bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa tonB gene encodes a novel TonB protein
Authors: Poole Keith , Zhao Qixun , Neshat Shádi , Heinrichs David E. , Dean Charles R.
Published: June 2009

ThePseudomonas aeruginosa tonBgene was cloned by complementation of thetonBmutation ofPseudomonas putidastrain TE516 (W. Bitter, J. Tommassen & P. J. Weisbeek, 1993,Mol Microbiol7, 117-130). The gene was 1025 bp in length, capable of encoding a protein of 36860 Da. As with previously described TonB proteins, theP. aeruginosaTonB (TonBp.a.) was rich in Pro residues (18.1 %) and contained Glu-Pro/Lys-Pro repeats. Unlike previously described TonB proteins, however, TonBp.a.lacked an N-terminal membrane anchor (signal) sequence and contained, instead, a predicted internal signal/anchor sequence, expected to yield an atypical N-terminal cytoplasmic domain in this protein. TonB proteins are essential components in iron-siderophore uptake in bacteria, apparently functioning as energy transducers in coupling the energized state of the cytoplasmic membrane to outer-membrane receptor function. As expected,tonBderivatives ofP. aeruginosawere defective in siderophore-mediated iron acquisition.tonBgene expression was inducible by iron-limitation, consistent with the identification of a Fur consensus binding sequence upstream of the gene. TonBp.a.showed substantially greater similarity to theEscherichia coliTonB protein than thePseudomonas putidaprotein (31 % identity vs. 20 % identity) and tonBP.a.was able to complement deficiencies in the acquisition of ferric enterobactin and vitamin B12#and sensitivity to phage ø80 of anE. coli tonBstrain. The larger size of TonBP.a.and its ability to function in bothE. coliandP. putidamake it a unique TonB protein whose characterization should enhance our understanding of TonB function in bacteria.
Collagen-binding activity of Prevotella intermedia measured by a microtitre plate adherence assay
Authors: Grenier Daniel
Published: June 2009

The ability of Prevotella intermedia to bind type I collagen was investigated. A simple method in which bacterial cells were allowed to attach to collagen-coated microtitre plate wells was used to characterize the activity. All strains of P. intermedia tested, as well as those of the closely related species Prevotella nigrescens, showed a capacity to attach to the collagen film. Exponential-phase cultures of P. intermedia demonstrated a greater binding capacity than older cells. Attachment to the collagen film was inhibited by the presence of EDTA, type I and IV collagen, denatured collagen (gelatin), fibrinogen or fibronectin. Pretreatment of bacterial cells with heat (60 0C, 30 min) or proteinase K also inhibited the binding. The collagen-binding activity could be solubilized from the bacterial cell surface by incubation with Zwittergent 3-14, a zwitterionic detergent. The collagen-binding capacity of P. intermedia demonstrated in the present study represents a mechanism of colonization allowing these bacteria to attach to a tissue matrix.
The ribosome-inactivating protein restrictocin deters insect feeding on Aspergillus restrictus
Authors: Brandhorst Tristan , Dowd Patrick F. , Kenealy William R.
Published: June 2009

The fungus-feeding beetle, Carpophilus freemani, consumed equal quantities of young mycelia, fewer phialides bearing mature spores and much fewer phialides bearing developing spores of Aspergillus restrictus compared to those of Aspergillus nidulans when tested in diet choice assays. The degree to which specific fungal structures were consumed was inversely related to the localization of high levels of restrictocin, a ribosome-inactivating protein, to those structures. Pure restrictocin added to the insect diet at 1000 p.p.m. killed 38.5% of C. freemani larvae and 62.5% of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae in 48 h, but did not affect C. freemani adults or Helicoverpa zea larvae over the same interval. In diet choice assays, 1000 p.p.m. of restrictocin deterred feeding by adult C. freemani and Sitophilus zeamais compared to control diets. Thus, restrictocin production and localization may have a natural defensive role against insect feeding at times critical to spore formation by A. restrictus, and may have potential as an insect control agent.
Audit Report in Payment Default Prediction: A Contingency Approach
Authors: Laitinen Erkki K. , Laitinen Teija
Published: June 2009

This study analyzes the contribution of audit reports on default prediction. It is proposed that modification of an audit report contributes additional information on financial variables and moderates information given by these variables in payment default predictions. However, the effect of audit report modification on non‐financial variable information is assumed to depend on the set of selected predictors. The effect of audit information is evaluated in an estimation sample of 1,062 default and 1,162 non‐default Finnish firms. Test data from 420 default and 48,166 non‐default firms are used to validate the classification results. The default prediction models are estimated by logistic regression analysis. Empirical evidence supports expectations on the additive and moderating effects of audit report modification on financial information. It also has an effect on non‐financial and combined information. Audit information only marginally improves classification accuracy of the financial information model. However, it significantly improves that of a non‐financial information model.
(–)‐Epigallocatechin gallate suppresses the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor–vascular endothelial growth factor receptor axis
Authors: Shirakami Yohei , Shimizu Masahito , Adachi Seiji , Sakai Hiroyasu , Nakagawa Takayuki , Yasuda Yoichi , Tsurumi Hisashi , Hara Yukihiko , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: June 2009

