bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Guided Transplantation of Enriched and Cryopreserved Spermatogonial Cell Suspension in Goats
Authors: Kaul G , Kaur J , Rafeeqi TA
Published: December 2009

Contents

Spermatogonial stem cells transplantation provides a unique approach for studying spermatogenesis. Initially developed in mice, this technique has now been extended in farm animals and provides an alternative means to preserve valuable male germ line and to produce transgenic animals. The aim of this study was to enrich type A spermatogonial cells amongst the isolated cells from goat testis, to cryopreserve these enriched populations of cells and their subsequent transplantation in unrelated recipient goats under ultrasound guidance. The cells were isolated enzymatically and enriched by differential plating and separation on discontinuous percoll gradient. Ultrasound guided injection of trypan blue dye into rete testis resulted in 20–30% filling of the seminiferous tubules. Prior to transplantation, the cells were labelled with a fluorescent dye to trace donor cells in recipient seminiferous tubules after transplantation. The fluorescent‐labelled cells were observed up to 12 weeks after transplantation.
Study of Botulinum Toxin A in Neurogenic Bladder Due to Spina Bifida in Children
Authors: Deshpande Aniruddh V. , Sampang Rico , Smith Grahame H. H.
Published: December 2009

Background:  We report results of a pilot study investigating the safety and efficacy of Botulinum A toxin on urinary incontinence and bladder function in children with neurogenic bladder.

Methods:  This was a prospective, non‐randomized clinical trial. Seven children with median age of 16 years with spina bifida who had high storage pressures, poor bladder compliance and had failed treatment with anticholinergic medications were offered a single intra‐detrusor injection of Botulinum A toxin. All subjects were on clean intermittent catheterization before and during the study. Follow‐up videourodynamic studies were performed at 1 month, between 3 and 6 months, and at 9 months. Data were collected on safety and on subjective outcomes through validated questionnaires filled out by patients at each visit.

Results:  In majority of the patients (5/7), the injection produced an increase in bladder compliance (P < 0.05) and an improvement in incontinence (P < 0.05) at 1‐month follow‐up. However, in two patients whose baseline bladder capacity was markedly reduced (<200 mL), the improvement was very minimal. The beneficial effects in bladder compliance and incontinence dissipated by 9 months. The changes in subjective outcomes (incontinence and satisfaction scores) did not parallel the changes in urodynamics through the study period. No side effects of Botulinum toxin were seen.

Conclusion:  Botulinum A toxin injection produces beneficial urodynamics and clinical effects. These beneficial effects last for approximately 9 months. There is a poor correlation between improvement in the urodynamics and the subjective outcomes. Botulinum A toxin injection is a safe alternative treatment for patients with spina bifida and a neurogenic bladder.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: differences in presentation between different ethnicities in the New Zealand setting
Authors: Ianovski Ilia , Izzard Mark , Morton Randall P. , Plank Lindsay D.
Published: December 2009

Introduction:  There is an elevated incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the Maori and Pacific Island (MPI) population as well as the Asian population in New Zealand; however, no studies have been conducted to evaluate how the two populations differ in their clinical presentation according to the TNM stage.

Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted of all patients presenting to the Auckland City Hospital ENT department with a newly diagnosed NPC between the years 1995 and 2007 inclusive. The patient's radiological and biopsy results were reviewed, and each patient was staged according to the TNM stage at presentation as per the revised 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer staging criteria. The Fisher's exact test was used to compare the differences between ethnicities in the T and N stages of the disease at presentation; the Cochran–Armitage Trend test was used to look for statistically significant trends.

Results:  There was a statistically significant difference in T stage at presentation between MPIs and Asians (P < 0.0001), with a positive, statistically significant (P < 0.0001) trend indicating that MPIs present with greater T stage. A statistically significant difference in the N stage at diagnosis between MPIs and Asians, independent of the T stage, was found at stages T2 (P= 0.046) and T4 (P= 0.0083), with a statistically significant trend (T2 –P= 0.009; T4 –P= 0.026).

Conclusions:  These results show that MPIs have a more advanced local NPC disease than Asians at presentation, and that for specific T stages, the nodal disease is also more advanced than that found in Asians.
CD38 as a prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia at a single New Zealand centre: patient survival in comparison to age‐ and sex‐matched population data
Authors: Hock B. D. , McKenzie J. L. , McArthur L. , Tansley S. , Taylor K. G. , Fernyhough L. J.
Published: December 2009

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine whether the analysis of CD38 expression by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells provides useful additional prognostic information.

Methods: Clinical, laboratory, overall survival (OS) and treatment‐free survival (TFS) data were collected on 130 CLL patients who had CD38 expression analysed at Canterbury Health Laboratories, New Zealand (NZ) during 1998–2008.

