bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Water Non‐limiting and Water Limiting Yields and Yield Gaps of Groundnut in India Using CROPGRO‐Peanut Model
Authors: Bhatia V. S. , Singh P. , Kesava Rao A. V. R. , Srinivas K. , Wani S. P.
Published: September 2009

To assess the scope for enhancing productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in India, well‐calibrated and validated CROPGRO‐Peanut model was used to assess potential yields (water non‐limiting and water limiting) and yield gaps of groundnut for 18 locations representing major groundnut growing regions of India. The average simulated water non‐limiting pod yield of groundnut for the locations was 5440 kg ha−1, whereas the water limiting yield was 2750 kg ha−1 indicating a 49 % reduction in yield because of deficit soil moisture conditions. As against this, the actual pod yields of the locations averaged 1020 kg ha−1, which was 4420 and 1730 kg ha−1 less than the simulated water non‐limiting and water limiting yields, respectively. Across locations, the simulated water non‐limiting yields were less variable than water limited and actual yields, and strongly correlated with solar radiation during the crop season (R2 = 0.62, P ≤ 0.01). Simulated water limiting yield showed a significant positive, but curvilinear relationship (R2 = 0.73, P ≤ 0.01) with mean crop season rainfall across locations. The relationship between actual yield and the mean crop season rainfall across locations was not significant, whereas across seasons for some of the locations, the association was found to be significant. Total yield gap (water non‐limiting minus actual yields) ranged from 3100 to 5570 kg ha−1, and remained more or less unaffected by the quantity of rainfall received across locations. The gap between simulated water non‐limiting and water limiting yields, which ranged from 710 to 5430 kg ha−1, was large at locations with low crop season rainfall, and narrowed down at locations with increasing quantum of crop season rainfall. On the other hand, the gap between simulated water limiting yield and actual farmers yield ranged from 0 to 3150 kg ha−1. It was narrow at locations with low crop season rainfall and increased considerably at locations with increasing amounts of rainfall indicating that type of interventions to abridge the yield gap will vary with the rainfall regimes. It is suggested that improved agronomic management (such as high yielding cultivars, balance crop nutrition and control of pest and diseases) in high rainfall regimes and rainfall conservation and supplemental irrigations in low rainfall regimes will be essential components of the improved technologies aimed at abridging the yield gaps of groundnut.
Eco‐physiological repercussions of dietary arachidonic acid in cell membranes of active tissues of the Gray whale
Authors: Caraveo‐Patiño Javier , Wang Yiqun , Soto Luis A. , Ghebremeskel Kebreab , Lehane Catherine , Crawford Michael A.
Published: September 2009

The radiation of the mammalian land species that became the baleen whales happened about 27–34 Mya. Mammals require omega 6 fatty acids for reproduction. With this long exposure to the omega 3‐rich marine food chain, the Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) might be expected to have lost its requirement for omega 6 fatty acids. We report an unexpectedly high content of omega 6 arachidonic acid (ArA) in the Gray whale liver and muscle lipids. This whale migrates 10,000 km from the cold polar, omega 3 oil‐rich food chain to that of the breeding lagoons of the tropical waters. The food web of tropical waters is a source of omega 6 fatty acids, which are hardly present in the cold polar food web. We suggest the reason for this longest of migrations from cold to warm waters is to meet the requirement for omega 6 fatty acids for mammalian reproduction and brain growth. This extreme conservation of omega 6 fatty acids in Gray whale biology has critical implications for mammalian biology and especially for whale conservation.
Imaging for Crohn disease: Use of 3‐T MRI in a paediatric setting
Authors: Dagia C , Ditchfield M , Kean M , Catto‐Smith T
Published: September 2009

This study was carried out to review our experience with 3‐T MRI in the assessment of Crohn disease in a paediatric population. Twenty‐four patients with biopsy proven Crohn disease identified on the radiology information system underwent abdominal MRI, with or without pelvic MRI. Twenty‐eight studies were carried out on a 3‐T scanner at a tertiary paediatric hospital. Eight of 24 of these (30%) had a gastrointestinal barium study, 2 of 24 (8%) a CT and 9 of 24 (38%) an abdominal ultrasound. The different MRI sequences were rated for observation of the bowel wall and abnormalities (0–5). The findings were correlated to relevant findings on endoscopy, examination under anaesthesia (EUA) and where available surgery, barium studies, CT and ultrasound. In this study, the colon was involved in 5 of 28 (18%), small bowel in 7 of 28 (25%), terminal ileum in 5 of 28 (18%). All the perineal studies (9 of 9) showed abnormalities. Sinus tracts or fistulas were identified in 7 of 28 (25%) studies. The mean rating of the different MRI sequences in showing bowel wall and changes of Crohn disease was T2 TSE 3.6, T2 half fourier aquisition single shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) with a long TE 3.6, T2 HASTE with short TE 3.4, true fast imaging with steady state precession (FISP) 2.7, T1 4.1 and Post‐contrast T1 4.3. The T2 HASTE sequences with thinner slices improved observation. Detection of superficial abnormalities was similar on the 3D VIBE images and on the post‐contrast T1 spin‐echo (SE) sequences. In five of nine (56%) of those that had ultrasound, both studies were abnormal, with incomplete correlation of the abnormalities. Computed tomography and MRI were abnormal in two of two (100%) patients with good correlation of the abnormalities in one; in the other there was a minimal discrepancy in the estimation of the length of involved bowel. In 7 of 11 (64%) the barium study was abnormal. Good correlation to MRI findings was found in five of seven (71%) of patients. In two of seven (29%) both studies were abnormal, with incomplete correlation of the abnormalities. Barium underestimated the length of involved segment in these patients with inflammatory ileal thickening and ulceration. Notably, in both studies compression was limited because of patient discomfort and the involved segments obscured by overlap. Abdominal and pelvic MRI at 3 T is a useful imaging technique for evaluation of Crohn disease in the children. The extent of bowel wall involvement and extra‐intestinal complications, such as abscesses and fistulas can be accurately assessed non‐invasively, without the use of ionizing radiation or sedation.
A novel missense mutation in the EVC gene underlies Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome in a Pakistani family
Authors: Umm‐e‐Kalsoom  , Wasif Naveed , Tariq Muhammad , Ahmad Wasim
Published: September 2009