The receptor tyrosine kinase vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor (VEGFR) plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). (–)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major biologically active component of green tea, inhibits growth in a variety of human cancer cells by inhibiting the activation of several types of receptor tyrosine kinases. In this study, we examined the effects of EGCG on the activity of the VEGF–VEGFR axis in human HCC cells. The levels of total and phosphorylated (i.e. activated) form of VEGFR‐2 protein (p‐VEGFR‐2) were observed to increase in a series of human HCC cell lines in comparison to the Hc normal human hepatocytes. EGCG preferentially inhibited the growth of HuH7 HCC cells, which express constitutive activation of the VEGF–VEGFR axis, in comparison to Hc cells. Treatment of HuH7 cells with EGCG caused a time‐ and dose‐dependent decrease in the expression of VEGFR‐2 and p‐VEGFR‐2 proteins. The production of VEGF from HuH7 cells was reduced by treatment with EGCG. Drinking of EGCG significantly inhibited the growth of HuH7 xenografts in nude mice and this was associated with inhibition of the activation of VEGFR‐2 and its related downstream signaling molecules, including ERK and Akt. EGCG drinking also decreased the expression of Bcl‐xL protein and VEGF mRNA in the xenografts. These findings suggest that EGCG can exert, at least in part, its growth‐inhibitive effect on HCC cells by inhibiting the VEGF–VEGFR axis. EGCG might therefore be useful in the treatment of HCC. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1957–1962)
Estrogen signaling pathway and its imaging in human breast cancer
Authors: Hayashi Shin‐ichi , Niwa Toshifumi , Yamaguchi Yuri
Published: June 2009

Recent remarkable progress in hormonal therapy has provided great benefit to breast cancer patients, but it also evokes novel issues: how accurately can the efficacy of each hormonal therapy be predicted and how can hormonal therapy–resistant patients be treated? These clinically important issues must be closely related to the biological events in each cancer, such as the alteration of intracellular multiple estrogen signaling pathways and the estrogen‐related cancer microenvironment, which has recently revealed by molecular biological studies on estrogen and its receptors. However, the estrogen signaling status in individual breast cancers has not been clarified yet. Here we present the context of these issues and introduce our study of new tools which enable the visualization of estrogen signals in individual cancers. The assessment of estrogen receptor (ER)‐α activity in individual cancers or ER‐activating ability of the cancer microenvironment in each breast cancer patient revealed several new findings and interesting observations. We hope that these approaches provide new clues about the estrogen‐dependent mechanisms of breast cancer development, and will be useful to advance the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1773–1778)
Litigation related to anaesthesia: an analysis of claims against the NHS in England 1995–2007
Authors: Cook T. M. , Bland L. , Mihai R. , Scott S.
Published: June 2009

The distribution of medico‐legal claims in English anaesthetic practice is unreported. We studied National Health Service Litigation Authority claims related to anaesthesia since 1995. All claims were reviewed by three clinicians and variously categorised, including by type of incident, claimed outcome and cost. Anaesthesia‐related claims account for 2.5% of all claims and 2.4% of the value of all claims. Of 841 relevant claims 366 (44%) were related to regional anaesthesia, 245 (29%) obstetric anaesthesia, 164 (20%) inadequate anaesthesia, 95 (11%) dental damage, 71 (8%) airway (excluding dental damage), 63 (7%) drug related (excluding allergy), 31 (4%) drug allergy related, 31 (4%) positioning, 29 (3%) respiratory, 26 (3%) consent, 21 (2%) central venous cannulation and 18 (2%) peripheral venous cannulation. Defining which cases are, from a medico‐legal viewpoint, ‘high risk’ is uncertain, but the clinical categories with the largest number of claims were regional anaesthesia, obstetric anaesthesia, inadequate anaesthesia, dental damage and airway, those with the highest overall cost were regional anaesthesia, obstetric anaesthesia, and airway and those with the highest mean cost per closed claim were respiratory, central venous cannulation and drug error excluding allergy. The data currently available have limitations but offer useful information. A closed claims analysis similar to that in the USA would improve the clinical usefulness of analysis.
Skeletal surveys in infants with isolated skull fractures
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: June 2009

.
 
Wood J. N.,
Christian C. W.,
Adams C. M. &
Rubin D. M.
(
2009
)

,
123
,
e247
–
e252
.
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008‐2467
.

Objective The goal was to describe the utility of skeletal surveys and factors associated with both skeletal survey use and referral to child protective services for infants with skull fractures in the absence of significant intracranial injury.

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for infants who were evaluated at a tertiary children's hospital because of an isolated, non‐motor vehicle‐related, skull fracture between 1997 and 2006. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations of demographic factors, clinical findings that raised suspicion for abuse (absence of trauma history, changing history, delay in care, previous child protective services involvement and other cutaneous injuries), and fracture type (simple vs. complex) with the primary outcomes of skeletal survey use and reports to child protective services.