Results: The detection of any level of CD38 expression by CLL cells was associated with a significantly shorter OS and TFS. When analysis was restricted to Binet stage A patients, CD38 expression identified a subset of patients (21%) who, in common with Binet stage B/C patients, had a significantly shorter OS and TFS (P < 0.0015), and a TFS at 4 years of <10%. In contrast, CD38‐negative Binet stage A patients had an OS that was not significantly different from that of an age/sex‐matched NZ population and a 5‐year TFS of 77%.

Conclusion: This study indicates that, when combined with clinical staging, the presence of any detectable CD38 expression can be used to further improve the identification of CLL patients with more aggressive disease (i.e. Binet stage B/C or Binet stage A and CD38 positive). This will allow better identification of those patients requiring more intensive monitoring and also allow improved patient counselling regarding prognosis.
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy‐treated bone and joint infections in a tropical setting
Authors: White H. A. , Davis J. S. , Kittler P. , Currie B. J.
Published: December 2009

Background: Osteoarticular infections are a primary indication for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). The climate and geographical diversity of tropical Australia, together with the prevalence of melioidosis, disseminated gonococcal disease and community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus renders this a challenging environment in which to manage such infections. We evaluated patients managed by the Royal Darwin Hospital Hospital in the Home service for bone and joint infections.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the therapeutic outcomes at the end of intravenous therapy was carried out for patients treated between 1 January 2006 and 15 September 2007.

Results: Fifty‐five patients were treated, including 21 (38%) indigenous Australians and 18 (33%) from remote communities. Baseline characteristics were similar to other published data, but there were two cases each of gonococcal septic arthritis and melioidosis. During treatment, 39 (71%) lived at home, with five (9%) of these receiving treatment at community clinics. Thirteen (24%) resided in self‐care units in the hospital grounds. Three (5%) were managed at hostels or in prison. Median duration of parenteral therapy was 42 days, with a median of 22 days outside hospital, providing a total saving of 1307 bed‐days. Clinical success at end of therapy was 84%, with no significant difference between indigenous and non‐indigenous cohorts.

Conclusion: OPAT for osteoarticular infections is both feasible and effective in a tropical environment, including for indigenous patients. Extension of treatment to remote‐dwelling patients is facilitated by the innovative use of self‐care units and administration of treatment at remote clinics.
Necrotizing fasciitis: review of 82 cases in South Auckland
Authors: Nisbet M. , Ansell G. , Lang S. , Taylor S. , Dzendrowskyj P. , Holland D.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Early recognition of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) can be difficult, but is important as infections progress rapidly and have significant mortality. The aim of this study of patients with NF was to determine the clinical characteristics at presentation, causative pathogens and subsequent clinical outcome.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with NF presenting to Middlemore Hospital from January 2000 to June 2006.

Results:  Eighty‐two patients were evaluated: 56% male, mean age 54.9 years (standard deviation 18.5), 40% Pacific Islanders. The site of infection was the lower limb in 46 (56%) patients, upper limb in 12 (15%) patients and perineum in 13 (16%) patients. Twenty‐two (27%) patients were taking non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, 29 (35%) had diabetes mellitus, 25 (30%) had gout and 17 (21%) had congestive heart failure. Forty‐nine (60%) patients had a surgical procedure within 24 h of admission. Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated from tissue or blood cultures in 33 (40%) patients and 26 (32%) patients had polymicrobial infection. Twenty‐five (30%) patients died, 17 (68%) within 72 h of admission. Independent predictors of mortality include congestive heart failure (P= 0.033) and a history of gout (P= 0.037).

Conclusion:  NF remains an important disease in our community with significant morbidity and mortality. Pacific Islanders were disproportionately represented. Early diagnosis of NF can be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion in all patients presenting with cellulitis or unexplained sepsis. Congestive heart failure and gout are independent predictors of mortality and patients with these conditions and sepsis need early assessment with more aggressive hospital triaging.
Low prevalence of significant carotid artery disease on ultrasound in patients proceeding to coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Ansari S. , Tan J. Y. , Larcos G. S. , Paterson H.
Published: December 2009

Background: Cardiothoracic surgery is associated with an increased risk of perioperative stroke. Preoperative carotid ultrasonography can identify significant stenosis, but there is debate about the value of screening. The aims of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of significant carotid artery disease in screened patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery and (ii) correlate their ultrasonographic findings with perioperative strokes.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 166 patients (118 men, 48 women) who underwent a preoperative carotid ultrasound and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) from 2004 to 2007. Perioperative strokes were recorded and compared with ultrasonographic and clinical data. A separate cohort of 1423 patients (1064 men, 359 women) who underwent CABG over the same period was also evaluated.

Results: Only 11 screened patients (6.6%) had significant (>70%) carotid artery disease and two of these underwent simultaneous carotid endarterectomy. There were five perioperative strokes in screened patients, four of which occurred in individuals with <50% disease. Compared with the non‐screened cohort, ultrasound screened patients were older and more likely to have a prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, peripheral vascular disease and/or renal impairment than non‐screened patients. There was no significant difference in perioperative strokes compared with non‐screened patients (3% vs 1.2% respectively, P= NS).

