the Sex Discriminnation Act and sevetral political machinations, male nurses were undertaking midwifery training.
Identification of subtilisin, Epr and Vpr as enzymes that produce CSF, an extracellular signalling peptide of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Lanigan‐Gerdes Sara , Dooley Alek N. , Faull Kym F. , Lazazzera Beth A.
Published: July 2007

Cell–cell communication regulates many important processes in bacteria. Gram‐positive bacteria use peptide signals for communication, such as the Phr pentapeptides of Bacillus subtilis. The Phr pentapeptides are secreted with a pro domain that is cleaved to produce an active signalling peptide. To identify the protease(s) involved in production of the mature Phr signalling peptides, we developed assays for detecting cleavage of one of the B. subtilis Phr pentapeptides, CSF, from the proCSF precursor. Using both a cellular and a mass spectrometric approach, we determined that a sigma‐H‐regulated, secreted, serine protease(s) cleaved proCSF to CSF. Mutants lacking the three proteases that fit these criteria, subtilisin, Epr and Vpr, had a defect in CSF production. Purified subtilisin and Vpr were shown to be capable of processing proCSF as well as at least one other Phr peptide produced by B. subtilis, PhrA, but they were not able to process the PhrE signalling peptide of B. subtilis, indicating that there are probably other unidentified proteases involved in Phr peptide production. Subtilisin, Epr and Vpr are members of the subtilisin family of proteases that are widespread in bacteria, suggesting that many bacterial species may be capable of producing Phr signalling peptides.
Muralytic activity and modular structure of the endolysins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophages φKZ and EL
Authors: Briers Yves , Volckaert Guido , Cornelissen Anneleen , Lagaert Stijn , Michiels Chris W. , Hertveldt Kirsten , Lavigne Rob
Published: July 2007

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage endolysins KZ144 (phage φKZ) and EL188 (phage EL) are highly lytic peptidoglycan hydrolases (210 000 and 390 000 units mg−1), active on a broad range of outer membrane‐permeabilized Gram‐negative species. Site‐directed mutagenesis indicates E115 (KZ144) and E155 (EL188) as their respective essential catalytic residues. Remarkably, both endolysins have a modular structure consisting of an N‐terminal substrate‐binding domain and a predicted C‐terminal catalytic module, a property previously only demonstrated in endolysins originating from phages infecting Gram‐positives and only in an inverse arrangement. Both binding domains contain conserved repeat sequences, consistent with those of some peptidoglycan hydrolases of Gram‐positive bacteria. Fusions of these domains with green fluorescent protein immediately label all outer membrane‐permeabilized Gram‐negative bacteria tested, isolated P. aeruginosa peptidoglycan and N‐acetylated Bacillus subtilis peptidoglycan, demonstrating the broad range of peptidoglycan‐binding capacity by these domains. Specifically, A1 chemotype peptidoglycan and fully N‐acetylated glucosamine units are essential for binding. Both KZ144 and EL188 appear to be a natural chimeric enzyme, originating from a recombination of a cell wall‐binding domain encoded by a Bacillus or Clostridium species and a catalytic domain of an unknown ancestor.
Participation of FLIP, RIP and Bcl‐xL in Fas‐mediated T‐cell Death
Authors: Djerbi M. , Malinowski M. M. , Yagita H. , Zhivotovsky B. , Grandien A.
Published: July 2007

Apart from the conventional Fas signalling pathway, alternative pathways including the mitochondrial caspase‐dependent and RIP‐mediated cell death routes have been proposed to operate during Fas‐mediated cell death. To evaluate the contribution of different Fas signalling pathways, mice overexpressing FLIPL, Bcl‐xL, a kinase‐deficient form of RIP (RIPΔkin) or combinations thereof were generated by retroviral gene transfer of haematopoietic stem cells. Such mice did not show overt abnormalities in haematopoietic development, defects in thymic deletion, accumulation of double‐negative T cells or signs of autoimmunity. Fas‐mediated death of mitogen‐activated T cells was caspase dependent and could be blocked by FLIPL overexpression only with the minor involvement of Bcl‐xL or RIPΔkin inhibitable pathways. Fas‐mediated death of resting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was mainly caspase dependent but could only partly be blocked by FLIPL overexpression. Both Bcl‐xL or RIPΔkin expression resulted in partial protection of CD8+ T cells against Fas‐mediated cell death. These results indicate that yet uncharacterized signalling pathways from the Fas receptor are critically involved in lymphoproliferative and autoimmune disease observed in lpr mice and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome patients.
Studies on settling, traction and entrainment of larger benthic foraminiferal tests: implications for accumulation in shallow marine sediments
Authors: YORDANOVA ELZA K. , HOHENEGGER JOHANN
Published: July 2007

