bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Not Much to Praise in Such Seeking and Finding”: Evolutionary Psychology, the Biological Turn in the Humanities, and the Epistemology of Ignorance
Authors: Hall Kim Q.
Published: September 2011

This paper critiques the rise of scientific approaches to central questions in the humanities, specifically questions about human nature, ethics, identity, and experience. In particular, I look at how an increasing number of philosophers are turning to evolutionary psychology and neuroscience as sources of answers to philosophical problems. This approach constitutes what I term a biological turn in the humanities. I argue that the biological turn, especially its reliance on evolutionary psychology, is best understood as an epistemology of ignorance that contributes to a climate of hostility and intolerance regarding feminist insights about gender, identity, and the body.
Moving Beyond Us and Them? Marginality, Rhizomes, and Immanent Forgiveness
Authors: Moulard‐Leonard Valentine
Published: September 2011

Here, I offer a candid response to bell hooks's call for a testimony to the “movement beyond a mere ‘us and them’ discussion” that purportedly informs contemporary radical and feminist thought on difference. In alignment with a tradition that includes bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldúa, and Aurora Levins Morales, I offer a personal testimony to the ways in which I—a middle‐class, French, immigrant, continental‐philosophy‐bred incest survivor—envision both that movement and its limits. To establish these alliances means forming necessary (if only momentary and unlikely) communities. I call on the philosophy of Deleuze and Guattari to propose an account of the production of such communities that does not depend only on shared lived experience, but also on shared marginal spatiality (rhizomes), temporality (trauma), and “medicinal history” (nomadology). I suggest that on the one hand, Deleuze's philosophy of immanence may indeed find apt expression in the politics of integrity that hooks, Lorde, and Morales call for. On the other hand, a genuine politics of integrity may benefit from drawing on the philosophy of immanence, which alone offers alternatives to the traditional, oppositional models of difference informed by transcendence. Finally, I propose the concept of “immanent forgiveness” to capture the movement at issue.
SCALY INCUNABULA, AUXOSPORE DEVELOPMENT, AND GIRDLE POLYMORPHISM IN SELLAPHORA MARVANII SP. NOV. (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Mann David G. , Poulíčková Aloisie , Sato Shinya , Evans Katharine M.
Published: September 2011

Uniparental auxosporulation was observed in a monoclonal culture of a Sellaphora clone isolated from the epipelon of a fishpond in the Czech Republic. The cox1 sequence for the clone confirmed that it belonged to the Sellaphora pupula–bacillum species complex but showed significant differences from all previously characterized Sellaphora species, and it is therefore described as S. marvanii sp. nov. Protoplast, valve, and girdle structure resembled those of other Sellaphora species, but a novel finding for all diatoms was a change in girdle structure during the life cycle: the most advalvar girdle band (valvocopula) bore a single line of pores in enlarged postauxospore cells but was entirely plain in small cells and gametangia. The young auxospores were covered by incunabula containing large, delicate, ± circular scales, resembling those of centric diatom auxospores; similar scales have been reported in a few other raphid diatoms (Pseudo‐nitzschia multiseries, Diploneis sp.) but contrast with the strip incunabula of some Nitzschia and Pinnularia and the helmet‐like caps of Neidium. The scales persisted during auxospore expansion, mostly as two caps over the auxospore poles. The transverse perizonium comprised a very wide, closed primary band, flanked by numerous secondary bands whose open ends were strongly incurved toward the center. Initial valves were differentiated from their immediate descendants by the very strong external demarcation of the raphe sternum, irregular shape, and curved transapical profile.
EXPRESSION OF THE GEOSMIN SYNTHASE GENE IN THE CYANOBACTERIUM ANABAENA CIRCINALIS AWQC3181
Authors: Giglio Steven , Saint Christopher P. , Monis Paul T.
Published: September 2011

The occurrence of taste and odor episodes attributed to geosmin continues to trouble water utilities worldwide, and only recently have advances been made in our fundamental understanding of the biochemical and genetic mechanisms responsible for the production of geosmin in microorganisms. For the first time, we have examined the expression of the geosmin synthase gene and corresponding geosmin production by Anabaena circinalis Rabenh. ex Bornet et Flahault AWQC318 under conditions of continuous light illumination and the removal of light as a stimulus and demonstrate that the expression of geosmin synthase appears to be constitutive under these conditions. The decrease in geosmin synthase transcription post maximum cell numbers and stationary phase suggests that a decrease in isoprenoid synthesis may occur before a decrease in the transcription of ribosomal units as the process of cell death is initiated.
CELL‐CELL INTERACTION IN THE EUKARYOTE‐PROKARYOTE MODEL OF THE MICROALGAE CHLORELLA VULGARIS AND THE BACTERIUM AZOSPIRILLUM BRASILENSE IMMOBILIZED IN POLYMER BEADS1
Authors: de‐Bashan Luz E. , Schmid Michael , Rothballer Michael , Hartmann Anton , Bashan Yoav
Published: September 2011