Conclusion: There is a low prevalence of significant carotid artery disease in ultrasound screened patients. The risk of perioperative strokes in screened patients is low and not significantly different from non‐screened patients.
The current status of targeted therapy for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Francis H. , Solomon B.
Published: December 2009

Lung cancer accounts for more cancer‐related deaths than any other malignancy in Australia and worldwide. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of lung cancers and is associated with a 5‐year survival of only 15%. Treatment with platinum‐based doublets in the first‐line setting and single agent chemotherapy in the second‐line setting has improved survival and quality of life in patients with NSCLC. However, the benefits associated with chemotherapy are modest and serve to stress the need for novel therapeutic approaches. In the last decade a range of targeted therapies has been evaluated in NSCLC. Dramatic and often durable responses were seen in patients treated with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) gefitinib and erlotinib particularly in females, non‐smokers, patients of East Asian ethnicity and those with adenocarcinomas – a group subsequently found to be enriched for tumours with activating EGFR mutations. Large randomized phase III trials have since established a role for EGFR TKI in the second‐ and third‐line setting as well as a potential role for the monoclonal antibodies bevacizumab and cetuximab, directed at vascular endothelial growth factor and EGFR, respectively, in the combination with chemotherapy in the first‐line setting. Recently it has been shown that patients with EGFR mutations may benefit from gefitinib in the first‐line setting. Other promising agents under evaluation are inhibitors of the insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor and inhibitors of recently described ALK gene rearrangements.
Targeted sugar provision promotes parasitism of the cereal leaf beetle Oulema melanopus
Authors: Evans Edward W. , Anderson Melody R. , Bowling Paul D.
Published: December 2009

Parasitoids may often lack access to sugar (e.g. floral nectar) in agricultural settings. Strategically timed spraying of host plants with sugar solution may provide one means of enhancing parasitism at the same time as minimizing nontarget effects (e.g. benefiting the pest itself).

Sucrose was sprayed in wheat fields of northern Utah (U.S.A.) to assess the effects on parasitism of the cereal leaf beetle Oulema melanopus by the larval parasitoid Tetrastichus julis.

Early‐season sugar provisioning, when larvae of the pest were first hatching and parasitoid adults were newly emerged, did not affect the numbers of cereal leaf beetle larvae that matured in treated plots but increased parasitism rates of beetle larvae by four‐fold in 2006 and by seven‐fold in 2007.

No net influx of adult parasitoids into plots was detected after the application of sugar. Locally‐emerging parasitoids may have spent less time searching for their own food needs versus hosts. A laboratory experiment also confirmed that access to sucrose significantly increased parasitoid longevity.

The field experimental results obtained demonstrate that applications of sugar, implemented to target a key time of the growing season when benefits are maximized for parasitoids and minimized for their hosts, can strongly promote parasitism of the cereal leaf beetle in wheat fields.
Oviposition preference and larval performance of the sweet potato butterfly Acraea acerata on Ipomoea species in Ethiopia
Authors: Azerefegne Ferdu , Solbreck Christer
Published: December 2009

The sweet potato butterfly Acraea acerata is an indigenous species in Ethiopia that has become a major pest on the introduced sweet potato Ipomoea batatas. To assess the role of wild Ethiopian Ipomoea species as host plants, the presence of larvae on wild ipomoeas was studied, and female oviposition choice and larval performance were tested on five wild ipomoeas, as well as on sweet potato.

In laboratory tests, oviposition and larval development were successful on two wild ipomoeas (Ipomoea tenuirostris and Ipomoea cairica) but no oviposition occurred on the remaining three species. Of the latter, larvae did not feed on Ipomoea hochstetteri and Ipomoea indica, and survival rates were extremely low on Ipomoea purpurea.

Sweet potato was a better host plant than I. tenuirostris and I. cairica in terms of oviposition preference, larval survival and pupal size; pupae were larger, resulting in more fecund female butterflies.

In the wild butterfly populations were abundant on I. tenuirostris but absent on I. cairica. Females also tended to prefer I. tenuirostris to I. cairica in oviposition choice experiments. However, no significant differences in performance were found between larvae raised on I. tenuirostris and I. cairica in the laboratory.

Wild populations of A. acerata also existed on Ipomoea obscura, a plant not investigated in the present study.