Background:  Ellis‐van Creveld (EVC) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by skeletal, ectodermal and cardiac defects. This syndrome is caused by mutations in EVC and EVC2 genes, which are separated by 2.6 kb of genomic sequence on chromosome 4p16.

Methods:  In the present study we ascertained a four‐generation pedigree of Pakistani origin with features of EVC. Linkage was searched by genotyping microsatellite markers linked to chromosome 4p16. Affected individuals showed homozygosity to the microsatellite markers tightly linked to EVC and EVC2 genes on chromosome 4p16. It was then subjected to direct sequencing of the EVC and EVC2 genes.

Results:  Mutation analysis of the EVC and EVC2 genes identified a novel missense change (c.617G>A; p.S206N) in the EVC gene.

Conclusions:  We herein report on the first family from Pakistan with a large number of individuals affected by EVC. DNA sequence analysis led to the identification of the fifth missense mutation in the EVC gene.
Symptomless celiac disease in type 1 diabetes: 12‐year experience in Estonia
Authors: Uibo Oivi , Heilman Kaire , Rägo Tiina , Shor Riina , Paal Mare , Metsküla Kaja , Tillmann Vallo , Uibo Raivo
Published: September 2009

Background:  We aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of celiac disease in children with type 1 diabetes in Estonia, a country with a formerly low frequency of both diseases.

Methods:  Altogether, 271 patients with diabetes were studied over 12 years (1995–2006): 122 at diagnosis and 149 patients 0.1–14.8 years after diagnosis. In addition, 73 patients were followed up over 1–6 years. Immunoglobulin A type endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibodies were determined. Patients with antibodies and/or with celiac‐disease‐related symptoms were invited for a small‐intestinal biopsy.

Results:  At the primary screening, celiac disease was histologically confirmed in nine patients (all without symptoms), that is, in 3.3% (95% confidence interval: 1.63–6.42) of type 1 diabetes cases. At follow up, celiac disease was additionally detected in two (2.7%) of 73 diabetic patients, that is, in 0.016 (95% confidence interval: 0–0.072) celiac disease cases per follow‐up year.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of celiac disease among type 1 diabetes patients in Estonia is similar to that in countries with a high incidence of celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. As celiac disease is mostly symptomless, all children with type 1 diabetes, irrespective of their geographic origin, should be regularly screened for celiac disease.
Lymphangioma of the ovary accompanied by chylous ascites
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Tani Anna , Miyatani Yuka , Bekku Shirou , Yamashita Michiko , Nakanishi Kazuyo , Fujii Yoshiyuki , Ino Hiroyasu
Published: September 2009

Lymphangioma of the ovary is very rare, with only 17 cases reported to date. In this report, a 43‐year‐old woman with lymphangioma of the ovary accompanied by chylous ascites is described. Vaginal ultrasound showed a solid cystic tumor at the right ovary accompanied by ascites. The volume of ascites was changeable. Milky fluid obtained by Douglas pouch aspiration contained numerous mature lymphocytes. She underwent right salpingo‐oophorectomy. Histological examination revealed that the excised tumor from the right ovary was consistent with benign lymphangioma. This is the first case report of lymphangioma of the ovary accompanied by chylous ascites. We should discriminate such cases from other malignant tumors in order to avoid overtreatment.
Postoperative abdominal aspergilloma mimicking cervical cancer recurrence and diagnostic imaging, including 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, with false‐positive findings
Authors: Kobayashi Eiji , Iwamiya Tadashi , Masaki Hidetake , Yamagata Ai , Isobe Masanori , Miyake Takahito , Shiki Yasuhiko , Nakashima Ryuichi , Yamasaki Masato
Published: September 2009