Cell‐cell interaction in the eukaryote‐prokaryote model of the unicellular, freshwater microalga Chlorella vulgaris Beij. and the plant growth‐promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense, when jointly immobilized in small polymer alginate beads, was evaluated by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) combined with SEM. This step revealed significant changes, with an increase in the populations of both partners, cluster (mixed colonies) mode of colonization of the bead by the two microorganisms, increase in the size of microalgae‐bacterial clusters, movement of the motile bacteria cells toward the immotile microalgae cells within solid matrix, and formation of firm structures among the bacteria, microalgae cells, and the inert matrix that creates a biofilm. This biofilm was sufficiently strong to keep the two species attached to each other, even after eliminating the alginate support. This study showed that the common structural phenotypic interaction of Azospirillum with roots of higher plants, via fibrils and sheath material, is also formed and maintained during the interaction of this bacterium with the surface of rootless single‐cell microalgae.
Risk of Fractures Requiring Hospitalization After an Initial Prescription for Zolpidem, Alprazolam, Lorazepam, or Diazepam in Older Adults
Authors: Finkle William D. , Der Jane S. , Greenland Sander , Adams John L. , Ridgeway Gregory , Blaschke Terrance , Wang Zixia , Dell Richard M. , VanRiper Kurt B.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To determine whether zolpidem is a safer alternative to benzodiazepines.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Community based.

Participants

Health maintenance organization members with an initial prescription for zolpidem (n = 43,343), alprazolam (n = 103,790), lorazepam (n = 150,858), or diazepam (n = 93,618).

Measurements

Zolpidem and benzodiazepine prescriptions were identified from pharmacy databases. Rates of nonvertebral fractures and hip fractures requiring hospitalization were compared before and after an initial prescription for each treatment, adjusting for confounders using doubly robust estimation.

Results

In patients aged 65 and older, the rates of nonvertebral fractures and dislocations were similar in the pre‐ treatment intervals. The rate ratios (RRs) for the 90‐day posttreatment interval relative to the pretreatment interval were 2.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.78–3.65; P < .001) for zolpidem, 1.14 (95% CI = 0.80–1.64; P = .42) for alprazolam, 1.53 (95% CI = 1.23–1.91; P < .001) for lorazepam, and 1.97 (95% CI = 1.22–3.18; P = .01) for diazepam. The ratio of RRs (RRR)—the RR in the posttreatment period adjusted for the corresponding RR in the pretreatment period—were 2.23 (95% CI = 1.36–3.66; P = .006) for zolpidem relative to alprazolam, 1.68 (95% CI = 1.12–2.53; P = .02) for zolpidem relative to lorazepam, and 1.29 (95% CI = 0.72–2.30; P = .32) for zolpidem relative to diazepam. The RRs decreased with time from the initial prescription (trend P < .001), as would be expected if the association is causal.

Conclusion

In older adults, the risk of injury with zolpidem exceeded that with alprazolam and lorazepam and was similar to that with diazepam. If the associations are causal, then the high incidence of these fractures implies that these treatment induce a substantial number of fractures and consequential costs. Further study of the association is imperative.
Partially Dominant Mutant Channel Defect Corresponding with Intermediate LQT2 Phenotype
Authors: KRISHNAN YAMINI , ZHENG RENJIAN , WALSH CHRISTINE , TANG YINGYING , McDONALD THOMAS V.
Published: September 2011

Background: The hereditary Long QT Syndrome is a common cardiac disorder where ventricular repolarization is delayed, abnormally prolonging the QTc interval on electrocardiograms. LQTS is linked to various genetic loci, including the KCNH2 (HERG) gene that encodes the α‐subunit of the cardiac potassium channel that carries IKr. Here, we report and characterize a novel pathologic missense mutation, G816V HERG, in a patient with sudden cardiac death.

Methods: Autopsy‐derived tissue sample was used for DNA extraction and sequencing from an unexpected sudden death victim. The G816V HERG mutation was studied using heterologous expression in mammalian cell culture, whole cell patch clamp, confocal immunofluorescence, and immunochemical analyses.

Results: The mutant G816V HERG channel has reduced protein expression and shows a trafficking defective phenotype that is incapable of carrying current when expressed at physiological temperatures. The mutant channel showed reduced cell surface localization compared to wild‐type HERG (WT HERG) but the mutant and wild‐type subunits are capable of interacting. Expression studies at reduced temperatures enabled partial rescue of the trafficking defect with appearance of potassium currents, albeit with reduced current density and altered voltage‐dependent activation. Lastly, we examined a potential role for hypokalemia as a contributory factor to the patient's lethal arrhythmia by possible low‐potassium‐induced degradation of WT HERG and haplo‐insufficiency of G816V HERG.

