bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The British Citizenship Test: The Case for Reform
Authors: BROOKS THOM
Published: August 2012

Immigration presents a daunting challenge to successive British governments. The public ranks immigration as one of the leading policy issues after the economy and employment. There is also greater public support for stronger immigration controls than in many other countries. In response, government strategy has included the use of a citizenship test. While the citizenship test is widely acknowledged as one key part of immigration policy, the test has received surprisingly little critical analysis. This article is an attempt to bring greater attention to serious problems with the current test and to offer three recommendations for its revision and reform. First, there is a need to revise and update the citizenship test. Secondly, there is a need to expand the test to include questions about British history and basic law. The third recommendation is more wide‐ranging: it is that we reconsider what we expect new citizens to know more broadly. The citizenship test should not be viewed as a barrier, but as a bridge. The focus should centre on what future citizens should be expected to know rather than how others might be excluded. The test should ensure that future citizens are suitably prepared for citizenship. There is an urgent need to improve the test and this should not be an opportunity wasted for the benefit of both citizens and future citizens alike.
Sense on Federalism
Authors: LAW JOHN
Published: August 2012

Debate on the relevance (or otherwise) of federalism to the development of the European Union is often characterised by mutual incomprehension on either side. Close inspection, however, reveals that the high temperature of argument may not be solely due to differing visions of the finalite politique. For the precise meaning of the federal concept in political science remains unsettled. This article looks back to the earliest origins of federalism, in order to establish a firm basis for suggesting improvements. The idea of divided sovereignty, ‘invented’ in America and now thought to lie at the heart of the federal concept, is identified to be a false construction. On these grounds, it is proposed that the definition of federalism be clarified today as not ‘a division of sovereignty between two levels of government’, but instead ‘a division of the powers flowing from sovereignty between two levels of government of equal status’.
The Obama Administration, the Left and Narratives of Failure
Authors: ASHBEE EDWARD
Published: August 2012

Barack Obama's election as US president gave rise to hopes of radical reform. Indeed, comparisons were drawn with 1932 and there were references to ‘realignment’. Many on the left were quickly disappointed by the limited character of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the abandonment of proposed reforms, and the concessions that were made to ensure the passage of healthcare legislation. Some explained these failures through agency‐based accounts and pointed to what they saw as personal weakness. Others stressed the structural constraints imposed by the asymmetric character of partisan polarisation, the political weight of capital, and the institutional character of the American state. The article argues that the character of the ‘Obama coalition’ should also be considered. It has been relatively narrow particularly when compared with the ‘Roosevelt coalition’. In particular, it failed to draw business fractions into its ranks.
Why Progressives Should be Pro‐Family
Authors: MOULLIN SOPHIE
Published: August 2012

For egalitarians, families are part of the problem. By bringing together advantages and passing on to their children, families redouble and (literally) reproduce inequalities. And, by cordoning off a private sphere into which government cannot roam, the family marks the limits of any progressive agenda. But defending families should be part of any answer to social injustice. Family relationships should be seen as a primary good: we need close, caring committed relationships no matter what else we want in life. Families are also increasingly important to one's chances in life. The gulf is widening between those rich and those poor in family life. This should worry egalitarians because lacking good, stable family relationships is a major disadvantage, and one that holds back progress towards other aspects of social justice.
Better Off Out? Britain and Europe
Authors: GAMBLE ANDREW
Published: August 2012

The largest ever rebellion of Conservative MPs on Europe took place in October 2011 with 81 Conservative MPs defying the Conservative whip to vote for a referendum on Britain's continued membership of the European Union. This resurgence of dissent over Europe has been fuelled by the crisis in the eurozone. The Conservative party is now an overwhelmingly Eurosceptic party, but Conservative Eurosceptics are divided over whether the Government should use the opportunity of the eurozone crisis to take Britain out of the European Union, or whether it should seek to negotiate a looser arrangement, or do nothing at all. Conservative policy on Europe has been further complicated by the coalition with the Liberal Democrats, and by the consequences for the British economy if the eurozone disintegrates. Public opinion is also divided. British policy on the European Union remains ambivalent and muddled because British aims are inconsistent, and because there is no consensus on where Britain's interests truly lie.
CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF REGIONAL POPULATION DECLINE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Authors: HAARTSEN TIALDA , VAN WISSEN LEO
Published: August 2012

During the past few years, the Dutch education system has been confronted with a sharp decline in the number of pupils. Especially in rural villages, inhabitants fear for the closure of their local primary school, which is perceived as a very negative development for local village life. This paper shows that the relatively sharp decline of the number of pupils in the next decade can be explained by a wavelike pattern in the past and projected number of pupils, resulting from the baby bust of the 1960s and 1970s. The relative decrease in pupils will almost be as strong in future depopulating (Anticipeer) regions as in present day declining (Topkrimp) regions. However, municipalities in the Topkrimp regions have many smaller primary schools which implies that they will have to deal with school mergers and closures in the near future. The paper concludes that long term effects of school closures on local society are not as devastating as often perceived.
Newspaper Differentiation and Investments in Journalism: The Role of Tax Policy
Authors: Kind Hans Jarle , Schjelderup Guttorm , Stähler Frank
Published: August 2012

