bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol and depression
Authors: Boden Joseph M. , Fergusson David M.
Published: March 2011

Aims  To examine the literature on the associations between alcohol use disorders (AUD) and major depression (MD), and to evaluate the evidence for the existence of a causal relationship between the disorders.

Methods  PsycInfo; PubMed; Embase; Scopus; ISI Web of Science database searches for studies pertaining to AUD and MD from the 1980 to the present. Random‐effects models were used to derive estimates of the pooled adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for the links between AUD and MD among studies reporting an AOR.

Results  The analysis revealed that the presence of either disorder doubled the risks of the second disorder, with pooled AORs ranging from 2.00 to 2.09. Epidemiological data suggest that the linkages between the disorders cannot be accounted for fully by common factors that influence both AUD and MD, and that the disorders appear to be linked in a causal manner. Further evidence suggests that the most plausible causal association between AUD and MD is one in which AUD increases the risk of MD, rather than vice versa. Potential mechanisms underlying these causal linkages include neurophysiological and metabolic changes resulting from exposure to alcohol. The need for further research examining mechanisms of linkage, gender differences in associations between AUD and MD and classification issues was identified.

Conclusions  The current state of the literature suggests a causal linkage between alcohol use disorders and major depression, such that increasing involvement with alcohol increases risk of depression. Further research is needed in order to clarify the nature of this causal link, in order to develop effective intervention and treatment approaches.
Immunochemistry for oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 on cell blocks in primary breast carcinoma
Authors: Kumar S K. , Gupta N. , Rajwanshi A. , Joshi K. , Singh G.
Published: March 2011

K. Kumar S, N. Gupta, A. Rajwanshi, K. Joshi and G. Singh

Immunochemistry for oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 on cell blocks in primary breast carcinoma

Objective:  Steroid receptors and human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) have been used for predicting response to treatment in breast cancers. Fine needle aspiration cytology can provide highly cellular material and can be used for such analysis. The present study was undertaken to assess the reliability of oestrogen and progesterone receptor (ER, PR) status and HER2 as demonstrated by immunochemistry (IHC) on cell blocks from breast carcinoma cases, in comparison with histological sections.

Methods:  IHC for ER, PR and HER2 was performed on cell blocks and their corresponding tissue sections of 50 primary pre‐chemotherapy breast carcinomas. Positivity for ER and PR was scored according to the Allred scoring system. Strong membranous positivity in more than 30% of tumour cells was considered positive for HER2. The tumours were classified as luminal A, luminal B, HER2‐over‐expressing and triple negative on the basis of ER, PR and HER2 status and results on cell blocks compared with histological sections.

Results:  Correlation between immunostaining on cell blocks and the corresponding tumour tissues revealed a concordance rate for ER, PR and HER2 of 90% [Correlation coefficient (r) = 0.79], 94% (r = 0.86) and 90% (r = 0.76), respectively. Including five cases in which cell blocks were either ER or PR positive, 43/50 cases (86.0%) could be correctly classified on cell block immunostaining alone. The main reasons for seven discordant cases included technical errors (sampling error and staining error) and interpretational error in HER2 evaluation on cell blocks; the core biopsy was inadequate in one, and apparently false negative for HER2 in another.

Conclusion:  Cell blocks are useful in the assessment of hormone receptor status and HER2 by IHC, especially in cases of locally advanced breast cancer for planning neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It is highly recommended to have good quality cell blocks and quality control of their interpretation.
Effect of salts and sugars on the clarity of gellan gels
Authors: Evageliou Vasiliki , Gerolemou Andreas , Zikas Alexandros , Basios Aineias , Komaitis Michael
Published: March 2011

The effect of glucose, fructose and sucrose (0–15 wt%) on the clarity of low acyl gellan gels (0.5 wt%) in the presence of potassium chloride (40–100 mm), calcium chloride (10–80 mm) and their mixtures at a total molar concentration of 80 mm, was investigated by light absorbance experiments (490 nm). The effect on gel clarity (at 100 mm KCl) of all sugar combinations, at a final concentration of 15 wt%, was also investigated. All gels with potassium were less turbid than the ones with calcium. In the case of salt mixtures, increasing concentration of calcium in the mixtures resulted in decreased clarity. In addition, turbidity increased with increasing salt concentration. Moreover, and at the higher salt concentrations, the presence of sugars resulted in clearer gels. When mixtures of sugars were added, all combinations resulted in increased clarity compared to the individual sugars.
Oligosaccharides prepared by acid hydrolysis of polysaccharides from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) pulp and their prebiotic activities
Authors: Du Bingjian , Song Yi , Hu Xiaosong , Liao Xiaojun , Ni Yuanying , Li Quanhong
Published: March 2011