Conclusion: The G816V mutation in HERG causes a trafficking defect that acts in a partially dominant negative manner. This intermediate severity defect agrees with the mild clinical presentation in other family members harboring the same mutation. Possible hypokalemia in the proband induced WT HERG degradation combined with haplo‐insufficiency may have further compromised repolarization reserve and contributed to the lethal arrhythmia. (PACE 2012; 35:3–16)
Motivation, Confidence, and Control; Unraveling Active Learning for Nutrition and Food Undergraduates
Authors: Paxman Jenny R. , Nield Kevin , Hall Anna C.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Nutrition and food students at Sheffield Hallam University completed an “active learning” assessment as part of a final year module, Applied Nutrition 2. The purpose of the “active learning” assessment was to encourage and enhance learner autonomy. The assessment consisted of 5 main stages: a briefing, thought shower, oral business proposal presentation, a feedback stage, and Nutrition Fair. To assess learner autonomy, levels of motivation, confidence, and control were quantitatively and qualitatively monitored throughout the learning journey. The results showed that levels of confidence, motivation, and control increased following each stage and significantly across the learning journey. However, there were significant gender differences in terms of achievement of marks and in levels of motivation at various stages. On average, females achieved higher marks in certain assessments and they demonstrated higher levels of motivation after the initial briefing. Further, significant differences were also reported between different degree routes in terms of achievement of marks and levels of confidence, motivation, and control. “Active learning” has been shown to foster improved levels of confidence, motivation, and control in a cohort of nutrition and food students, contributing to overall learner autonomy. Graduates able to demonstrate such qualities will undoubtedly be welcomed by employers in the relevant sectors.
CALIFORNIA'S SITES OF CONSCIENCE: An Analysis of the State's Historic Mission Museums
Authors: Dartt‐Newton Deana
Published: September 2011

InCalifornia,Franciscan mission “museums” are used to supplementK–12 curricula aboutNativeAmerican history and the settlement of the state. Heavily influenced by the localCatholic diocese, many of these sites offer a slanted view of history and a distorted version of native life in the missions and erase the presence of native people today. I critically analyzed visual representations at the 19 operating mission museums, with in‐depth research at six, and explored what emerged as the dominant narratives. I argue that as important sites of conscience, the mission museums miss valuable opportunities to educate the public and potentially heal past wrongs. Finally, I offer insights and suggestions for addressing misrepresentations, through sustained community engagement, for mission museum directors and staff who expressed a desire to do so.
SETTLER HISTORICAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Authors: Smith Andrea L.
Published: September 2011

In what ways doesAmerica's settler colonial heritage shape how its citizens imagine the national past? I address this question through a study of county historical museums in ruralArizona, with a particular focus on theNavajoCountyMuseum. This analysis suggests that we consider the “natural history” or “evolutionary” style of organizing collections as integrally tied to a foundational settler colonial logic. Conclusions are drawn about the ubiquity of this orientation to the national past and the difficulties curators may face in effectively challenging it.
Relation between duration and severity in bereavement‐related depression
Authors: Wakefield J. C. , Schmitz M. F. , Baer J. C.
Published: September 2011

Wakefield JC, Schmitz MF, Baer JC. Relation between duration and severity in bereavement‐related depression.

Objective: Prolonged duration is commonly used as an indicator that bereavement‐related depression (BRD) is pathological. DSM‐IV replaced the traditional 1‐year pathology cut‐point by a 2‐month cut‐point. Yet, little evidence exists regarding the validity of these cut‐points in indicating increased BRD severity. This study evaluated the validity of the 2‐month and 1‐year cut‐points in differentiating less severe from more severe BRDs in a nationally representative U.S. sample.

Method: National Comorbidity Survey respondents with BRD’s (n = 152) lasting 0–8, 9–52 and >52 weeks were evaluated for depression severity using six severity indicators. Cut‐point validity was established by discontinuities in severity levels between durations below and above the cut‐point.

Results: Bereavement‐related depressions of >52‐week duration were significantly higher than 9‐ to 52‐week BRDs on four of six severity indicators and on a cumulative overall severity measure of mean number of severity indicators per person, whereas ≤8‐week and 9‐ to 52‐week durational categories differed on one severity indicator and not on overall severity. Additional analyses using durations 0–12, 13–26, 27–52 and >52 weeks suggested that alternative <52‐week cut‐points also lack validity.

Conclusion: The traditional 1‐year cut‐point validly identifies increasing BRD severity; DSM’s 2‐month cut‐point does not. Duration does not indicate increasing BRD severity before 1 year. Research using the 2‐month cut‐point may yield misleading results.
High mTOR expression is associated with a worse oncological outcome in laryngeal carcinoma treated with postoperative radiotherapy: a pilot study
Authors: Lionello Marco , Blandamura Stella , Loreggian Lucio , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Giacomelli Luciano , Marchese‐Ragona Rosario , Velardita Carmelita , Staffieri Alberto , Marioni Gino
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 136–140

Background:  There are currently no clinical or pathological parameters able to predict response to adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Few studies have investigated the molecular pathways potentially capable of predicting said response. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) acts as a ‘master switch’ protein in cancer cells, modulating metabolism, the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Cancer treatment with mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin analogs, or rapalogs) has produced promising results in various malignancies (renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma). The novel aim of the present study was to ascertain the prognostic role of mTOR expression in a series of patients with LSCC treated with primary surgery followed by RT.

Methods:  The retrospective study involved 25 consecutive patients with LSCC given postoperative RT. Immunohistochemical mTOR expression was evaluated in primary LSCC by image analysis.

Results:  The locoregional recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with LSCC whose mTOR expression was >2.5% (P = 0.013). After postoperative RT, the locoregional recurrence risk ratio was 3.25 in LSCCs with mTOR >2.5%. The different disease‐free survival was significantly shorter in cases of LSCC with mTOR >2.5% (P = 0.029).