Results Among the 341 infants in the study, 31% had clinical findings that raised suspicion for abuse and 42% had complex skull fractures. Skeletal surveys were obtained for 141 infants (41%) and detected additional fractures for only two (1.4%) of those 141 infants. Child protective services reports were made for 52 (15%) of the 341 children. Both infants with positive skeletal survey findings had other clinical findings that raised suspicion for abuse, and they were among those reported. With controlling for race and age, Medicaid‐eligible/uninsured infants were more likely than privately insured infants to receive skeletal surveys and child protective services reports in the presence of a complex skull fracture or clinical findings that raised suspicion for abuse.

Conclusion Skeletal surveys were ordered frequently for infants with isolated skull fractures, but they rarely added additional information, beyond the history and physical findings, to support a report to child protective services.
Effects of a booster seat education and distribution program in child care centers on child restraint use among children aged 4 to 8 years
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: June 2009

.
 
Thoreson S.,
Myers L.,
Goss C. &
DiGuiseppi C.
(
2009
)

,
163
,
261
–
267
.

Objective To compare child care centre‐based booster seat education and distribution with no intervention when implemented immediately after booster seat legislation.

Design Cluster randomized controlled trial.

Setting Thirty‐nine urban child care centres.

Participants A total of 854 parents and 1010 children aged 4 to 8 years in vehicles leaving centres.

Intervention We trained 168 staff members at 20 centres to give parents and children messages promoting booster seats and supplied lesson plans, children's activities, and free booster seats.

Main outcome measures Observed booster seat use, ‘good practice’ restraint use and legal restraint use.

Results Parents at intervention centres were more likely to report receiving restraint information from the centre [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 4.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.48–6.67], speaking with staff about booster seats (AOR, 3.95; 95% CI, 2.26–6.88) and using fit to decide when to move children into seat belts (AOR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.91–5.99). Groups did not differ in proportions using booster seats (44% vs. 43%; AOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.62–1.73), good practice (42% vs. 41%; AOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.70–1.74) or legal restraints (65% vs. 65%; AOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.48–1.31). Results were similar for children aged 4 to 5 and 6 to 8 years. All outcomes were significantly less likely among children riding in pickup trucks or with Hispanic or black drivers.

Conclusions The intervention increased parents' receipt of information from centre staff and knowledge about booster seats but not booster seat use. Research is needed to identify methods and messages that will empower centre providers to promote booster seats effectively and reach high‐risk populations.
Rapid and reliable generation of invariant natural killer T‐cell lines in vitro
Authors: Chiba Asako , Cohen Nadia , Brigl Manfred , Brennan Patrick J. , Besra Gurdal S. , Brenner Michael B.
Published: June 2009

Several tools have proved useful in the study of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, including CD1d‐deficient mice, Jα281‐deficient mice, synthetic lipid antigens and antigen‐loaded CD1d tetramers. However, the generation and examination of long‐term primary murine iNKT cell lines in vitro has been challenging. Here, we show the rapid generation of iNKT cell lines from splenic iNKT cells of Vα14 T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic (Tg) mice. These purified iNKT cells were stimulated by bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) loaded with α‐galactosylceramide (αGalCer) and cultured with interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐7. iNKT cells proliferated dramatically, and the cell number exhibited a 100‐fold increase within 2 weeks and a 105‐fold increase in 8 weeks after repeated stimulation with αGalCer. The iNKT cell lines consisted of iNKT cells expressing Vβ chains including Vβ8.1/8.2, Vβ14, Vβ10, Vβ6 and Vβ7, and responded to stimulation with αGalCer presented both by BMDCs and by plate‐bound CD1d. In addition, the iNKT cell lines produced interferon (IFN)‐γ when activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)‐stimulated BMDCs. Further, we show that iNKT cell lines produced cytokines in response to microbial antigens. In summary, high‐yield iNKT cell lines were generated very rapidly and robustly expanded, and these iNKT cells responded to both TCR and cytokine stimulation in vitro. Given the desire to study primary iNKT cells for many purposes, these iNKT cell lines should provide an important tool for the study of iNKT cell subsets, antigen and TCR specificity, activation, inactivation and effector functions.
How useful is expert opinion for predicting the distribution of a species within and beyond the region of expertise? A case study using brush‐tailed rock‐wallabies Petrogale penicillata
Authors: Murray Justine V. , Goldizen Anne W. , O’Leary Rebecca A. , McAlpine Clive A. , Possingham Hugh P. , Choy Samantha Low
Published: June 2009

1. Species’ distribution modelling relies on adequate data sets to build reliable statistical models with high predictive ability. However, the money spent collecting empirical data might be better spent on management. A less expensive source of species’ distribution information is expert opinion. This study evaluates expert knowledge and its source. In particular, we determine whether models built on expert knowledge apply over multiple regions or only within the region where the knowledge was derived.

2. The case study focuses on the distribution of the brush‐tailed rock‐wallaby Petrogale penicillata in eastern Australia. We brought together from two biogeographically different regions substantial and well‐designed field data and knowledge from nine experts. We used a novel elicitation tool within a geographical information system to systematically collect expert opinions. The tool utilized an indirect approach to elicitation, asking experts simpler questions about observable rather than abstract quantities, with measures in place to identify uncertainty and offer feedback. Bayesian analysis was used to combine field data and expert knowledge in each region to determine: (i) how expert opinion affected models based on field data and (ii) how similar expert‐informed models were within regions and across regions.

