bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutagenesis of the palmitoylation site in vaccinia virus envelope glycoprotein B5
Authors: Lorenzo María M. , Sánchez-Puig Juana M. , Blasco Rafael
Published: January 2012

The outer envelope of vaccinia virus extracellular virions is derived from intracellular membranes that, at late times in infection, are enriched in several virus-encoded proteins. Although palmitoylation is common in vaccinia virus envelope proteins, little is known about the role of palmitoylation in the biogenesis of the enveloped virus. We have studied the palmitoylation of B5, a 42 kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein comprising a large ectodomain and a short (17 aa) cytoplasmic tail. Mutation of two cysteine residues located in the cytoplasmic tail in close proximity to the transmembrane domain abrogated palmitoylation of the protein. Virus mutants expressing non-palmitoylated versions of B5 and/or lacking most of the cytoplasmic tail were isolated and characterized. Cell-to-cell virus transmission and extracellular virus formation were only slightly affected by those mutations. Notably, B5 versions lacking palmitate showed decreased interactions with proteins A33 and F13, but were still incorporated into the virus envelope. Expression of mutated B5 by transfection into uninfected cells showed that both the cytoplasmic tail and palmitate have a role in the intracellular transport of B5. These results indicate that the C-terminal portion of protein B5, while involved in protein transport and in protein–protein interactions, is broadly dispensable for the formation and egress of infectious extracellular virus and for virus transmission.
The recombinant origin of emerging human norovirus GII.4/2008: intra-genotypic exchange of the capsid P2 domain
Authors: Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Zhu Huachen , Smith David K. , Guan Yi , Holmes Edward C. , Pybus Oliver G.
Published: January 2012

GII.4 noroviruses are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans. A new variant of GII.4, the 2008 variant, has recently increased its prevalence on a global scale. A previous study of this variant in Japan suggested that it might be of recombinant origin, with a breakpoint at the ORF1–ORF2 junction. Here, examination of the evolutionary origin of the 2008 variant based on a larger sample of worldwide GII.4 norovirus sequences revealed a more complex pattern of recombination between the 2006a- and 2006b-like variants of genotype GII.4, involving the P2 antigenic domain. Double (termed ‘2008i’) and triple (termed ‘2008ii’) recombinant forms of 2008 variants were identified. This study highlights the possible importance of intra-genotypic recombination over antigenic regions in driving norovirus evolution, and is suggestive of a process analogous to the antigenic shift of influenza A virus by reassortment.
Inhibitory effect of statins on inflammatory cytokine production from human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Iwata A , Shirai R , Ishii H , Kushima H , Otani S , Hashinaga K , Umeki K , Kishi K , Tokimatsu I , Hiramatsu K , Kadota J
Published: January 2012

Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-co-enzyme A reductase inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, and have been reported to exert pleiotropic effects on cellular signalling and cellular functions involved in inflammation. Recent reports have demonstrated that previous statin therapy reduced the risk of pneumonia or increased survival in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for these effects are unclear. In the present study, we examined the effects of statins on cytokine production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and protein secretion in LPS-stimulated cells were inhibited significantly by the lipophilic statin pitavastatin and the hydrophilic statin pravastatin. As these inhibitory effects of statin were negated by adding mevalonate, the anti-inflammatory effects of statins appear to be exerted via the mevalonic cascade. In addition, the activation levels of Ras homologue gene family A (RhoA) in BEAS-2B cells cultured with pitavastatin were significantly lower than those without the statin. These results suggest that statins have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing cytokine production through inhibition of the mevalonic cascade followed by RhoA activation in the lung.
The issues of prestack reverse time migration and solutions with Graphic Processing Unit implementation
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Li Bo , Liu Hong , Tong Xiaolong , Liu Qin , Wang Xiwen , Liu Wenqing
Published: January 2012