Conclusions:  mTOR should be studied as a potential predictor for identifying LSCCs at higher risk of early recurrence after postoperative RT. New therapeutic strategies should be investigated in LSCC, including the use of rapalogs associated with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens in combination with RT.
The Major Addresses of Modern Presidents: Parameters of a Data Set
Authors: COE KEVIN , NEUMANN RICO
Published: September 2011

Research that undertakes longitudinal analysis of presidential discourse inevitably wrestles with a difficult issue: which presidential speeches should be analyzed? Surprisingly, there has been essentially no interrogation of this issue. Studies vary in the speeches they analyze: some focus on inaugural addresses, others on State of the Union addresses, yet others focus on some broader body of speeches, often with limited discussion of the criteria used for selection. The result is that when scholars set out to study broad trends in the rhetoric of America's most important political figure, they have little guidance in determining what speeches they should analyze. This article offers a detailed conception of major presidential addresses, argues that such addresses provide an ideal corpus of texts for longitudinal content analysis of modern presidential speeches, and briefly describes the contours of a data set consisting of 406 such speeches. This data set serves as a resource for scholars to rely upon when studying presidential discourse, one that might standardize future analyses so that more meaningful generalizations can be made and more precise replications can be undertaken.
Should Scholars Delineate a Data Set Apart from a Research Project? Considering Objects, Methods, and Purposes for Studying Presidential Rhetoric
Authors: ASEN ROBERT
Published: September 2011

Rather than identifying a data set prior to engaging in scholarship, we need to consider how scholars' choices of which presidential speeches to study depend importantly on their understanding of objects, methods, and purposes of analysis. Presidential speeches may be understood as discrete, meaningful texts and/or as parts of larger bodies of discourse. In either case, speech making may proceed in a moment that advocates and audiences alike appreciate as significant. At other times, speech itself may lend gravity to a moment, such that the magnitude of an address may not be appreciated until after it has been delivered. Methods may incorporate social scientific and/or humanistic approaches, seeking to generalize common characteristics across speeches and presidents as well as explicate distinctive discursive traits within speeches and among particular presidents. Alternative approaches give varying weight to the distinctive contribution of the analyst. Purposes may address a range of elements, including appreciation and/or demystification of presidential speech. Focusing scholarship on a common set of texts may initiate conversations across theoretical and methodological perspectives. At the same time, pursuing different purposes and analyzing the full range of presidential speeches may generate illuminating differences among speeches and presidents.
The Contemporary Presidency: The Presidential Authority Problem and the Political Power Trap
Authors: SCHIER STEVEN E.
Published: September 2011

Inconstant political support is a central problem for presidents, a problem of political authority. This article provides empirical evidence of the decline of political authority for American presidents over the last seventy years by examining several indicators comprising the related concept of political capital. Declining political capital lies at the core of the political authority problem besetting recent presidents. The evidence of declining political capital presented here reveals that none of Barack Obama's post‐1965 predecessors solved the political authority problem. It is the central political challenge confronted by modern presidents and presently by Barack Obama.
The Sage of Plains and Captain America
Authors: Knott Stephen F.
Published: September 2011

Review of: White House Diary; The Reagan Diaries
New Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Decaluwé Kelly , Pauwels Bart , Verpoest Sara , Van de Voorde Johan
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Despite the high efficacy and safety rates of the currently available treatments for erectile dysfunction, basic research reveals numerous new targets that are explored for therapeutic use.

Aim

To overview potential new targets and to review available animal and human studies focusing on the potential of these targets for effective therapy for treating erectile dysfunction.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Medline database, and citations were selected based on relevance.

Main Outcome Measures

Data are presented based on the analysis of the selected scientific information and published clinical trials.

Results

Fundamental research has, in the past decade, increased the understanding in both the physiological and the pathophysiological pathways that play a role in erectile function. As this information increases each day, new targets to treat erectile dysfunction are frequently presented. Currently a number of new therapeutic targets have been published. Some of them target the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate relaxation pathway as the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors do, others primarily target pathways involved in contraction. Also, targets within the central nervous system currently receive much attention. Some of these targets have already been used in clinical trials to test their efficacy and safety, with either disappointing or promising results.

Conclusions

This review overviews potential therapeutic targets and summarizes animal as well as human studies evaluating their perspectives for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Taxonomy of genusMyrmecoporaSaulcy in Korea (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: YOO In‐Seong , KIM Yoon‐Ho , AHN Kee‐Jeong
Published: September 2011

A taxonomic study of KoreanMyrmecoporaSaulcy is presented.Myrmecopora(Lamproxenusa)rufescens(Sharp) previously reported by Ahn was an incorrect identification ofM. (L.)reticulataAssing. Diagnoses, habitus photographs and line drawings of diagnostic characters are provided.
Barrett's esophagus: histology and immunohistology
Authors: Barr Hugh , Upton Melissa P. , Orlando Roy C. , Armstrong David , Vieth Michael , Neumann Helmut , Langner Cord , Wiley Elizabeth L. , Das Kiron M. , Pickett‐Blakely Octavia E. , Bajpai Manisha , Amenta Peter S. , Bennett Ana , Going James J. , Younes Mamoun , Wang Helen H. , Taddei Antonio , Freschi Giancarlo , Ringressi Maria Novella , Degli'Innocenti Duccio Rossi , Castiglione Francesca , Bechi Paolo
Published: September 2011