Settling and traction velocities were measured on optimally preserved tests of larger foraminifera using a settling tube and flume tank. Within larger foraminifera with porcelaneous tests, the peneroplids, Peneroplis antillarum, P. planatus, P. pertusus and Dendritina cf. D. zhengae, are distinguished by low test densities (ca 1·2) that do not change with growth. Buoyancy is high because of low Reynolds numbers and increases in large individuals because of the allometric change of test shape. The fusiform Alveolinella quoyi, with test densities ca 1·6, is characterized by high Reynolds numbers, inducing the weakest buoyancy within porcelaneous larger foraminifera. The highest buoyancy was recorded for the three soritids, Parasorites orbitolitoides, Sorites orbiculus and Amphisorus hemprichii, because of their low test densities (ca 1·25) and the extremely flat, biconcave, plate‐like shape. Flat tests, however, reduce traction and entrainment from smooth surfaces. Within hyaline larger foraminiferat, the amphisteginids show thick‐lenticular (Amphistegina lobifera, A. radiata) to thin‐lenticular tests (A. bicirculata, A. papillosa), influencing buoyancy. Here, high test densities (ca 1·8) decrease with growth in A. lobifera, A. lessonii and A. bicirculata, and remain constant in A. radiata and A. papillosa. Minimum velocities required for entrainment are lower for thick‐lenticular tests and higher for thin‐lenticular tests. Test densities remain constant with growth in the calcarinid Baculogypsina sphaerulata (ρ ∼ 1·78) and decrease slightly in Calcarina gaudichaudii and Neorotalia calcar (starting at ρ ∼ 1·85), all living under extreme hydrodynamic conditions. Density decreases the most in Baculogypsinoides spinosus (starting at ρ ∼ 1·8), resulting in higher buoyancy through low Reynolds numbers. Traction is promoted in spherical tests of Baculogypsina and Baculogypsinoides. Within nummulitids, the thick‐lenticular Palaeonummulites venosus (test density decreasing with size; starting at 1·78) is less buoyant, expressed in high Reynolds numbers, but easily entrained. Thick‐lenticular juveniles and extremely flat adults distinguish Operculinella cumingii, Heterostegina depressa and the giant Cycloclypeus carpenteri. Test densities increase during growth, starting from ca 1·6 and attaining a maximum of 1·8. Buoyancy is low in small tests and high in large tests, while entrainment velocities are reduced as the tests flatten. High buoyancy is also a characteristic of the entirely flat tests in Operculina ammonoides (from deeper regions) and Planostegina operculinoides, which is expressed in the lowest Reynolds numbers within larger foraminifera.
Is increased mortality associated with post‐operative infections after leukocytes containing red blood cell transfusions in cardiac surgery? An extended analysis
Authors: Bilgin Y. M. , Van De Watering L. M. G. , Eijsman L. , Versteegh M. I. M. , Van Oers M. H. J. , Brand A.
Published: July 2007

summary In two randomized trials in cardiac surgery we observed that leukoreduced allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (LR) compared with standard buffy‐coat‐depleted RBC transfusions (BCD) resulted in lower rates of post‐operative infections and mortality. To unravel whether this comprises two independent side effects or could be related complications of allogeneic leukocytes, we performed a re‐analysis on the patients of these two trials. For all analyses, homogeneity tests were shown not to be significant. Data on characteristics of post‐operative infections, nature of microorganisms, number of transfusions and causes of death in both studies were subjected to an integrated analysis. In both studies combined, 1085 patients had been assigned to prestorage leukoreduced RBCs (LR, n= 542) or standard buffy‐coat‐depleted RBCs (BCD, n= 543). Post‐operative infections were significantly higher in the BCD group [BCD: 34·2% vs. LR: 24·0%, common odds ratios (COR): 1·65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·27–2·15], whereas the species of cultured microorganisms and the type of the infections were similar in both randomization arms. Mortality with infections was significantly higher in patients receiving BCD compared with LR (BCD: 5·5% vs. LR: 2·2%, COR: 2·59, 95% CI: 1·31–5·14), whereas mortality without infections was similar in both arms (BCD: 3·9% vs. LR: 3·1%, COR: 1·24, 95% CI: 0·65–2·38). The only cause of death that differed significantly between BCD and LR was the combination of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome with infections. This re‐analysis shows that transfusion of leukocytes containing RBCs during cardiac surgery may be associated with more infections with fatal outcome. This should be confirmed in a larger extended analysis or a prospective study.
T‐cell receptor‐γ gene analysis in evolving to advancing cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Foo Christopher CI , Tang Mark BY , Chong Tina KL , Sun Yong‐Jiang , Tan Suat‐Hoon
Published: July 2007