Many countries levy reduced‐rate indirect taxes on newspapers, with proclaimed policy goals of stimulating investment in journalism and ensuring low newspaper prices. However, by taking into account the fact that the media industry operates in two‐sided markets, we find the paradoxical result that the consequences of a low‐tax regime might be quite the opposite. We also show that the low‐tax regime tends to increase newspaper differentiation. If the advertising market is relatively small, the newspapers might invest too little in journalism and be too differentiated from a social point of view. In this case a tax increase will be welfare‐enhancing.
Atrial fibrillation is associated with severe sleep‐disordered breathing in patients with ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Shibazaki K. , Kimura K. , Uemura J. , Sakai K. , Fujii S. , Sakamoto Y. , Aoki J.
Published: August 2012

Background and purpose

Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. We investigated the frequency of SDB in Japanese patients with acute ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA), as well as factors associated with SDB severity.

Methods

Between April 2010 and March 2011, we prospectively enrolled patients with ischaemic stroke and TIA within 24 h of onset to participate in a sleep study within 7 days of admission. We defined SDB as a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) (number of apnoeas or hypopnoeas per hour) of ≥5. Patients were assigned to groups based on RDI values of ≥30 (severe) and <30 (absent or not severe). The frequency of SDB and factors associated with severity were investigated using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

We enrolled 150 patients amongst whom 126 (84%) had SDB. The frequencies of SDB were 21 (75%) patients with TIA, 105 (86%) with ischaemic stroke, 8/10 (80%) with large artery atherosclerosis, 14/14 (100%) with small vessel occlusion, 37/41 (90%) with cardioembolism and 46/57 (81%) with other causes of stroke/undetermined. Severe SDB was evident in 44 (29%) patients. The frequency of males (75% vs. 56%, P = 0.027), atrial fibrillation (AF) (39% vs. 23%, P = 0.045), higher body mass index (23.8 ± 3.8 vs. 22.3 ± 3.8, P = 0.043) and a larger neck circumference (37.8 ± 4.3 vs. 35.8 ± 4.2, P = 0.012) was significantly higher in the group with severe SDB. Multivariate regression analysis found that AF (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.079–5.836, P = 0.0359) was independently associated with severe SDB.

Conclusion

Most Japanese patients with acute ischaemic stroke and TIA had SDB, and AF was associated with SDB.
Vigorimeter grip strength in CIDP: a responsive tool that rapidly measures the effect of IVIG – the ICE study
Authors: Vanhoutte E. K. , Latov N. , Deng C. , Hanna K. , Hughes R. A. C. , Bril V. , Dalakas M. C. , Donofrio P. , van Doorn P. A. , Hartung H.‐P. , Merkies I. S. J.
Published: August 2012

Background and purpose

In a recent trial in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), the ICE study, grip strength measurement captured significantly more improvement in patients receiving immune globulin (IGIV‐C) intravenously than in those receiving placebo.

Methods

We conducted a systematic analysis to determine the sensitivity of grip strength as an indicator of meaningful clinical changes in CIDP.

Results

A randomized double‐blind trial was undertaken in 117 CIDP patients who received IGIV‐C or placebo every 3 weeks for up to 24 weeks. Grip strength and inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment (INCAT) disability scores were assessed at each visit, and the responsiveness of each scale was compared. A minimum clinically important difference cut‐off value for grip strength (>8 kPa) and INCAT score (>1 point) was applied to assess the proportion of responders to IGIV‐C versus placebo. This analysis showed that grip strength demonstrated significant improvement earlier (as early as day 16) than the INCAT disability scale in patients receiving IGIV‐C compared with placebo. A significantly higher proportion of improvers were seen in the IGIV‐C group (37.5%–50.9%) than in the placebo group (21.1%–25.9%) for grip strength at day 16, week 3, week 6 and the end of the first period. Also, grip strength showed within the first 6 weeks in the placebo group significantly more patients with a clinically meaningful deterioration (>8 kPa), compared with the INCAT (>1‐point deterioration) findings.

