bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Article Commentary: The End of the Free Market: Who wins the war between States and Corporations?
Authors: Bremmer Ian
Published: October 2010

Leaders of authoritarian governments have embraced the capitalist system not only in order to maximise economic performance in their countries but also with the aim of promoting their political goals and furthering their political dominance. This practice gave rise to the phenomenon of state capitalism. In a period of severe crisis for the global capitalist system, state capitalism challenges free-market capitalism conceptually and practically: it offers an attractive alternative to leaders of emerging economies and it distorts capitalism's efficiency, thus undermining future recovery. Free-market states need to counter this double challenge by answering the call of smart regulation while practicing the tenets of free trade and open markets that they preach.
Cachexia as a major underestimated and unmet medical need: facts and numbers
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Anker Stefan D.
Published: October 2010

Cachexia is a serious, however underestimated and underrecognised medical consequence of malignant cancer, chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, infectious diseases, and many other chronic illnesses. The prevalence of cachexia is high, ranging from 5% to 15% in CHF or COPD to 60% to 80% in advanced cancer. By population prevalence, the most frequent cachexia subtypes are in order: COPD cachexia, cardiac cachexia (in CHF), cancer cachexia, and CKD cachexia. In industrialized countries (North America, Europe, Japan), the overall prevalence of cachexia (due to any disease) is growing and currently about 1%, i.e., about nine million patients. The relative prevalence of cachexia is somewhat less in Asia, but is a growing problem there as well. In absolute terms, cachexia is, in Asia (due to the larger population), as least as big a problem as in the Western world. Cachexia is also a big medical problem in South America and Africa, but data are scarce. A consensus statement recently proposed to diagnose cachexia in chronic diseases when there is weight loss exceeding 5% within the previous 3–12 months combined with symptoms characteristic for cachexia (e.g., fatigue), loss of skeletal muscle and biochemical abnormalities (e.g., anemia or inflammation). Treatment approaches using anabolics, anti‐catabolic therapies, appetite stimulants, and nutritional interventions are under development. A more thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of cachexia development and progression is needed that likely will lead to combination therapies being developed. These efforts are greatly needed as presence of cachexia is always associated with high‐mortality and poor‐symptom status and dismal quality of life. It is thought that in cancer, more than 30% of patients die due to cachexia and more than 50% of patients with cancer die with cachexia being present. In other chronic illnesses, one can estimate that up to 30% of patients die with some degree of cachexia being present. Mortality rates of patients with cachexia range from 10% to 15% per year (COPD), to 20% to 30% per year (CHF, CKD) to 80% in cancer.
Skeletal muscle wasting in cachexia and sarcopenia: molecular pathophysiology and impact of exercise training
Authors: Lenk Karsten , Schuler Gerhard , Adams Volker
Published: October 2010

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue in the human body, and the maintenance of its mass is essential to ensure basic function as locomotion, strength and respiration. The decision to synthesize or to break down skeletal muscle proteins is regulated by a network of signaling pathways that transmit external stimuli to intracellular factors regulating gene transcription. The tightly regulated balance of muscle protein breakdown and synthesis is disturbed in several distinct myopathies, but also in two pathologies: sarcopenia and cachexia. In recent years, it became evident that in these two muscle wasting disorders specific regulating molecules are increased in expression (e.g. members of the ubiquitin–proteasome system, myostatin, apoptosis inducing factors), whereas other factors (e.g. insulin‐like growth factor 1) are down‐regulated. So far, not many treatment options to fight the muscle loss are available. One of the most promising approaches is exercise training that, due to its multifactorial effects, can act on several signaling pathways. Therefore, this review will concentrate on specific alterations discussed in the current literature that are present in the skeletal muscle of both muscle wasting disorders. In addition, we will focus on exercise training as an intervention strategy.
The effects of a high‐caloric protein‐rich oral nutritional supplement in patients with chronic heart failure and cachexia on quality of life, body composition, and inflammation markers: a randomized, double‐blind pilot study
Authors: Rozentryt Piotr , von Haehling Stephan , Lainscak Mitja , Nowak Jolanta U. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Polonski Lech , Anker Stefan D.
Published: October 2010

The prevalence of cardiac cachexia in chronic heart failure is approximately 5% to 15% and 18‐month mortality rates can reach 50%. Treatment with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and beta‐blockers may confer some benefit but no proven therapy exists. We tested the effects of an oral nutritional supplement in cachectic patients with heart failure. This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study which randomized 29 patients to a high‐caloric (600 kcal) high‐protein (20 g) oral nutritional supplement or placebo for a duration of 6 weeks in addition to the patients’ usual food intake. At baseline, 6 weeks, and 18 weeks, we measured body weight, quality of life, body composition, heart function, laboratory parameters, and exercise performance. Edema‐free body weight increased in 19 of 20 patients receiving intervention at 6 weeks and in 17 of 19 patients at 18 weeks with an average weight gain of 2.0 ± 1.7 kg (3.1 ± 2.4%, p = 0.0001) and 2.3 ± 3.1 kg (3.6 ± 4.7%, p = 0.007) at 6 and 18 weeks, respectively. Most of the weight gain was fat tissue with an absolute gain of 1.5 ± 1.7 kg (p = 0.003) and 1.6 ± 2.7 kg (p = 0.008). A significant improvement in quality of life and decrease in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α were observed (p < 0.05 for both). We demonstrated the feasibility of oral nutritional supplement in cachectic patients with heart failure and significant clinical benefit in terms of body size and body composition, laboratory parameters, and quality of life (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00654719).
Systemic zinc redistribution and dyshomeostasis in cancer cachexia
Authors: Siren Pontus M. A. , Siren Matti J.
Published: October 2010