The diagnosis of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma is often a challenge for the dermatopathologist. Early stages can mimic inflammatory dermatoses. Our aim was to explore the applicability of a standard T‐cell receptor‐γ polymerase chain reaction in various subtypes of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. Ninety‐six biopsy specimens from 38 patients were selected. These included 72 specimens of mycosis fungoides, 12 specimens of non‐mycosis fungoides T‐cell lymphomas, and 12 specimens in which histology was non‐specific or equivocal in patients who were later diagnosed to have lymphoma. T‐cell clones were detected in 53 of 72 specimens of mycosis fungoides and eight of 12 specimens of non‐mycosis fungoides lymphomas. Of the 72 specimens of mycosis fungoides, T‐cell clones were detected in eight of 10 specimens of mycosis fungoides‐associated follicular mucinosis and pigmented purpura‐like mycosis fungoides. Four specimens from the 12 prediagnostic for cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas showed presence of T‐cell clones, identical to subsequent clones detected when lymphoma was fully established. In specimens where histology is not diagnostic and T‐cell receptor‐γ gene analysis is positive, patients should be followed up closely. T‐cell receptor‐γ gene analysis is a useful adjunct to histological diagnosis of early stage and variant types of mycosis fungoides.
Exaggerated insect bite reaction exacerbated by a pyogenic infection in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Walker Patrick , Long Dorota , James Craig , Marshman Gillian
Published: July 2007

A 69‐year‐old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia presented with an 18‐month history of pruritic, tender, erythematous plaques. The recurrent lesions simulated insect bites and cellulitis, but failed to respond to appropriate treatments. A recent severe flare was associated with markedly elevated inflammatory markers and swelling of the left leg. The swelling settled rapidly with ibuprofen, leaving cellulitis around a small ulcer infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The cellulitis responded to oral flucloxacillin. Subsequent multiple small exaggerated insect bite reaction lesions settled with oral prednisolone. Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells' syndrome) was considered unlikely based on the lack of a morphoea‐like resolution phase, histological lack of flame figures and presence of vasculitis; however, the distinction is probably artificial.
Genetic analysis of a family with hereditary glomuvenous malformations
Authors: Ostberg Anna , Moreno Gilberto , Su Tina , Trisnowati Niken , Marchuk Douglas , Murrell Dedee
Published: July 2007

Glomuvenous malformations (MIM 138000) are rare vascular malformations consisting of glomus cells, and in affected individuals, lesions may appear in any number anywhere on the body. We analysed the DNA of one family with hereditary glomuvenous malformations and identified the mutation causing the disease in the glomulin gene on chromosome 1 p22. The deletion started at base pair 157: 157delAAGAA, which is a deletion of five base pairs. This mutation has been found in Europe, the USA and Australia, suggesting a founder effect with common ancestry. Thus far, no second‐hit mutation for the 157delAAGAA mutation has been identified.
Signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the gallbladder with skin metastases
Authors: Krunic Aleksandar L , Chen Helen M , Lopatka Keith
Published: July 2007

Cutaneous metastasis from gallbladder cancer is extremely rare. We present a case of signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the gallbladder metastatic to the skin in a 38‐year‐old man. The skin nodules on the face, scalp and perianal area occurred approximately 1 year after the resection of the neoplasm. Skin metastases from gastrointestinal cancers are usually detected around surgical scars or on the abdominal wall, especially in the periumbilical region, and rarely present at other sites. Multiple imaging studies revealed the presence of metastatic bony involvement in the spine and left orbit. Visceral metastases have not been demonstrated in our patient in 20 months of follow up since the initial diagnosis of gallbladder cancer was made. We also briefly discuss other primary and metastatic skin tumours with signet‐ring cell morphology.
Allergic contact cheilitis from a lipstick misdiagnosed as herpes labialis: Subsequent worsening due to Zovirax® contact allergy
Authors: Özkaya Esen , Topkarcı Zeynep , Özarmağan Güzin
Published: July 2007