Prestack reverse time migration (RTM) is a very useful tool for seismic imaging but has mainly three bottlenecks: highly intensive computation cost, low‐frequency band imaging noise and massive memory demand. Traditionally, PC‐clusters with thousands of computation nodes are used to perform RTM but it is too expensive for small companies and oilfields. In this article, we use Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) architecture, which is cheaper and faster to implement RTM and we obtain an order of magnitude higher speedup ratio to solve the problem of intensive computation cost. Aiming at the massive memory demand, we adopt the pseudo random boundary condition that sacrifices the computation cost but reduces the memory demand. For rugged topography RTM, it is difficult to deal with the rugged free boundary condition with the finite difference method. We employ a simplified boundary condition that avoids the abundant logical judgment to make the GPU implementation possible and does not induce any sacrifice on efficiency. Besides, we have also done some tests on multi‐GPU implementation for wide azimuth geometries using the latest GPU cards and drivers. Finally, we discuss the challenges of anisotropy RTM and GPU solutions. All the jobs stated above are based on GPU and the synthetic data examples will show the efficiency of the algorithm and solutions.
Increased survival and reduced renal injury in MRL/lpr mice treated with a human Fcγ receptor II (CD32) peptide
Authors: Xi Jun , Zhang Gai P. , Qiao Song L. , Guo Jun Q. , Wang Xuan N. , Yang Yan Y. , Zhang Li N. , Miao Xian W. , Zhao Dong , Zhi Yu B. , Cai Shu J. , Luo Jun , Deng Rui G.
Published: January 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem chronic inflammatory disease affecting many organs. The deposition in kidney tissue of immune complexes and their interaction with macrophages is thought to trigger the inflammatory response leading to glomerulonephritis. It has been demonstrated that inhibition of this interaction in murine models can alleviate the disease. Six synthetic peptides were derived from the membrane‐proximal extracellular domain (EC2) of human Fcγ receptor II (huFcγRII). Of these, one peptide, huRII6, was shown to be a potent competitive inhibitor of IgG binding to recombinant FcγRII in vitro. To examine the possible therapeutic impact of huRII6 in vivo, this peptide, or a control, was given by subcutaneous injection to female MRL/lpr mice from weeks 7 to 36, resulting in an enhanced survival rate compared with control‐treated animals and a reduction of proteinuria. Histopathological examination of the kidneys showed a reduction in deposition of immune complexes and preservation of structure. Such a functional peptide should prove useful for examining the role of IgG–FcγR interactions in experimental models of disease and may provide for the development of FcR‐targeting drugs to treat autoimmune disorders.
Mutations in LPL, APOC2, APOA5, GPIHBP1 and LMF1 in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia
Authors: Surendran R. P. , Visser M. E. , Heemelaar S. , Wang J. , Peter J. , Defesche J. C. , Kuivenhoven J. A. , Hosseini M. , Péterfy M. , Kastelein J. J. P. , Johansen C. T. , Hegele R. A. , Stroes E. S. G. , Dallinga‐Thie G. M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract.  Surendran RP, Visser ME, Heemelaar S, Wang J, Peter J, Defesche JC, Kuivenhoven JA, Hosseini M, Péterfy M, Kastelein JJP, Johansen CT, Hegele RA, Stroes ESG, Dallinga‐Thie GM (Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; UCLA, University of California; Medical Genetics Institute, Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA). Mutations in LPL, APOC2, APOA5, GPIHBP1 and LMF1 in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 185–196.

Objectives.  The severe forms of hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) are caused by mutations in genes that lead to the loss of function of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). In most patients with severe HTG (TG > 10 mmol L−1), it is a challenge to define the underlying cause. We investigated the molecular basis of severe HTG in patients referred to the Lipid Clinic at the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam.

Methods.  The coding regions of LPL, APOC2, APOA5 and two novel genes, lipase maturation factor 1 (LMF1) and GPI‐anchored high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1), were sequenced in 86 patients with type 1 and type 5 HTG and 327 controls.

Results.  In 46 patients (54%), rare DNA sequence variants were identified, comprising variants in LPL (n = 19), APOC2 (n = 1), APOA5 (n = 2), GPIHBP1 (n = 3) and LMF1 (n = 8). In 22 patients (26%), only common variants in LPL (p.Asp36Asn, p.Asn318Ser and p.Ser474Ter) and APOA5 (p.Ser19Trp) could be identified, whereas no mutations were found in 18 patients (21%). In vitro validation revealed that the mutations in LMF1 were not associated with compromised LPL function. Consistent with this, five of the eight LMF1 variants were also found in controls and therefore cannot account for the observed phenotype.

Conclusions.  The prevalence of mutations in LPL was 34% and mostly restricted to patients with type 1 HTG. Mutations in GPIHBP1 (n = 3), APOC2 (n = 1) and APOA5 (n = 2) were rare but the associated clinical phenotype was severe. Routine sequencing of candidate genes in severe HTG has improved our understanding of the molecular basis of this phenotype associated with acute pancreatitis and may help to guide future individualized therapeutic strategies.
What is so difficult about managing clinical reasoning difficulties?
Authors: Audétat Marie‐Claude , Dory Valérie , Nendaz Mathieu , Vanpee Dominique , Pestiaux Dominique , Junod Perron Noelle , Charlin Bernard
Published: January 2012

Medical Education 2012:

46

: 216–227

Context  Clinical reasoning is the cornerstone of medical competence. Difficulties in this area are often identified late in clinical training. Studies point to challenges faced by clinical educators in their dual roles as clinicians and educators. Little is known about the common, yet complex, issue of how they manage clinical reasoning difficulties. We therefore sought to: (i) describe the current state of affairs in various clinical teaching settings, and (ii) explore the factors that determine the behaviour of clinical educators in this respect.

Methods  Four focus groups were conducted with 26 clinical educators in general practice, internal medicine and emergency medicine in Belgium and Switzerland. Two researchers analysed the transcripts of the focus group discussions using Fishbein’s integrative model of behaviour prediction in a theory‐driven, immersion–crystallisation process. Experienced faculty members validated the findings.

Results  Across diverse settings, the process of identifying and remediating clinical reasoning difficulties was unstructured. Consistent with Fishbein’s model, clinical educators’ underlying beliefs determined their behaviour. They believed in the apprenticeship model of learning in the clinical environment, in which their educational role was limited to role‐modelling and in which residents were responsible for assimilating skills. They were sceptical about the potential impact of remediation. A few more knowledgeable supervisors had a stronger sense of their educational role, but did not implement systematic procedures to manage clinical reasoning difficulties. Environmental constraints were symptomatic of a collective paradigm of residency as an apprenticeship, in which the focus is on clinical duties, rather than as an educational programme.