The following on histology and immunohistology of Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes commentaries on the various difficulties remaining in reaching a consensus on the definition of BE; the difficulties in the characterization of intestinal and cardiac mucosa, and in the role of submucosal glands in the development of BE; the importance of a new monoclonal antibody to recognize esophageal intestinal mucosa; the importance of pseudo goblet cells; the best techniques for the endoscopic detection of Barrett's epithelium; and the biomarkers for identification of patients predisposed to the development of BE.
Barrett's esophagus: endoscopic treatments II
Authors: Greenwald Bruce D. , Lightdale Charles J. , Abrams Julian A. , Horwhat John D. , Chuttani Ram , Komanduri Srinadh , Upton Melissa P. , Appelman Henry D. , Shields Helen M. , Shaheen Nicholas J. , Sontag Stephen J.
Published: September 2011

The following on endoscopic treatments of Barrett's esophagus includes commentaries on animal experiments on cryotherapy; indications for cryotherapy, choice of dosimetry, number of sessions, and role in Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma; recent technical developments of RFA technology and long‐term effects; the comparative effects of diverse ablation procedures and the rate of recurrence following treatment; and the indications for treatment of dysplasia and the role of radiofrequency ablation.
Barrett's esophagus: prevalence and incidence of adenocarcinomas
Authors: Shields Helen M. , Nardone Gerardo , Zhao Jingjing , Wang Wen , Xing Zheng , Fang Dianchun , Jacobson Brian C. , Romero Yvonne , Dvorak Katerina , Goldman Aaron , Pellegrini Carlos A. , Wiley Elizabeth L. , Peura David A. , Tatum Roger P. , Schnell Thomas G.
Published: September 2011

The following on prevalence and incidence of adenocarcinomas in Barrett's esphophagus (BE) includes commentaries on the mechanisms of a potential protective effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on progression of BE to high‐grade dysplasia; evaluation of the role of PPIs in decreasing the risk of degeneration; the geographical variations of incidence of BE; the role of the nonmorphologic biomarkers; the relationship between length of BE and development of cancer; the confounding factors in incidence rates of BE; the role of the increase of cell differentiation and apoptosis induced by PPIs in the diminution of cancer risk; the frequency of occult neoplastic foci and unsuspected invasive cancer in surgical specimens; the influence on the indications of endoscopic therapy; the overestimation of regression in surgical series; attempts to evaluate the reasons for variations of cancer incidence in the literature; and progress in screening and surveillance for BE.
Barrett's esophagus: treatments of adenocarcinomas II
Authors: Twaddell William S. , Wu Peter C. , Verhage Roy J.J. , Feith Marcus , Ilson David H. , Schuhmacher Christoph P. , Luketich James D. , Brücher Björn , Vallböhmer Daniel , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Krasna Mark Jonathan , Kandioler Daniela , Schneider Paul M. , Wijnhoven Bas P.L. , Sontag Stephen J.
Published: September 2011

The following topics are explored in this collection of commentaries on treatments of adenocarcinomas related to Barrett's esophagus: the importance of intraoperative frozen sections of the margins for the detection of high dysplasia; the preferable way for sentinel node dissection; the current role of robotic surgery and of video‐endoscopic approach; the value of the Siewert's classification of adenocarcinomas; the indications of two‐step esophagectomy; the evaluation of pathological complete response; the role of PET scan in staging and response assessment; the role of p53 in the selection of adenocarcinomas patients; chemotherapy regimens for adenocarcinomas; the use of monoclonal antibodies in the control of cell proliferation; he attempt to define a stage‐specific strategy, and the possible indications of selective therapy; and changes in mortality rates from esophageal cancer.
Esophageal disease in pediatrics
Authors: Jadcherla Sudarshan R. , Nurko Samuel
Published: September 2011

The following on esophageal disease in pediatrics contains commentaries on acquisition of neuromuscular maturation; physiology of esophageal peristaltic and sphincteric reflexes; implications for clinical practice; and conditions that predispose to severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children with potential risk for esophageal cancer.
Testing for gastroesophageal reflux in the 21st century
Authors: Roman Sabine , Pandolfino John E. , Woodland Philip , Sifrim Daniel , Lenglinger Johannes
Published: September 2011

The following on testing for gastroesophageal reflux in the 21st century contains commentaries on wireless pH monitoring; extension of pH recording duration to 48 or 96 h; extraesophageal GERD syndromes, diagnosis paradigms, and related investigating tools; off‐ or on‐PPI reflux monitoring in the preoperative setting; and the potential influence of PPIs on reflux parameters.
The role of prediction and anticipation on age‐related effects on smooth pursuit eye movements
Authors: Sprenger Andreas , Trillenberg Peter , Pohlmann Jonas , Herold Kirsten , Lencer Rebekka , Helmchen Christoph
Published: September 2011