A 29‐year‐old Turkish woman with allergic contact cheilitis from a lipstick was misdiagnosed as herpes labialis and subsequently worsened with the application of Zovirax® cream. Patch tests were positive to Zovirax® cream, propylene glycol, the patient's favourite lipstick and propyl gallate. No reaction was seen with Zovirax® ophthalmic ointment and Zovirax® tablet. The propylene glycol component of the Zovirax® cream and the propyl gallate component of the lipstick were regarded as the responsible contact sensitizers. The differential diagnosis was challenging due to concomitant contact sensitization with these agents.
The effects of tolterodine on bladder‐filling sensations and perception thresholds to intravesical electrical stimulation: method and initial results
Authors: Boy Sönke , Schurch Brigitte , Mehnert Ulrich , Mehring Gudrun , Karsenty Gilles , Reitz André
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects of the antimuscarinic agent tolterodine on the perception thresholds to intravesical electrical stimulation (IES) and the effects of the drug on subjective bladder sensation during normal filling cystometry in healthy female volunteers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In seven healthy women IES was applied at 2.5 Hz (pulse width 10 ms, protocol 1), 2.5 Hz (pulse width 0.2 ms, protocol 2), and 250 Hz (pulse width 0.2 ms, protocol 3). Sensory perception thresholds were obtained using electric currents in 0.5 mA steps. Afterwards the bladder was filled and the first bladder‐filling sensation, first desire to void, strong desire to void and urge to void were recorded. The bladder was then emptied, the volume measured and subjects were checked for residual urine by ultrasonography. The subjects then received 4 mg of tolterodine and the entire protocol was repeated 2 h afterward. The perception thresholds for IES and bladder sensation levels obtained at baseline were compared statistically with the corresponding values after tolterodine.

RESULTS

Tolterodine significantly increased perception thresholds to IES for all three protocols (P = 0.027, 0.018 and 0.018, respectively). The drug had no effect on the filling levels for the corresponding bladder sensation.

CONCLUSION

Oral tolterodine significantly increased the perception threshold to IES in healthy women; there was no effect on subjective bladder sensations during cystometry.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and propiverine‐controlled trial of the once‐daily antimuscarinic agent solifenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Yamaguchi Osamu , Marui Eiji , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Itoh Naoki , Yokota Takashi , Okada Hiroshi , Ishizuka Osamu , Ozono Seiichiro , Gotoh Momokazu , Sugiyama Takahide , Seki Narihito , Yoshida Masaki ,   the Japanese Solifenacin Study Group
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES

To compare solifenacin succinate (5 and 10 mg once‐daily) to placebo and propiverine hydrochloride (20 mg once‐daily), respectively, in Japanese patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicentre, 12‐week, double‐blind phase III trial randomized men and women aged ≥ 20 years with OAB to solifenacin 5 or 10 mg, propiverine 20 mg, or placebo. Changes at endpoint in number of voids/24 h, urgency, incontinence, urgency incontinence and nocturia episodes, volume voided/void, restoration of continence and quality of life (QoL) were examined.

RESULTS

Of 1593 patients randomized, 1584 were treated; at the endpoint there were greater reductions in mean (sd) voids/24 h with solifenacin 5 mg, at −1.93 (1.97), and 10 mg, at −2.19 (2.09), and propiverine 20 mg, at −1.87 (2.70), than with placebo, at −0.94 (2.29) (P < 0.001 for all). Solifenacin (5 and 10 mg) was superior to placebo, and no worse than propiverine 20 mg, for this variable. There were significantly fewer mean (sd) urgency, incontinence and urgency incontinence episodes with solifenacin and propiverine than with placebo, with respective changes on placebo of − 1.28 (2.90), − 0.72 (1.95) and − 0.69 (2.00); solifenacin 5 mg, − 2.41 (2.88), −1.59 (2.12) and −1.45 (1.89) (P < 0.001 for all), and 10 mg, −2.78 (2.82), − 1.60 (1.81) and − 1.52 (1.77) (P < 0.001 for all), and propiverine 20 mg, −2.30 (3.08), −1.25 (2.79) and − 1.19 (2.20) (P < 0.001, = 0.002 and = 0.002 respectively). All active treatments vs placebo improved the volume voided (P < 0.001 for all) and QoL; solifenacin 10 mg reduced nocturia episodes (P = 0.021) and significantly improved urgency episodes (P = 0.012) and volume voided (P = 0.009) vs propiverine 20 mg, and solifenacin 5 mg caused less dry mouth (P = 0.003). Solifenacin 10 mg caused more dry mouth (P = 0.012) and occurrences of constipation (P = 0.004) than propiverine 20 mg, but discontinuation rates between both treatment groups were similar. Continence was restored at endpoint in more than half of the patients on active treatment.