Cachexia affects up to two thirds of all cancer patients and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. It is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with the underlying illness and characterized by loss of skeletal muscle tissue with or without loss of fat mass. Cachexia's other prominent clinical symptoms include anorexia, systemic inflammation, pediatric growth failure, and hypogonadism. The relationship between the symptoms of cancer cachexia and the underlying illness is unclear, and there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Normal Zn metabolism is often disrupted in cancer patients, but the possible effects of systemic Zn dyshomeostasis in cachexia have not been investigated. We propose that the acute phase response can mediate Zn redistribution and accumulation in skeletal muscle tissue and contribute to the activation of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway that regulates protein catabolism. This chronic redistribution deprives Zn from other tissues and organs and compromises critical physiological functions in the body. The cardinal symptoms of Zn deficiency are anorexia, systemic inflammation, growth failure in children, and hypogonadism. These symptoms also prominently characterize cancer cachexia suggesting that the role of systemic Zn dyshomeostasis in cachexia should be investigated.
How much can the vertical distribution of black carbon affect its global direct radiative forcing?
Authors: Zarzycki Colin M. , Bond Tami C.
Published: October 2010

Black carbon (BC) has an increased forcing per unit mass when it is located above reflective clouds. To explore sensitivity of forcing to aerosol vertical location, we used a column radiative transfer model to produce globally‐averaged values of normalized direct radiative forcing (NDRF) for BC over and under different types of clouds. We developed a simple column‐weighting scheme based on the mass fractions of BC that are over and under clouds in measured vertical profiles. The resulting NDRF is in good agreement with global 3‐D model estimates, supporting the column‐weighted model as a tool for exploring uncertainties due to diversity in vertical distribution. BC above low clouds accounts for about 20% of the global burden but 50% of the forcing. We estimate maximum‐minimum spread in NDRF due to modeled profiles as about 40% and uncertainty as about 25%. Because models overestimate BC in the upper troposphere compared with measurements, modeled NDRF might need to be reduced by about 15%. Redistributing BC within the lowest 4 km of the atmosphere affects modeled NDRF by only about 5% and cannot account for very high forcing estimates.
Pressure sources versus surface loads: Analyzing volcano deformation signal composition with an application to Hekla volcano, Iceland
Authors: Grapenthin Ronni , Ófeigsson Benedikt G. , Sigmundsson Freysteinn , Sturkell Erik , Hooper Andrew
Published: October 2010

The load of lava emplaced over periods of decades to centuries induces a gradual viscous response of the Earth resulting in measurable deformation. This effect should be considered in source model inversions for volcanic areas with large lava production and flow emplacement in small centralized regions. If deformation data remain uncorrected, constructive load and pressure source interference may result in an overestimate of depth and volume of a magma reservoir whereas destructive signal interference may cause these values to be underestimated. In both cases the source geometry preference could be biased. The ratio of horizontal and vertical displacements aids the identification of composite signals. We provide a method to quantify and remove the lava load deformation signals, using deformation at Hekla volcano, Iceland as an example.
Impacts of tropical ocean warming on East Asian summer climate
Authors: Yun Kyung‐Sook , Ha Kyung‐Ja , Wang Bin
Published: October 2010

The impacts of eastern Pacific (EP) and Indian Ocean (IO) warming after the late 1970s on the East Asian climate in July and August were investigated, to understand the distinct impacts of the abovementioned warming on differences in sub‐seasonal characteristics. The EP warming induced a strong Pacific‐Japan (PJ)‐like (tropics‐related meridional) pattern during July, but the IO warming preferred a Eurasian (EU)‐like wave (extratropics‐related zonal) pattern during August. The former is weaker in August and the latter in July. Additionally, the results of perpetual July and August model experiments revealed that these distinct atmospheric responses to the EP and IO warming during July and August, respectively, were caused by different mean thermal states. The difference in the mean thermal states was mainly derived from (1) a warmer ocean and cooler continent in August than in July and (2) a warmer tropics and cooler extratropics in July than in August.
Changes in upper mesospheric and lower thermospheric temperatures caused by energetic particle precipitation
Authors: Nesse Tyssøy H. , Stadsnes J. , Sørbø M. , Mertens C. J. , Evans D. S.
Published: October 2010