The abundance of A. acerata on wild ipomoeas is too low to likely affect butterfly population densities on sweet potato. However, wild populations may act as reservoirs subsequent to butterfly population bottlenecks on sweet potato.
Radiocesium transfer between Medicago truncatula plants via a common mycorrhizal network
Authors: Gyuricza Veronika , Thiry Yves , Wannijn Jean , Declerck Stéphane , Dupré de Boulois Hervé
Published: December 2009

Common mycorrhizal networks of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have been reported to transfer cesium between plants. However, a direct hyphae‐mediated transfer (via cytoplasm/protoplasm) cannot be distinguished from an indirect transfer. Indeed, cesium released by the roots of the donor plant can be taken up by the receiver plant or fungal hyphae. In the present study, Medicago truncatula plants were connected by a common mycorrhizal network and Prussian Blue (ammonium‐ferric‐hexacyano ferrate) was added in the growth medium to adsorb the released radiocesium. A direct transfer of radiocesium to roots and shoots of the receiver plant was clearly demonstrated for the first time. Even though this transfer was quantitatively low, it suggested that shared mycorrhizal networks could contribute to the redistribution of this radionuclide in the environment, which otherwise would be restricted both in time and space. This finding may also help to understand the behaviour of its chemical analogue, potassium.
Incorrect and incomplete coding and classification of diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Stone M. A. , Camosso‐Stefinovic J. , Wilkinson J. , De Lusignan S. , Hattersley A. T. , Khunti K.
Published: December 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 491–497 (2010)

Aims  To conduct a systematic review to identify types and implications of incorrect or incomplete coding or classification within diabetes or between diabetes and other conditions; also to determine the availability of evidence regarding frequency of occurrence.

Methods  Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free‐text terms were used to search relevant electronic databases for papers published to the end of August 2008. Two researchers independently reviewed titles and abstracts and, subsequently, the full text of potential papers. Reference lists of selected papers were also reviewed and authors consulted. Three reviewers independently extracted data.

Results  Seventeen eligible studies were identified, including five concerned with distinguishing between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Evidence was also identified regarding: the distinction between diabetes and no‐diabetes, failure to specify type of diabetes, and diagnostic errors or difficulties involving maturity‐onset diabetes of the young, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, pancreatic diabetes, persistence of foetal haemoglobin and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The sample was too heterogeneous to derive accurate information about frequency, but our findings suggested that misclassification occurs most commonly in young people. Implications relating to treatment options and risk management were highlighted, in addition to psychological and financial implications and the potential impact on the validity of quality of care evaluations and research.

Conclusions  This review draws attention to the occurrence and implications of incorrect or incomplete coding or classification of diabetes, particularly in young people. A pragmatic and clinically relevant approach to classification is needed to assist those involved in making decisions about types of diabetes.
Top Management Teams in Family‐Controlled Companies: ‘Familiness’, ‘Faultlines’, and Their Impact on Financial Performance
Authors: Minichilli Alessandro , Corbetta Guido , MacMillan Ian C.
Published: December 2009

abstract

This article examines the affect of family management on performance of the company. We examine how familiness can provide further insights beyond the classical demographic measures of top management teams (TMTs) in explaining variations in firms' financial performance. We combine arguments on the ‘bright’ and ‘dark’ side of family involvement in the firm; we complement positive predictions on family involvement with negative predictions and develop family firm‐specific measures of TMTs' familiness. Results indicate that while the presence of a family CEO is beneficial for firm performance, the coexistence of ‘factions’ in family and non‐family managers within the TMT has the potential to create schisms among the subgroups and consequently hurt firm performance. We find support for a hypothesized U‐shaped relationship between the ratio of family members in the TMT and firm performance. Additional evidence related to interactions between firm listing and CEO type on firm performance is then presented and discussed.
Diversification Decisions in Family‐Controlled Firms
Authors: Gomez‐Mejia Luis R. , Makri Marianna , Kintana Martin Larraza
Published: December 2009

abstract

This study examines diversification decisions of family firms and suggests that on average family firms diversify less both domestically and internationally than non‐family firms. When they do diversify, family firms tend to opt for domestic rather than international diversification, and those that go the latter route prefer to choose regions that are ‘culturally close’. Lastly, we find that family firms are more willing to diversify as business risk increases. The hypotheses are tested using a sample of 360 firms, 160 of them being family‐controlled and the rest (200) non‐family‐controlled.
Locus of Ownership and Family Involvement in Small Private Firms
Authors: Fiegener Mark K.
Published: December 2009

abstract

The relationship between ownership and family involvement in small businesses is not altogether clear because empirical studies have not distinguished among family ownership, family management, and owner‐management in composing their samples. In the present study, a large sample of small private firms is parsed into sub‐samples with distinctly different types of owners in order to isolate the effects of locus of ownership. The results show that firms with different locus of ownership behave differently with respect to the extent of involvement by the CEO's relatives as employees, key managers, advisors, and board members. Although owner‐managers and sole‐proprietors would seem to have more authority than other CEOs to involve family members in the operations of the business, the findings indicate that these self‐owned firms have significantly less family involvement than firms owned entirely by relatives of the CEO.
Industry Event Participation and Network Brokerage among Entrepreneurial Ventures
Authors: Stam Wouter
Published: December 2009