As a rich source of polysaccharides, pumpkin pulp was used for the production of oligosaccharides. To investigate the prebiotic potential of the oligosaccharides, prepared by acid hydrolysis of polysaccharides from pumpkin pulp, the effect of the oligosaccharides on lactobacilli growth was studied. The oligosaccharides were composed of galactose (99.03%) and glucose (0.97%). The molecular weight distribution of the oligosaccharides showed a larger part of low molecular weight fraction in a range from 5000 to 324 Da than the polysaccharides, which gave the oligosaccharides higher solubility. The oligosaccharides showed good resistance to hydrolysis by artificial human gastric juice and α‐amylase, compared to the reference prebiotic inulin, and considerable capability to stimulate the growth of lactobacilli. In vitro studies showed that the number of lactobacilli was significantly greater than those in control medium when they were cultured in the medium supplemented with the oligosaccharides (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference at the oligosaccharides group and the inulin group (P < 0.05).
Influence of ultrasound during wheat gluten hydrolysis on the antioxidant activities of the resulting hydrolysate
Authors: Zhu Ke‐Xue , Su Chun‐Yan , Guo Xiao‐Na , Peng Wei , Zhou Hui‐Ming
Published: March 2011

Wheat gluten was hydrolysed by Alcalase 2.4L under ultrasound. Different antioxidant assays in vitro, such as ferrous ion‐chelating activity, reducing power, inhibition of linoleic acid emulsion peroxidation and 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, were employed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the wheat gluten hydrolysate (WGH) obtained. It was found that WGHL (WGH which was obtained by low frequency (LF) ultrasound) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities, with an EC50 value of 0.513 mg mL−1 for ferrous iron‐chelating activity, as well as a high and dose‐dependent reducing power. In the linoleic acid system, a longer induction time indicated a significant decrease of lipid peroxidation. In addition, WGH also exhibited notable ABTS radical scavenging activity. A good correlation was observed between antioxidant activities and the amount of WGH, but a poor correlation was observed between antioxidant activities and degree of hydrolysis. The molecular weight distribution of WGH was affected by ultrasonic frequency and WGHL had the highest proportion of peptide fractions of molecular weight 3000–500 Da. All the results showed that the WGH treated by ultrasound had strong antioxidant activities and low molecular weight.
Kinetics of water absorption and soluble‐solid loss of hot‐air‐dried carrots during rehydration
Authors: Markowski Marek , Zielińska Magdalena
Published: March 2011

Cubes of carrots dried at 60, 70, 80 and 90 °C were rehydrated at 20 and 95 °C. Kinetics of water gain and soluble‐solid loss were monitored and described by Peleg model. Dry matter holding capacity, water absorption capacity and rehydration ability were derived to assess the rehydration process. It was found that leaching flow was higher for the samples dried at higher temperatures. Rehydration ability and dry matter holding capacity of the samples rehydrated at 95 °C were higher than those observed for the samples soaked at 20 °C. Swelling of carrots during rehydration neither depended on temperature of drying nor on the temperature of the water. The results indicate that the use of low drying temperatures is suitable for preserving the quality attributes of carrots after rehydration.
Influence of fibre addition on the rheological properties of peach juice
Authors: Augusto Pedro E. D. , Falguera Víctor , Cristianini Marcelo , Ibarz Albert
Published: March 2011

The addition of dietary fibres is a tendency in several foods. Understanding the changes in food sensory and physical properties due to fibre addition is thus, essential for food process design. The present work has evaluated the influence of peach fibre addition on the rheological properties of peach juice. Flow behaviour and influence of fibre concentration on Herschel‐Bulkley model’s parameters were evaluated. The flow behaviour of the products was changed due to fibre addition, from Newtonian to pseudoplastic and then, Herschel‐Bulkley behaviour. The parameters could be well modelled by exponential (σ0), power law (k) and sigmoidal (n) functions (R2 > 0.98). The viscoelastic properties were evaluated for the most concentrated products. Variation of storage and loss modulus with the oscillatory frequency were well described by a power function (R2 > 0.96), and dependency of its parameters with temperature was well modelled by Arrhenius’ model (k′, k″, R2 > 0.94) and quadratic function (n′, n″, R2 > 0.90).
Struggling to retain living space: patients’ stories about living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ek Kristina , Sahlberg‐Blom Eva , Andershed Birgitta , Ternestedt Britt‐Marie
Published: March 2011

ek k., sahlberg‐blom e., andershed b. & ternestedt b.‐m. (2011)Struggling to retain living space: patients’ stories about living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Journal of Advanced Nursing67(7), 1480–1490.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the experience of living with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and long‐term oxygen therapy when living alone.

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects an increasing number of people. Breathlessness, fatigue and dejection are common symptoms during the last years of life.

Method. Repeated qualitative interviews with four participants were conducted over an 8‐month period in 2008. The data comprised 17 interviews, 15 telephone conversations and various field notes. A phenomenological hermeneutical method was used to interpret the text.