A statistical evaluation on the upper mesospheric and lower thermospheric temperature effects caused by energetic particle precipitation is performed on the basis of data from the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) and NOAA 15, 16, and 17 satellites. By combining particle measurement from the medium energy proton and electron detectors (MEPED) on board the NOAA satellites, maps of the global particle precipitation can be obtained close in time to the SABER (Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry) temperature retrieval. Using large data sets, sorted by season, local time, and geomagnetic latitude, we investigated whether there are significant temperature effects in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere associated with the energetic particle precipitation. During both May/June and October/November 2003, we found a temperature increase related to particle precipitation at all heights above 100 km. In general, we did not find a consistent immediate temperature modification below 100 km associated with increased particle flux. Considering the temperatures retrieved during the extraordinary large geomagnetic storms in late October 2003, we found a cooling effect associated with energetic particle precipitation.
Neural network modeling and an uncertainty analysis in Bayesian framework: A case study from the KTB borehole site
Authors: Maiti Saumen , Tiwari Ram Krishna
Published: October 2010

A new probabilistic approach based on the concept of Bayesian neural network (BNN) learning theory is proposed for decoding litho‐facies boundaries from well‐log data. We show that how a multi‐layer‐perceptron neural network model can be employed in Bayesian framework to classify changes in litho‐log successions. The method is then applied to the German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB) well‐log data for classification and uncertainty estimation in the litho‐facies boundaries. In this framework, a posteriori distribution of network parameter is estimated via the principle of Bayesian probabilistic theory, and an objective function is minimized following the scaled conjugate gradient optimization scheme. For the model development, we inflict a suitable criterion, which provides probabilistic information by emulating different combinations of synthetic data. Uncertainty in the relationship between the data and the model space is appropriately taken care by assuming a Gaussian a priori distribution of networks parameters (e.g., synaptic weights and biases). Prior to applying the new method to the real KTB data, we tested the proposed method on synthetic examples to examine the sensitivity of neural network hyperparameters in prediction. Within this framework, we examine stability and efficiency of this new probabilistic approach using different kinds of synthetic data assorted with different level of correlated noise. Our data analysis suggests that the designed network topology based on the Bayesian paradigm is steady up to nearly 40% correlated noise; however, adding more noise (∼50% or more) degrades the results. We perform uncertainty analyses on training, validation, and test data sets with and devoid of intrinsic noise by making the Gaussian approximation of the a posteriori distribution about the peak model. We present a standard deviation error‐map at the network output corresponding to the three types of the litho‐facies present over the entire litho‐section of the KTB. The comparisons of maximum a posteriori geological sections constructed here, based on the maximum a posteriori probability distribution, with the available geological information and the existing geophysical findings suggest that the BNN results reveal some additional finer details in the KTB borehole data at certain depths, which appears to be of some geological significance. We also demonstrate that the proposed BNN approach is superior to the conventional artificial neural network in terms of both avoiding “over‐fitting” and aiding uncertainty estimation, which are vital for meaningful interpretation of geophysical records. Our analyses demonstrate that the BNN‐based approach renders a robust means for the classification of complex changes in the litho‐facies successions and thus could provide a useful guide for understanding the crustal inhomogeneity and the structural discontinuity in many other tectonically complex regions.
High‐resolution locations of triggered earthquakes and tomographic imaging of Kilauea Volcano's south flank
Authors: Syracuse Ellen M. , Thurber Clifford H. , Wolfe Cecily J. , Okubo Paul G. , Foster James H. , Brooks Benjamin A.
Published: October 2010

The spatiotemporal patterns of seismicity beneath Kilauea's south flank give insight to the structure and geometry of the decollement on which large, tsunamigenic earthquakes have occurred, and its relation to slow slip events (SSEs), which have been observed every 1 to 2 years since 1997. In order to record earthquakes triggered by a SSE that was predicted to occur in March 2007, a temporary network of 20 seismometers was deployed on Kilauea's south flank, termed the SEQ network. While the SSE did not occur until 17 June 2007, theSEQ network recorded over 3000 earthquakes, including those triggered by the SSE. We relocate hypocenters of volcano‐tectonic earthquakes and invert for P and S wave velocity structure using waveform cross‐correlation and double‐difference tomography using data from the SEQ network and the permanent Hawaii Volcano Observatory network (HVO) data, with additional data from other previous temporary arrays. The best‐constrained hypocenters, recorded by both the SEQ and HVO networks, indicate the decollement as a subhorizontal layer of seismicity at 8 km depth less than 1 km thick in most areas, with the western portion of the decollement dipping to the southeast. The seismicity triggered by the June 2007 SSE includes over 400 earthquakes overlapping with the southern edge of the decollement seismicity. A shallower swarm of earthquakes also occurred between 2 and 7 km depth in April 2007 near Apua Point, and may have been indirectly triggered by the Mw 8.1 Solomon Islands earthquake at ∼6000 km distance, which occurred 48 h prior to the beginning of the swarm.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy determined brain and muscle oxygenation during exercise with normal and resistive breathing
Authors: Nielsen H.B. , Boesen M. , Secher N.H.
Published: October 2010