Conclusions

Grip strength can be considered a sensitive tool for assessing clinically relevant changes in patients with CIDP. Its use in daily practice is suggested.
Effect of cholesterol removal on the granulation behaviour of low‐cholesterol ghee
Authors: Meghwal Karuna , Sharma Vivek , Lal Darshan , Arora Sumit
Published: August 2012

Grain formation is one of the critical attributes affecting consumer acceptability of ghee. It was observed that both control ghee and low‐cholesterol ghee had grains of 0.236 ± 0.006 and 0.250 ± 0.002 mm size after incubation at 29 °C for 24 h, respectively. The maximum grain yield was 63 ± 2.60% and 68 ± 1.15% at 26 °C in control and low‐cholesterol ghee, respectively. Ghee grains in both the cases were stable over a temperature range of 25° to 36 °C. Time taken by both the samples for onset of nucleation was 50 min. The study revealed that cholesterol removal did not affect the crystallisation behaviour.
Effect of lactose on cross‐linking of milk proteins during heat treatments
Authors: Al‐Saadi Jasim M S , Easa Azhar Mat , Deeth Hilton C
Published: August 2012

The major types of nondisulphide cross‐linking which cause milk protein aggregation were investigated in milk, with and without lactose, heated at 95 °C for up to 8 h. Compared with the milk containing no lactose, the milk containing lactose showed a smaller increase in pH, a larger increase in pH 4.6 soluble nitrogen, much smaller increase in lysinoalanine (LAL) and a much higher percentage of cross‐linked proteins. It was concluded that cross‐linking in milk products containing lactose occurs mainly via Maillard reaction products, and in milk products with no lactose, it occurs mainly via isopeptide linkages such as in LAL.
Calretinin interacts with huntingtin and reduces mutant huntingtin‐caused cytotoxicity
Authors: Dong Gaofeng , Gross Kylie , Qiao Fangfang , Ferguson Justine , Callegari Eduardo A. , Rezvani Khosrow , Zhang Dong , Gloeckner Christian J. , Ueffing Marius , Wang Hongmin
Published: August 2012

Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats encoding for polyglutamine (polyQ) in the huntingtin (Htt) gene. Despite considerable effort, the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of the mutated Htt protein remains largely uncertain. To identify novel therapeutic targets, we recently employed the approach of tandem affinity purification and discovered that calretinin (Cr), a member of the EF‐hand family of calcium‐binding proteins, is preferentially associated with mHtt, although it also interacts with wild‐type Htt. These observations were supported by coimmunoprecipitation and by colocalization of Cr with mHtt in neuronal cultures. Over‐ expression of Cr reduced mHtt‐caused cytotoxicity in both non‐neuronal and neuronal cell models of HD, whereas knockdown of Cr expression in the cells enhanced mHtt‐caused neuronal cell death. In addition, over‐expression of Cr was also associated with reduction of intracellular free calcium and activation of Akt. These results suggest that Cr may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of HD.
Swedish nurses’ perception of nursing research and its implementation in clinical practice: a focus group study
Authors: Bohman Doris M. , Ericsson Terese , Borglin Gunilla
Published: August 2012

Background:  Nowadays, nursing research is seen as an integral part of professional nursing although implementing knowledge derived from nursing research into the practice setting is still problematic. Current research, conducted mainly with a descriptive quantitative design, highlights the struggle experienced by Registered Nurses (RNs) to use and implement research findings in clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this naturalistic inquiry was to explore nurses’ perception of nursing research and its implementation in a clinical context.

Method and sample:  A qualitative approach was chosen, and four focus group discussions were conducted. The groups comprised a total of 16 RNs (three men and 13 women) working in a secondary care setting. The transcribed texts were analysed, inspired by Burnard’s description of content analysis.

Findings:  The texts were interpreted as representing three predominant themes: scholastic, individual and contextual influences highlighted as influential components impacting on the RNs’ views on research and its implementation as well as on their readiness to accept and support it. However, the most influential aspect permeating our themes was their educational background – the type of qualification they held. In general, the RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing viewed research and the implementation of knowledge in practice more favourably than those RNs with a diploma.

Conclusion:  Our findings, although based on a small qualitative study, are congruent with others, indicating that further research is warranted concerning the impact of education on RNs’ views of nursing research and its implementation. Hence, it might well be that the RNs’ educational point of departure needs to be stressed more than what so far have been anticipated. In the meanwhile, it is possible that a number of strategies could be tested to promote a more favourable view in these issues and where the nursing education has the possibility to influence this endeavour.
Sensitive detection of the c‐KITc.1430G>T mutation by mutant‐specific polymerase chain reaction in feline mast cell tumours
Authors: Takanosu M. , Sato M. , Kagawa Y.
Published: August 2012

Here, we describe the establishment of mutant‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of a c‐KIT c.1430G>T mutation in feline mast cell tumours. Several mutations in feline c‐KIT have been identified, with the c.1430G>T mutation accounting for a significant portion of feline mast cell tumour mutations. The c.1430G>T mutation in c‐KIT exon 9 was detected in 15.7% (11 of 70) of samples by mutant‐specific PCR but in only 7.1% (5 of 70) by PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the genomic DNA isolated from 70 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded sections or cells collected by fine needle aspiration. Mutant‐specific PCR showed remarkably higher detection rate than did PCR–RFLP. DNA sequence analysis did not always yield identical results to those of mutant‐specific PCR, suggesting heterogeneity of tumour cells. Mutant‐specific PCR is a valid and efficient screening tool for detection of the c‐KIT c.1430G>T point mutation in feline mast cell tumours compared with PCR–RFLP and sequencing analysis.
Quantifying Loss of Acoustic Communication Space for Right Whales in and around a U.S. National Marine Sanctuary
Authors: Hatch Leila T. , Clark Christopher W. , Van Parijs Sofie M. , Frankel Adam S. , Ponirakis Dimitri W.
Published: August 2012