3. The elicitation tool effectively captured the experts’ opinions and their uncertainties. Experts were comfortable with the map‐based elicitation approach used, especially with graphical feedback. Experts tended to predict lower values of species occurrence compared with field data.

4. Across experts, consensus on effect sizes occurred for several habitat variables. Expert opinion generally influenced predictions from field data. However, south‐east Queensland and north‐east New South Wales experts had different opinions on the influence of elevation and geology, with these differences attributable to geological differences between these regions.

5. Synthesis and applications. When formulated as priors in Bayesian analysis, expert opinion is useful for modifying or strengthening patterns exhibited by empirical data sets that are limited in size or scope. Nevertheless, the ability of an expert to extrapolate beyond their region of knowledge may be poor. Hence there is significant merit in obtaining information from local experts when compiling species’ distribution models across several regions.
Reframing the dilemma of poor attendance at cardiac rehabilitation: an exploration of ambivalence and the decisional balance
Authors: Everett Bronwyn , Salamonson Yenna , Zecchin Robert , Davidson Patricia M
Published: June 2009

Aim.  To discuss the problem of poor attendance at cardiac rehabilitation from the alternative perspective of patient ambivalence.

Background.  Evidence supports the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation as a means for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, yet current literature continues to document poor attendance at these programmes. Whilst extrinsic factors, such as transportation and lack of physician support have been identified as barriers, patients who choose not to attend these programmes are often described as lacking motivation or being non‐compliant. However, it is possible that non‐attendance is the result of ambivalence – the experience of simultaneously wanting to and yet not wanting to, or the ‘I want to, but I don’t want to’ dilemma.

Design.  Discussion paper.

Method.  This discussion paper draws on the literature of ambivalence and decision‐making theory to reframe the issue of poor attendance at cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusions:  This paper has demonstrated that the problem of poor attendance may be explained from the perspective of patient ambivalence and that using strategies such as the decisional balance may assist these individuals in exploring their ambivalence to engage in secondary prevention programmes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding the dynamics of ambivalence provides an alternative to thinking of patients as lacking motivation, being non‐compliant, or even resistant. Helping patients to explore and resolve their ambivalence may be all that is needed to help them make a decision and move forward.
Learning for heart failure patients (The L‐HF patient study)
Authors: Boyde Mary , Tuckett Anthony , Peters Robyn , Thompson David , Turner Catherine , Stewart Simon
Published: June 2009

Aim and objective.  To investigate the learning style and preferences for information delivery of heart failure patients for the purpose of informing the design of educational resources.

Background.  Patient education is a vital component of heart failure management programmes however the content and delivery of education varies in each programme. Traditionally education programmes for patients have focussed on educational needs as identified by health care providers however research has shown there are discrepancies between patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of the learning needs of heart failure patients. There is no evidence that educational programmes for heart failure patients are based on identification of patients learning needs or their preferred learning style.

Design.  Qualitative.

Method.  A purposive sample of 12 participants, diagnosed with heart failure and enrolled in a heart failure management programme, participated in semi‐structured interviews.

Results.  Four themes emerged: knowledge quest (L‐loading), barriers to learning (L‐inhibitors), facilitators for learning (L‐agonists), and meeting educational needs (L‐titration). Integral to these themes was the participant’s relationship with health care professionals.

Conclusion.  This study provides unique information regarding the preferred learning modality of heart failure patients and, as such, serves to inform the development of appropriate education resources specifically tailored for this population.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The development of effective modes of education is likely to further enhance heart failure management programmes service organisation and delivery and improve health outcomes for heart failure patients.
Implementation of a diabetes clinic‐in‐a‐clinic project in a family practice setting: using the plan, do, study, act model
Authors: Johnson Paisley , Raterink Ginger
Published: June 2009

Objectives.  The American Association of Diabetic Educators suggests that educating patients about their diabetes management facilitates problem solving and coping skills. This paper will describe a clinic‐in‐a‐clinic model of care delivery founded on the principles of the Chronic Care Model and focused towards the outcomes proposed by the American Association of Diabetic Educators. The reader will be introduced to the use of the ‘plan, do, study, act’ process used to develop this model in a clinical setting.

Background.  Self‐management support, a key component of the Chronic Care Model, focuses on providing patients with the skills to make healthcare decisions. Self‐management encourages patient to be responsible for his/her own health care. Because diabetes outcomes and complication prevalence are related to the degree of self involvement in illness care, self‐management support is an important component of disease management.

Design.  Plan, do, study, act model for program development.

Methods.  The ‘plan, do, study, act’ cycles outlined the steps needed to implement the clinic‐in‐a‐clinic program with success related to coordination of all components and continual assessment and revision. Each cycle was initiated in a sequential order allowing for evaluation and goal adjustment before the next cycle was implemented.