Conclusions  In order to improve the current state of affairs in the management of clinical reasoning difficulties, a collective paradigm shift is required to alter the perception of residency as an apprenticeship to one of residency as a structured educational programme. Faculty development programmes should be designed in an integrated way so that they not only develop clinical educators’ skills, but also modify their beliefs.
Comparison of the motor discharge to the voluntary sphincters of continence in the rat
Authors: Buffini M. , O’Halloran K. D. , O’Herlihy C. , O’Connell P. R. , Jones J. F. X.
Published: January 2012

Background  The rat external anal sphincter (EAS) and external urethral sphincter (EUS) are voluntary muscles of continence that can display similar synchronous electromyographic (EMG) activity patterns. However, the two sphincters are quite different in structure and function. The EUS is a fast twitch muscle and contains fibers expressing type 2B myosin. In contrast, the EAS exhibits slower kinetics and lacks type 2B fibers. This striking contrast in kinetics and fiber type profiles may be shaped by differences in the basal motor drive that each sphincter receives.

Methods  A double EMG approach was used to obtain spontaneously active single motor unit action potentials from the EUS and EAS simultaneously and compare their basal discharge frequencies in urethane anaesthetized rats.

Key Results  The basal firing rates of motor units of the EUS and EAS were not significantly different (3.9 ± 0.9 Hz vs. 3.1 ± 1.6 Hz, respectively, n = 7 animals, P = 0.32, paired Student’s t‐test). However, auto‐correlogram analysis showed that EUS is driven by neurons with faster instantaneous firing frequencies: 30.5 ± 2.4 Hz vs 14.3 ± 0.9 Hz in the EAS (P = 0.03, paired Student’s t‐test).

Conclusions & Inferences  The oscillator(s) driving the EUS operate(s) at a frequency twice that of the EAS. This may explain the presence of type 2B fibers in the EUS. In the inter‐micturition periods no cross correlation was found in motor discharge to the sphincters suggesting that the two muscles do not share a common central drive to sustain the continent tonus of the two outlet tracts.
Increased rectal wall stiffness after prostate radiotherapy: relation with fecal urgency
Authors: Krol R. , Hopman W. P. M. , Smeenk R. J. , Van Lin E. N. J. T.
Published: January 2012

Background  Late anorectal toxicity is a frequent adverse event of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer. The pathophysiology of anorectal toxicity remains unknown, but we speculate that rectal distensibility is impaired due to fibrosis. Our goal was to determine whether EBRT induces changes of rectal distensibility as measured by an electronic barostat and to explore whether anorectal complaints are related to specific changes of anorectal function.

Methods  Thirty‐two men, irradiated for localized prostate carcinoma, underwent barostat measurements, anorectal manometry, and completed a questionnaire prior to and 1 year after radiotherapy. The primary outcome measure was rectal distensibility in response to stepwise isobaric distensions. In addition, we assessed sensory thresholds, anal pressures, and anorectal complaints.

Key Results  External beam radiotherapy reduced maximal rectal capacity (227 ± 14 mL vs 277 ± 15 mL; P < 0.001), area under the pressure‐volume curve (3212 ± 352 mL mmHg vs 3969 ± 413 mL mmHg; P < 0.005), and rectal compliance (15.7 ± 1.2 mL mmHg−1vs 17.6 ± 0.9 mL mmHg−1; P = 0.12). Sensory pressure thresholds did not significantly change. Sixteen of the 32 patients (50%) had one or more anorectal complaints. Patients with urgency (n = 10) had a more reduced anal squeeze and maximum pressure (decrease 29 ± 11 mmHg vs 1 ± 7 mmHg; P < 0.05 and 31 ± 12 mmHg vs 2 ± 8 mmHg; P < 0.05 respectively) compared with patients without complaints, indicating a deteriorated external anal sphincter function.

Conclusions & Inferences  Irradiation for prostate cancer leads to reduced rectal distensibility. In patients with urgency symptoms, anal sphincter function was also impaired.
Mutations defective in ribonucleotide reductase activity interfere with pollen plastid DNA degradation mediated by DPD1 exonuclease
Authors: Tang Lay Yin , Matsushima Ryo , Sakamoto Wataru
Published: January 2012

Organellar DNAs in mitochondria and plastids are present in multiple copies and make up a substantial proportion of total cellular DNA despite their limited genetic capacity. We recently demonstrated that organellar DNA degradation occurs during pollen maturation, mediated by the Mg2+‐dependent organelle exonuclease DPD1. To further understand organellar DNA degradation, we characterized a distinct mutant (dpd2). In contrast to the dpd1 mutant, which retains both plastid and mitochondrial DNAs, dpd2 showed specific accumulation of plastid DNAs. Multiple abnormalities in vegetative and reproductive tissues of dpd2 were also detected. DPD2 encodes the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme that functions at the rate‐limiting step of de novo nucleotide biosynthesis. We demonstrated that the defects in ribonucleotide reductase indirectly compromise the activity of DPD1 nuclease in plastids, thus supporting a different regulation of organellar DNA degradation in pollen. Several lines of evidence provided here reinforce our previous conclusion that the DPD1 exonuclease plays a central role in organellar DNA degradation, functioning in DNA salvage rather than maternal inheritance during pollen development.
Response of Lolium perenne to repeated flame treatments with various doses of propane
Authors: RASK A M , ANDREASEN C , KRISTOFFERSEN P
Published: January 2012

Rask AM, Andreasen C & Kristoffersen P (2012). Response of Lolium perenne to repeated flame treatments with various doses of propane. Weed Research 52, 131–139.