The effects of chronic exposure to increasing levels of human‐induced underwater noise on marine animal populations reliant on sound for communication are poorly understood. We sought to further develop methods of quantifying the effects of communication masking associated with human‐induced sound on contact‐calling North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in an ecologically relevant area (∼10,000 km2) and time period (peak feeding time). We used an array of temporary, bottom‐mounted, autonomous acoustic recorders in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary to monitor ambient noise levels, measure levels of sound associated with vessels, and detect and locate calling whales. We related wind speed, as recorded by regional oceanographic buoys, to ambient noise levels. We used vessel‐tracking data from the Automatic Identification System to quantify acoustic signatures of large commercial vessels. On the basis of these integrated sound fields, median signal excess (the difference between the signal‐to‐noise ratio and the assumed recognition differential) for contact‐calling right whales was negative (−1 dB) under current ambient noise levels and was further reduced (−2 dB) by the addition of noise from ships. Compared with potential communication space available under historically lower noise conditions, calling right whales may have lost, on average, 63–67% of their communication space. One or more of the 89 calling whales in the study area was exposed to noise levels ≥120 dB re 1 μPa by ships for 20% of the month, and a maximum of 11 whales were exposed to noise at or above this level during a single 10‐min period. These results highlight the limitations of exposure‐threshold (i.e., dose‐response) metrics for assessing chronic anthropogenic noise effects on communication opportunities. Our methods can be used to integrate chronic and wide‐ranging noise effects in emerging ocean‐planning forums that seek to improve management of cumulative effects of noise on marine species and their habitats.

Cuantificación de la Pérdida de Espacio de Comunicación Acústica para Ballenas Francas Dentro y Alrededor de un Santuario Marino Nacional en E. U. A.
Use of Stress‐Hormone Levels and Habitat Selection to Assess Functional Connectivity of a Landscape for an Amphibian
Authors: JANIN AGNÈS , LÉNA JEAN‐PAUL , DEBLOIS SANDRINE , JOLY PIERRE
Published: August 2012

Abstract: The influence of landscape matrix on functional connectivity has been clearly established. Now methods to assess the effects of different land uses on species’ movements are needed because current methods are often biased. The use of physiological parameters as indicators of the level of resistance to animal movement associated with different land uses (i.e., matrix resistance) could provide estimates of energetic costs and risks to animals migrating through the matrix. To assess whether corticosterone levels indicate matrix resistance, we conducted experiments on substrate choice and measured levels of corticosterone before and after exposure of toads (Bufo bufo) to 3 common substrates (ploughed soil, meadow, and forest litter). We expected matrix resistance and hormone levels to increase from forest litter (habitat of the toad) to meadows to ploughed soil. Adult toads had higher corticosterone levels on ploughed soil than on forest litter or meadow substrates. Hormone levels did not differ between forest litter and meadow. Toads avoided moving onto ploughed soil. Corticosterone levels in juvenile toads were not related to substrate type; however, hormone levels decreased as humidity increased. Juveniles, unlike adults, did not avoid moving over ploughed soil. The difference in responses between adult and juvenile toads may have been due to differences in experimental design (for juveniles, entire body used to measure corticosterone concentration; for adults, saliva alone); differences in the scale of sensory perception of the substrate (juveniles are much smaller than adults); or differences in cognitive processes between adult and juvenile toads. Adults probably had experience with different substrate types, whereas juveniles first emerging from the water probably did not. As a consequence, arable lands could act as ecological traps for juvenile toads.
Decision Making in a Human Population Living Sustainably
Authors: HICKS JOHN S. , BURGMAN MARK A. , MAREWSKI JULIAN N. , FIDLER FIONA , GIGERENZER GERD
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The Tiwi people of northern Australia have managed natural resources continuously for 6000–8000 years. Tiwi management objectives and outcomes may reflect how they gather information about the environment. We qualitatively analyzed Tiwi documents and management techniques to examine the relation between the social and physical environment of decision makers and their decision‐making strategies. We hypothesized that principles of bounded rationality, namely, the use of efficient rules to navigate complex decision problems, explain how Tiwi managers use simple decision strategies (i.e., heuristics) to make robust decisions. Tiwi natural resource managers reduced complexity in decision making through a process that gathers incomplete and uncertain information to quickly guide decisions toward effective outcomes. They used management feedback to validate decisions through an information loop that resulted in long‐term sustainability of environmental use. We examined the Tiwi decision‐making processes relative to management of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fisheries and contrasted their management with the state government's management of barramundi. Decisions that enhanced the status of individual people and their attainment of aspiration levels resulted in reliable resource availability for Tiwi consumers. Different decision processes adopted by the state for management of barramundi may not secure similarly sustainable outcomes.
Decision‐Making Triggers in Adaptive Management
Authors: Nie Martin A. , Schultz Courtney A.
Published: August 2012