We present the case of a 39‐year‐old woman with a subfascial abscess. The patient had undergone radical hysterectomy for stage Ib1 cervical cancer. Six months after the surgery, she was found to have an elevated concentration of the serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen. Thereafter, she underwent magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an irregular mass (diameter: 2 cm) in the abdominal wall. Increased 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake into the mass was observed on positron emission tomography. Therefore, we could not rule out the possibility of the peritoneal dissemination of cervical cancer, and we resected the mass. The mass was pathologically and microbiologically diagnosed as a subfascial aspergilloma. The lesion was located in the subfascial area where a drain was inserted at the time of the primary laparotomy.
Serious adverse drug reaction in a woman with hyperemesis gravidarum after first exposure to vitamin B complex containing vitamins B1, B6 and B12
Authors: Kuwata Yoshimine , Tsuruoka Shuichi , Ohkuchi Akihide , Matsubara Shigeki , Izumi Akio , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: September 2009

We report the case of a pregnant woman who suffered from hypotension after first exposure to intravenous administration of a combination drug containing vitamins B1, B6 and B12 (Vitamedin; Daiichi‐Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan). A 27‐year‐old Japanese woman received an intravenous infusion of fluid containing a vitamin B complex due to hyperemesis gravidarum. Thirty minutes after the start of infusion she was found to be in hypotension. The patient had stupor, general sweating, blood pressure of 82/50 mmHg, and low percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 88%. We immediately stopped the infusion, lifted her legs and administered oxygen. Three minutes after these treatments, she quickly recovered to a good general condition. A skin prick test for vitamin B12 was positive, but tests for B1, B6, mannitol and saline were negative, indicating this adverse reaction was one of drug hypersensitivity due to the vitamin B12 in Vitamedin. Patients should be observed carefully immediately after the administration of Vitamedin.
Impact of surgeon and hospital volumes on short‐term postoperative complications after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer
Authors: Yasunaga Hideo , Nishii Osamu , Hirai Yasuo , Ochiai Kazunori , Matsuyama Yutaka , Ohe Kazuhiko
Published: September 2009

Aim:  The association between provider caseload volumes and patient outcomes remains unclear in gynecologic cancer surgery, especially with regard to radical hysterectomies. The present study aims to clarify the effect of provider volumes on short‐term postoperative complications after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

Methods:  We conducted a multicenter study of cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy in Japan from October 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007, by collecting medical record‐based data on each patient's background, operating time and postoperative complications, as well as hospital/surgeon volumes. Multivariate analyses were performed to examine the effect of hospital/surgeon volumes on operating time and postoperative complications, with adjustments for possible confounders.

Results:  We collected 407 cases from 84 hospitals around Japan. Higher surgeon volume (≥200 procedures) was associated with shorter operating times (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–0.86; P = 0.02) and reduced incidence of postoperative urinary disorders (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21–0.96; P = 0.04). Hospital volume was not an independent predictor of any of the outcomes.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that the rate of postoperative urinary disorders may be a possible benchmark that reflects a surgeon's skill in radical hysterectomy. Thus, high surgeon volume may be a proxy for high quality of care; practice could indeed make perfect in this clinical setting.
Fatigue resistance and residual strength of riveted joints in FML
Authors: LANCIOTTI A. , LAZZERI L.
Published: September 2009

Static and fatigue tests have been carried out on 190‐mm‐wide fibre metal laminate (FML) riveted lap joints. The specimens were made with a Glare 3‐3/2‐0.3 material, i.e. a laminate composed of three layers of 2024‐T3 aluminium alloy, thickness 0.3 mm and two double layers (0/90) of pre‐preg FM‐94‐27%‐S2 glass fibre. Seven configurations were tested which differed in the number of rivet rows (two or three), in the rolling direction of metal layers (perpendicular or parallel to the load direction), in the rivet type (solid or special, such as Hi‐Lok or Lock‐Bolt), in the rivet material for solid rivets (7050‐T73 or 2017‐T3), in the rivet diameter (4.8 or 5.5 mm) and in the presence of interlaminar doublers in the overlap area (titanium, aluminium, glass fibre). An additional difference was in the pre‐formed rivet head: solid rivets had countersunk head, while Hi‐Loks and Lock‐Bolts had protruding head. The fatigue tests demonstrated the efficiency of a selective local reinforcement in the overlap area; in some cases, the fatigue resistance was so high that fatigue cracks nucleated in the laminates, rather than in the overlap area, as commonly expected.
Safeguarding children: why an issue for pediatric anesthetists?
Authors: DELOUGHRY JOHNNY , WILKINSON KATHY
Published: September 2009

Child maltreatment and the responsibility of heath care professionals to assist in prevention and diagnosis is currently center stage in the United Kingdom. This subject has a very large literature base. Anesthetists were one of the first groups to have specific guidance on this subject, and key competencies are now part of the core curriculum for our trainees. This article seeks to briefly define maltreatment and provide statistics that outline the scale of the problem, and includes discussion of risk factors and recognition. We have focused on physical abuse and have provided a separate section on abusive head trauma, which is of particular importance to anesthetists. We also discuss the process of management, with some detail around Child Death Review procedures.
Capital Investment and Earnings: International Evidence
Authors: Inci Ahmet Can , Lee Bong Soo , Suh Jungwon
Published: September 2009

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: We examine the nature of the dynamic linkage (causality) between earnings and capital investment using firm‐level data from around the world to see whether the legal environment, including corporate governance and monitoring mechanisms, and financial development are important in the profitability of capital investment.