In many urban areas, use of herbicides is either unwanted or prohibited and replaced with flame weeding. The influence of dose (kg propane ha−1) and treatment interval of flame weed control was studied on Lolium perenne. Lolium perenne is a perennial grass that is very difficult to control with non‐chemical weed control methods, because of its extensive regrowth. Treatments of eight different doses and five treatment intervals were applied during two seasons from May to October. The response was measured as plant dry weight, 14 days after last treatment. All weeds were killed with doses above 80 kg propane ha−1 when treatments were carried out every other week (10 treatments per growing season and a total dose of 800 kg ha−1), and no regrowth was seen the following 2 weeks. Six treatments a year and a total dose of 631–674 kg ha−1, depending on year, controlled L. perenne effectively (90% reduction in dry weight). Split applications generally increased the effect of the treatments, especially when the number of treatments was increased from four to six. The results are in accordance with the assumption that repeated flame treatments are necessary to kill larger plants and heat tolerant weeds, such as grasses and perennial weeds that will regrow after a single treatment. Knowledge of the relation between dose and treatment intervals may be used to improve flame weeding strategies on hard surfaces.
Coral communities and reefs from Guerrero, Southern Mexican Pacific
Authors: López‐Pérez Ramón A. , Calderón‐Aguilera Luis E. , Reyes‐Bonilla Héctor , Carriquiry José D. , Medina‐Rosas Pedro , Cupul‐Magaña Amilcar L. , Herrero‐Pérezrul María D. , Hernández‐Ramírez Héctor A. , Ahumada‐Sempoal Miguel Á. , Luna‐Salguero Betsabe M.
Published: January 2012

Corals in the Eastern Pacific extend south from the Gulf of California to Ecuador and oceanic Chile, and west from Colombia to Clipperton Atoll. Nevertheless, large stretches of the Mexican Pacific remain fundamentally unstudied. Therefore, to assess the current conditions of coral communities, a coastal fringe ∼300 km long (17°40′ N, 101°39′ W to 16°46′ N, 99°49′ W) was surveyed within the Southern Mexican Pacific, between 2005 and 2009. Fifteen stony coral species were identified at 13 coral communities and six Pocillopora‐dominated fringing reefs, with Pocillopora verrucosa and Pocillopora damicornis the primary contributing taxa. Reef development was identified in embayments or behind rocks or islands that offered shelter from northern and northwestern winds. Observations of Pocillopora effusus, Pocillopora inflata, Porites lobata, Pavona clavus, and Pavona varians expanded the species known geographic ranges by several degrees of latitude, suggesting reef building fauna comprised a mixture of widespread and relatively rare Eastern Pacific corals. Results indicated greater live coral cover in the Ixtapa‐Zihuatanejo area (15–73%) than in the Acapulco localities, which had high algal dominance; the reefs in the latter region exhibited high erosion. Regional differences are likely the result of long‐standing anthropogenic pressures around Acapulco since 1950, when it became an important tourist destination. This paper is the first detailed report of ecologically stressed corals and coral reefs from the state of Guerrero on the Mexican Southern Pacific coast.
Genetic association of FOXP3 gene polymorphisms with allograft rejection in renal transplant patients
Authors: QIU XIAO‐YAN , JIAO ZHENG , ZHANG MING , CHEN JIAN‐PING , SHI XIAO‐JIN , ZHONG MING‐KANG
Published: January 2012

Aim:  FOXP3 gene is known to be important for regulatory T cell development and function, and is associated with the rejection of human kidney transplants. The present study was therefore conducted to determine the effect of FOXP3 polymorphisms on allograft rejection in renal transplant recipients.

Methods:  A total of 166 adult patients were categorized into either a Rejection group (65 patients) or a No rejection group (101 patients). Rs3761547, rs3761548 and rs2232365 variant alleles in the FOXP3 gene were genotyped using a TaqMan probe technique, and their relationships with rejection were investigated.

Results:  There was no significant difference in the genotype frequencies of rs3761547 and rs2232365 variants between patients with and without rejection history (P > 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the rs3761548 AA genotype carriers were associated with about a fourfold greater risk for rejection compared with CC genotype (5 years post‐transplant: odds ratio 3.95, 95% confidence interval 1.27–12.29, P = 0.018). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a lower mean time to the first rejection in rs3761548 AA compared with CC genotype patients (Log rank = 4.303, P = 0.038). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that rs3761548 AA genotype carriers have up to about a twofold (hazard ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.17–4.80, P = 0.017) higher risk for rejection than CC carriers.