Conclusions.  The majority of patients seen were middle‐aged, obese, females with HbA1cs greatly above the recommended 7·0. Patients selected a variety of topics related to diabetes management for their clinical session. Participation rates were consistent with regular clinic visit attendance. Barriers to success of the program were related to both structure and process.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The clinic‐in‐a‐clinic design moves disease management from individual practice into a property of the health systems and places importance on the collaboration of patient, provider and delivery system in reducing the consequences of chronic illness. Use of the ‘plan, do, study, act’ cycle model offers a method for changing the process of care delivery in a structured, sequential approach.
Sleep in adolescence: a review of issues for nursing practice
Authors: Vallido Tamara , Peters Kathleen , O’Brien Louise , Jackson Debra
Published: June 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this review was to explore the literature to determine what is known about adolescent sleep, the causes and consequences of disturbed sleep in adolescence and the implications this has for nursing practice.

Background.  Sleep disorders are relatively common in young people. Disturbed sleep can be both a cause and a result of ill health and if recognised can indicate psychosocial, psychological or physical difficulties.

Design.  Literature review.

Methods.  Searching of key electronic databases.

Results.  Disturbed sleep in adolescents has several potential consequences, including daytime sleepiness, reduced academic performance and substance use/abuse. However, despite its significance and frequency, sleep disturbance is an area of adolescent health that is almost entirely unaddressed within the nursing literature.

Conclusion.  Nursing has a role to play in assisting adolescents and their families to recognise the importance of sleep to the general health and well‐being of young people.

Relevance to clinical practice.  There is a need for nursing to develop tools to assess sleep in adolescent clients and non‐pharmaceutical interventions to assist adolescents achieve optimum sleep and rest. Nurses may also contribute to educating adolescents and their families regarding the importance of good sleep hygiene.
Expression of Acidothermus cellulolyticus E1 endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase catalytic domain in transplastomic tobacco
Authors: Ziegelhoffer Thomas , Raasch John A. , Austin‐Phillips Sandra
Published: June 2009

As part of an effort to develop transgenic plants as a system for the production of lignocellulose‐degrading enzymes, we evaluated the production of the endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase E1 catalytic domain (E1cd) of Acidothermus cellulolyticus in transplastomic tobacco. In an attempt to increase the translation efficiency of the E1cd cassette, various lengths of the N‐terminus of the psbA gene product were fused to the E1cd protein. The psbA gene of the plastid genome encodes the D1 polypeptide of photosystem II and is known to encode an efficiently translated mRNA. Experiments in an Escherichia coli expression system indicated that the fusion of short (10–22 amino acid) segments of D1 to E1cd resulted in modest increases in E1cd abundance and were compatible with E1cd activity. Plastid expression cassettes encoding unmodified E1cd and a 10‐amino‐acid D1 fusion (10nE1cd) were used to generate transplastomic tobacco plants. Expression of the E1cd open reading frame in transplastomic tobacco resulted in very low levels of the enzyme. The transplastomic plants accumulated a high level of E1cd mRNA, however, indicating that post‐transcriptional processes were probably limiting the production of recombinant protein. The accumulation of 10nE1cd in transplastomic tobacco was approximately 200‐fold higher than that of unmodified E1cd, yielding 10nE1cd in excess of 12% of total soluble protein in the extracts of the lower leaves. Most importantly, the active recombinant enzyme was recovered very easily and efficiently from dried plant material and constituted as much as 0.3% of the dry weight of leaf tissue.
POLITICAL PREDATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: AZAM JEAN PAUL , BATES ROBERT , BIAIS BRUNO
Published: June 2009

We analyze a game between citizens and governments, whose type (benevolent or predatory) is unknown to the public. Opportunistic governments mix between predation and restraint. As long as restraint is observed, political expectations improve, people enter the modern sector, and the economy grows. Once there is predation, the reputation of the government is ruined and the economy collapses. If citizens are unable to overthrow this government, the collapse is durable. Otherwise, a new government is drawn and the economy can rebound. Consistent with stylized facts, equilibrium political and economic histories are random, unstable, and exhibit long‐term divergence.
WHY DO UNDERGROUND REDUCING POLICIES OFTEN FAIL THEIR SCOPE? SOME ANSWERS FROM THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: CHIARINI BRUNO , DOMIZIO MARCO DI , MARZANO ELISABETTA
Published: June 2009

Several European countries, facing a sizeable underground economy, often adopt underground reducing policies mainly based on incentives in the tax‐benefit system. Since empirical evidence manifests a substantial failure of such policies, we construct a simple model to indicate the crucial aspects of this failure. To this end we consider a tax‐evading firm, allocating work in the official and underground sector, where it is not taxed. With a view to reducing underground employment, the government may decide to launch an amnesty for past social security non‐compliance, while providing fiscal incentives for new hiring in order to encourage a process of worker regularization. Allowing for endogenous enforcement, we find that the reputation of policy‐makers in combating tax evasion proves crucial in determining the success of such a policy.
Calvin's Metaphysics of Our Union with Christ
Authors: FISK PHILIP
Published: June 2009