Research Findings/Insights: Using firms in 40 countries over the period 1988–2004, we find that the causality from earnings to capital investment is positive and strong in almost all countries, irrespective of the type of legal system and the degree of financial development. However, the causality from capital investment to earnings is generally negative for firms in civil law and financially undeveloped countries, while the causality is generally positive in common law and financially developed countries. Therefore, our international cross‐country study enables us to find that the legal system and financial development are factors in the determination of the profitability of capital investment.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: Our findings imply that internal financing is a significant constraint for capital investment, which provides support for the pecking order theory even for financially developed markets and for the free cash flow theory. Common law and financially developed countries tend to provide better shareholder protection with more efficient corporate governance and better investment decisions.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: To encourage managers to make capital investments in value‐increasing projects, it is important to further improve a legal environment that includes corporate governance, monitoring, and incentive mechanisms. Financial development that includes effective financial regulatory agencies should be sought.
Corporate Governance and Earnings Management: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: García‐Meca Emma , Sánchez‐Ballesta Juan P.
Published: September 2009

Manuscript Type: Review

Research Question/Issue: The goal of this paper is to meta‐analyze the results of 35 studies that examine the effect on earnings management of firms' boards of directors and ownership structure. We examine whether differences in results are attributable to moderating effects related to the system of corporate governance, the measurement of the governance variable, or the particular specifications of discretionary accruals models.

Research Findings/Insights: The findings show that the variation in the results of previous studies on CEO duality and audit committee independence are caused by sampling error. In addition, the measurement of dependent variable, discretionary accruals, and the corporate governance system moderate the association between earnings management and some corporate governance variables.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: The measurement of variables, especially discretionary accruals, influences the findings found in previous studies. The findings emphasize the need to explicitly consider the legal and institutional setting when one analyzes the effect of mechanisms of corporate governance on discretionary accruals. Future research should include matrix correlations, and consider detailed measures of earnings management and more attributes of boards of directors in order to facilitate research using meta‐analysis.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: The results suggest that board independence, board size, and audit committee independence can improve investor confidence by constraining earnings management. Additional empirical evidence regarding refined measures of ownership and board, specifically board independence, would be very useful in gaining greater understanding of how the different approaches to these constructs influence earnings management.
Risk Management in Corporate Governance: A Review and Proposal
Authors: Brown Ian , Steen Adam , Foreman Julie
Published: September 2009

Manuscript Type: Conceptual

Research Question/Issue: In this paper we identify and discuss the relationship between corporate governance and risk management of high technology firms, with publicly listed Australian biotechnology companies as a case in point. We present a governance structure that better manages the numerous complex risks such companies face.

Research Findings/Insights: Audit committees are traditionally responsible for oversight of auditing matters relating to the company's financial systems and risk management relating to financial reporting. While the audit committee needs to have a full understanding of the risk management system in order to be able to assess the overall risk profile of the company we illustrate that the complex risk and regulatory environment high technology firms face may necessitate the creation of a separate risk management committee to interface with and assist the board and audit committee.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: We provide evidence that the traditional governance model is inadequate in today's complex business environment, particularly for high technology companies. By analyzing the legislative, industry, and complex risk environment faced by these firms, we posit that the traditional model may need to change to meet the demands of a wider definition of governance that specifically incorporates risk management.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: Against a backdrop of corporate collapse, increasing corporate regulation and reporting, risk management and oversight has been a recent addition to the role of the board. It is not inconceivable that capital market regulators may require reporting on risk management and the creation of a separate risk management in the future.
A Political Economic Critique on the Theory of Optimum Currency Areas, and the Implications for East Asia
Authors: Chey Hyoung‐kyu
Published: September 2009

In recent years, dynamic debate has arisen as to the desirability and feasibility of creating a monetary union in East Asia. While the debate has relied heavily on the theory of optimum currency areas, this theory has weaknesses in explaining the actual formation of monetary unions. At this point, political economy analysis appears to demonstrate stronger explanatory power. This paper provides a systematic review of the main developments in the literature on optimum currency area theory and in the political economy literature on monetary union. In addition, it addresses the feasibility of an East Asian monetary union, by applying the findings in these two academic strands to the region. It finds that even though formation of an East Asian monetary union may be to some extent feasible from an economic perspective, the region’s political situation does not appear favourable for the creation of one.
Comparative Effectiveness Research in Ontario, Canada: Producing Relevant and Timely Information for Health Care Decision Makers
Authors: WHICHER DANIELLE M. , CHALKIDOU KALIPSO , DHALLA IRFAN A. , LEVIN LESLIE , TUNIS SEAN
Published: September 2009

Context: Comparative effectiveness research is increasingly being recognized as a method to link research with the information needs of decision makers. As the United States begins to invest in comparative effectiveness, it would be wise to look at other functioning research networks to understand the infrastructure and funding required to support them.