Conclusion:  Our study suggests an association between FOXP3 rs3761548 polymorphisms and allograft rejection in renal transplantation. This association should be further proven in large prospective studies because of the small sample size and confounding factors in this retrospective study.
The timing of dialysis and kidney transplantation in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pavlakis M.
Published: January 2012

Despite significant improvements in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy over the last 20 years, patients with type 1 diabetes are at high risk of developing end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and high mortality once ESRD develops. The timing of dialysis initiation has occurred earlier over the years, but a recent study has led to a re‐evaluation of that approach. People with type 1 diabetes treated with pre‐dialysis (pre‐emptive) transplantation have a lower death rate than people with type 1 diabetes treated with dialysis. Living donor kidney transplantation is possible before starting dialysis and is associated with better kidney and patient outcomes as compared to transplantation while on dialysis. Multiple barriers remain that prevent people with type 1 diabetes from enjoying the reduced risk of death afforded by a pre‐emptive kidney transplant, including lack of knowledge by primary care physicians, endocrinologists and nephrologists, late referral for transplantation, patient and family misconceptions about timing of transplantation and who can be a donor. New data on both the optimal time to initiate dialysis or to pursue transplantation will be reviewed.
Report of a consensus meeting on focal low dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Langley Stephen , Ahmed Hashim U. , Al‐Qaisieh Bashar , Bostwick David , Dickinson Louise , Veiga Francisco Gomez , Grimm Peter , Machtens Stefan , Guedea Ferran , Emberton Mark
Published: January 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Whole gland brachytherapy has been used to successfully treat prostate cancer but the protocol for focal therapy has not previously been established.

The consensus findings provide guidance on patient selection for focal brachytherapy as well as recommendations for conducting therapy and patient follow‐up.

Low dose rate prostate brachytherapy is an effective treatment for localized prostate cancer. Recently, it has been considered for use in a focused manner whereby treatment is targeted only to areas of prostate cancer. The objective of focal brachytherapy is to provide effective cancer control for low‐risk disease but with reduced genitourinary and rectal side‐effects in a cost‐effective way. We report on the outputs of a consensus meeting of international experts in brachytherapy and focal therapy convened to consider the feasibility and potential development of focal brachytherapy. A number of factors were considered for focal brachytherapy including optimal patient selection, disease characterization and localization, treatment protocols and outcome measures. The consensus meeting also addressed the design of a clinical trial that would assess the oncological outcomes and side‐effect profiles resulting from focal brachytherapy.
Responses to risk: Public submissions on Australian alcohol guidelines for low‐risk drinking
Authors: WILKINSON CLAIRE
Published: January 2012

Introduction and Aims. In 2007 the National Health and Medical Research Council issued the draft of the revised Australian alcohol guidelines. The document presented guidelines explicitly in terms of risk. This paper seeks to explore the public response to this document by analysing the submissions received during the 60 day period for public feedback.

Methods. One‐hundred and three submissions were reviewed. Considerations of what interests were reflected in submissions and how interest groups responded to the framing of risk were examined.

Results. Submissions were received from individuals and organisations. Analysis revealed a range of views and rhetoric. Temperance interests wanted the guidelines' thresholds to be lower; the industry critiqued the evidence base as flawed and also argued that the public was unlikely to listen to low‐risk drinking messages; submissions from public health groups and government wanted a greater rationale for the guidelines and were also concerned with the dropping of a second differentiation of a higher‐risk level; personal testimonies supported the risk assessments based on personal experiences; and those working in clinical service provision expressed concern about the reception of the guidelines among client groups.

Discussion and Conclusions. The diversity of views expressed seems to have had little effect in the revision of the guidelines. Disseminating the low‐risk drinking guidelines message poses many challenges. [Wilkinson C. Responses to risk: Public submissions on Australian alcohol guidelines for low‐risk drinking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:162–169]
Enhancing Attachment Organization Among Maltreated Children: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bernard Kristin , Dozier Mary , Bick Johanna , Lewis‐Morrarty Erin , Lindhiem Oliver , Carlson Elizabeth
Published: January 2012

Young children who have experienced early adversity are at risk for developing disorganized attachments. The efficacy of Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up (ABC), an intervention targeting nurturing care among parents identified as being at risk for neglecting their young children, was evaluated through a randomized clinical trial. Attachment quality was assessed in the Strange Situation for 120 children between 11.7 and 31.9 months of age (M = 19.1, SD = 5.5). Children in the ABC intervention showed significantly lower rates of disorganized attachment (32%) and higher rates of secure attachment (52%) relative to the control intervention (57% and 33%, respectively). These results support the efficacy of the ABC intervention in enhancing attachment quality among parents at high risk for maltreatment.
Population Growth in the UK: An Issue for Political Debate and Policy Intervention?
Authors: Coole Diana
Published: January 2012