Findings. The analysis resulted in two main themes and five sub‐themes. The first main theme,Being subordinated to the sick body, implies that the body, assistive devices and entrusting oneself to the hands of others can both extend and restrict the living space. The second main theme,Protecting significant values of identity, encompasses both the struggle to maintain self‐image and the awareness of one’s own death.

Conclusion. Living alone with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a challenging and complex phenomenon. The everyday life was characterized by a struggle to keep autonomy during a time of increasing dependency and need for help. A person‐centred nursing care, built upon peoples’ own experiences, may be one way to promote identity and dignity in patients even when they are close to death.
What information counts at the moment of practice? Information practices of renal nurses
Authors: Bonner Ann , Lloyd Annemaree
Published: March 2011

bonner a. & lloyd a. (2011) What information counts at the moment of practice? Information practices of renal nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1213–1221.

Aims.  This article is a report of a study done to identify how renal nurses experience information about renal care and the information practices that they used to support everyday practice.

Background.  What counts as nursing knowledge remains a contested area in the discipline yet little research has been undertaken. Information practice encompasses a range of activities such as seeking, evaluation and sharing of information. The ability to make informed judgement is dependent on nurses being able to identify relevant sources of information that inform their practice and those sources of information may enable the identification of what knowledge is important to nursing practice.

Method.  The study was philosophically framed from a practice perspective and informed by Habermas and Schatzki; it employed qualitative research techniques. Using purposive sampling six registered nurses working in two regional renal units were interviewed during 2009 and data was thematically analysed.

Findings.  The information practices of renal nurses involved mapping an information landscape in which they drew on information obtained from epistemic, social and corporeal sources. They also used coupling, a process of drawing together information from a range of sources, to enable them to practice.

Conclusion.  Exploring how nurses engage with information, and the role the information plays in situating and enacting epistemic, social and corporeal knowledge into everyday nursing practice is instructive because it indicates that nurses must engage with all three modalities in order to perform effectively, efficiently and holistically in the context of patient care.
Perinatal outcomes in native Chinese and Chinese‐American women
Authors: Liu Yinghui , Zhang Jun , Li Zhu
Published: March 2011

Liu Y, Zhang J, Li Z. Perinatal outcomes in native Chinese and Chinese‐American women. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 202–209.

This study aimed to compare perinatal outcomes in native Chinese, foreign‐born and US‐born Chinese‐American women by analysing a cohort of 950 624 singleton pregnancies in south‐east China and 293 849 singleton births from the US live and stillbirth certificates from 1995 to 2004. Only births at 28 weeks or later were included. Compared with US‐born Chinese‐American women, native Chinese and foreign‐born Chinese‐American women had substantially lower risks of having a small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) infant (adjusted relative risk [aRR] ranging from 0.46 to 0.66) or preterm birth (aRR ranging from 0.53 to 0.82). While having a White or Black father had a reduced risk of SGA (aRR = 0.45 and 0.62, respectively), it has an increased risk for preterm birth (aRR = 1.13 and 1.57, respectively). Infants with Chinese father and foreign‐born mother were heavier than those with Chinese father and US‐born mothers. All findings were statistically significant. Our findings demonstrated the protective role of foreign‐born status on low birthweight and preterm delivery. The paternal contribution to fetal size is substantial.
Short segment aortic endarterectomy – a technique to aid cannulation in donors with severe aorto‐iliac disease
Authors: Gunasekaran Ganesh , Winans Charles , Hashimoto Koji , Aucejo Federico , Miller Charles
Published: March 2011

Gunasekaran G, Winans C, Hashimoto K, Aucejo F, Miller C. Short segment aortic endarterectomy – a technique to aid cannulation in donors with severe aorto‐iliac disease.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E219–E222. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Cannulation of the abdominal aorta in older donors with advanced atherosclerotic disease is challenging and may lead to dissection or plaque embolization. We describe a different technique, short segment aortic endarterectomy, which can be a useful alternative during organ procurement. It permits safer cannulation and securing of atherosclerotic infrarenal aortas, thereby allowing us to flush and safely use organs that otherwise would have been discarded.
Comparison of risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa: Case‐cohort study
Authors: Matsuda Yoshio , Hayashi Kunihiko , Shiozaki Arihiro , Kawamichi Yayoi , Satoh Shoji , Saito Shigeru
Published: March 2011

Aim:  A case‐cohort study was performed to clarify and compare the risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa.

Material & Methods:  This study reviewed 242 715 births at 125 centers of the perinatal network in Japan from 2001 through to 2005 as a base‐cohort. Women with singleton pregnancies delivered after 22 weeks of gestation were included. The evaluation determined the risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa. Five thousand and thirty‐six births (2.1%) were determined as the subcohort by random selection. Acute‐inflammation‐associated clinical conditions (premature rupture of membranes and clinical chorioamnionitis) and chronic processes associated with vascular dysfunction or chronic inflammation (chronic and pregnancy‐induced hypertension, pre‐existing or gestational diabetes and maternal smoking) was examined between the two groups.