abstract

Despite the recognition that network brokerage is beneficial for entrepreneurial ventures, little is known about its antecedents. This study examines how participation in industry events (e.g. conferences) relates to entrepreneurs' brokerage positions in informal industry networks and how these positions, in turn, impact new venture performance. Using a unique dataset of 45 events and subsequent network relations among entrepreneurs from 90 firms in the open source software industry, results indicate that: (1) entrepreneurs who participated in heterogeneous events or who bridged between events with few common participants were more likely to be brokers; (2) the relationship between event bridging and brokerage was stronger for entrepreneurs with broader prior career experiences; and (3) network brokerage mediated the event participation–performance link. It appears that events may limit structural opportunities for brokerage and that individual differences matter for exploiting these opportunities. Overall, this study increases understanding of how and when particular networking behaviours are beneficial for entrepreneurs.
Lopinavir protein binding in HIV‐1‐infected pregnant women
Authors: Aweeka FT , Stek A , Best BM , Hu C , Holland D , Hermes A , Burchett SK , Read J , Mirochnick M , Capparelli EV ,   the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT) P1026s Protocol Team
Published: December 2009

Background

Pregnancy may alter protein binding (PB) of highly bound protease inhibitors due to changes in plasma concentrations of albumin and α‐1 acid glycoprotein (AAG). Small changes in PB can greatly impact the fraction of drug unbound (FU) exerting pharmacological effect. We report lopinavir (LPV) PB during third trimester (antepartum, AP) compared to ≥1.7 weeks postpartum (PP) to determine if FU changes compensate for reduced total concentrations reported previously.

Methods

P1026s enrolled women receiving LPV/ritonavir, soft gel capsules 400/100 mg or 533/133 mg twice daily. LPV FU, albumin and AAG were determined AP and PP.

Results

AP/PP samples were available from 29/25 women respectively with all but one woman receiving the same dose AP/PP. LPV FU was increased 18% AP vs. PP (mean 0.96±0.16% AP vs. 0.82±0.21% PP, P=0.001). Mean protein concentrations were reduced AP (AAG=477 mg/L; albumin=3.28 mg/dL) vs. PP (AAG=1007 mg/L; albumin=3.85 mg/dL) (P<0.0001 for each comparison). AAG concentration correlated with LPV binding. Total LPV concentration did not correlate with LPV FU AP or PP. However, higher LPV concentration PP was associated with reduced PB and higher FU after adjustment for AAG.

Conclusions

LPV FU was higher and AAG lower AP vs. PP. The 18% increase in LPV FU AP is smaller than the reduction in total LPV concentration reported previously and is not of sufficient magnitude to eliminate the need for an increased dose during pregnancy.
Functional milks and dairy beverages
Authors: ÖZER BARBAROS H , KIRMACI HUSEYIN AVNI
Published: December 2009

During the last decade, consumers’ approach to healthy foods has changed dramatically, and today enhancing the health span of consumers through consumption of healthy food is more important than simply enhancing their life span. Rising medical costs are the prime factor forcing people to find cheaper and effective means of protecting their health. This fact has led to an increase in consumers’ interest in functional foods. Dairy products occupy a significant space in the functional foods market and dairy‐based functional beverages are a growing segment of this sector. This article reviews recent scientific, technological and commercial developments in the functional dairy‐based beverage sector.
World Cities and Global Commodity Chains: an introduction
Authors: DERUDDER BEN , WITLOX FRANK
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this special anniversary issue is to assess the possible cross‐fertilization between two prominent analytical frameworks: the World City Network framework, in which researchers have studied the emergence of a globalized urban system for the provision of a host of advanced corporate services; and the Global Commodity Chain framework, in which researchers have scrutinized the interconnected functions, operations and transactions through which specific commodities are produced, distributed and consumed in a globalized economy. These two approaches have developed in parallel but have rarely been brought together. This introductory essay identifies the common roots and recent history of these two frameworks, and outlines how the six articles contribute to their theoretical and empirical cross‐fertilization.
World City Networks and Global Commodity Chains: towards a world‐systems' integration
Authors: BROWN ED , DERUDDER BEN , PARNREITER CHRISTOF , PELUPESSY WIM , TAYLOR PETER J. , WITLOX FRANK
Published: December 2009

There are two literatures that explicitly describe the spaces of flows that constitute contemporary globalization – World City Network analysis and Global Commodity Chain analysis. We explore the possibilities of their integration by returning to their common origins in world‐systems analysis. Each model is described and critiqued and it is argued that each can be used to address some of the other's limitations. This is illustrated through world city process additions to understanding the coffee commodity chain and commodity chain additions to understanding Mexico City and Santiago's positioning in the World City Network. This complementarity is just a first step towards a more complete integration; the conclusion describes the next steps towards just such a research agenda.
City networks and commodity chains: identifying global flows and local connections in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: VIND INGEBORG , FOLD NIELS
Published: December 2009