Although population growth in the UK is currently arousing widespread popular concern, political scientists have tended to ignore the issue while political elites are manifestly reluctant to address it. In this article I consider a number of recent reports that both recognise the challenges posed by increasing numbers and ignore or reject the possibility of including a population dimension in policy responses. In particular, the article offers a detailed analysis of a recent Royal Commission's report on the environmental impact of demographic change in order to explore the reasons for this antipathy.
Pragmatics, Cognitive Flexibility and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: KISSINE MIKHAIL
Published: January 2012

Pragmatic deficits of persons with autism spectrum disorders [ASDs] are often traced back to a dysfunction in Theory of Mind. However, the exact nature of the link between pragmatics and mindreading in autism is unclear. Pragmatic deficits in ASDs are not homogenous: in particular, while inter‐subjective dimensions are affected, some other pragmatic capacities seem to be relatively preserved. Moreover, failure on classical false‐belief tasks stems from executive problems that go beyond belief attribution; false‐belief tasks require taking an alternative perspective on the reality. While this capacity is functional in typically developing young children, it is impaired in ASDs. Typically developing children are capable of taking their interlocutor's perspective into account when communicating, whereas poor cognitive flexibility makes it difficult for persons with ASDs to grasp the inter‐subjective character of communicative stimuli. This analysis predicts that those pragmatic processes that amount to merely taking into account salient contextual facts during utterance interpretation, without necessarily adopting the interlocutor's perspective, may be preserved in ASDs.
Causal Explanation and Fact Mutability in Counterfactual Reasoning
Authors: DEHGHANI MORTEZA , ILIEV RUMEN , KAUFMANN STEFAN
Published: January 2012

Recent work on the interpretation of counterfactual conditionals has paid much attention to the role of causal independencies. One influential idea from the theory of Causal Bayesian Networks is that counterfactual assumptions are made by intervention on variables, leaving all of their causal non‐descendants unaffected. But intervention is not applicable across the board. For instance, backtracking counterfactuals, which involve reasoning from effects to causes, cannot proceed by intervention in the strict sense, for otherwise they would be equivalent to their consequents. We discuss these and similar cases, focusing on two factors which play a role in determining whether and which causal parents of the manipulated variable are affected: Speakers' need for an explanation of the hypothesized state of affairs, and differences in the ‘resilience’ of beliefs that are independent of degrees of certainty. We describe the relevant theoretical notions in some detail and provide experimental evidence that these factors do indeed affect speakers' interpretation of counterfactuals.
Person‐Centred Active Support – Increasing Choice, Promoting Independence and Reducing Challenging Behaviour
Authors: Beadle‐Brown Julie , Hutchinson Aislinn , Whelton Beckie
Published: January 2012

Background  Previous research has found that active support is effective at increasing levels of participation in activities and supporting a good quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. However, there has been little research on the effect of active support on other outcome measures.

Methods  This study uses observational methodology, combined with staff‐rated measures, to explore the impact of the implementation of person‐centred active support on the lives of 30 people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities living in small group homes.

Results  Analysis indicated that significant increases in both the amount of assistance people received and the quality of that assistance were accompanied by significant increases in engagement, participation, choice‐making opportunities and a significant reduction in challenging behaviour and in particular, self‐stimulatory behaviour.

Conclusions  The paper discusses the implications of the findings for both practice and for further research.
Designed for deconstruction – poplar trees altered in cell wall lignification improve the efficacy of bioethanol production
Authors: Mansfield Shawn D. , Kang Kyu‐Young , Chapple Clint
Published: January 2012

Featured paper: See also the Commentary by Ellis
Examining the integrity of soil metal bioavailability assays in the presence of organic amendments to metal‐spiked soils
Authors: Black A. , Mclaren R. G. , Reichman S. M. , Speir T. W. , Condron L. M.
Published: January 2012

This paper questions whether the presence of biosolids amendment in metal‐spiked soils alters the outcome of soil‐based assays of metal bioavailability. The effects of biosolids amendment on the efficacies of six soil metal bioavailability assays (total recoverable, EDTA, Ca(NO3)2, soil solution, diffusive gradient in thin films and free ion activity) were assessed against metal concentrations in wheat shoots (Triticum aestivum) germinated in three contrasting soils, each previously incubated for either 2 weeks or 6 months following treatment with Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn +/− biosolids amendment. Overall, Ca(NO3)2 was the most accurate method to predict Cd (r2 = 0.62), Ni (r2 = 0.73) and Zn (r2 = 0.55) bioavailability in soils and therefore was used to compare variations in responses between biosolids and nonbiosolids‐amended soils. Comparisons between these two groups revealed no significant differences in linear relationships for all four metals and soil types assessed. These findings not only support Ca(NO3)2 as a robust and valid method for determining soil metal bioavailability across metal matrices and soil types, but also that the presence of biosolids does not compromise the predictive power of this assay or any of the others examined.
THE STUCCO TECHNIQUE OF THE MAGISTRI COMACINI: THE CASE STUDY OF SANTA MARIA DEI GHIRLI IN CAMPIONE D'ITALIA (COMO, ITALY)
Authors: RAMPAZZI L. , RIZZO B. , COLOMBO C. , CONTI C. , REALINI M. , BARTOLUCCI U. , COLOMBINI M. P. , SPIRITI A. , FACCHIN L.
Published: January 2012