Externally guided sensory‐motor processes deteriorate with increasing age. Internally guided, for example, predictive, behavior usually helps to overcome sensory‐motor delays. We studied whether predictive components of visuomotor transformation decline with age. We investigated smooth pursuit eye movements (SPEM) of 45 healthy subjects with paradigms of different degrees of predictability with respect to target motion onset, type (smoothed triangular, ramp stimulation), and direction by blanking the target at various intervals of the ramp stimulation. Using repetitive trials of SPEM stimulation, we could dissociate anticipatory and predictive components of extraretinal smooth pursuit behavior. The main results suggest that basic motor parameters decline with increasing age, whereas both anticipation and prediction of target motion did not change with age. We suggest that the elderly maintain their capability of using prediction in the immediate control of motor behavior, which might be a way to compensate for age‐related delays in sensory‐motor transformation, even in the absence of sensory signals.
Factors contributing to failure of neuromuscular transmission in myasthenia gravis and the special case of the extraocular muscles
Authors: Serra Alessandro , Ruff Robert , Kaminski Henry , Leigh R. John
Published: September 2011

Acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) and Na+ channels (NaChs) are concentrated on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) postsynaptic folds; both are depleted in myasthenia gravis (MG), reducing the safety factor (SF) for neuromuscular transmission, especially in extraocular muscles (EOM). Studies of human myasthenic nerve–muscle preparations indicate that loss of endplate AChRs accounts for 59%, and NaChs for 40%, of SF reduction. Rodent models of MG indicate that NaChs and AChRs losses are due to complement‐mediated destruction of postsynaptic folding. Saccades in MG show stereotyped, conjugate initial components, similar to normal but different from early disconjugacy with ocular nerve palsies. Loss of AChRs, NaChs, and postsynaptic folding all contribute to SF reduction in MG. EOM seem more susceptible to MG because of poor postsynaptic folding, lower baseline SF, and lower levels of intrinsic complement inhibitors. Initial conjugacy of saccades in MG reflects selective sparing of neuromuscular transmission of fast, pale global fibers, which have better developed postsynaptic folding.
Memory‐based smooth pursuit: neuronal mechanisms and preliminary results of clinical application
Authors: Fukushima Kikuro , Fukushima Junko , Kaneko Chris R.S. , Belton Tim , Ito Norie , Olley Peter M. , Warabi Tateo
Published: September 2011

Using a memory‐based smooth‐pursuit task, macaque monkeys were trained to pursue (i.e., go) or not pursue (i.e., no‐go), a cued direction, based on the memory of visual motion‐direction and a go/no–go instruction. Task‐related neuronal activity was examined in the supplementary eye fields, caudal frontal eye fields, cerebellar floccular region, dorsal vermis lobules VI–VII, and caudal fastigial nuclei. Different cerebral and cerebellar areas carried distinctly different signals during memory‐based smooth pursuit. Chemical inactivation of these areas produced effects consistent with the differences in signals represented in each area. This task was applied to patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), because impaired visual working memory has been reported during cognitive tasks in PD. None of the PD patients tested exhibited impaired working memory of motion‐direction and/or go/no–go selection, but they had difficulty in preparing for and executing smooth‐pursuit eye movements, suggesting a selective motor‐related disturbance in Parkinson's disease.
Orientation adaptation of eye movement–related vestibular neurons due to prolonged head tilt
Authors: Kolesnikova Olga V. , Raphan Theodore , Cohen Bernard , Yakushin Sergei B.
Published: September 2011

Sixteen neurons, including vestibular‐only (VO), eye–head velocity (EHV), and position‐vestibular‐pause (PVP) neurons sensitive to head tilt were recorded in the rostromedial and in superior vestibular nuclei. Projection of the otolith polarization vector to the horizontal plane (response vector orientation [RVO]) was determined before and after prolonged head orientation in side‐down position. The RVO of VO neurons shifted toward alignment with the axis of gravity when the head was in the position of adaptation. PVP neurons had similar changes in RVO. There were also changes in RVO in some EHV neurons, but generally in directions not related to gravity. Modeling studies have suggested that the tendency to align RVOs with gravity leads to tuning of gravity‐dependent angular vestibular ocular reflex (aVOR) gain changes to the position of adaptation. Thus, coding of orientation in PVP neurons would contribute significantly to the gravity‐dependent adaptation of the aVOR.
Antisaccade generation is impaired after parietal lobe lesions
Authors: Sharpe James A. , Cheng Ping , Eizenman Moshe
Published: September 2011

Antisaccades are directed away from visual targets. Impaired antisaccade generation has been attributed to frontal lobe damage. We studied antisaccades in patients with unilateral focal parietal lobe lesions. Normal subjects (N = 10) instructed to make 10° antisaccades opposite to a 100‐ms target flash 10° to the right or left of center made antisaccades in 86.1% of trials. Patients (N = 13) made antisaccades contraversive to their lesions in 55.4% of trials and 50.5% of ipsiversive trials. In other trials, reflexive saccades occurred toward the target flash. Nine patients with imaged lesions overlapping in parietal lobe white matter showed subnormal antisaccade generation. Antisaccades provide a means of measuring voluntary saccade function of the parietal lobes independent of visual guidance. Impaired suppression of reflexive saccades and generation of antisaccades is attributed to disconnection of parietal lobe from frontal lobe ocular motor areas.
Probing V5/MT excitability with transcranial magnetic stimulation following visual motion adaptation to random and coherent motion
Authors: Guzman‐Lopez Jessica , Silvanto Juha , Yousif Nada , Nousi Sofia , Quadir Shamim , Seemungal Barry M.
Published: September 2011