Any analytical framework for understanding actual forms of the intensified incorporation of cities into the world economy needs to go beyond the exclusive focus on advanced producer services, which is characteristic of most of the World City Network (WCN) approach. Simultaneously, an account of the role of advanced producer services will strengthen Global Commodity Chain (GCC) analysis. A combination of the literatures on WCN and GCC can contribute to a broader conceptualization of the connections and connectivities of global cities. In addition, a combined approach will improve our understanding of globalization processes within many so‐called ‘third‐world’ cities that are experiencing booms in export‐oriented industrialization and in migration from rural hinterlands as they are being integrated into Global Commodity Chains. We illustrate our argument with insights from GCC analyses of the electronics industry located in Ho Chi Minh City and the agricultural sector in its rural hinterland, the Mekong Delta.
Integrating world cities into production networks: the case of port cities
Authors: JACOBS WOUTER , DUCRUET CESAR , DE LANGEN PETER
Published: December 2009

In this article we analyse the location patterns of firms that provide specialized advanced producer services (APS) to international commodity chains that move through seaports. Such activities can take place in world cities or in port cities. The analysis of APS location patterns in port cities provides a good opportunity to integrate the study of world cities into the framework of Global Production Networks. Based upon our empirical findings, we conclude that while port‐related APS activities predominantly follow the world city hierarchy, a number of port cities stand out because they act as nodes in global commodity flows and as centres of advanced services related to shipping and port activities. Based on these empirical findings we address future avenues of research.
Purification of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 from bovine brain and its calcium‐dependent activation
Authors: Kim Seok Kyun , Ahn Kyong Hoon , Jeon Hyung Jun , Lee Dong Hoon , Jung Sung Yun , Jung Kwang Mook , Kim Dae Kyong
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1088–1097.

Ceramide is produced by sphingomyelinase (SMase) and it plays a key role in cellular responses such as apoptosis. In this study, we report the purification and characterization of neutral SMase2 (nSMase2) from bovine brain tissue. Triton X‐100 extracts of bovine brain membranes were purified in nine steps, including sequential chromatography. The specific activity of purified nSMase increased 8183‐fold over the brain membrane fraction. Purified nSMase showed similarities to nSMase2, which had been purified and cloned previously. Interestingly, purified nSMase2 was Ca2+‐dependent and could be activated by micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ under Mg2+‐free conditions. Ceramide generation was dependent upon the calcium ionophore A23187 and was observed in nSMase2‐over‐expressing COS‐7 cells. This generation was suppressed by GW4869, an nSMase2 inhibitor, but not to fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of the de novo ceramide synthesis pathway. The present study demonstrates the Ca2+‐dependent activation of nSMase2.
Proconvulsant potential of cyproheptadine in experimental animal models
Authors: Singh Damanpreet , Goel Rajesh Kumar
Published: December 2009

In epileptic patients cyproheptadine is frequently prescribed as an appetite stimulant for the treatment of anorexia associated with anti‐epileptic drugs and for the management of ‘serotonin syndrome’ in depressed epileptic patients. However, the study of serotonergic and histaminergic pathway shows that the decreased neurotransmission of serotonin and histamine in the brain reduces seizures threshold. Since, cyproheptadine interferes with these pathways via antagonizing subtypes of 5‐HT1/2receptors and H1receptor, therefore the present study was undertaken to investigate its effect on seizures threshold, so as to substantiate its use in epileptics. In the present study convulsions were induced in mice by, maximum electroshock (MES), picrotoxin, and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Cyproheptadine (4 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered per se and along with clinically used anti‐epileptic drugs (phenytoin 25 mg/kg, i.p. and diazepam 5 mg/kg, i.p.) in different groups of mice, onset and extent of convulsions in these groups were compared with that of vehicle control and anti‐epileptics per se treated groups. Percentage mortality in all groups was also determined. Results depicted a significant increase in duration of tonic hind limb extension in MES and decrease in latency to clonic convulsions induced by PTZ and picrotoxin in cyproheptadine treated groups (per se and along with anti‐epileptics), as compared to vehicle control and anti‐epileptics per se treated groups respectively. Percentage mortality was also increased with cyproheptadine treatment. Therefore it is concluded that cyproheptadine pretreatment reduces threshold, increases severity of seizures and decreases the efficacy of clinically used anti‐epileptic drugs in experimental animal models of convulsions.
Probabilistic measures of efficiency and the influence of contextual variables in nonparametric production models: an application to agricultural research in Brazil
Authors: Da Silva e Souza Geraldo , Gomes Eliane Gonçalves , Staub Roberta Blass
Published: December 2009