This study of the Calvin corpus asks whether the older works of Emmen, Dominicé and Kolfhaus and English monographs adequately answer the question of how human beings can receive life‐giving properties from the person of Christ without recognizing Calvin's use of the conceptual tool of reduplicative predication to explain our unio spiritualis cum Christo. Thanks to a renaissance in the use of conceptual analysis in the service of theology, we identify Calvin's use of this conceptual tool and propose a tentative solution to the vexing question of how he predicates a unio spiritualis between humans and the person of the Mediator, since he states that the unio is, in the first instance, between our self‐subsistent natura humana and Christ's anhypostatic natura humana. How then can this unio‘channel’ life‐giving properties to us? Calvin himself states the rule that ‘the flesh of Christ does not of itself have a power so great as to quicken us’; that is, only a supposit, not a nature, can perform such operations. Calvin relieves this predicative tension by employing the conceptual tool of reduplicative predication – the borrowing and ‘channeling’ of properties across the hypostatic union of Christ as well as across the unio spiritualis– such that Homo secundum istum unionem est iustus.
Research review: Goals, intentions and mental states: challenges for theories of autism
Authors: Hamilton Antonia F. de C.
Published: June 2009

The ability to understand the goals and intentions behind other people’s actions is central to many social interactions. Given the profound social difficulties seen in autism, we might expect goal understanding to be impaired in these individuals. Two influential theories, the ‘broken mirror’ theory and the mentalising theory, can both predict this result. However, a review of the current data provides little empirical support for goal understanding difficulties; several studies demonstrate normal performance by autistic children on tasks requiring the understanding of goals or intentions. I suggest that this conclusion forces us to reject the basic broken mirror theory and to re‐evaluate the breadth of the mentalising theory. More subtle theories which distinguish between different types of mirroring and different types of mentalising may be able to account for the present data, and further research is required to test and refine these theories.
Do birds of a feather flock together in China?
Authors: CHEN HAO , LUO SHANHONG , YUE GUOAN , XU DAN , ZHAOYANG RUIXUE
Published: June 2009

Evidence of couple similarity was examined in 2 nationally representative samples (Ns = 536 and 537 couples) from mainland China. Variable‐centered and couple‐centered tests provided convergent results suggesting that husbands and wives were considerably similar on characteristics of 3 broad categories: demographic variables, values, and personality. Additional tests suggest that value and personality similarities were not likely to be due to social homogamy, convergence, response biases, or culture‐unique characteristics. Whereas the couple similarity on demographics and values largely mirrors what has been observed in Western research, Chinese couples' consistent and strong similarity on personality domains presents a striking contrast to Western couples who share little systematic similarity on personality.
Parental shame and guilt: Distinguishing emotional responses to a child's wrongdoings
Authors: SCARNIER MARCHELLE , SCHMADER TONI , LICKEL BRIAN
Published: June 2009

This research differentiates shame and guilt as distinct emotional reactions that parents in the United States can have for their children's misdeeds. In Study 1, when 93 parents wrote about their child's worst transgression, their ratings of perceived public exposure and threat to their self‐image predicted shame, whereas the degree to which they felt a lack of control over their child and believed the act harmed others predicted guilt. In Study 2, when 123 mothers rated their reactions to an imagined wrongdoing, the presence of a critical observer tended to elevate shame but not guilt. Across both studies, guilt predicted adaptive parenting responses, whereas, shame predicted maladaptive responses. The discussion emphasizes the implications that self‐conscious emotions have for family dynamics.
Therapeutic action and underlying mechanisms of a combination of two pentacyclic triterpenes, α‐ and β‐amyrin, in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Vitor CE , Figueiredo CP , Hara DB , Bento AF , Mazzuco TL , Calixto JB
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose:  α‐ and β‐amyrin are pentacyclic triterpenes found in plants and are known to exhibit pronounced anti‐inflammatory effects. Here, we evaluated the effects of a 1:1 mixture of α‐ and β‐amyrin (α,β‐amyrin) on an experimental model of colitis in mice.

Experimental approach:  Colitis was induced in Swiss male mice by trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) and followed up to 72 h; animals were treated systemically with α,β‐amyrin, dexamethasone or vehicle. Macro‐ and microscopic damage, myeloperoxidase activity and cytokine levels were assessed in colons. Histological sections were immunostained for cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), vascular endothelial growth factor, phospho‐p65 nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and phospho‐cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB)

Key results:  TNBS‐induced colitis was associated with tissue damage, neutrophil infiltration and time‐dependent increase of inflammatory mediators. Treatment with α,β‐amyrin (3 mg·kg−1, i.p.) or dexamethasone (1 mg·kg−1, s.c.) consistently improved tissue damage scores and abolished polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. α,β‐Amyrin, like dexamethasone, significantly diminished interleukin (IL)‐1β levels and partially restored IL‐10 levels in colon tissues 72 h after colitis induction, but only α,β‐amyrin reduced vascular endothelial growth factor expression by immunohistochemistry. The colonic expression of COX‐2 at 24 h and that of phospho‐NF‐κB and phospho‐CREB (peaking at 6 h) after colitis induction were consistently inhibited by both α,β‐amyrin and dexamethasone.