Results:  Placental abruption and placenta previa were recorded in 10.1 per 1000 and 13.9 per 1000 singleton births. Risk factors for abruption and previa, respectively, included maternal age over 35 years (adjusted risk ratios [RRs] = 1.20 and 1.78), IVF‐ET (RRs = 1.38 and 2.94), preterm labor (RRs = 1.63 and 3.09). Smoking (RRs = 1.37), hypertension (RRs = 2.48), and pregnancy‐induced hypertension (RR = 4.45) were risk factors for abruption but not for previa. On the other hand, multiparity (RR = 1.18) was a risk factor for previa but not for abruption. The rates of acute‐inflammation‐associated conditions and chronic processes were higher among women with abruption than with previa. (RR 2.0 and 4.08, respectively).

Conclusion:  The case‐cohort study technique elucidated the difference in the risk factors for placental abruption and placenta previa.
Chairman’s foreword
Authors: Fitzpatrick John
Published: March 2011

Current and emerging treatment options for prostate and bladder cancers were discussed at the second annual Interactive Genitourinary Cancer Conference (IGUCC) held in February 2010. The objectives of IGUCC‐2 were to provide physicians with practical clinical guidance concerning genitourinary cancers, discuss future treatment options, and encourage improved patient management and outcomes through closer multidisciplinary collaboration across the treatment continuum.
Maximizing outcomes in genitourinary cancers across the treatment continuum
Authors: Fitzpatrick John M. , Bellmunt Joaquim , Dreicer Robert , Fleshner Neil E. , Logothetis Christopher J. , Moul Judd W. , Tombal Bertrand , Zlotta Alexandre
Published: March 2011

Key controversies concerning the management of genitourinary cancers across the treatment continua were discussed at the second annual Interactive Genitourinary Cancer Conference (IGUCC) held in February 2010 in Athens, Greece. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among western men and prevention strategies are needed. Trials evaluating 5α‐reductase inhibitors have reported beneficial and clinically meaningful results, but uptake remains low for primary prostate cancer prevention. Prostate cancer detection programmes are also important as curative treatments for advanced disease are unavailable. Two large landmark randomized controlled trials reported conflicting results concerning screening efficacy and uncovered high levels of over‐diagnosis and potential over‐treatment. Tailored management strategies after diagnosis are important and predictive markers that distinguish between aggressive and indolent tumours are needed. The majority of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer are clinically localized. Active surveillance of favourable risk patients may be beneficial in the intermediate term, while an integrated approach of multi‐modality therapy in patients with adverse features is recommended. The benefits of new technologies such as high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and robotic prostatectomy have not been established in prospective randomized trials vs current standards of care. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to evolving the management of advanced prostate cancer into a chronic disease paradigm. Docetaxel plus prednisone is the standard first‐line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but the optimal timing of chemotherapy initiation has not been addressed in randomized clinical trials. Retrospective analyses suggest that asymptomatic patients with adverse prognostic factors for survival may also benefit from receiving chemotherapy.

Bladder cancer is a common malignancy and the most expensive cancer per patient. Non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer is a heterogenous disease that requires dynamic multidisciplinary management. Aggressive early intervention may be beneficial in some cases. Platinum‐based therapies represent the first‐line standard of care for advanced bladder cancer, but the maximum benefit may have been reached for conventional chemotherapies and new strategies are needed. Several ongoing clinical trials are assessing combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
Is food insecurity related to overweight and obesity in children and adolescents? A summary of studies, 1995–2009
Authors: Eisenmann J. C. , Gundersen C. , Lohman B. J. , Garasky S. , Stewart S. D.
Published: March 2011

In the USA, several nutrition‐related issues confront the normal growth, maturation and development of children and adolescents including obesity and food insecurity. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the concept of food insecurity and a summary of studies that have examined the association between food insecurity and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents. Besides the initial case report, we review 21 studies (16 cross‐sectional and five prospective studies) that have been published on this topic as of December 2009. As there is limited literature in this area, we review studies that sample children and adolescents in the USA. The results are mixed with positive, negative and null associations. The reasons for the mixed results are difficult to disentangle. Among earlier studies, small samples hampered definitive conclusions. More recent studies with larger samples have overcome these limitations and tend to find no associations between these constructs. Nonetheless, all of the studies to date have shown that food insecurity and overweight co‐exist – that is, even though there may not be statistically significant differences in overweight between food‐insecure and food‐secure children, the prevalence of overweight remains relatively high in food‐insecure children.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in British Columbian Aboriginal adults
Authors: Foulds H. J. A. , Bredin S. S. D. , Warburton D. E. R.
Published: March 2011