To elevate effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) retention by way of an increased respiratory load during submaximal exercise (150 W), the concentration changes of oxy‐ (ΔHbO2) and deoxy‐haemoglobin (ΔHb) of active muscles and the brain were determined by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in eight healthy males. During exercise, pulmonary ventilation increased to 33 (28–40) L min–1(median with range) with no effect of a moderate breathing resistance (reduction of the pneumotach diameter from 30 to 14 and 10 mm). The end‐tidal CO2pressure (PETCO2) increased from 45 (42–48) to 48 (46–58) mmHg with a reduction of only 1% in the arterial haemoglobin O2saturation (SaO2). During control exercise (normal breathing resistance), muscle and brain ΔHbO2were not different from the resting levels, and only the leg muscle ΔHb increased (4 (–2–10) μM,P < 0.05). Moderate resistive breathing increased ΔHbO2of the intercostal andvastus lateralismuscles to 6 ± (–5–14) and 1 (–7–9) μM(P < 0.05), respectively, while muscle ΔHb was not affected. Cerebral ΔHbO2and ΔHb became elevated to 6 (1–15) and 1 (–1–6) μMby resistive breathing (P < 0.05). Resistive breathing caused an increased concentration of oxygenated haemoglobin in active muscles and in the brain. The results indicate that CO2influences blood flow to active skeletal muscle although its effect appears to be smaller than for the brain.
A subset of cingulate cortical neurones is specifically activated during alcohol‐acquisition behaviour
Authors: Alexandrov Y.I. , Grinchenko Y.V. , Shevchenko D.G. , Averkin R.G. , Matz V.N. , Laukka S. , Korpusova A.V.
Published: October 2010

A new need is associated with the formation of behaviour directed at its satisfaction. In chronically ethanol‐treated rabbits a bodily need develops to acquire and consume alcohol. The present study examined the firing properties of single neurones in the cingulate (limbic) cortex of chronically ethanol‐treated rabbits. The main questions of this study were: are there neurones in the cingulate cortex which specifically increase their firing during alcohol‐acquisition behaviour (AAB)? What is the relationship between the neuronal mechanisms of pre‐existing and newly formed behaviour? Adult rabbits were taught to acquire food by pressing pedals. After 9 months of ethanol treatment, the same rabbits were taught to acquire ethanol (15% solution in a 0.5‐mL capsule) by means of the same instrumental method. Activity of the 118 neurones was recorded from the cingulate cortex. The comparison of activity of each neurone in AAB and food‐acquisition behaviour (FAB) enabled us to reveal that their subservings overleap substantially but not completely: 41% of ‘common neurones’ involved in the subserving of both FAB and AAB as well as 5% of ‘alcohol‐neurones’ (alcohol‐acquisition specific cells) were found. We think of the latter neurones as units that were specialized during the forming of alcohol‐seeking behaviour. Thus, present experiments help us not only to answer the above questions but also to provide an additional insight into the nature of similarity between neuronal mechanisms of long‐term memory and long‐lived modifications resulting from repeated drug exposure.
Endothelin synthesis and receptors in porcine kidney
Authors: Bäcker A. , Bokemeyer D. , Kramer H. J.
Published: October 2010

As insufficient information on the endothelin (ET) system in the porcine kidney is available at present, we investigated renal ET‐1 synthesis and ET receptors in this species. Because ET specifically affects renal and glomerular haemodynamics and distal tubular reabsorption, we studied ET‐1 synthesis in isolated glomeruli and in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells and preproET‐1 mRNA in renal cortex, isolated glomeruli and papillary tissue. In addition, we characterized density and properties of ET receptors in membranes from isolated glomeruli and papillary tissue. In contrast to isolated IMCD cells, which synthesized 120 ± 11 fmol h−1 mg−1protein of ET‐1, no such synthesis was found with isolated glomeruli in our assay system. Nevertheless, with RT–PCR preproET‐1 mRNA was clearly present in renal cortex and glomeruli as well as in papillary tissue. Glomerular membranes were found to have ET receptors withBmaxof 1.6 ± 0.2 pmol mg−1protein andKdof 311 ± 33 pmol L−1. Using BQ‐123 (10−5 M), a specific blocker of ETAreceptors, we found that 58% of total receptors are ETAreceptors. Thus, presumably 42% are ETBreceptors (Bmax0.7 ± 0.1 pmol mg−1protein;Kd429 ± 110 pmol L−1). Bosentan (10−5 M), an ETA‐ and ETB‐receptor antagonist, blocked all ET receptors in glomerular membranes. Papillary membranes showed ET receptors withBmaxof 2.1 ± 0.2 pmol mg−1protein andKdof 137 ± 11 pmol L−1. In the presence of BQ‐123 (10−5 M) we found that all receptors are ETBreceptors (Bmax2.3 ± 0.4 pmol mg−1protein;Kd162 ± 25 pmol L−1). Bosentan (10−5 M) again blocked all ET receptors in papillary membranes, thus confirming our previous finding that IMCD cells possess high‐affinity ETBreceptors mediating the diuretic effects of ET. Thus, in the porcine kidney the ET system may act in an autocrine/paracrine manner at the glomerular as well as at the IMCD level.
Business model innovation and sources of value creation in low‐income markets
Authors: Sánchez Pablo , Ricart Joan E.
Published: October 2010