CONCLUSION

Solifenacin 5 and 10 mg once daily significantly improved the symptoms of OAB compared with placebo. Solifenacin therapy at 5 mg once daily is well‐tolerated; 10 mg can be given if additional efficacy is required.
Biased Forecasting of Postdecisional Affect
Authors: Sevdalis Nick , Harvey Nigel
Published: July 2007

Although anticipated postdecisional regret is a significant contributor to people's decision-making processes, the accuracy of people's regret forecasts has yet to be assessed systematically. Here we report two studies to fill this lacuna. In Study 1, we found that subjects who made reasonably high offers overpredicted the regret that they experienced after they unexpectedly failed at a negotiation. In Study 2, we found that subjects overpredicted the rejoicing and marginally underpredicted the regret that they experienced when they received higher marks than they had expected for their course work. Systematic affective misprediction implies that people making decisions should discount the regret and rejoicing that they anticipate will be associated with potential outcomes arising from those decisions.
The Cross-Category Effect
Authors: Bernstein Michael J. , Young Steven G. , Hugenberg Kurt
Published: July 2007

Although the cross-race effect (CRE) is a well-established phenomenon, both perceptual-expertise and social-categorization models have been proposed to explain the effect. The two studies reported here investigated the extent to which categorizing other people as in-group versus out-group members is sufficient to elicit a pattern of face recognition analogous to that of the CRE, even when perceptual expertise with the stimuli is held constant. In Study 1, targets were categorized as members of real-life in-groups and out-groups (based on university affiliation), whereas in Study 2, targets were categorized into experimentally created minimal groups. In both studies, recognition performance was better for targets categorized as in-group members, despite the fact that perceptual expertise was equivalent for in-group and out-group faces. These results suggest that social-cognitive mechanisms of in-group and out-group categorization are sufficient to elicit performance differences for in-group and out-group face recognition.
Thinking of Things Unseen
Authors: Ganea Patricia A. , Shutts Kristin , Spelke Elizabeth S. , DeLoache Judy S.
Published: July 2007

One of the most distinctive characteristics of humans is the capacity to learn from what other people tell them. Often new information is provided about an entity that is not present, requiring incorporation of that information into one's mental representation of the absent object. Here we present evidence regarding the emergence of this vital ability. Nineteen- and 22-month-old infants first learned a name for a toy and later were told that the toy had undergone a change in state (it had become wet) while out of view. The 22-month-olds (but not the 19-month-olds) subsequently identified the toy solely on the basis of the property that they were told about but had never seen. Thus, before the end of their 2nd year, infants can use verbal information to update their representation of an absent object. This developmental advance inaugurates a uniquely human and immensely powerful form of learning about the world.
Ratio Abstraction by 6-Month-Old Infants
Authors: McCrink Koleen , Wynn Karen
Published: July 2007

Human infants appear to be capable of the rudimentary mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, and ordering. To determine whether infants are capable of extracting ratios, we presented 6-month-old infants with multiple examples of a single ratio. After repeated presentations of this ratio, the infants were presented with new examples of a new ratio, as well as new examples of the previously habituated ratio. Infants were able to successfully discriminate two ratios that differed by a factor of 2, but failed to detect the difference between two numerical ratios that differed by a factor of 1.5. We conclude that infants can extract a common ratio across test scenes and use this information while examining new displays. The results support an approximate magnitude-estimation system, which has also been found in animals and human adults.
Recognizing Intentions in Infant-Directed Speech
Authors: Bryant Gregory A. , Barrett H. Clark
Published: July 2007

In all languages studied to date, distinct prosodic contours characterize different intention categories of infant-directed (ID) speech. This vocal behavior likely exists universally as a species-typical trait, but little research has examined whether listeners can accurately recognize intentions in ID speech using only vocal cues, without access to semantic information. We recorded native-English-speaking mothers producing four intention categories of utterances (prohibition, approval, comfort, and attention) as both ID and adult-directed (AD) speech, and we then presented the utterances to Shuar adults (South American hunter-horticulturalists). Shuar subjects were able to reliably distinguish ID from AD speech and were able to reliably recognize the intention categories in both types of speech, although performance was significantly better with ID speech. This is the first demonstration that adult listeners in an indigenous, nonindustrialized, and nonliterate culture can accurately infer intentions from both ID speech and AD speech in a language they do not speak.
United We Vote
Authors: EGUIA JON X.
Published: July 2007

This paper studies the advantages that a coalition of agents obtain by forming a voting bloc to pool their votes and cast them all together. We identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for an agent to benefit from the formation of the voting bloc, both if the agent is a member of the bloc and if the agent is not part of the bloc. We also determine whether individual agents prefer to participate in or step out of the bloc, and we find the different optimal internal voting rules that aggregate preferences within the coalition.
Income Taxation with Labor Responses
Authors: EBERT UDO , MOYES PATRICK
Published: July 2007