Conclusions and implications:  Systemic administration of α,β‐amyrin exerted a marked and rapid inhibition of TNBS‐induced colitis, related to the local suppression of inflammatory cytokines and COX‐2 levels, possibly via inhibition of NF‐κB and CREB‐signalling pathways. Taken together, our data suggest a potential use of α,β‐amyrin to control inflammatory responses in bowel disease.
Pilot study for a new bipolar radiofrequency ablation/aspirator device in the management of primary and secondary liver cancers
Authors: Zacharoulis Dimitris , Khorsandi Shirin E. , Vavra Petr , Dostalik Jan , Navarra Giuseppe , Nicholls Joanna P. , Jiao Long R. , Habib Nagy A.
Published: June 2009

Background: In the US, the thermal ablation workload for cancer involving the liver is predicted to more than double in the next 5 years, emphasising the need to develop and improve the current technology.

Study Design: A multicentre nonrandomised prospective clinical trial (NCT00514930) was undertaken, to assess the efficacy and safety of a new bipolar radiofrequency ablation/aspirator device, in the treatment of primary and secondary cancers of the liver.

Results: A total of 34 lesions in 16 patients were ablated at laparotomy and followed up at 4 weeks. The mean diameter of lesion before ablation was 3.2±2.22 (range 1–10) cm, the mean volume aspirated during ablation was 9.25±7.3 (range 0–25) ml and the mean operative time was 145.95±40.7 (range 60–215) min. There was one major complication of a pleural effusion, which required drainage. The mean length of stay was 8±3.2 (range 3–14) days. In 11 patients, the ablated tumour was resected. On histological assessment, there was no evidence of viable cancer at the tumour edge. On follow‐up computed tomography, the ablation zone fully encompassed the targeted tumour and there were no local complications related to ablation.

Conclusion: Initial analysis of the data from this small cohort, with only a short‐term follow‐up, shows this device to be safe and effective.
Inadequate Clearance of Small Molecular Weight Solutes During Hemofiltration Using Cuprophan Membranes
Authors: Rubin Jack E. , Adler Andrew J. , Friedman Eli A. , Berlyne Geoffrey M.
Published: June 2009

In a study of four patients treated with one hour of hemofiltration using Cuprophan membranes, followed by three hours of dialysis, it was found that patients will have reduced clearances of small molecular weight solutes. This may be prevented by increasing blood flow rates to compensate for the time spent in hemofiltration. Cuprophan membranes do not clear middle molecular weight solutes as well as other membranes, but fluid removal is comparable to that Reported by other investigators using more porous membranes.
Theoretical Aspects of Various Ultrafiltration Methods in Artificial Kidney Therapy
Authors: Stiller Siegfried , Mann Helmut , Gürich Wolfgang
Published: June 2009

A mathematical model including urea, creatinine and other osmotically important solutes (such as sodium, potassium and chloride) is applied to calculate volume shifts, caused by ultrafiltration, between the fluid compartments of the body. The volume shifts between the intracellular (ICV) and the extracellular (ECV) compartments are mainly caused by alteration of extracellular sodium concentration.

Various methods of achieving ultrafiltration, including conventional dialysis, initial ultrafiltration using Cuprophan (without dialysis) or hemofiltration, produce different responses. In choosing a method, one must consider that both a rapid decrease of ECV and a fast shift of water from ICV to ECV should be avoided.

In pure hemofiltration, ultrafiltrate is isotonic and water is removed from ECV only. Hemofiltration with dilution produces a very slow shift of water between ICV and ECV dependent on sodium concentration of plasma and diluting fluid. In initial ultrafiltration through Cuprophan, water is shifted from ICV to ECV. With ultrafiltration throughout the entire dialysis, there are pronounced shifts between ICV and ECV dependent on the difference of the sodium concentration between plasma and dialysate.
Blood Plasma/Implant Interfaces FT—IR Studies of Adsorption on Polyethylene and Heparin‐Treated Polyethylene Surfaces
Authors: Jakobsen Robert J. , Gendreau R. Michael
Published: June 2009

Described is an attenuated total reflection (ATR), Fourier Transform infrared (FT–IR) technique useful for studying the adsorption of blood plasma proteins onto polymer surfaces. This technique has the advantage of employing Whole blood plasma and has detected differences between the species adsorbed onto heparin‐treated polymers as compared to the species adsorbed on untreated polymers. Differences detected consist of 1) changes in conformation and/or composition of proteins adsorbed on treated and untreated polymers, and 2) changes in amounts of carbohydrate‐containing materials on the treated and untreated polymer surfaces.

The advantages of FT–IR are its extreme sensitivity and its ability to work with highly complex systems such as whole blood plasma. These abilities should be of great value for providing direct molecular level information concerning protein adsorption from intact blood systems.
Hemostatic Changes Induced In Vitro by Hemoperfusion Over Activated Charcoal
Authors: Winchester James F. , MacKay John M. , Forbes Charles D. , Courtney James M. , Gilchrist Thomas , Prentice Colin R. M.
Published: June 2009