We analyzed whether decision‐making triggers increase accountability of adaptive‐management plans. Triggers are prenegotiated commitments in an adaptive‐management plan that specify what actions are to be taken and when on the basis of information obtained from monitoring. Triggers improve certainty that particular actions will be taken by agencies in the future. We conducted an in‐depth, qualitative review of the political and legal contexts of adaptive management and its application by U.S. federal agencies. Agencies must satisfy the judiciary that adaptive‐management plans meet substantive legal standards and comply with the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act. We examined 3 cases in which triggers were used in adaptive‐management plans: salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in the Columbia River, oil and gas development by the Bureau of Land Management, and a habitat conservation plan under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In all the cases, key aspects of adaptive management, including controls and preidentified feedback loops, were not incorporated in the plans. Monitoring and triggered mitigation actions were limited in their enforceability, which was contingent on several factors, including which laws applied in each case and the degree of specificity in how triggers were written into plans. Other controversial aspects of these plans revolved around who designed, conducted, interpreted, and funded monitoring programs. Additional contentious issues were the level of precaution associated with trigger mechanisms and the definition of ecological baselines used as points of comparison. Despite these challenges, triggers can be used to increase accountability, by predefining points at which an adaptive management plan will be revisited and reevaluated, and thus improve the application of adaptive management in its complicated political and legal context.

Detonadores de la Toma de Decisiones en el Manejo Adaptativo
Qualitative Interviews with Adolescents about “Friends‐with‐Benefits” Relationships
Authors: Erlandsson Kerstin , Jinghede Nordvall Cecilia , Öhman Anna , Häggström‐Nordin Elisabet
Published: August 2012

Objective

To describe the thoughts, reflections, and experiences of friends‐with‐benefits relationships among a group of Swedish adolescents.

Design and Sample

A qualitative study with an explorative and descriptive design. Eight adolescents, aged 16–18, were interviewed.

Measures

Individual in‐depth interviews were undertaken. Data were analyzed using latent content analysis.

Results

The informants involved themselves in Friends‐with‐benefits (FWB) relationships to find physical and psychological intimacy without any expectations or demands. FWB relationships were perceived to have more advantages when the partner was a close friend with whom an informant felt comfortable. There was ambivalence about the legitimacy of romantic feelings in an FWB relationship, although it was quite common. Sexual concurrency was common and often accepted. Sexual risk‐taking behavior involving the use of alcohol and a lack of contraception was considered common in FWB relationships. Informants requested more education and support as regards their sexual behavior.

Conclusions

FWB relationships were often initiated to find physical and psychological intimacy with no expectations or demands. Advantages such as sexual concurrency and no demands were central. A deeper understanding of how adolescents think and reason about sexuality and relationships can make a difference when working to improve young people's sexual and reproductive health.
African American Adolescent Males Living With Obesity
Authors: Ashcraft Pamela F.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

The objective was to explore, through the concepts of self‐perception and meaning, the lived experience of obesity in African American males between the ages of 13–17 years.

Design and Sample

Hermeneutic phenomenological design was used to guide the study. Thirteen inner‐city African American males were enrolled. All participants had a documented body mass index of >95th percentile and were actively receiving treatment at a medical obesity clinic.

Measures

Qualitative data were collected using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews.

Results

Self‐perception and meaning are interrelated and important factors in understanding obesity uniquely from the adolescents view. If individuals do not understand that they are obese then they are unable to assign meaning to obesity within their life. Four main themes were discovered. The main themes were as follows: (1) It Don't Mean Nuthin'; (2) It's Just Me, Who I Am; (3) Something Bad Might Happen; and (4) I'm Confused and I Feel Bad.

Conclusions

Patterns emerged that will allow health care workers to engage adolescents on a personal level, thereby increasing the potential for treatment outcomes consistent with weight management clinic goals. To realize successful outcomes for these adolescents, health care providers must incorporate the adolescents' understanding, knowledge, and values related to obesity in treatment planning.
Effects of Large‐Pore Hemofiltration in a Swine Model of Fulminant Hepatic Failure
Authors: Detry Olivier , Janssen Nathalie , Cheramy‐Bien Jean‐Paul , Cavalier Etienne , Defraigne Jean‐Olivier , Delanaye Pierre , Lambermont Bernard
Published: August 2012