Overweight and obesity among Aboriginal populations has been a growing challenge within Canada. This investigation aimed to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity within British Columbian adult Aboriginal populations including both on and off reserve individuals through direct measurement. Further, this study stratified the variations in these rates according to age, gender and geographic region. Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured via standardized procedures, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The mean body composition indicators were above recommended for men (BMI = 30.3 ± 5.6 kg m−2; WC = 104.2 ± 14.7 cm) and women (BMI = 30.9 ±  7.2 kg m−2; WC = 99.3 ± 17.1 cm), respectively. Rates of obesity for men and women were similar, 48.4% and 48.7%, respectively, and showed significant increases with age. Abdominal obesity (AO) was significantly greater among female participants, 69.0% compared with 52.7% in men, while both genders also demonstrated significant increases in AO with age. Both obesity and AO rates were found to be significantly greater in the Northern and Interior regions of the province in comparison to the Vancouver/Lower Mainland region. Alarmingly high rates of obesity and AO were observed in this population in men and women at every age and geographic region.
Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide? The 2010 General Election and the Defence of First‐past‐the‐post
Authors: KELLY RICHARD
Published: March 2011

The 2010 general election threw traditional arguments about electoral reform into chaos: defenders of the status quo suddenly found themselves defending outcomes the existing system is supposed to prevent, while advocates of reform were obliged to praise outcomes arising from current arrangements. This article examines the strengths and weaknesses of first‐past‐the‐post in the light of the 2010 result and asserts that—contrary to many claims—FPTP remains a defensible electoral system. In doing so, the article highlights the peculiar political circumstances attending the last general election, while reminding readers that other recent UK elections, conducted under other electoral systems, have not been free of serious anomalies.
The Coalition Programme: A New Vision for Britain or Politics as Usual?
Authors: TAYLOR‐GOOBY PETER , STOKER GERRY
Published: March 2011

The Coalition programme includes restructuring public provision through reforms and cuts which will take public spending in the Britain below that in the US. This article explores whether the Coalition agenda is best understood as a new approach to Britain's deep‐seated economic short‐comings or simply as the normal politics of gaining and retaining power. It analyses the current government's programme, identifies the common features across the range of policies and discusses how they are likely to develop as they encounter set‐backs.
The Postwar Premiership League
Authors: THEAKSTON KEVIN , GILL MARK
Published: March 2011

The article reports the results from the latest survey of academic experts polled on the performance of post‐1945 prime ministers. Academic specialists in British politics and history rate Clement Attlee as the best postwar prime minister, with Margaret Thatcher in second place just ahead of Tony Blair in third place. Gordon Brown's stint in Number 10 was the third‐worst since the Second World War, according to the respondents to the survey that rated his premiership as less successful than that of John Major. The article compares public and academic opinion and rankings of prime ministers and their performance, noting significant discrepancies in contemporary and retrospective evaluations. Academic respondents to the survey also provided detailed ratings and evaluations of the performance and policy impact of the four prime ministers since 1979: Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
Retheorising Emile Durkheim on Society and Religion: Embodiment, Intoxication and Collective Life
Authors: Shilling Chris , Mellor Philip A.
Published: March 2011

In this paper we argue that Emile Durkheim's sociology contains within it a theory of society and religion as a form of embodied intoxication that is implicit in his writings on effervescent assemblies but has not yet been explicated or developed fully by subsequent commentators. This holds that for social or religious collectivities to exist, the bodies of individuals must be both marked by insignia, customs and techniques that facilitate the possibility of culturally normative patterns of recognition, interaction and action, while also being excited, enthused or intoxicated sufficiently to be inhabited as collective rather than egoistic beings. Our paper begins by investigating the central features of Durkheim's theory – including his interest in the ritual steering of these processes – as developed most fully in his last major study, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. We then develop our own analysis of Durkheim's concern that modernity has stimulated a rise in ‘abnormal’ forms of embodied intoxication that fail to attach individuals to the wider societies in which they live, and demonstrate the utility of our analytical framework by employing it to assess the recent resurgence of charismatic Christian revivalism.
When do value chains go global? A theory of the spatialization of global value chains
Authors: MAHUTGA MATTHEW C.
Published: March 2011