Methods: This case study looks at the comparative effectiveness research network in Ontario, Canada, for which a neutral coordinating committee is responsible for prioritizing topics, assessing evidence, providing recommendations on coverage decisions, and determining pertinent research questions for further evaluation. This committee is supported by the Medical Advisory Secretariat and several large research institutions. This article analyzes the infrastructure and cost needed to support this network and offers recommendations for developing policies and methodologies to support comparative effectiveness research in the United States.

Findings: The research network in place in Ontario explicitly links decision making with evidence generation, in a transparent, timely, and efficient way. Funding is provided by the Ontario government through a reliable and stable funding mechanism that helps ensure that the studies it supports are relevant to decision makers.

Conclusions: With the recent allocation of funds to support comparative effectiveness research from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the United States should begin to construct an infrastructure that applies these features to make sure that evidence generated from this effort positively affects the quality of health care delivered to patients.
The Revolution in Health Care Antitrust: New Methods and Provocative Implications
Authors: DRANOVE DAVID , SFEKAS ANDREW
Published: September 2009

Context: In recent years, federal courts have permitted hospital consolidations and other potentially anticompetitive actions by accepting hospitals’ claims that they compete in expansive geographic markets. Recent events, including two actions by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, suggest that antitrust is undergoing a sea change, thanks in part to new methods for defining geographic markets. This article reviews the recent history of hospital antitrust, describes the methods used to define markets, and illustrates the new methods by considering two consolidations recently proposed by a New York regulatory agency.

Methods: The new methods for defining geographic markets rely on estimates from conditional choice models using patient‐level hospitalization data. These estimates are the raw material for computations of price effects derived from a theoretical model of hospital pricing in a managed care environment.

Findings: Applying these methods to two proposed consolidations in New York shows that one of the mergers would likely raise prices by a substantial amount without the promise of offsetting efficiencies but that the other would not have this effect.

Conclusions: New methods for geographic market definition may fundamentally alter how courts will evaluate antitrust challenges. Although additional research is necessary to refine the predictions of these new methods, consolidating hospitals, as well as any other hospitals engaging in potentially anticompetitive conduct, can no longer anticipate a friendly reception in the courtroom.
Columbia University's Axel Patents: Technology Transfer and Implications for the Bayh‐Dole Act
Authors: COLAIANNI ALESSANDRA , COOK‐DEEGAN ROBERT
Published: September 2009

Context: The Bayh‐Dole Act of 1980, which gave federal grantees and contractors the right to patent and license inventions stemming from federally funded research, was intended to encourage commercial dissemination of research that would otherwise languish for want of a patent incentive. The case of Columbia University's Axel patents, which claimed a scientific method to introduce foreign proteins into nucleated cells, illustrates a secondary outcome of the Bayh‐Dole Act: the incentive for federal grantees and contractors to pursue royalty revenues from patented research, even for inventions for which commercial use did not require patents.

Methods: This article describes oral interviews with two of the three inventors and a former high‐ranking administrator at Columbia; correspondence with several faculty members at Columbia to obtain key royalty figures and information about Columbia's licensing strategy; patent searches; examinations of legal records of court proceedings; and analysis of citation trends for the seminal papers disclosing the invention of cotransformation.

Findings: Columbia University and the inventors profited handsomely from the Axel patents, earning $790 million in revenues through licensing arrangements that tapped profits from end products made by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Columbia's aggressive effort to extend the patent duration also led to considerable legal expenditures and fierce controversy. In particular, obtaining and enforcing a 2002 patent proved costly, politically difficult, and financially fruitless and attracted intense criticism for behavior unbecoming a nonprofit academic institution.

Conclusions: This case study raises several important questions about the logic and future revisions of the Bayh‐Dole Act: Are revenue generation and financial rewards for inventing valuable technologies legitimate goals for this act? If so, does the federal government need credible mechanisms for oversight of, or checks and balances on, the rights conferred?
MORAL OBJECTIVITY AND RESPONSIBILITY IN ETHICS: A SOCRATIC RESPONSE TO HUME'S LEGACY IN THE 20THCENTURY
Authors: ANDERSON OWEN
Published: September 2009

Current debate in metaethics includes the question of objectivity. What does it mean for a moral prescription to be objective? It is easy to see how matters of fact are objective, and it is also easy to see how matters of taste are subjective. But what about matters of morality? Given the diversity in moral beliefs and practices it appears these cannot be matters of fact. Are they thus matters of taste? If so, we are left with the unlivable conclusion that all moral prescriptions are beyond rational scrutiny. David Hume expressed these problems in a way that continues to be influential today: ‘Tis as little contrary to reason to prefer even my own acknowled'd lesser good to my greater’ (Hume, 2003: 2.III.ii). Resolving problems about moral objectivity is further complicated by the philosophical presuppositions of analytic philosophy that have dominated the 20thcentury, initiated in the work of G.E. Moore, and promulgated in theories such as logical positivism and ordinary language philosophy. Contemporary thinkers from both the cognitivist and the non‐cognitivist camps have tried to demonstrate that moral claims are objective in the sense of being subject independent. By considering contemporary appeals to the ideally rational self to establish objectivity, and objections to rationality as a ground for objectivity, it will be argued that objectivity can be grounded in the good which in turn is grounded in human nature. This approach can be found in the Socratic denial of knowingly doing evil, and out of this a foundation for moral objectivity can be developed that does not require an appeal to the individual's mental state and which preserves individual responsibility for knowing the good.
BETWEEN FORGIVENESS AND UNFORGIVENESS
Authors: SZABLOWINSKI ZENON
Published: September 2009