Among the different potential mechanisms that could lead to brain edema and intracranial hypertension in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), the inflammatory hypothesis implies that systemic inflammation might be in part responsible for an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain water content. In this study, the authors used a validated ischemic FHF swine model to evaluate the effects of 80 kDa large‐pore membrane hemofiltration (LPHF) on intracranial pressure (ICP) and CBF, in relation with the clearance of proinflammatory cytokines and blood liver tests, as primary end points. Fifteen pigs were randomized into one of three groups: SHAM, FHF, and FHF + LPHF. All experiments lasted 6 h. In the FHF groups, liver failure was induced by liver ischemia. After 2 h, the FHF + LPHF group underwent 4 h of a zero‐balance continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration using a 0.7‐m2, large‐pore (78 Å) membrane with a cutoff of 80 kDa. ICP, CBF, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, and heart rate were continuously monitored and recorded. Arterial aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatinine, international normalized ratio, glucose, lactate and serum cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were measured at T0, T120, and T360. Over the 6 h following liver ischemia, the FHF group developed a significant increase in ICP. This ICP rise was not observed in the SHAM group and was attenuated in the FHF + LDHF group. However, the ICP levels were not different at T360 in the FHF + LDHF group compared to the FHF group. No significant effect of LPHF on liver tests or levels of proinflammatory cytokines could be demonstrated. In this model, 80 kDa LPHF was not efficient to control FHF intracranial hypertension and to decrease serum cytokine levels.
The Effects of Electronic Word of Mouth on Product Judgment and Choice: The Moderating Role of the Sense of Virtual Community1
Authors: HUANG JEN‐HUNG , HSIAO TENG‐TAI , CHEN YI‐FEN
Published: August 2012

Electronic word‐of‐mouth (WOM) communication influences potential consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions toward a product. Since consumers frequently assess online information based on their relationships with communities, rather than with individuals, online communities themselves function as referents for assessing information quality. This study examines whether consumer perceptions toward virtual communities (i.e., sense of virtual community or SOVC) moderate the perceived influence of product comments on attitude and purchase intention. This study manipulated 2 scenarios involving positive comments and negative comments regarding a newly issued game product. Analytical results indicated that SOVC reinforced the influences of online comments on attitude and purchase intention. Thus, marketers should consider the role of virtual communities when implementing WOM strategy online.
Avian eggshell pigments are not consistently correlated with colour measurements or egg constituents in two Turdus thrushes
Authors: Cassey Phillip , Mikšík Ivan , Portugal Steven J. , Maurer Golo , Ewen John G. , Zarate Erica , Sewell Mary A. , Karadas Filiz , Grim Tomáš , Hauber Mark E.
Published: August 2012

The colourful appearance of avian eggshells is a prominent aspect of maternal reproductive effort in birds. Some differences in eggshell coloration have been reported to co‐vary with various measures of maternal condition and these patterns support the hypothesis that, in some bird species, several aspects of eggshell colour (i.e. primary chroma and brightness) function as a signal of maternal and offspring quality to induce greater paternal investment. We directly quantified eggshell pigment concentrations of blackbird Turdus merula and song thrush T. philomelos eggshells and tested how the two key pigments (protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin) co‐varied with other eggshell traits and egg constituents as measures of maternal reproductive investment, including total yolk carotenoid concentration, total lipid concentration, yolk mass, and shell thickness. Contrary to predictions, we detected few statistical patterns overall. We found that protoporphyrin IX concentration was negatively associated with blue‐green chroma in blackbirds but not in song thrush. The concentration of protoporphyrin IX was significantly greater in blackbirds and also showed different patterns of association with total yolk lipids and yolk carotenoid concentrations between these two species (significant species interaction terms). Our results reveal that it is not appropriate to simply assume in these two avian species that reflectance‐based eggshell colour measures are a suitable proxy for eggshell pigment concentrations or can be used as consistent predictors of maternal reproductive investment. These results highlight the need to assess and validate the strength and direction of the statistical relationships between eggshell colour measures, pigment concentrations, and maternal resource deposition in the egg for other species of birds.
Vocal mimicry in spotted bowerbirds is associated with an alarming context
Authors: Kelley Laura A. , Healy Susan D.
Published: August 2012

Although the presence of vocal mimicry in songbirds is well documented, the function of such impressive copying is poorly understood. One explanation for mimicry in species that predominantly mimic alarm calls and predator vocal isations is that these birds use mimicry to confuse or deter potential threats or intruders, so these vocalisations should therefore be produced when the mimic is alarmed and be uncommon in other contexts. Male bowerbirds construct bowers to display to females and anecdotal reports from the Ptilonorhynchus genus suggest that males mimic alarm sounds when disturbed at their bowers. We quantified and compared the rate of mimicry during disturbance to the bower by a human and in naturally occurring social contexts in a population of spotted bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchus maculatus. Male bowerbirds produced mimicry more than thirty times more frequently in response to bower disturbance than they did in any other context. Neither conspecifics nor heterospecifics were attracted to the bower area by mimicry. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the production of mimicry is associated with a response to an alarming situation. Additionally, the predominance of alarm mimicry by spotted bowerbirds raises the possibility that the birds learn these sounds when they experience alarming situations and they reproduce them in subsequent alarming situations.
A video feedback‐based tobacco cessation counselling course for undergraduates‐preliminary results
Authors: Antal M. , Forster A. , Zalai Z. , Barabas K. , Spangler J. , Braunitzer G. , Nagy K.
Published: August 2012