This paper is aimed at defining the artistic technique performed by the outstanding artist Isidoro Bianchi for the Baroque stucco decorations in the church of Santa Maria dei Ghirli (Campione d'Italia, Italy). Samples of stucco were examined by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with a microprobe, X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and laser ablation mass spectrometry equipped with plasma source spectrometry. On the basis of the results obtained, art historians have made new hypotheses on the biography of the artist and on the historical location of his birthplace.
Pulling the strings: Effects of friend and parent opinions on dating choices
Authors: WRIGHT BRITTANY L. , SINCLAIR H. COLLEEN
Published: January 2012

The current study examined how dating choices are affected when individuals are faced with social network opinions that are in agreement or disagreement about the quality of potential dates. In a virtual dating game paradigm, participants spoke to 2 potential romantic partners online and received positive and/or negative feedback ostensibly from their friend and parent about 1 of the partners. The study employed a 2 (parent opinion: approve, disapprove) × 2 (friend opinion: approve, disapprove) × 2 (interaction partner: evaluated target, control target—within subjects) mixed factorial design. Friend opinion influenced who the participants liked, whereas parental opinion was influential when participants relied on their parent for more resources than their friend. In the end, though, only friend opinion predicted dating choice.
Nonresident fathers' social networks: The relationship between social support and father involvement
Authors: CASTILLO JASON T. , SARVER CHRISTIAN M.
Published: January 2012

Literature and research examining nonresident fathers' involvement with their children has focused primarily on the fathers' relationship with their child's mother. Receiving limited attention in the literature has been the inclusion of examining nonresident fathers' social support networks, the function of these social networks—perceived and received social support, and how these social support networks affect nonresident fathers' involvement with their children. Using data from Wave One of the Fragile Families and Child Well‐being Study, this study examined the social support networks nonresident fathers (n = 895) utilized in their involvement with their children. Results of the regression analyses indicate that nonresident fathers' relationship with their child's mother and perceived social support from their social networks contributed positively to their involvement with their children. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Treating the Obese Dialysis Patient: Challenges and Paradoxes
Authors: Celebi‐Onder Songul , Schmidt Rebecca J. , Holley Jean L.
Published: January 2012

Obesity is a major epidemic in the general population and has added unique challenges to renal replacement therapy as choice of access, dialysis adequacy, and preparation for kidney transplantation may all be affected. There are few clinical studies on managing obese patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and no accepted strategies for the variety of problems encountered in this population. Attempts at weight loss are generally advisable to prevent obesity‐related surgical complications and improve patient and graft survival after kidney transplantation. This article reviews the unique aspects of managing obese patients with ESRD.
A Dual‐Chambered Hemodialyzer for Convection‐Enhanced Hemodialysis
Authors: Lee Kyungsoo , Mun Cho Hae , Min Byoung Goo , Won Yong Soon
Published: January 2012

Convective clearance during hemodialysis (HD) improves dialysis outcomes in kidney failure patients, and, thus, trials have been undertaken to increase convective mass transfer, which is directly related to internal filtration rates. The authors designed a new hemodialyzer to increase the internal filtration rates, and here describe the hemodialytic efficacy of the devised unit. The developed dual‐chambered hemodialyzer (DCH) contains two separate chambers for dialysate flow within a single housing. By placing a flow restrictor on the dialysate stream between these two chambers, dialysate pressures are regulated independently. Dialysate is maintained at a higher pressure than blood pressure in one chamber, and at a lower pressure in the other chamber. The dialysis performance of the DCH was investigated using an acute canine renal failure model. Urea and creatinine reductions and albumin loss were monitored, and forward and backward filtration rates were measured. No procedurally related malfunction was encountered, and animals remained stable without any complications. Urea and creatinine reductions after 4‐h dialysis treatments were 75.2 ± 6.5% and 67.7 ± 8.9%, respectively. Post‐treatment total protein and albumin levels remained at pretreatment values. Total filtration volume was 4.98 ± 0.5 L over 4 h, whereas the corresponding backfiltration (BF) volume was 4.77 ± 0.6 L. The developed dual‐chamber dialyzer has the benefit of providing independent control of forward filtration and BF rates. HD using this dialyzer provides a straightforward means of increasing the internal filtration and convective dose.
A Call for Guidance in the Use of Left Ventricular Assist Devices in Older Adults
Authors: Vitale Caroline A. , Chandekar Rashmi , Rodgers Phillip E. , Pagani Francis D. , Malani Preeti N.
Published: January 2012

Ethics, Public Policy and Medical Economics

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are approved as “destination therapy” (permanent use without plans for transplantation) in individuals with advanced heart failure who are not candidates for a cardiac transplant; as such, these devices are increasingly being used in older adults. Although LVADs have been shown to increase quality of life and survival, the associated treatment burdens and complications deserve careful consideration. The current study illustrates myriad clinical challenges that can arise during long‐term mechanical support using an older adult case history. Current data on LVAD use in older adults is reviewed, and a discussion of relevant points to consider before LVAD implantation in older adults, including advance care planning, assessment of gait and cognition, and the potential for substantial caregiver burden, is undertaken.
Outcome after Renal Transplantation in 26 Dogs
Authors: Hopper Kate , Mehl Margo L. , Kass Philip H. , Kyles Andrew , Gregory Clare R.
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To evaluate clinical outcome in dogs after renal transplantation and determine predictors of outcome.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 26) that had renal allograft transplantation.