We explore different business ventures in low‐income markets in order to understand the factors influencing business model innovation in this context. Grounded in the rich data obtained from multiple case study analyses and in the received theory in strategy in low‐income markets and business models, we identified a set of contingency factors that permitted us to distinguish between isolated and interactive business models.Isolated business modelswiden its entrance into new markets by leveraging firm's current resources and capabilities for taking advantage of existing opportunities.Interactive business modelsrequire a firm to combine, integrate and leverage both internal resources with ecosystem's capabilities to create new business opportunities. Finally, we discuss the main implications on value creation from these business models.
Epigenetic control of embryonic stem cell fate
Authors: Christophersen Nicolaj Strøyer , Helin Kristian
Published: October 2010

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo and are pluripotent, as they are able to differentiate into all cell types of the adult organism. Once established, the pluripotent ES cells can be maintained under defined culture conditions, but can also be induced rapidly to differentiate. Maintaining this balance of stability versus plasticity is a challenge, and extensive studies in recent years have focused on understanding the contributions of transcription factors and epigenetic enzymes to the “stemness” properties of these cells. Identifying the molecular switches that regulate ES cell self-renewal versus differentiation can provide insights into the nature of the pluripotent state and enhance the potential use of these cells in therapeutic applications. Here, we review the latest models for how changes in chromatin methylation can modulate ES cell fate, focusing on two major repressive pathways, Polycomb group (PcG) repressive complexes and promoter DNA methylation.
The contribution of individual subunits to the coupling of the voltage sensor to pore opening in Shaker K channels: effect of ILT mutations in heterotetramers
Authors: Gagnon Dominique G. , Bezanilla Francisco
Published: October 2010

Voltage-gated ion channels couple conformational change(s) of the voltage-sensing domain to those of the opening of an intracellular gate to allow ionic conduction. Much larger positive potentials are required to couple these conformational changes to the opening of the gate of Shaker K+ channels with the concurrent mutations V369I, I372L, and S376T (ILT) at the N-terminal end of the S4 segment. We used cut-open oocyte voltage clamp to study the biophysical and thermodynamical properties of heterotetrameric concatemerized channels with different stoichiometries of ILT mutations. The voltage-sensing domains of ILT mutant channels require smaller depolarization to activate but their intracellular gate does not immediately follow the movement of the voltage-sensing domain, requiring larger depolarization to open. Our results demonstrate that each subunit contributes equally to the rightward shift of the conductance–voltage relationship and that a single ILT-containing subunit is sufficient to induce a large enthalpic and entropic barrier, limiting opening of the intracellular gate.
Chronic fatigue is associated with impaired health‐related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Jelsness‐Jørgensen L.‐P. , Bernklev T. , Henriksen M. , Torp R. , Moum B. A.
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther2011;33:106–114

Background Fatigue is reported to reduce health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic diseases. Studies on the importance of fatigue and its implications for the patient’s HRQOL in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain scarce and need to be explored.

Aim To investigate the influence of chronic fatigue on both generic and disease‐specific HRQOL in IBD.

Methods Patients in remission, with mild and moderate IBD completed the Fatigue Questionnaire, the Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) and the Norwegian version of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (N‐IBDQ). In addition, demographic and clinical variables were obtained.

Results In total, 140 patients were included; the mean age of patients with chronic fatigue was 44.2 years (s.d. = 15.8), that of nonfatigued was 44.7 years (s.d. = 16.0). Ulcerative colitis (UC)/Crohn’s disease (CD) = 92/48. Chronic fatigue was associated, after controlling for covariates, with a reduction of HRQOL scores in 6/8 SF‐36 dimensions in UC and 5/8 dimensions in CD. In N‐IBDQ, chronic fatigue was associated with a reduction of HRQOL in four subdimensions and total score in CD and all dimensions in UC.

Conclusions Fatigue is associated with reduction of HRQOL scores in IBD. The physical HRQOL domains are particularly affected. The impact of fatigue on disability, sick leave, school and work attendance has to be studied further.
Emerging sex allocation research in mammals: marsupials and the pouch advantage
Authors: ROBERT Kylie A. , SCHWANZ Lisa E.
Published: October 2010

Adaptive adjustments in offspring sex ratios in mammals have long been reported, but the conditions and mechanisms that prompt shifts in the proportion of sons and daughters born are still unclear.

Empirical evidence indicates that offspring sex in mammals can be related to a diversity of environmental and maternal traits. However, the underlying assumptions regarding offspring and maternal fitness are rarely tested.

Physiological mechanisms of maternal selection of offspring sex may occur at many stages during the prolonged maternal investment stage, and a pluralistic approach to studying mechanisms might prove fruitful.

This review highlights the apparent frequency, in marsupial mammals, of sex ratio bias, which has largely been recorded as conforming to one of a few hypotheses.

Marsupials are ideally suited to experiments involving cross‐fostering of offspring, which can allow rigorous tests of the fitness consequences of rearing one sex vs. the other. The reproductive biology of marsupials lends the group to detailed studies of the timing and physiological correlates of offspring sex biases.