Background

Hungary has one of the highest rates of tobacco use and decayed, missing and filled teeth in Europe, and the number of lung cancer–related deaths per annum is amongst the highest globally. As it is estimated that the rate of smokers who see their dentist or physician annually is about 70%, to involve all healthcare providers in tobacco intervention seems to be a promising strategy to reduce tobacco use in countries like Hungary. Such an intervention should obviously include the dental health team. It has already been suggested by experts on this topic that instruction in tobacco use prevention and cessation counselling for dental professionals and students of dentistry should be included in under‐ and postgraduate curricula.

Objectives

To present a novel, video feedback–based undergraduate cessation counselling programme, which has recently been introduced to the dental curriculum at the Faculty of Dentistry, Szeged, Hungary.

Methods

Applying a problem‐based learning approach, the programme consists of three main activities: a small‐group interactive training session led by a faculty member, where students learn about the basic science and clinical aspects of tobacco use, including counselling skills; student interactions with professional actors (i.e. standardised patients) simulating real‐life dental situations, which are recorded for post hoc evaluation; and finally an evaluation of the recorded performance of each student, with the participation of the actor, the student and a faculty member.

Results

With the help of this new approach, students had the chance to learn about and develop a deeper understanding of tobacco‐related professional dental communication in realistic, case‐based dental scenarios. Students have reported increased confidence in tobacco counselling after having participated in this programme. Furthermore, this method appears to be an ideal tool for the evaluation of both verbal and non‐verbal tobacco counselling skills.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, we are the first to have applied video feedback combined with behavioural modification methods in the teaching of tobacco cessation counselling. We conclude that teaching method can help dentists better understand smokers, gain confidence in tobacco cessation counselling and become more effective promoters of a smoke‐free lifestyle. In addition, this method can be easily adapted to other healthcare educational settings, including other oral health training programmes.
The contribution of autophagy to lymphocyte survival and homeostasis
Authors: McLeod Ian X. , Jia Wei , He You‐Wen
Published: August 2012

Summary:  Over the life span of a T lymphocyte, from thymic development to death, it is subjected to a variety of stresses and stimuli. Upon receipt of each stress or stimulus, a potentially life‐changing fate decision must be made, namely, whether to commit to a form of programmed cell death or to make the necessary adaptations to effectively deal with the changing environment. In our laboratory, we have identified several stresses that a T lymphocyte will encounter during a normal life span. Our studies have focused on how T cells utilize autophagy to get a grasp on the situation, or in cases in which survival is untenable, how T cells use autophagy to hasten their demise. This review focuses on the functions of T‐cell autophagy in maintaining homeostasis, eliminating excess or dangerous levels of mitochondria, trimming levels of endoplasmic reticulum, and promoting a healthy metabolic level to allow cells to perform as productive components of the immune system. In addition, the use of autophagy signaling molecules to perform autophagy‐independent tasks involved in the maintenance of immune homeostasis is discussed.
PAMPs and DAMPs: signal 0s that spur autophagy and immunity
Authors: Tang Daolin , Kang Rui , Coyne Carolyn B. , Zeh Herbert J. , Lotze Michael T.
Published: August 2012

Pathogen‐associated molecular pattern molecules (PAMPs) are derived from microorganisms and recognized by pattern recognition receptor (PRR)‐bearing cells of the innate immune system as well as many epithelial cells. In contrast, damage‐associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) are cell‐derived and initiate and perpetuate immunity in response to trauma, ischemia, and tissue damage, either in the absence or presence of pathogenic infection. Most PAMPs and DAMPs serve as so‐called ‘Signal 0s’ that bind specific receptors [Toll‐like receptors, NOD‐like receptors, RIG‐I‐like receptors, AIM2‐like receptors, and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)] to promote autophagy. Autophagy, a conserved lysosomal degradation pathway, is a cell survival mechanism invoked in response to environmental and cellular stress. Autophagy is inferred to have been present in the last common eukaryotic ancestor and only to have been lost by some obligatory intracellular parasites. As such, autophagy represents a unifying biology, subserving survival and the earliest host defense strategies, predating apoptosis, within eukaryotes. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of autophagic molecular mechanisms and functions in emergent immunity.
Amino acid catabolism: a pivotal regulator of innate and adaptive immunity
Authors: McGaha Tracy L. , Huang Lei , Lemos Henrique , Metz Richard , Mautino Mario , Prendergast George C. , Mellor Andrew L.
Published: August 2012