In this article, I synthesize and extend the theoretical literature on global commodity chain (GCC) and global value chain (GVC) governance to generate a theory of the ‘globalness’ of value chains and the spatialization of value chain linkages. Drawing from the original GCC dichotomy of buyer/producer‐driven commodity chains, I emphasize the height of entry barriers to manufacturing and supplier capability differentials across the North–South divide as determinants of the amount and geographic extent of global offshoring behaviour. Using a novel empirical approach to the measurement of global offshoring behaviour at the global industry level, the article shows that the original GCC governance scheme successfully predicts the levels, rates and timing of global production fragmentation across three networked industries. Combining the original GCC governance scheme with the more recent GVC governance types, the theory leads to predictions about the specific types of GVC linkages that might occur given the drivenness of a chain and the geographical location of lead firms and their suppliers. I conclude by drawing out the theory's implications for our understanding of the link between value chain formation and economic development in the global South and suggesting areas for future research.
AVE3085, an enhancer of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, restores endothelial function and reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Yang Qin , Xue Hong‐Mei , Wong Wing‐Tak , Tian Xiao‐Yu , Huang Yu , Tsui Stephen KW , Ng Patrick KS , Wohlfart Paulus , Li Huige , Xia Ning , Tobias Silke , Underwood Malcolm John , He Guo‐Wei
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in endothelial function, and impaired NO production is involved in hypertension. Therefore, compounds that regulate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) may be of therapeutic benefit. A novel, low molecular weight compound AVE3085 is a recently developed compound with the ability to enhance eNOS transcription. The present study investigated the effects of AVE3085 in endothelial dysfunction associated with hypertension.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were treated with AVE 3085 (10 mg·kg·day−1, orally) for 4 weeks. Isometric force measurement was performed on rings of isolated aortae in organ baths. Protein expression of eNOS, phosphorylated‐eNOS and nitrotyrosine in the aortae were examined by Western blotting. mRNA for eNOS in rat aortae were examined by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

KEY RESULTS AVE3085 greatly improved endothelium‐dependent relaxations in the aortae of SHRs. This functional change was accompanied by up‐regulated expression of eNOS protein and mRNA, enhanced eNOS phosphorylation and decreased formation of nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, AVE3085 treatment reduced the blood pressure in SHR without affecting that of hypertensive eNOS−/− mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The eNOS‐transcription enhancer AVE3085 restored impaired endothelial function in a hypertensive model. The present study provides a solid basis for the potential development of eNOS‐targeting drugs to restore down‐regulated eNOS, as a new strategy in hypertension.
The prevalence of human parvovirus B19 DNA and antibodies in blood donors from four Chinese blood centers
Authors: Ke Ling , He Miao , Li Changqing , Liu Yu , Gao Lei , Yao Fuzhu , Li Julin , Bi Xinhong , Lv Yunlai , Wang Jingxing , Hirsch Matthew L. , Li Wuping
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Human parvovirus B19 is a common human pathogen that causes a variety of diseases with outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to severe, especially in immunocompromised patients. The B19 virus can be transmitted via blood and/or blood products and its resistance to common viral inactivation and/or removal methods raises the importance of B19‐related blood safety. However, the existence, variation, and loading of B19 in Chinese blood donors have not been determined.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed to detect all three genotypes of the human erythrovirus DNA in plasma samples. In total, 3957 donations from four Chinese blood centers were screened for B19 by real‐time minipool nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT). The positive samples were then confirmed by nested PCR and subjected to sequence analysis and alignment for phylogenetic studies. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay–based experiment was also performed to identify the prevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and/or IgM antibodies specific to the B19 structural proteins in acquired samples.

RESULTS: Of 3957 blood donors, 23 (0.58%) specimens were found positive for B19 DNA. The quantitative DNA levels ranged from 2.48 × 102 to 6.38 × 104 copies/mL. The phylogenic analyses showed that the prevalent genotypes in Chinese blood donors belong to B19 Genotype 1. A total of 448 samples from Chinese blood donors were investigated for the seroprevalence of B19 antibodies, among which 24.6 and 6.9% of specimens were seropositive for B19 IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. A total of 2.5% of these samples were positive for both antibody isotypes.

CONCLUSIONS: Whether B19 NAT screening of blood and blood products should be launched in China, larger studies are needed to facilitate an informed decision.
Seeing Is Believing (Too Much): The Influence of Product Form on Perceptions of Functional Performance
Authors: Hoegg JoAndrea , Alba Joseph W.
Published: March 2011

The present research investigates the manner in which product form communicates functional performance, and examines how the form of a product can alter judgments about feature function. In a series of experiments, product form is pitted against objective information about feature function to understand how conflicting visual and verbal cues are reconciled. The findings indicate that when a product's form suggests a particular level of functional performance, consumers naturally incorporate that information into judgments of feature performance, even when presented with conflicting feature information from an objective source. The role of consumer attention in the process is also explored. The results suggest that product developers may be able to improve perceived performance by focusing design efforts and marketing communications on specific features that visually communicate functionality.
Product Design and Marketing: Reflections After Fifteen Years
Authors: Bloch Peter H.
Published: March 2011

This paper provides a brief assessment of the current state of design research within the field of academic marketing. A definition of design is provided that is based on user benefits. This is followed by a set of prescriptions to enhance the prominence of design research in future years. These prescriptions focus on research scope and the training of young scholars.
The Fundamental Challenge of Product Design
Authors: Eppinger Steven
Published: March 2011