Although demanding and hard to grant, forgiveness has been treasured for centuries because it has the power to heal emotional wounds, restore human relationships and break the chain of violence. Some writers, though, have asserted that forgiveness found its boundaries in Auschwitz; the Nazi crimes against humanity reached the pinnacle there and cannot be forgiven. While discussing forgiveness in the context of the Holocaust and outside of it, this article pursues the following issues: Does forgiveness have limits? What would be the implications of being unable to forgive? Can punishment of the perpetrator help the process of forgiveness? Does the offended party forgive his or her hurt only?
Determinants of home range and activity in two semi‐aquatic lizards
Authors: Smith J. G. , Griffiths A. D.
Published: September 2009

By living in close proximity to waterbodies, semi‐aquatic varanids may be able to sustain activity and maintain relatively smaller home ranges than their terrestrial counterparts because of access to important resources (food and water) that are less abundant in terrestrial systems during dry seasons. The factors influencing home range and movement were examined in two semi‐aquatic Australian varanids, Varanus mertensi and Varanus indicus. We used radio‐telemetry and mark–recapture techniques to examine differences in space use between sexes, seasons and body sizes in the top end of the Northern Territory of Australia. Both V. mertensi and V. indicus were active throughout the year, unlike terrestrial varanids in this region. Varanus indicus had small home ranges when compared with other similar sized varanids, whereas the home ranges of V. mertensi varied substantially. Body size influenced the home range of V. indicus, with larger animals having larger home ranges, but not for V. mertensi. An interaction between body size and gender influenced the distance V. indicus moved, whereas interactions between body size, gender and seasonality all influenced the distance that V. mertensi moved.
The plural of ‘anecdote’ can be ‘data’: statistical analysis of viewing distances in reports of unidentified large marine animals 1758–2000
Authors: Paxton C. G. M.
Published: September 2009

Analysis of the nearest reported distance in accounts of seemingly unknown, large, marine animals (sea monsters) by boat‐ or water‐based eyewitnesses, revealed that, contrary to expectation, the majority of sightings were at close distance (<200 m). This suggests that misidentification of inanimate objects or known animal species due to great distance was unlikely. Assuming a uniform distribution of objects around the boat, the reported sightings were far closer than expected, implying a bias in the sighting or reporting process. The distribution of reported distances from boat‐ or water‐based eyewitnesses was almost identical to that of shore‐based witnesses. Unidentified large marine animals were more likely to be reported to be closer if the report was anonymous or secondhand. The gap of time between recollection/reporting and the actual sighting did not influence reported distance. There was no relation between reported distance and reported length. There was some equivocal evidence that the absence of a stated distance in a report might be an indicator of a hoax.
Congenital anomalies in children with cerebral palsy: a population‐based record linkage study
Authors: RANKIN JUDITH , CANS CHRISTINE , GARNE ESTER , COLVER ALLAN , DOLK HELEN , ULDALL PETER , AMAR EMMANUELLE , KRAGELOH‐MANN INGEBORGE
Published: September 2009

Aim Our aim was to determine the proportion of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who have a congenital anomaly (CA) in three regions (Isère Region, French Alps; Funen County, Denmark; Northern Region, England) where population‐based CP and CA registries exist, and to classify the children according to CA subtype.

Method Data for children born between 1991 and 1999 were linked using electronic matching of cases. All potential matches were checked manually by each centre and verified as true matches.

Results A total of 1104 children with CP were born during the study period (663 males, 441 females). Of these, 166 (15%; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 13.0–17.3) children with CP had a CA: 8.8% had a cerebral anomaly, 4.8% had a non‐cerebral anomaly, and 1.4% had a non‐cerebral‐related syndrome or a chromosomal/genetic anomaly.

Interpretation The prevalence of cerebral anomaly was highest in children with ataxic CP (41.7%) and lowest in those with dyskinetic CP (2.1%). Cerebral anomalies were found in 8.4% and 7% of children with bilateral and unilateral spastic CP respectively. The most frequent cerebral anomalies were primary microcephaly (26.5%) and congenital hydrocephalus (17.3%). The most common non‐cerebral anomalies recorded were cardiac (12.6% of children with CP and CA), urinary (5.4%), and musculoskeletal (5.4%). The prevalence of cerebral anomalies was higher among children born at term (13%) than among those born preterm (3.8%). Associated sensorineural or intellectual impairments occurred more often in children with CP and cerebral anomalies. We concluded that cerebral and non‐cerebral CA prevalence was higher among the CP population than in the general population of live births.
Secreted phospholipase A2‐IIA modulates key regulators of proliferation on astrocytoma cells
Authors: Martín Rubén , Hernández Marita , Ibeas Elvira , Fuentes Lucia , Salicio Veronica , Arnés Mercedes , Nieto María Luisa
Published: September 2009