Many components of metatherian biology may prove advantageous in experimental studies of sex allocation in mammals, and together may provide a prosperous avenue for examining adaptive and mechanistic hypotheses in mammalian sex allocation.
Duration of breast feeding and language ability in middle childhood
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Robinson Monique , Li Jianghong , Oddy Wendy H.
Published: October 2010

Whitehouse AJO, Robinson M, Li J, Oddy WH. Duration of Breast feeding and language ability in middle childhood. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010.

There is controversy over whether increased breast‐feeding duration has long‐term benefits for language development. The current study examined whether the positive associations of breast feeding on language ability at age 5 years in the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Cohort, were still present at age 10 years. The Raine Study is a longitudinal study of 2868 liveborn children recruited at approximately 18 weeks gestation. Breast‐feeding data were based upon information prospectively collected during infancy, and were summarised according to four categories of breast‐feeding duration: (1) never breast‐fed, (2) breast‐fed predominantly for <4 months, (3) breast‐fed predominantly for 4–6 months, and (4) breast‐fed predominantly for >6 months. Language ability was assessed in 1195 children at the 10 year follow‐up (mean age = 10.58 years; standard deviation = 0.19) using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – Revised (PPVT‐R), which is based around a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Associations between breast‐feeding duration and PPVT‐R scores were assessed before and after adjustment for a range of sociodemographic, obstetric and psychosocial covariates. Analysis of variance revealed a strong positive association between the duration of predominant breast feeding and PPVT‐R at age 10 years. A multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for covariates and found that children who were predominantly breast‐fed for >6 months had a mean PPVT‐R score that was 4.04 points higher than children who were never breast‐fed. This compared with an increase of 3.56 points at age 5 years. Breast feeding for longer periods in early life has a positive and statistically‐independent effect on language development in middle childhood.
Post‐rift uplift of the Dhofar margin (Gulf of Aden)
Authors: Bache François , Leroy Sylvie , Baurion Céline , Robinet Jérémy , Gorini Christian , Lucazeau Francis , Razin Philippe , d'Acremont Elia , Al‐Toubi Khalfan
Published: October 2010

Terra Nova, 23, 11–18, 2011

An investigation into the sedimentation pattern along the Dhofar margin allows us to describe its late‐stage evolution. After the accumulation of a thick post‐rift sedimentary succession, two units characterized by mass transport deposits (MTD) mark a major change in sedimentation. The first MTD occurrence could be the result of a climatic change. The second MTD occurrence is associated with a shift of sedimentation from the slope towards the basin. An uplift phase, characterized by two distinct deformational styles in the eastern and western parts of the Dhofar margin, can be highlighted. Both events occurred very late in the history of the margin, at least 7.6 Ma after the end of the rifting phase (35–17.6 Ma). The evolution of this basin stresses the importance of post‐rift deformation in the Dhofar margin.
The most important contact sensitizers in Polish children and adolescents with atopy and chronic recurrent eczema as detected with the extended European Baseline Series
Authors: Czarnobilska Ewa , Obtulowicz Krystyna , Dyga Wojciech , Spiewak Radoslaw
Published: October 2010

To cite this article: Czarnobilska E, Obtulowicz K, Dyga W, Spiewak R. The most important contact sensitizers in Polish children and adolescents with atopy and chronic recurrent eczema as detected with the extended European Baseline Series. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22:252–256.

The differential diagnostic work‐up of children with chronic eczema should involve patch testing, also in cases with confirmed atopy. In our previous study, contact allergy was detected in every second child with chronic eczema. The aim of the present study was to identify the most important sensitizers in atopic children with eczema. During an allergy screening program, 103 consecutive children aged 7–8 and 93 adolescents aged 16–17 were enrolled. The inclusion criterion was chronic recurrent eczema as detected with the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire and atopy, defined as positive skin prick test to one or more common airborne or food allergens. The children were patch‐tested with the newly extended European Baseline Series (EBS, 28 test substances) supplemented with propolis, thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride, and 2‐phenoxyethanol. In total, 67.0% children and 58.1% adolescents were found patch test positive. Among children, 35.9% reacted to nickel, 16.5% propolis, 11.7% thimerosal, 9.7% cobalt, each 6.8% fragrance mix (FM) I and chromium, and 5.8% to FM II. Among adolescents, 37.6% reacted to thimerosal, 19.4% to nickel, 6.5% to cobalt, and 5.4% to propolis. We demonstrate the advantage of using FM II – a new addition to the EBS that detects a relatively high proportion of contact hypersensitivity among children. An important sensitizer from outside EBS is propolis, which according to the frequency of sensitization occupies rank 2 in children and rank 4 in adolescents. These data show that propolis should be included into routine patch testing in children.
A direct hybridization approach to gene transfer from Aegilops tauschii Coss. to Triticum aestivum L
Authors: Sehgal S. K. , Kaur S. , Gupta S. , Sharma A. , Kaur R. , Bains N. S.
Published: October 2010