When incomes are exogenously given, U. Jakobsson (Journal of Public Economics s 5 (1976), 161–168) proved that a progressive tax structure always reduces inequality. We investigate the implications for effective progression of relaxing the assumption of exogenous incomes when individuals have the same preferences but different talents. We extend the standard result and conclude that it is generally impossible to disentangle the respective contributions to inequality reduction of the tax schedule and agents' preferences. For a linear tax schedule to result in less unequally distributed incomes it is sufficient that the elasticity of labor supply be nonincreasing in exogenous income and nondecreasing in productivities. The latter condition proves to be necessary and sufficient when the tax schedule is proportional.
Strategic Complementarity in the Dynamic Private Provision of a Discrete Public Good
Authors: KESSING SEBASTIAN G.
Published: July 2007

Individual voluntary contributions to a discrete public good are shown to be strategic complements in a dynamic private provision game. This is in contrast to a public good that can take on any value in a continuum where they are strategic substitutes.
Corruption and the Provision of Public Output in a Hierarchical Asymmetric Information Relationship
Authors: DHAMI SANJIT , AL‐NOWAIHI ALI
Published: July 2007

This paper develops a principal‐agent model to explore the interaction of corruption, bribery, and political oversight of production. Under full information, an honest politician achieves the first best while a dishonest politician creates shortages and bribes. Under asymmetric information, an honest politician may create more shortages relative to a dishonest one, but the latter creates more bribes. The model identifies a tradeoff between bribery and efficiency. This helps to reconcile some conflicting results on the implications of corruption for the size of the public sector. It also provides new results on the circumstances under which an improvement in the auditing technology is beneficial. The paper identifies conditions under which corruption is welfare enhancing. However, the paper also shows that under precisely these conditions private provision, even by an unregulated monopolist, would be better than public provision.
‘Neurophobia’– attitudes of medical students and doctors in Ireland to neurological teaching
Authors: Flanagan E. , Walsh C. , Tubridy N.
Published: July 2007

(i) To determine whether neurology is the medical specialty with which Irish students and doctors have most difficulty, (ii) appraise attitudes towards how neurology is taught, and (iii) suggest ways teaching might be improved. A questionnaire on medical teaching was given to 457 medical students and junior doctors in Ireland. Perceived difficulties with neurology compared with seven other medical specialties were analysed. Other aspects of teaching were assessed including why neurology is perceived as difficult and ways teaching could be improved. Neurology was perceived as the most difficult of the eight medical specialties assessed. Participants felt they learned most at bedside tutorials with surprisingly few learning online. Neurology was perceived as difficult because of insufficient exposure to the subject, lack of teaching, and perceived complexity. Neurology teaching could be improved by increasing the number of bedside tutorials and by greater exposure to neurological patients for the students in clinical training. Medical students and doctors find neurology difficult. The teaching of neurology is reported as moderate to poor. The reasons for this are wide ranging but an emphasis on increased numbers of tutorials and greater integration of pre‐clinical neurology to clinical years would improve teaching.
Motor neuron disease associated with non‐fluent rapidly progressive aphasia: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Da Rocha A. J. , Valério B. C. O. , Buainain R. P. , Ferraz M. E. , Da Silva C. J. , Maia Jr. A. C. M. , Andrade V. P. , Lancellotti C. L. P.
Published: July 2007

The superimposed clinical features of motor neuron disease (MND) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) comprise a rare neurological overlap syndrome that represents a diagnostic challenge to neurologists. Currently, FTLD‐MND is considered a distinct entity and its clinicopathological basis has recently been reviewed. Our aim is to present a patient with MND and non‐fluent rapidly progressive aphasia with clinical, imaging and histopathological correlation, as well as a brief review of the literature. We demonstrated the selective corticospinal tract (CST) and temporal lobe involvement using T1 spin‐echo with an additional magnetization transfer contrast pulse on resonance (T1 SE/MTC) and FLAIR MR sequences in our patient, with further clinical and histopathological correlation. To the best of our knowledge, there is no description about the use of these particular MR sequences in the evaluation of FTLD‐MND patients.
Culture, consumption and choice: towards a conceptual relationship
Authors: Shaw Deirdre S. , Clarke Ian
Published: July 2007