Human group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2‐IIA) has been characterized in numerous inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. sPLA2‐IIA can either promote or inhibit cell growth depending on the cellular type and the specific injury. We have previously demonstrated that exogenous sPLA2‐IIA, by engagement to a membrane structure, induces proliferation and activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases cascade in human astrocytoma cells. In this study, we used human astrocytoma 1321N1 cells to investigate the key molecules mediating sPLA2‐IIA‐induced cell proliferation. We found that sPLA2‐IIA promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which was abrogated in the presence of allopurinol and DPI, but not by rotenone, discarding mitochondria as a ROS source. In addition, sPLA2‐IIA triggered Ras and Raf‐1 activation, with kinetics that paralleled ERK phosphorylation, and co‐immunoprecipitation assays indicated an association between Ras, Raf‐1 and ERK. Additionally, Akt, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase, and S6 ribosomal protein were also phosphorylated upon sPLA2‐IIA treatment, effect that was abrogated by N‐acetylcysteine or LY294002 treatment indicating that ROS and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase are upstream signaling regulators. As the inhibitors N‐acetylcysteine, PD98059, LY294002 or rapamycin blocked sPLA2‐IIA‐induced proliferation without activation of the apoptotic program, we suggest that inhibition of these intracellular signal transduction elements may represent a mechanism of growth arrest. Our results reveal new potential targets for therapeutic intervention in neuroinflammatory disorders and brain cancer in particular.
Peroxynitrite induces tyrosine residue modifications in synaptophysin C‐terminal domain, affecting its interaction with src
Authors: Mallozzi Cinzia , Ceccarini Marina , Camerini Serena , Macchia Gianfranco , Crescenzi Marco , Petrucci Tamara Corinna , Di Stasi Anna Maria Michela
Published: September 2009

Peroxynitrite is a potent oxidant that contributes to tissue damage in neurodegenerative disorders. We have previously reported that treatment of rat brain synaptosomes with peroxynitrite induced post‐translational modifications in pre‐ and post‐synaptic proteins and stimulated soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion proteins attachment receptor complex formation and endogenous glutamate release. In this study we show that, following peroxynitrite treatment, the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin (SYP) can be both phosphorylated and nitrated in a dose‐dependent manner. We found that tyrosine‐phosphorylated, but not tyrosine‐nitrated, SYP bound to the src tyrosine kinase and enhanced its catalytic activity. These effects were mediated by direct and specific binding of the SYP cytoplasmic C‐terminal tail with the src homology 2 domain. Using mass spectrometry analysis, we mapped the SYP C‐terminal tail tyrosine residues modified by peroxynitrite and found one nitration site at Tyr250 and two phosphorylation sites at Tyr263 and Tyr273. We suggest that peroxynitrite‐mediated modifications of SYP may be relevant in modulating src signalling of synaptic terminal in pathophysiological conditions.
Idebenone: a new antioxidant – Part I. Relative assessment of oxidative stress protection capacity compared to commonly known antioxidants
Authors: McDaniel D H , Neudecker B A , DiNardo J C , Lewis J A , Maibach H I
Published: September 2009

Topical applications of skin care products containing antioxidants have become increasingly popular. Numerous studies have elucidated the biological effects of these substances. General antiaging effects, anti‐inflammatory properties, photoprotective properties, and prevention of ultraviolet (UV) immunosuppression have been documented. However, a standardized method to characterize and compare the properties and oxidative stress protection capacity of antioxidants was lacking. A multistep in vitro process utilizing a variety of biochemical and cell biological methods combined with in vivo studies was designed to compare the oxidative stress protective capacity of commonly used antioxidants. Data were presented for L‐ascorbic acid, dl‐alpha‐tocopherol, kinetin, dl‐alpha lipoic acid, ubiquinone, and idebenone. Methods included using UV‐induced radical trapping/scavenging capacity measured by photochemiluminescence, pro‐oxidative systems (LDL‐CuSO4, microsome‐NADPH/ADP/Fe3+) with measurement of primary and secondary oxidation products, UVB irradiation of human keratinocytes, and in vivo evaluation, using the human sunburn cell (SBC) assay. Correlation and trends between in vitro and in vivo results were established, and the standardized test protocol was used to quantify oxidative stress protection capacity of antioxidants. Summarizing and totaling the data equally weighted for each oxidative stress study, the overall oxidative protection capacity scores of 95, 80, 68, 55, 52, and 41 were obtained for idebenone, dl‐alpha tocopherol, kinetin, ubiquinone, L‐ascorbic acid, and dl‐alpha lipoic acid, respectively. The higher the score, the more effective the overall oxidative stress protection capacity of the antioxidant became. This multistep protocol may serve as a standard in investigating and comparing new putative antioxidants for topical use as well as a valuable tool to assess the anti‐inflammatory properties, photoprotective properties, and prevention of UV immunosuppression of topical antioxidants.
Use of intense pulsed light in the treatment of scars
Authors: Cartier H
Published: September 2009

Background  Reducing erythema and infiltration of inflamed, hypertrophic, and colloidal scars have been a challenge for healthcare providers. Peer‐reviewed scientific data for intense pulsed light systems are lacking.