With 2 tables

Aegilops tauschii Coss., the D‐genome donor of bread wheat, represents a rich source of resistance and productivity traits for wheat improvement. In this study, a direct hybridization approach using Ae. tauschii as the female in crosses with Triticum aestivum resulted in about 50 times more F1 plants than the reciprocal cross. In a set of five Ae. tauschii × T. aestivum crosses, an average of 35% of the pollinated florets resulted in embryo formation. Following embryo rescue on artificial medium, an average of 6.8 F1 plants could be obtained for every 100 florets pollinated. Colchicine treatment of the F1 plants greatly enhanced backcross seed formation (14.9 backcross seeds compared to an average of 0.47 seeds per 100 florets for untreated tillers). The efficacy of this gene transfer system was demonstrated by improved cell membrane stability and chlorophyll retention in BC1F4 lines derived from the crosses of three heat‐tolerant accessions of Ae. tauschii with bread wheat cultivar ‘PBW 550’.
Immunohistochemical staining for transcription factor MafB in alveolar macrophages is correlated with spirometric measures of airflow limitation in smokers
Authors: SATO Michiko , SHIBATA Yoko , KIMURA Tomomi , YAMAUCHI Keiko , ABE Shuichi , INOUE Sumito , KISHI Hiroyuki , OIZUMI Hiroyuki , KUBOTA Isao
Published: October 2010

Background and objective:  Alveolar macrophages (AM) play an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD, and their numbers are significantly increased in patients with COPD. We previously demonstrated that expression of the transcription factor, MafB, was upregulated in AM of mice exposed to cigarette smoke. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of MafB is associated with the degree of airflow limitation (AFL) in smokers.

Methods:  Lung tissue specimens were obtained from male patients undergoing resection of small peripheral lung tumours. The patients were classified into three groups according to smoking index and FEV1/FVC: (i) non‐smokers or non‐heavy ex‐smokers without AFL (FEV1/FVC ≥0.7, smoking index ≤400) (n = 8); (ii) heavy current smokers without AFL (FEV1/FVC ≥0.7, smoking index ≥800) (n = 8); and (iii) heavy current smokers with AFL (FEV1/FVC <0.6, smoking index ≥800) (n = 8). The intensity of immunostaining for MafB in AM was quantified by image analysis.

Results:  Immunostaining for MafB was significantly enhanced in AM of smokers with AFL compared with AM of subjects without AFL. Smoking index, FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75% (% predicted) were significantly correlated with the intensity of MafB immunostaining. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that FEV1% was also an independent negative predictor of the intensity of MafB immunostaining.

Conclusions:  The degree of immunostaining for MafB in AM was correlated with the degree of AFL in smokers. MafB may be involved in the pathophysiology of COPD.
Management of neovascular glaucoma with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with diode laser alone versus combination transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with diode laser and intravitreal bevacizumab
Authors: Fong Anthony W , Lee Graham A , O'Rourke Peter , Thomas Ravi
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background:  Trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation with diode laser has been well documented in the management of neovascular glaucoma. More recently, intravitreal bevacizumab has been increasingly employed to treat neovascular diseases of the eye. This study reports our initial experience with trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation alone versus the combination of trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab for management of neovascular glaucoma.

Design:  Retrospective uncontrolled comparative case series

Participants:  A total of 31 eyes of 30 consecutive patients were included – 11 eyes in the trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation alone group and 20 in the combination trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab group.

Methods:  The records of all patients diagnosed with neovascular glaucoma undergoing trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation with or without intravitreal bevacizumab performed by a single ophthalmic surgeon in a glaucoma specialist centre were reviewed.

Main Outcome Measures:  Data collected included intraocular pressure, anterior segment neovascularisation, best‐corrected visual acuity, use of medications and complications.

Results:  Mean reduction in intraocular pressure was 33.5 mmHg in the trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation group and 23.7 mmHg in the combination group, a difference of 9.8 mmHg (95% CI −1.5, 21.1). Complications included hypotony in three (27%) eyes in the trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation group and two (10%) eyes in the combination group. Three eyes required evisceration.

Conclusions:  Trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation alone is effective in lowering intraocular pressure in neovascular glaucoma. In this study, the addition of intravitreal bevacizumab to trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation did not statistically advantage treatment outcomes.
Primary closure or rhomboid excision and Limberg flap for the management of primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease? A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Horwood J. , Hanratty D. , Chandran P. , Billings P.
Published: October 2010

Aim  Sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease is a common condition afflicting the young male working and student population, resulting in considerable pain, embarrassment and loss of work days. Controversy surrounds the most appropriate surgical approach to achieve low recurrence rates whilst minimizing morbidity and permitting an early return to work. This study aims to review the published literature comparing excision followed by either primary suture or rhomboid flap repair.

Methods  PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library were systematically reviewed, by two independent investigators, for relevant randomized controlled trials. Keywords and MeSH terms included ‘pilonidal disease’, ‘primary suture/repair’, ‘rhomboid flap’ and ‘limberg/modified Limberg flap’. ‘Related study’ function and manuscript bibliographies were searched for further relevant studies. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad score. Meta‐analysis was performed on pooled data, utilizing a random effects model when heterogeneity was high and a fixed effects model when heterogeneity was low. The primary end‐point assessed was disease recurrence. Secondary end‐points included wound dehiscence, pain scores, hospital stay and return to work.