Methods

Medical records (1994–2006) of 26 consecutive cases of dogs that had kidney transplantation were reviewed. History, signalment, pre‐ and postoperative clinicopathologic and monitoring variables, postoperative complications, immunosuppressive therapy, and survival were recorded.

Results

Median survival was 24 days (range, 0.5 to 4014 days) with a probability of survival to 15 days of 50% and the 100‐day survival probability was 36%. Cause of death was attributed to thromboembolic disease in 8 dogs, infection in 6 dogs, and rejection in 1 dog. The only factor significantly associated with an increased likelihood of death was increasing age at time of surgery (P = .024).

Conclusions

Canine renal transplantation in clinical patients is associated with a high morbidity and mortality and increasing recipient age has a negative association with outcome. Thromboembolic complications are a major cause of death in the immediate postoperative period and effective anticoagulation protocols may greatly improve survival in the future.
Femoral Angular Correction and Lengthening in a Large‐Breed Puppy Using a Dynamic Unilateral External Fixator
Authors: Petazzoni Massimo , Palmer Ross H.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To report treatment of a large‐breed puppy with combined distal femoral valgus and length deficit caused by partial distal physeal closure.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animals

Bernese Mountain Dog (4.5‐month‐old male).

Methods

The puppy was admitted for evaluation of a progressive severe left pelvic limb lameness (grade 3/4) of 6‐week duration. Distal femoral valgus and severe length deficit deformity were treated by acute angular correction using a closing wedge ostectomy and progressive rapid‐rate callus distraction using a dynamic, telescoping unilateral External Skeletal Fixator (ESF) designed for people. After acute angular correction and a 3‐day latency period, a mean linear distraction rate of 3 mm/day was maintained for 3 weeks. The dynamic ESF (dESF) was removed at 4 weeks, after a 1‐week consolidation phase.

Results

The dESF was stable and functional during distraction and bone healing. Distal femoral valgus conformation improved 50° (from 41° to 91°) and femoral length increased 42 mm at dESF removal (from 158 mm to 200 mm; 27%). After cessation of bone growth, no valgus and minimal (6%) length deficit were detected. At 4, 5, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, the dog was walking, trotting, and galloping normally.

Conclusion

Acute angular correction and progressive rapid‐rate callus distraction using a unilateral dESF allowed satisfactory treatment of combined distal femoral valgus and length deficit in a large‐breed puppy.
Cutting Class Harms Grades
Authors: Taylor III Lewis A.
Published: January 2012

An accessible business school population of undergraduate students was investigated in three independent, but related studies to determine effects on grades due to cutting class and failing to take advantage of optional reviews and study quizzes. It was hypothesized that cutting classes harms exam scores, attending preexam reviews helps exam scores, taking optional exam preparation quizzes helps exam scores, and earlier exam scores in the semester predict later exam scores. Using an objective measurement method of actual events and actual exam scores instead of the predominant nonexperimental survey method most often used, it was found that all hypotheses were significant and supported in the predicted direction. Implications for professors and students are provided, revealing that cutting class, missing preexam reviews, and ignoring chapter quizzes effects are real and they matter.
Skype Synchronous Interaction Effectiveness in a Quantitative Management Science Course
Authors: David Strang Kenneth
Published: January 2012

An experiment compared asynchronous versus synchronous instruction in an online quantitative course. Mann‐Whitley U‐tests, correlation, analysis of variance, t tests, and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were utilized to test the hypothesis that more high‐quality online experiential learning interactions would increase grade. Quasi‐experimental controls included prior ability and demographic factors (gender, age). The control group used asynchronous discussion forums while the test group held synchronous sessions in Skype (chat, audio, and document sharing). A statistically significant MANCOVA model was created, using teaching method as a factor, and a count of online interactions (as a covariate), with assessment timing (as a blocking factor), to measure effect on grade.
Generalist Interest Organizations and Interest System Density: A Test of the Competitive Exclusion Hypothesis*
Authors: Lowery David , Gray Virginia , Kirkland Justin , Harden Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2012

Objective

We examine the effects of interest community density on generalist interest organizations. A core element of population ecology theory is competitive exclusion, which suggests two hypotheses. First, through niche partitioning of the issue space among similar organizations and the comparative advantages of specialist organizations, generalists in heavily populated systems struggle to secure members more than their counterparts in less densely populated ones. Second, surviving generalists narrow the scope of their lobbying activities to fewer issues on which they hold comparative advantage.

Methods

We test both hypotheses through regression analysis of data on the mobilization and lobbying focus ofU.S. stateChambers ofCommerce.

Results

Both participation in stateChambers and the number of bills thatChambers track decline as the business interest community becomes more densely populated.

Conclusions

We conclude that even stateChambers—the old bulls of the lobbying pasture—are powerfully influenced by competition among business interest organizations.