In a research institution it is important to identify which management practices have influence on production efficiency. In this paper we assess the statistical significance of contextual variables type, size, financial resources acquisition, intensity of partnerships, processes improvements and management change. The analysis is carried out for the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation over the period 1999–2006. The statistical analysis uses a balanced dynamic panel data model. We conclude that only financial resources acquisition is statistically significant. The association with the production process is positive. We also found the two lag inertial components of the conditional FDH to unconditional FDH ratio statistically significant, indicating a 2‐year effort to improve efficiency.
Optimization of quality and operational costs through improved scheduling of harvest operations
Authors: Arnaout Jean‐Paul M. , Maatouk Marwan
Published: December 2009

The agriculture sector still lacks the tools and models to enhance the utilization of different resources. This paper addresses the vineyard harvesting problem in developing countries, with the objective of optimizing the wine quality and minimizing the operational costs. Heuristics were introduced to better assign the harvesting days to the different grape blocks that exist in the vineyard's field. The quality of the grapes was a key target as it can transform production from a pinnacle wine to a bulk one. We solved several numerical examples for verification and demonstrative purposes and found that our proposed approach finds solutions that significantly reduce the harvesting costs in the vineyard and considerably outperform Branch and Bound algorithm especially for large problems.
A tabu search procedure for coordinating production, inventory and distribution routing problems
Authors: Shiguemoto André Luís , Armentano Vinícius Amaral
Published: December 2009

This paper addresses the problem of optimally coordinating a production‐distribution system over a multi‐period finite horizon, where a facility production produces several items that are distributed to a set of customers by a fleet of homogeneous vehicles. The demand for each item at each customer is known over the horizon. The production planning determines how much to produce of each item in every period, while the distribution planning defines when customers should be visited, the amount of each item that should be delivered to customers and the vehicle routes. The objective is to minimize the sum of production and inventory costs at the facility, inventory costs at the customers and distribution costs. We also consider a related problem of inventory routing, where a supplier receives or produces known quantities of items in each period and has to solve the distribution problem. We propose a tabu search procedure for solving such problems, and this approach is compared with vendor managed policies proposed in the literature, in which the facility knows the inventory levels of the customers and determines the replenishment policies.
Optimality conditions for distributive justice
Authors: Hooker J. N.
Published: December 2009

This paper uses optimization theory to address a fundamental question of ethics: how to divide resources justly among individuals, groups, or organizations. It formulates utilitarian and Rawlsian criteria for distributive justice as optimization problems. The formulations recognize that some recipients are more productive than others, so that an inequitable distribution may create greater overall utility. Conditions are derived under which a distribution of resources is utility maximizing, and under which it achieves a lexicographic maximum, which we take as formulating the difference principle of John Rawls. It is found that utility maximization requires at least as much inequality as results from allotting resources in proportion to productivity, and typically a good deal more. Rawlsian justice requires a greater degree of equality than utilitarianism, particularly when the distribution of productivities across recipients has a short upper tail, although it is insensitive to the lower tail. It also requires greater equality when there are rapidly decreasing returns to investment in productivity, and ironically, when people have a stronger interest in getting rich.
Impact of Medicare Part D on Medicare–Medicaid Dual‐Eligible Beneficiaries' Prescription Utilization and Expenditures
Authors: Basu Anirban , Yin Wesley , Alexander G. Caleb
Published: December 2009

Objective. To examine the effect of Part D on 65–78‐year‐old noninstitutionalized dual eligibles' prescription utilization and expenditures.

Data Source. Random sample of unique pharmacy customers of a national retail pharmacy chain who filled at least one prescription during both 2005 and 2006. For each subject, we obtained claims data for every prescription filled between January 1, 2005, and April 31, 2007.

Study Design. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the experience of a “treatment” group (dual eligibles between 65 and 78 years on January 1, 2005) with that of a “control” group (near‐elderly patients with Medicaid coverage between 60 and 63 years on January 1, 2005) during the first 18 months after Part D implementation.

Principal Findings. Expenditures for the treatment and control groups tracked each other closely in the pre–Part D period. Immediately following the implementation of Part D, expenditures for both groups decreased and then leveled off. There were no significant changes in trends in the dual eligibles' out‐of‐pocket expenditures, total monthly expenditures, pill‐days, or total number of prescriptions due to Part D.

Conclusions. We find no evidence that Part D adversely affected pharmaceutical utilization or out‐of‐pocket expenditures of dual eligibles during the transition period, nor during the 16 months subsequent to Part D implementation.
Utilization and Expenditures on Chiropractic Care in the United States from 1997 to 2006
Authors: Davis Matthew A. , Sirovich Brenda E. , Weeks William B.
Published: December 2009

Objective. To investigate national utilization and expenditures on chiropractic care between 1997 and 2006.

Data Source. The nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Study Design. We performed descriptive analyses and generated national estimates from data obtained from U.S. adult (≥18 years) MEPS respondents who reported having visited a chiropractor (annual sample size between 789 and 1,082). For each year, we examined the estimated total national expenditure, the total number of U.S. adults who received chiropractic care, the total number of ambulatory visits to U.S. chiropractors, and the inflation‐adjusted charges and expenditures per U.S. adult chiropractic patient.