The response to stimulating the visual cortex with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) depends on its initial activation state, for example, visual motion adaptation biases perceived TMS‐induced phosphene characteristics (e.g., color). We quantified this state dependence by assessing the probability of reporting a phosphene (Pλ) with “threshold” TMS (i.e., the TMS intensity producing Pλ = 0.5 at baseline) following visual motion adaptation to a random dot motion display. Postadaptation, Pλ was increased, and this effect was confined to the adapted neuronal population. We then adapted subjects using a population of moving dots of fixed average motion direction with standard deviations (SD) ranging from 1° to 128° (SD fixed for a given trial). Pλ was significantly increased at all dot motion SDs except SD = 1°. Neuronal adaptation increases the susceptibility of the neuronal population to activation by threshold intensity TMS. Thus the process of neuronal adaption is not necessarily synonymous with a downmodulation of neuronal excitability.
Actions taken to deal with mental health problems in Australian higher education students
Authors: Reavley Nicola J. , McCann Terence V. , Jorm Anthony F.
Published: September 2011

Aims: With approximately 50% of young people aged 18–24 in tertiary education, these are potential settings for programmes to improve mental health literacy. A survey was carried out with students and staff of a tertiary education institution to investigate psychological distress, actions to deal with mental health problems and first‐aid behaviours.

Methods: Telephone interviews were carried out with 774 students of an Australian metropolitan university (with 422 staff as a comparison group). They answered questions relating to psychological distress, actions to deal with mental health problems and first‐aid behaviours.

Results: Students were more likely to be psychologically distressed than staff (21% vs. 13%) and 27% reported experiencing a problem similar to that described in a depression vignette. The most common actions taken were talking to a close friend, physical activity and talking to close family. Over 72% of students with a problem had sought professional help, most often from a general practitioner or counsellor. Only 10% reported seeking help from a student counsellor. Helpful first‐aid behaviours were common and were seen in over 90% of students who had a family member or close friend with a similar problem.

Conclusions: There is a need for further investigation of levels and factors associated with psychological distress in higher education students along with an exploration of barriers to and enablers of use of student counselling services. High levels of help seeking from friends and first‐aid behaviours provided point to the need for effective peer‐to‐peer education.
Understanding the experiences and service needs of siblings of individuals with first‐episode psychosis: a phenomenological study
Authors: Sin Jacqueline , Moone Nicki , Harris Paul , Scully Elizabeth , Wellman Nigel
Published: September 2011

Background: Despite recent focus on developing family‐inclusive services to meet the needs of young people with first‐episode psychosis, the needs of their siblings are often overlooked.

Aims: This study explored the experiences and needs of siblings of young adults with first‐episode psychosis receiving support from two Early Intervention in Psychosis Services in South‐East England.

Methods: Thirty‐one siblings aged 11–35 years, were given a semi‐structured interview to gather their perspectives and accounts of their lived experiences. The resultant rich qualitative data was analysed using responsive‐reader and framework methods.

Results: Six themes were identified: siblings' roles and involvement; emotions; impact on relationships; coping patterns; resilience; and siblings' service needs.

Conclusion: All participants had been greatly affected by the onset of the psychosis in their brother or sister. Most siblings did not identify themselves as carers, although most played a significant part in their brother's or sister's life. Participants wanted dynamic, robust and accessible services, especially information and peer support to meet their needs.
ACUTE RENAL FAILURE IN ACUTE POISONING: PROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF SOUTH INDIA
Authors: Sweni Shah , Meenakshisundaram Ramachandran , Sakthirajan R. , Rajendiran Chinnasamy , Thirumalaikolundusubramanian Ponniah
Published: September 2011

Background: Cases of people presenting with poisoning are likely to develop acute renal failure (ARF), which may be due to multiple mechanisms/aetiologies. These cases need careful observation and appropriate treatment.

Objective: To find the risk of ARF among acute poisoning cases, identify the underlying causes and to analyse the outcome

Material and methods: In this prospective study with nested case control, 1,250 cases admitted to the Poison Control, Training and Research Centre of Government General Hospital, Madras Medical College were monitored and evaluated for development of ARF. Patients with history of diabetes/hypertension, known chronic kidney disease, chronic NSAID therapy, those on drugs that increase serum creatinine by inhibiting creatinine secretion and other co‐morbid illnesses were excluded. Data were interpreted after subjecting them to bivariate logistic regression and then step wise multivariate analysis.

Results: Thirty‐two cases developed ARF. Twenty‐four were due to snake bite, the rest due to chemical poisons. Chances of developing ARF were greater (6.15%) among the poisoning due to bites and stings than chemical poisoning (0.9%). Five in the former and seven in the latter expired. Among cases bitten by snakes, only 22 (7%) cases bitten by Russell Viper Daboia russelii developed renal failure. Copper sulphate and rat killer poisonings were the commonest causes of chemical induced ARF, dichromate, indigenous medicines and vasmol 33 (paraphenelyne diamine) were the least causes for ARF. None of the patients with organophosphate developed ARF nor did any of the 150 admitted for overdose of medicines developed ARF.