The effect of hemoperfusion over charcoal on changes in platelet counts, coagulation factor concentrations and standard coagulation tests were determined during a two‐hour in vitro perfusion of normal blood through a column containing 20 gm of activated charcoal, either uncoated or coated with 0.5% acrylonitrile/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer (AN/DMAEMA). With citrated whole blood, platelet counts fell by 15% during hemoperfusion over coated or uncoated charcoal and also during passage through an identical empty chamber. On the other hand, with heparinized whole blood, platelet counts fell by 90% during hemoperfusion over uncoated charcoal, and 25% during hemoperfusion over coated charcoal. The concentrations of coagulation factors II, V, IX, X and XII were reduced during hemoperfusion over uncoated charcoal, while those of factors II and X were reduced and that of factor VII increased during hemoperfusion over coated charcoal. Perfusion with heparinized, platelet‐rich plasma resulted in small reductions in platelet counts, suggesting that either erythrocyte disruption or the physical effects of intact red cells play a major role in producing the hemostatic abnormalities occurring during whole blood hemoperfusion. The method described may be used to assess the hemocompatibility of polymer coatings for charcoal particles, to investigate the nature of the interaction between platelets and artificial surfaces, and to assess the effect of platelet‐active agents in reducing platelet adsorption on charcoal or other sorbents.
A Hemoperfusion Column Based on Activated Carbon Granules Coated with an Ultrathin Membrane of Cellulose Acetate
Authors: Tijssen Johan , Bantjes Adriaan , van Doorn Albert W. J. , Feijen Jan , van Dijk Boudewijn , Vonk Carel R. , Dijkhuis Ido C.
Published: June 2009

A hemoperfusion system has been developed which makes use of activated carbon encapsulated with cellulose acetate. Studies have revealed that there are no stagnant flow regions in the column, there i? minimal particle release and the coating is 30 Å thick. The relationships between pore size, pore volume and surface area have been examined. Twenty‐five patients in grade IV coma have been treated with the column for treatment of drug overdose or agricultural chemical poisoning; the clinical course of one meprobamate‐poisoned patient is described in detail.
The Application of Immobilized Enzymes in an Artificial Liver Support System
Authors: Brunner Gorig , Holloway C. J. , Lösgen H.
Published: June 2009

A novel method of extracorporeal support for fulminant liver failure is Reported whereby the most important detoxification processes of the liver are reproduced in an enzyme reactor. Most of the endogenous toxins involved in hepatic coma can be deactivated directly by conjugation with a hydrophilic residue such as glucuronic acid or glutathione, or by the neutralization of active groups through structural modification by methyl transfer. The enzymes responsible for these processes have been isolated and purified from rabbit liver, and covalently bound onto a hemocompatible form of agarose matrix. This system has been shown to be capable of catalyzing the desired reactions with endogenous toxins such as phenols and mercaptans in vitro, and phenols in rabbits in vivo.
Use of Plasma Polymerization for Preparing Silicone‐Coated Membranes for Possible Use in Blood Oxygenators
Authors: Chawla Attar S.
Published: June 2009

The plasma polymerization of hexamethylcyclo‐trisiloxane (D3) and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) over the microporous polypropylene membrane Celgard 2400, over polypropylene filter membranes, and over glass slides was investigated. The rate of polymer deposition was dependent upon the location of the substrate materials in the reaction vessel. The increase in weight of all the substrates was linear with the time of reaction, indicating a uniform polymerization rate. The rate of polymer deposition over the polypropylene filters was found to be 2.27 μg/cm2/min for both D3 and D4, whereas over the glass slides it was 1.53 and 1.87 μg/cmZ/min for Ds and D4, respectively. The coated Celgard membranes showed better blood compatibility than Silastic® sheeting or glass.
Transalveolar maxillary sinus floor elevation using osteotomes with or without grafting material. Part II: radiographic tissue remodeling
Authors: Pjetursson Bjarni E. , Ignjatovic Diana , Matuliene Giedre , Brägger Urs , Schmidlin Kurt , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: June 2009

Objectives: To evaluate the pattern of tissue remodeling after maxillary sinus floor elevation using the transalveolar osteotome technique with or without utilizing grafting materials.

Methods: During the period of 2000–2005, 252 Straumann® dental implants were inserted using the transalveolar sinus floor elevation technique in a group of 181 patients. For 88 or 35% of those implants, deproteinized bovine bone mineral with a particle size of 0.25–1 mm was used as the grafting material, but for the remaining 164 implants, no grafting material was utilized. Periapical radiographs were obtained with a paralleling technique and digitized. Two investigators, who were blinded to whether grafting material was used or not, subsequently evaluated the pattern of tissue remodeling.

Results: The mean residual bone height was 7.5 mm (SD 2.2 mm), ranging from 2 to 12.7 mm. The mean residual bone height for implants placed with grafting material (6.4 mm) was significantly less compared with the implants installed without grafting material (8.1 mm). The implants penetrated on average 3.1 mm (SD 1.7 mm) into the sinus cavity. The measured mean radiographic bone gain using the transalveolar technique without grafting material was significantly less, 1.7 mm (SD 2 mm) compared with a mean bone gain of 4.1 mm (SD 2.4 mm), when grafting material was used. Furthermore, the probability of gaining 2 mm or more of new bone was 39.1% when no grafting material was used. The probability increased to 77.9% when the implants were installed with grafting material.

Conclusion: When the transalveolar sinus floor elevation was performed without utilizing grafting material, only a moderate gain of new bone could be detected mesial and distal to the implants. On the other hand, when grafting material was used, a substantial gain of new bone was usually seen on the radiographs.