Principal Findings. The total number of U.S. adults who visited a chiropractor increased 57 percent from 7.7 million in 2000 to 12.1 million in 2003. From 1997 to 2006, the inflation‐adjusted national expenditures on chiropractic care increased 56 percent from U.S.$3.8 billion to U.S.$5.9 billion. Inflation‐adjusted total mean expenditures per patient and expenditures per office visit remained unchanged.

Conclusion. The large increase in U.S. adult expenditures on chiropractic care between 1997 and 2006 was due to a 57 percent increase in the total number of U.S. adult chiropractic patients that occurred from 2000 to 2003. From 2003 to 2006, the total number of U.S. adult chiropractic patients has remained stable.
Antidepressant‐like effects of cannabidiol in mice: possible involvement of 5‐HT1Areceptors
Authors: Zanelati TV , Biojone C , Moreira FA , Guimarães FS , Joca SRL
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non‐psychotomimetic compound fromCannabis sativathat induces anxiolytic‐ and antipsychotic‐like effects in animal models. Effects of CBD may be mediated by the activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors. As 5‐HT1Areceptor activation may induce antidepressant‐like effects, the aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that CBD would have antidepressant‐like activity in mice as assessed by the forced swimming test. We also investigated if these responses depended on the activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors and on hippocampal expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Experimental approach: Male Swiss mice were given (i.p.) CBD (3, 10, 30, 100 mg·kg−1), imipramine (30 mg·kg−1) or vehicle and were submitted to the forced swimming test or to an open field arena, 30 min later. An additional group received WAY100635 (0.1 mg·kg−1, i.p.), a 5‐HT1Areceptor antagonist, before CBD (30 mg·kg−1) and assessment by the forced swimming test. BDNF protein levels were measured in the hippocampus of another group of mice treated with CBD (30 mg·kg−1) and submitted to the forced swimming test.

Key results: CBD (30 mg·kg−1) treatment reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test, as did the prototype antidepressant imipramine, without changing exploratory behaviour in the open field arena. WAY100635 pretreatment blocked CBD‐induced effect in the forced swimming test. CBD (30 mg·kg−1) treatment did not change hippocampal BDNF levels.

Conclusion and implications: CBD induces antidepressant‐like effects comparable to those of imipramine. These effects of CBD were probably mediated by activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors.
Positron emission tomography imaging of tissue P‐glycoprotein activity during pregnancy in the non‐human primate
Authors: Chung FS , Eyal S , Muzi M , Link JM , Mankoff DA , Kaddoumi A , O'Sullivan F , Hsiao P , Unadkat JD
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Changes in tissue P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) activity during pregnancy could affect the pharmacokinetics and thus the efficacy and toxicity of many drugs. Therefore, using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we tested whether gestational age affects tissue P‐gp activity in the pregnant non‐human primate,Macaca nemestrina.

Experimental approach: Mid‐gestational (day 75 ± 13,n= 7) and late‐gestational (day 150 ± 10,n= 5) age macaques were imaged after administration of a prototypic P‐gp substrate,11C‐verapamil (13.7–75.4 MBq·kg−1), before and during intravenous infusion of a P‐gp inhibitor, cyclosporin A (CsA) (12 or 24 mg·kg−1·h−1). Accumulation of radioactivity in the fetal liver served as a reporter of placental P‐gp activity. P‐gp activity was expressed as CsA‐induced percent change in the ratio of the area (0–9 min) under the11C‐radioactivity concentration–time curve in the tissue (AUCtissue) to that in the maternal plasma (AUCplasma).

Key results: The CsA‐induced change in AUCfetal liver/AUCmaternalplasmaof11C‐radioactivity significantly increased from mid‐ (35 ± 25%) to late gestation (125 ± 66%). Likewise, the CsA‐induced change in AUCmaternal brain/AUCplasmaincreased from mid‐ (172 ± 80%) to late gestation (337 ± 148%). The AUC ratio for the other maternal tissues was not significantly affected. Neither the CsA blood concentrations nor the level of circulating11C‐verapamil metabolites were significantly affected by gestational age.

Conclusions and implications: P‐gp activity at the blood–brain barrier and the placental barrier in the macaque increased with gestational age. If replicated in humans, the exposure of the fetus and maternal brain to P‐gp substrate drugs, and therefore their efficacy and toxicity, will change during pregnancy.
The Cold War: Lessons and Legacies
Authors: Halliday Fred
Published: December 2009

The collapse of European communism two decades ago appeared to determine, once and for all, the fate of radical socialism in the modern world and to draw a line under the forty years of Cold War that had now ended. In an overview of both the course and end of this global confrontation, and of the legacy of communism itself, this article argues that many of the analytical and social dimensions of the Cold War have still to be adequately addressed, and that, while traditional Marxism has indeed been discredited, the need for critical and, where pertinent, utopian thinking remains as relevant as ever.