Product design practice is an evolving art form. We have made tremendous improvement in methods for and execution of the process in recent years. Yet the challenge of environmental sustainability of products is one area where design practice remains largely in the dark ages. This essay argues that we need to embrace the imperative of design for environment and must evolve design practices to address this challenge.
“Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory”: New Vistas for the Theology of the Cross
Authors: Nessan Craig L.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  This article examines fifteen recent books on a theology of the cross in the English language. Following the publication of Moltmann's The Crucified God and Hall's Lighten Our Darkness in the 1970s, unprecedented interest has been devoted to a theology of the cross in theological literature. The author categorizes this literature into four types: exegetical and historical treatments, critiques of theologies of glory, challenges to the abuse of power, and signals of the coming of God's kingdom. Two hypotheses are ventured regarding the emergence of these works at this time: 1) they evidence a theological response to the enormity of human suffering brought into awareness in an age of instant electronic communication; and 2) the urgent concern for the poor and the cry for social justice, which emerged with liberation theologies, are now finding expression through advocates for the theology of the cross.
The Straw That Breaks the Camel's Back Redirecting Health‐Seeking Behavior Studies on Malaria and Vulnerability
Authors: Ribera Joan Muela , Hausmann‐Muela Susanna
Published: March 2011

In the wake of the Millennium Development Goals, the focus on vulnerability and access to care has increasingly gained ground in the malaria social science literature. However, little emphasis has been given to the cumulative processes of vulnerability. In this article, we draw on ethnographic data, in particular on case studies, gathered in southeastern Tanzania in the 1990s and reexamine them in the context of vulnerability. We analyze the underpinnings of the cumulative dimension of vulnerability at three levels: (1) structural, that is, elements that determine access to material and social resources; (2) agent driven, that is, the consequences of coping strategies that enhance vulnerability; and (3) conjunctural, that is, periods characterized by the confluence of adverse circumstances. We argue that the analysis of cumulative processes of vulnerability paints a more comprehensive picture of people's struggle for health. This opens up a more systemic and dynamic perspective on access to care for disadvantaged populations.
A Dynamic Context Model of Interactive Behavior
Authors: Fu Wai‐Tat
Published: March 2011

A dynamic context model of interactive behavior was developed to explain results from two experiments that tested the effects of interaction costs on encoding strategies, cognitive representations, and response selection processes in a decision‐making and a judgment task. The model assumes that the dynamic context defined by the mixes of internal and external representations and processes are sensitive to the interaction cost imposed by the task environment. The model predicts that changes in the dynamic context may lead to systematic biases in cognitive representations and processes that eventually influence decision‐making and judgment outcomes. Consistent with the predictions by the model, results from the experiments showed that as interaction costs increased, encoding strategies and cognitive representations shifted from perception‐based to memory‐based. Memory‐based comparisons of the stimuli enhanced the similarity and dominance effects, and led to stronger systematic biases in response outcomes in a choice task. However, in a judgment task, memory‐based representations enhanced only the dominance effects. Results suggested that systematic response biases in the dominance context were caused by biases in the cognitive representations of the stimuli, but response biases in the similarity context were caused by biases in the comparison process induced by the choice task. Results suggest that changes in interaction costs not only change whether information was assessed from the external world or from memory but also introduce systematic biases in the cognitive representation of the information, which act as biased inputs to the subsequent decision‐making and judgment processes. Results are consistent with the idea of interactive cognition, which proposes that representations and processes are contingent on the dynamic context defined by the information flow between the external task environment and internal cognition.
Frequent low‐load ischemic resistance exercise to failure enhances muscle oxygen delivery and endurance capacity
Authors: Kacin A. , Strazar K.
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the effects of frequent low‐load ischemic resistance exercise performed to failure on quadriceps size and performance, muscle activation, oxygen kinetics and cardiovascular responses. Ten healthy males performed knee‐extension exercise for 4 weeks (4 sessions/week) at 15% maximal voluntary muscle contraction (MVC). One leg was trained with free blood flow (C‐leg) while in the other leg (I‐leg) ischemia was induced by an inflatable cuff (≥230 mmHg). Quadriceps cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the I‐leg increased by 3.4% (P<0.05). A tendency for smaller increase in muscle CSAs at the cuff level was observed. MVC force did not change in either leg, whereas the number of repetitions during exercise test to failure increased (P<0.01) by 63% in I‐leg and 36% in C‐leg. The decrease in muscle oxygenated hemoglobin concentration acquired by NIRS was attenuated (P<0.01) by 56% in I‐leg and 21% in C‐leg. Electromyographic amplitude of rectus femoris in I‐leg was ∼45% lower (P<0.025) during the ischemic test. Also, ∼9% increase (P<0.05) in pre‐exercise diastolic pressure was observed. In conclusion, substantial gains in muscle endurance capacity were induced, which were associated with enhanced muscle oxygen delivery. The potential negative effects of ischemic exercise with high cuff pressure on muscle and nerve and on arterial pressure regulation need further investigation.
Subtle Land‐Use Change and Tropical Biodiversity: Dung Beetle Communities in Cerrado Grasslands and Exotic Pastures
Authors: Almeida Sabrina , Louzada Julio , Sperber Carlos , Barlow Jos
Published: March 2011