Enhanced amino acid catabolism is a common response to inflammation, but the immunologic significance of altered amino acid consumption remains unclear. The finding that tryptophan catabolism helped maintain fetal tolerance during pregnancy provided novel insights into the significance of amino acid metabolism in controlling immunity. Recent advances in identifying molecular pathways that enhance amino acid catabolism and downstream mechanisms that affect immune cells in response to inflammatory cues support the notion that amino acid catabolism regulates innate and adaptive immune cells in pathologic settings. Cells expressing enzymes that degrade amino acids modulate antigen‐presenting cell and lymphocyte functions and reveal critical roles for amino acid‐ and catabolite‐sensing pathways in controlling gene expression, functions, and survival of immune cells. Basal amino acid catabolism may contribute to immune homeostasis that prevents autoimmunity, whereas elevated amino acid catalytic activity may reinforce immune suppression to promote tumorigenesis and persistence of some pathogens that cause chronic infections. For these reasons, there is considerable interest in generating novel drugs that inhibit or induce amino acid consumption and target downstream molecular pathways that control immunity. In this review, we summarize recent developments and highlight novel concepts and key outstanding questions in this active research field.
mTOR, metabolism, and the regulation of T‐cell differentiation and function
Authors: Waickman Adam T. , Powell Jonathan D.
Published: August 2012

Upon antigen recognition, naive T cells undergo rapid expansion and activation. The energy requirements for this expansion are formidable, and T‐cell activation is accompanied by dramatic changes in cellular metabolism. Furthermore, the outcome of antigen engagement is guided by multiple cues derived from the immune microenvironment. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is emerging as a central integrator of these signals playing a critical role in driving T‐cell differentiation and function. Indeed, multiple metabolic programs are controlled by mTOR signaling. In this review, we discuss the role of mTOR in regulating metabolism and how these pathways intersect with the ability of mTOR to integrate cues that guide the outcome of T‐cell receptor engagement.
Liver X receptor and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor as integrators of lipid homeostasis and immunity
Authors: Kidani Yoko , Bensinger Steven J.
Published: August 2012

Lipid metabolism has emerged as an important modulator of innate and adaptive immune cell fate and function. The lipid‐activated transcription factors peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α, β/δ, γ and liver X receptor (LXR) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that have a well‐defined role in regulating lipid homeostasis and metabolic diseases. Accumulated evidence over the last decade indicates that PPAR and LXR signaling also influence multiple facets of inflammation and immunity, thereby providing important crosstalk between metabolism and immune system. Herein, we provide a brief introduction to LXR and PPAR biology and review recent discoveries highlighting the importance of PPAR and LXR signaling in the modulation of normal and pathologic states of immunity. We also examine advances in our mechanistic understanding of how nuclear receptors impact immune system function and homeostasis. Finally, we discuss whether LXRs and PPARs could be pharmacologically manipulated to provide novel therapeutic approaches for modulation of the immune system under pathologic inflammation or in the context of allergic and autoimmune disease.
Metabolic reprogramming and metabolic dependency in T cells
Authors: Wang Ruoning , Green Douglas R.
Published: August 2012

Upon activation, quiescent naive T cells undergo a growth phase followed by massive clonal expansion and differentiation that are essential for appropriate immune defense and regulation. Accumulation of cell biomass during the initial growth and rapid proliferation during the expansion phase is associated with dramatically increased bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands. This not only requires a metabolic rewiring during the transition between resting and activation but also ‘addicts’ active T cells to certain metabolic pathways in ways that naive and memory T cells are not. We consider such addiction in terms of the biological effects of deprivation of metabolic substrates or inhibition of specific pathways in T cells. In this review, we illustrate the relevant metabolic pathways revealed by recent metabolic flux analysis and discuss the consequences of metabolic intervention on specific metabolic pathways in T lymphocytes.
The fourth dimension in immunological space: how the struggle for nutrients selects high‐affinity lymphocytes
Authors: Wensveen Felix M. , van Gisbergen Klaas P. J. M. , Eldering Eric
Published: August 2012

Lymphocyte activation via the antigen receptor is associated with radical shifts in metabolism and changes in requirements for nutrients and cytokines. Concomitantly, drastic changes occur in the expression of pro‐and anti‐apoptotic proteins that alter the sensitivity of lymphocytes to limiting concentrations of key survival factors. Antigen affinity is a primary determinant for the capacity of activated lymphocytes to access these vital resources. The shift in metabolic needs and the variable access to key survival factors is used by the immune system to eliminate activated low‐affinity cells and to generate an optimal high‐affinity response. In this review, we focus on the control of apoptosis regulators in activated lymphocytes by nutrients, cytokines, and costimulation. We propose that the struggle among individual clones that leads to the formation of high‐affinity effector cell populations is in effect an ‘invisible’ fourth signal required for effective immune responses.