Results  Six studies were eventually included for pooled analysis following exclusion of randomized controlled trials with poor methodology. Two studies compared ‘off‐midline’ (Karydakis) primary suture with the Limberg flap repair. Six hundred and forty‐one patients were included (331 flap repairs). Rhomboid flap excision demonstrated a trend towards less disease recurrence (P = 0.07), lower wound infection (P = 0.001) and dehiscence (P = 0.01). However, no significant difference was found for pain scores, hospital stay or return to work.

Conclusion  The current published literature supports the use of the rhomboid flap excision and the Limberg flap‐repair procedures over primary midline suture techniques for the elective management of primary pilonidal disease. Further high‐quality studies are necessary to compare flap with off‐midline repairs.
Improved quality of Type 2 diabetes care following electronic feedback of treatment status to general practitioners: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guldberg T. L. , Vedsted P. , Kristensen J. K. , Lauritzen T.
Published: October 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 325–332 (2011)

Aims To evaluate the effect of an electronic feedback system to general practitioners on quality of Type 2 diabetes care.

Methods A cluster randomized, controlled trial with 15 months follow‐up. Eighty‐six general practices (158 general practioners) in a Danish county caring for 2458 people 40–70 years old with Type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive or not to receive electronic feedback on quality of care. People with Type 2 diabetes were identified using a validated algorithm. Primary end‐points were processes of care according to guidelines on prescriptions redeemed for Type 2 diabetes treatments, measuring of glycated haemoglobin and cholesterol and visits to ophthalmologists. Secondary end‐points were changes in level of glycated haemoglobin and serum cholesterol. Data were analysed using generalized linear models accounting for clustering at practice level.

Results During follow‐up, people with Type 2 diabetes in the intervention group more often redeemed recommended prescriptions than people in the control group, respectively, as follows: oral antidiabetic treatment (32.8 vs. 12.0%,P = 0.002), insulin treatment (33.8 vs. 12.4%,P < 0.001), lipid‐lowering medication (38.3 vs. 18.6%,P = 0.004) and blood pressure medication (27.6 vs. 16.3%,P = 0.026). There were no differences in mean glycated haemoglobin and serum cholesterol between the two groups.

Conclusions Electronic feedback to general practitioners on the quality of Type 2 diabetes care resulted in significantly improved quality regarding processes of care according to guidelines. It was not possible to demonstrate any effect on secondary end‐point measures within the follow‐up period. Electronic feedback on quality of diabetes care can be effective in improving adherence to treatment according to evidence‐based guidelines.
LIFE AND DEATH OF AN INSTITUTION: THE CASE OF COLLECTIVE WHEAT MARKETING IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: BOTTERILL LINDA COURTENAY
Published: October 2010

Since the 1980s, there has been renewed interest among political scientists in the role of institutions. An important strand of this ‘new institutionalism’ is historical institutionalism. Recent theoretical developments have sought to address the most obvious criticisms of the historical institutionalist approach, particularly the critique relating to its tendency to focus on explanations of stability. However, the institutional histories under consideration are generally incomplete as they do not include the entire life of the institution. Drawing on the history of collective wheat marketing in Australia, this article seeks to address this gap by considering a case in which strategies of institutional reproduction initially appeared to have managed change successfully but ultimately sowed the seeds of institutional demise. By considering the death as well as the life of an institution, we can gain a clearer picture of the effectiveness of institutional strategies of adaptation and change.
ANTECEDENTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION: THE DIFFUSION OF NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT INTO DANISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: HANSEN MORTEN BALLE
Published: October 2010

The relation between leadership, the context in which it takes place and the adoption of organizational innovations associated with New Public Management (NPM) is explored in an empirical analysis of Danish local government. Two different strategies for conceptualizing NPM are contrasted: (1) treating NPM as one phenomenon; and (2) acknowledging important differences between organizational innovations associated with NPM. Management's preferences and perceptions of work relations, role in change processes, daily work priorities and rejection of traditional bureaucratic roles as well as the electorate's ability to formulate clear goals are found to be significantly related to the adoption of NPM innovations. Organizational size is found to be the most important contextual antecedent for the adoption of NPM innovations. Distinctions between marketization‐type NPM innovations and generic managerial‐type NPM innovations and the timing of their introduction are made, unveiling significant differences between the antecedents of different types of NPM innovations.
Profit Shifting and Measured Productivity of Multinational Firms*
Authors: Maffini Giorgia , Mokkas Socrates
Published: October 2010

‘The global integration of production cuts costs and taps new sources of skills and knowledge’

(Samuel Palmisano (2006), IBM Chairman, President and CEO on the evolution of multinationals)

This article examines the differences in total factor productivity (TFP) between multinationals and domestic firms before and after tax rate changes. The aim is to investigate whether the host country corporate tax rate has a significant influence on the measured TFP advantage of multinational companies. Using a sample of approximately 16,000 European manufacturing firms (1998–2004), we find that a cut by 10 percentage points in the statutory corporate tax rate would increase multinationals’ measured TFP by about 10% relative to domestic firms, consistent with profit shifting by multinationals. At the sample mean, this would imply a 44% increase in the TFP advantage of multinationals.