Although many tropical savannas are highly influenced by humans, the patterns of biodiversity loss in these systems remain poorly understood. In particular, the biodiversity consequences of replacing native grasslands with exotic pastures have not been studied. Here we examine how the conversion of the native savanna grasslands affects dung beetle communities. Our study was conducted in 14 native (grassland:campo limpo), and 21 exotic (Urochloaspp. monoculture) pastures in Carrancas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We collected 4996 dung beetle individuals from 66 species: 3139 individuals from 50 species in native pastures and 1857 individuals from 55 species in the exotic pastures. Exotic pastures had lower dung beetle richness, abundance and biomass than native pastures. Species composition between the two pasture types was significantly different and exotic pastures were dominated by few abundant species. Indicator species analysis detected 16 species indicators of native pastures and three of exotic pastures, according to relative abundance and frequency in each pasture system. Our results show that the conversion of native pastures to exotic pastures leads to a predictable loss of local species richness, increasing dominance and changes in species composition. These results highlight the importance of maintaining native pastures in the Cerrado agro‐pastoral landscape.

Abstract in Portuguese is available athttp://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
High Mortality for Rare Species Following Hurricane Disturbance in the Southern Yucatán
Authors: Vandecar Karen L. , Lawrence Deborah , Richards Dana , Schneider Laura , Rogan John , Schmook Birgit , Wilbur Henry
Published: March 2011

Hurricanes are an important part of the natural disturbance regime of the Yucatán Peninsula with the potential to alter forest structure and composition, yet investigations of species‐level responses to severe winds are limited in this region. The effect of a category 5 hurricane (Hurricane Dean, 21 August 2007) on dry tropical forests across the southern Yucatán was examined with respect to tree damage, mortality, and sprouting. Damage was assessed 9–11 mo following the hurricane in 92 (500 m2) plots stratified by wind speed and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) change classes over a 25,000 km2 study area. We investigated the relative importance of biotic (i.e., species, size, and wood density) and abiotic (i.e., wind speed) factors to better explain patterns of damage. Overall mortality was low (3.9%), however, mortality of less common species (8.5%) was elevated more than fourfold above that of 28 common species (1.8%), indicating immediate selective consequences for community composition. Species varied in the degree and type of damage experienced, with susceptibility increasing with tree diameter and height. Wood density influenced damage patterns only in areas where a critical threshold in storm intensity was exceeded (wind speeds ≥210 km/h). Although overall, damage severity increased with wind speed, common coastal species were more resistant to damage than species distributed farther inland. Our findings suggest that selective pressure exerted by frequent hurricane disturbance has, and will, continue to impact the floristic composition of forests on the Yucatán Peninsula, favoring certain wind‐resistant species.

Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
Effects of selected insecticides on adults of two parasitoid species of Liriomyza trifolii: Ganaspidium nigrimanus (Figitidae) and Neochrysocharis formosa (Eulophidae)
Authors: Hernández Ricardo , Guo Kun , Harris Marvin , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: March 2011

Abstract  Liriomyza trifolii is an important pest of vegetables and ornamental crops around the world. This pest is attacked by many parasitoid species. The principal management tactic used against L. trifolii is insecticide application. Insecticides vary in their effects on parasitoid species and insecticides that have less harmful effects should be preferred for the control of this pest. In this study, novaluron, abamectin, λ‐cyhalothrin and spinetoram were investigated for their lethal effects on adults of Neochrysocharis formosa and Ganaspidium nigrimanus, two important parasitoids of L. trifolii. Three different bioassays were used on adult parasitoids: direct insecticide application, insecticide intake and insecticide residue. Adult parasitoid response to novaluron exhibited the least lethal effects among the bioassays and insecticides tested. Abamectin had significant mortality to both parasitoid species in the direct application and insecticide intake bioassays and mortality were high for G. nigrimanus in the residue bioassay. Spinetoram was the most harmful insecticide to the adult parasitoids in all three bioassays. λ‐cyhalothrin effects varied between the two parasitoids. In the direct application, it was harmful to G. nigrimanus and had no effect on N. formosa. In the insecticide intake bioassay λ‐cyhalothrin had no effect in survival of either species, and in the residue bioassay it reduced parasitoid survival of both species. Potential tolerance of N. formosa to λ‐cyhalothrin is discussed.
The Power and Morals of Policy Makers: Reassessing the Control Gap Debate
Authors: Bonjour Saskia
Published: March 2011

For more than 15 years, there has been a lively debate among migration scholars in Europe and North America about how to explain “why liberal states accept unwanted migration.” This paper assesses existent hypotheses in the “most-likely” case of the making of Dutch family migration policies. This empirical test raises serious doubts as to the validity of the broadly shared assumption that national policy makers have lost the power to regulate migration flows. Accounts that focus on the mechanisms of domestic politics do yield valuable insights, but fail to capture the crucial role of immaterial values in the decision-making process.