Conclusion: The risk of ARF among the cases of poisoning was 2.5%. The outcome of ARF among bites and stings was better than chemical poisoning, and the difference was highly significant (p= 0.005, OR = 0.04–1.0, 95% CI = 0.004–0.38). Early recognition and appropriate measures reduce the occurrence of ARF.
Astragalus raphaelis (Fabaceae), a critical species from Sicily and taxonomic remarks on A. sect. Sesamei
Authors: Brullo Cristian , Brullo Salvatore , Giusso del Galdo Gianpietro , Minissale Pietro , Sciandrello Saverio
Published: September 2011

The taxonomic position of Astragalus raphaelis, a rare and misappreciated species endemic to Sicily, has been examined. In addition, its geographical distribution, ecology and conservation status, diagnostic morphological characters, pod and seed micro‐morphology and relationship with A. stella are provided. Phenetic and phylogenetic trees (based on morphological data) for A. sect Sesamei shows that A. raphaelis is a taxonomically quite isolated species, with some relationships to A. sesamoides.
Rethinking transnationalism through the second generation
Authors: Lee Helen
Published: September 2011

The concept of transnationalism was developed to describe the ties maintained by migrants with their homelands and, until recently, little attention was given to the question of whether these ties would be continued by the migrants’ children, the ‘second generation’. This article discusses the transnational practices of second‐generation Tongans in Australia, using the research findings to reconsider some of the existing assumptions about what constitutes transnationalism. To fully understand second‐generation transnationalism, three forms of transnationalism are described: intradiasporic, indirect and forced transnationalism. Taking these forms into account reveals a more complex picture of the transnational ties maintained by migrants and their children than has been drawn in previous accounts.
Australian alternative spiritualities and a feeling for land
Authors: Muir Stewart
Published: September 2011

For many Australian practitioners of alternative spiritualities, ‘nature’ and the non‐human environment are alive with significance: they embody a universal divine ‘spirit’ that is both independent of, and continuous with, individual subjects. Particular locations within nature also have special value as a font of powerful personal feelings and as a kind of natural resource of spiritual energy. Moreover, the effect of specifically Australian landscapes is frequently understood by reference to a place’s Aboriginal history or ‘spirit’, with recognition of such places both celebrating and laying claim to the land. However, having a feeling for land is not straightforward. Although Aboriginal people often served as a synonym for the land itself and thus were considered intrinsic to much of the land’s spiritual and personal value, their prior claims to its ownership also sometimes upset non‐Aboriginal feelings of love for the land.
Dexamethasone attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced liver injury by downregulating glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor ligand in Kupffer cells
Authors: Wei Si D. , Li Jin Z. , Liu Zuo J. , Chen Qi , Chen Yong , Chen Min , Gong Jian P.
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor ligand (GITRL) plays pro‐inflammatory roles in immune response. Thus, our aim was to assess if dexamethasone attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced liver injury by affecting GITRL in Kupffer cells (KC).

Methods:  A BALB/c mouse model of liver injury was established by i.p. injecting with LPS (10 mg/kg) co‐treated with or without dexamethasone (3 mg/kg). Blood and liver samples were obtained for analysis of liver morphology, GITRL expression, hepatocellular function and cytokine levels at 24 h after injection. KC were isolated and challenged by LPS (1 µg/mL), with or without dexamethasone (10 µM) co‐treatment, or with GITRL siRNA pre‐transfection. The GITRL expression and cytokine levels were assayed at 24 h after challenge.

Results:  Dexamethasone treatment significantly improved the survival rate of endotoxemic mice (P < 0.05), whereas serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and γ‐interferon levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, respectively). Concurrently, LPS‐induced hepatic tissue injury was attenuated as indicated by morphological analysis; and expression of GITRL in liver tissue and KC was downregulated (P < 0.05). Consistent with these in vivo experiments, inhibited expression of GITRL, TNF‐α and IL‐6 caused by dexamethasone treatment were also observed in LPS‐stimulated KC. The GITRL, TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression was also significantly inhibited by GITRL gene silencing.

Conclusion:  The TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression of LPS‐stimulated KC was inhibited by GITRL gene silencing. Dexamethasone attenuates LPS‐induced liver injury, at least proportionately, by downregulating GITRL in KC.
Progress in stem cell biology in regenerative medicine for liver disease
Authors: Shiota Goshi , Yasui Toshihiro
Published: September 2011

Regenerative medicine using stem cells has attracted much attention, since stem cells are responsible for highly proliferative activity and multipotential ability of differentiation. Induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells or the adult stem cells such as bone marrow‐derived stem cells and adipose tissue‐derived stem cells have been expected as a cell source of regenerative medicine. Since differentiating methods of human stem cells into the defined lineage of cells remains to be developed, we focus on the differentiating strategies of pluripotent stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells into liver lineage, especially on cytokine function and gene expression during hepatic differentiation. The survey of previously published papers discloses that the protocols that mimic the liver developmental process seem to be effective in obtaining functional hepatocytes. However, in order to develop hepatic regenerative medicine that is useful in a clinical setting, more effective and potent strategies that obtain mature hepatocytes are required.