Abstract Manufacturers and retailers are continually extending the geographical scope of their activities, and the degree of acceptance by local consumer cultures is integral to the success or failure of their operations. It is, therefore, important that cultural influences on consumption behaviour are fully conceptualized and understood. Central to this understanding is a need to address how consumers prioritize their own principles and set them against other criteria, bringing these to bear in the process of choosing particular products. This paper attempts to address the paucity of research in this respect by attempting to integrate areas of literature on culture, consumption and product choice. These relationships are explored through a simple conceptual framework, which is then used to discuss the influence of culture on one particular type of behaviour —‘ethical consumption’— the degree to which consumers prioritize their own ethical concerns when making product choices. The paper concludes by highlighting the general implications of the framework for research.
Multiple functional domains are involved in tomosyn regulation of exocytosis
Authors: Yizhar Ofer , Lipstein Noa , Gladycheva Svetlana E. , Matti Ulf , Ernst Stephen A. , Rettig Jens , Stuenkel Edward L. , Ashery Uri
Published: July 2007

Tomosyn is a cytoplasmic protein that was shown to bind to Syntaxin1 and SNAP‐25 through an R‐SNARE domain, forming a complex that is almost identical in structure to the neuronal SNARE complex. Tomosyn inhibits exocytosis in various cell types and these effects were attributed to direct competition between tomosyn’s SNARE domain and Synaptobrevin/VAMP. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of different domains of tomosyn to its activity. We show that a tomosyn mutant that lacks the entire SNARE domain is a potent inhibitor of vesicle priming, similar to the full‐length tomosyn. The SNARE domain of tomosyn failed to inhibit exocytosis, indicating that this domain is not required for the inhibition. In contrast, over‐expression of a N‐terminally truncated mutant did not lead to inhibition of exocytosis although this mutant still bound to Syntaxin. Our results indicate that tomosyn can inhibit exocytosis independently of its SNARE interaction with Syntaxin and that the integrity of the WD40‐domain is crucial for tomosyn’s inhibitory function. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the entire N‐terminal region of tomosyn, the WD40‐repeats and the linker, is required for tomosyn’s inhibitory effect.
Early release of arachidonic acid prevents an otherwise immediate formation of toxic levels of peroxynitrite in astrocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide/interferon‐γ
Authors: Palomba Letizia , Amadori Alessandra , Cantoni Orazio
Published: July 2007

Addition of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) to rat astrocytes in primary culture promotes an early release of arachidonic acid (ARA) associated with an immediate inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Preventing the release of constitutive nitric oxide (NO) is indeed critical for activation of the nuclear factor kappa B, and for the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase responsible for the formation of large amounts of NO. LPS/IFN‐γ also promotes an early release of superoxide, via activation of NADPH oxidase, but the generation of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is prevented by the different timing of superoxide (minutes) and NO (hours) formation. Upstream inhibition of the ARA‐dependent nNOS inhibitory signaling, however, caused the parallel release of superoxide and constitutive NO, thereby leading to formation of ONOO− levels triggering loss of ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential followed by the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase 3 and morphological evidence of apoptosis. Nanomolar levels of exogenous ARA prevented all these events via inhibition of early ONOO− formation. Thus, the ARA‐dependent nNOS inhibition observed in astrocytes exposed to pro‐inflammatory stimuli, as LPS/IFN‐γ, is critical for both the expression of nuclear factor kappa B‐dependent genes and for survival.
Differences in dopamine responsiveness to drugs of abuse in the nucleus accumbens shell and core of Lewis and Fischer 344 rats
Authors: Cadoni Cristina , Chiara Gaetano Di
Published: July 2007

The use of inbred rat strains provides a tool to investigate the role of genetic factors in drug abuse. Two such strains are Lewis and Fischer 344 rats. Although several biochemical and hormonal differences have been observed between Lewis and Fischer 344 strains, a systematic comparison of the effect of different drugs of abuse on dopamine (DA) transmission in the shell and core of the nucleus accumbens of these strains is lacking. We therefore investigated, by means of dual probe microdialysis, the effect of different doses of morphine (1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg), amphetamine (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) and cocaine (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) on DA transmission in the shell and in the core of nucleus accumbens. Behavior was monitored during microdialysis. In general, Lewis rats showed greater DA responsiveness in the NAc core compared to F344 rats except after 2.5 mg/kg of morphine and 20 mg/kg of cocaine. In the NAc shell, different effects were obtained depending on drug and dose: after 1.0 mg/kg of morphine no strain differences were observed, at 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg Lewis rats showed greater increase in DA in the NAc shell. Following amphetamine and cocaine challenge, Lewis rats showed greater DA increase in the shell after 0.25 mg/kg of amphetamine and 20 mg/kg of cocaine. Behavioral activation was greater in Lewis rats in response to the lowest dose of morphine (1.0 mg/kg), to the highest dose of amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) and to all doses of cocaine. These differences might be the basis for the different behavioral responses of these strains to drugs of abuse.
Induction of the reelin promoter by retinoic acid is mediated by Sp1
Authors: Chen Ying , Kundakovic Marija , Agis‐Balboa Roberto C. , Pinna Graziano , Grayson Dennis R.
Published: July 2007