Objective  A chronicle of three patients who have participated in the treatment of inflamed, hypertrophic, and colloidal scars, using intense pulsed light.

Methods  Intense pulsed light with a selection of wavelengths, pulse durations, and energy densities was used on patients with inflamed, hypertrophic, and colloidal scars.

Results  A definite improvement in scar tissue was observed and achieved in all the cases.

Conclusion  Intense pulsed light source with the correct outputs is an effective tool for the treatment and improvement of inflamed, hypertrophic, and colloidal scars.
Measurement of physical work capacity in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation: a potential improvement in patient management
Authors: Tamás Éva , Nielsen Niels Erik , Vanhanen Ingemar , Nylander Eva
Published: September 2009

Background: Timing of surgery in aortic regurgitation (AR) is important. Exercise testing is recommended upon uncertainty about functional limitations but reports on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in populations with pure chronic AR are scarce.

Method: Twenty‐eight patients referred for surgery because of chronic AR (13 in NYHA I, 10 in NYHA II and five in NYHA III) were tested by CPET pre‐ and 6 months postoperatively. Echocardiography, with measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), diameters (LVED, LVES) and volumes (LVEDV, LVESV) was also performed.

Results: The patients had normal LVEF pre‐ and postoperatively. LV diameters and volumes diminished significantly postoperatively (LVED from 67 to 57, LVES from 49 to 41 mm;P < 0·001). The majority of the patients had a ‘low’ physical work capacity, none of them performed better than ‘average’ according to Åstrand’s classification preoperatively and there was no significant postoperative improvement. The mean peak oxygen uptake () was 25 ml kg−1 min−1both pre‐ and postoperatively, and six of the 28 patients had aof less than 20 ml kg−1 min−1.was not significantly related to NYHA class.

Conclusion: LVEF, diameters and volumes at rest did not fulfil the criteria for surgery in most of our AR patients, of whom 46% were asymptomatic. However, many had a remarkably low work capacity, which was neither improved 6 months postoperatively nor correlated to echocardiographic LV dimensions. CPET predicted the postoperative work capacity and may, therefore, be a useful complement for timing of surgery in patients with chronic AR.
Cardiac vagal activity following three intensities of exercise in humans
Authors: Gladwell V. F. , Sandercock G. R. H. , Birch S. L.
Published: September 2009

Cardioprotective benefits of exercising at vigorous intensities are known, but reservations remain in prescribing such activity to the untrained population, due to a perceived risk of cardiac events. Few studies have investigated the recovery of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) after a single exercise bout, especially following vigorous exercise in healthy, young but untrained individuals. In this study, the recovery of the ANS, in particular indices of vagal activity were measured postexercise, at three intensities similar to current international recommendations for health. Thirteen individuals (six females, 22·2 ± 3·1 years) performed three 20‐min constant load tests lying supine on a modified bicycle ergometer at the following intensities: moderate (2 mmol l−1 blood lactate concentration, BLC); hard (3 mmol l−1BLC); and vigorous (4 mmol l−1BLC) as derived from a maximal test. ECG data were collected during 5‐min epochs at baseline then at: 5, 15, 30, 45 and 65‐min postexercise. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was performed to obtain R–R interval, standard time [root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD)] and frequency measures [natural logarithm of high (lnHF) and low frequency (lnHF)]. RMSSD, lnHF, lnLF and total power were reduced 5‐min postexercise following all three intensities (P<0·01). Decreases persisted up to 15‐min postexercise following hard and vigorous exercise only (P<0·01). In untrained young adults, parasympathetic reactivation is reduced up to 5‐min postexercise regardless of intensity, returning to baseline by 30 min even after vigorous exercise. In this population, the benefits of exercise outweigh any risks of cardiac events that may be evoked by a reduction in the influence of vagal activity.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SAMPLE PREPARATION METHODS ON STABLE CARBON AND OXYGEN ISOTOPE VALUES OF BONE APATITE: A COMPARISON OF TWO TREATMENT PROTOCOLS*
Authors: YODER C. J. , BARTELINK E. J.
Published: September 2009

Researchers have long debated the appropriateness of stable isotope analysis of bone apatite to reconstruct the diets of ancient animals. The debate has centred, in part, on diagenesis of bone mineral from interaction with the burial environment. A number of acetic acid treatments are used to remove diagenetic carbonates from samples; however, less is known on how different protocols alter stable isotope values. We compare two common acetic acid solution treatments (0.1 M versus 1.0 M‐buffered) to examine the effects on carbon and oxygen isotope values and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra in human bone from different burial contexts. Results indicate that both treatments have a similar effect on isotope values and FTIR spectra in bone apatite.