We have previously described the cloning of the human reelin promoter and provided evidence that it is regulated, in part, through changes in methylation. Results from our current studies provide a more detailed analysis of this promoter and the interactions of the transcription factors Sp1 and paired box gene 6 (Pax6) with their recognition sites. The promoter was studied in NT2 cells which are a neuroprogenitor line that undergoes differentiation in vitro. We examined reelin mRNA and promoter induction following a 6‐day treatment of these cells with retinoic acid (RA). Deletion and site‐directed mutations showed functionally relevant sequences necessary for regulation. Gel‐shift assays demonstrated that the main site of action of the promoter lies within a closely packed (∼25 bp) region in which these transcription factors likely bind, possibly forming a DNA/protein complex. Based on our results, it appears likely that RA‐induces reelin expression through a critical Sp1 site that resides adjacent to the Pax6 site within this multisite enhancer region. We show that induction of the reelin promoter with RA is accompanied by higher amounts of Sp1 and Pax6 binding to this region. Finally, we show that while mutations in the Sp1 site prevent the RA‐mediated promoter induction, similar mutations in the Pax6 site do not. The data suggest that while the Pax6 site plays a role in modulating reelin expression, it is not absolutely required for induction by RA.
The role of calcium in protease‐activated receptor‐induced secretion of chemokine GRO/CINC‐1 in rat brain astrocytes
Authors: Wang Yingfei , Luo Weibo , Reiser Georg
Published: July 2007

Our recent data showed that activation of protease‐activated receptor (PAR)‐1 and PAR‐2 in rat astrocytes not only evokes calcium signaling, but also regulates the release of the chemokine growth‐regulated oncogene/cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 (GRO/CINC‐1), a counterpart of the human GRO. This chemokine provides a feedback to protect astrocytes from toxic insults. Activated PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 were strong stimuli to induce the release of GRO/CINC‐1. The effect was comparable to that induced by TNF‐α. However, the role of calcium in the PAR‐induced GRO/CINC‐1 secretion remains unknown. Here, we found that the pharmacological blockade of either calcium release from the intracellular stores, or influx from the extracellular space, increased PAR‐1‐ and PAR‐2‐induced GRO/CINC‐1 secretion. Under calcium‐free conditions, the basal mRNA level of GRO/CINC‐1 was clearly increased. Further studies revealed that the intracellular GRO/CINC‐1 protein level was slightly increased by treatment with thrombin or TRag in calcium‐free conditions. However, the amount of protein synthesized was largely reduced in the absence of extracellular calcium as compared to that under normal calcium conditions. Importantly, we found that the intracellularly formed GRO/CINC‐1 was not secreted into the cell culture supernatant under calcium‐free conditions. These data suggest a dual role of calcium. On the one side, an increase in cytosolic calcium negatively regulates PAR‐induced GRO/CINC‐1 gene expression in rat astrocytes, but on the other side, the basal level of calcium is the pre‐requisite for GRO/CINC‐1 protein synthesis and secretion.
Intraneuronal amyloid‐β plays a role in mediating the synergistic pathological effects of apoE4 and environmental stimulation
Authors: Levi Ofir , Dolev Iftach , Belinson Haim , Michaelson Daniel M.
Published: July 2007

The allele E4 of apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), which is the most prevalent genetic risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), inhibits synaptogenesis and neurogenesis and stimulates apoptosis in brains of apoE4 transgenic mice that have been exposed to an enriched environment. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that the brain activity‐dependent impairments in neuronal plasticity, induced by apoE4, are mediated via the amyloid cascade. Importantly, we found that exposure of mice transgenic for either apoE4, or the Alzheimer’s disease benign allele apoE3, to an enriched environment elevates similarly the hippocampal levels of amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) and apoE of these mice, but that the degree of aggregation and spatial distribution of Aβ in these mice are markedly affected by the apoE genotype. Accordingly, environmental stimulation triggered the formation of extracellular plaque‐like Aβ deposits and the accumulation of intra‐neuronal oligomerized Aβ specifically in brains of apoE4 mice. Further experiments revealed that hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons are particularly susceptible to apoE4 and environmental stimulation and that these neurons are specifically enriched in both oligomerized Aβ and apoE. These findings show that the impairments in neuroplasticity which are induced by apoE4 following environmental stimulation are associated with the accumulation of intraneuronal Aβ and suggest that oligomerized Aβ mediates the synergistic pathological effects of apoE4 and environmental stimulation.