bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of soil pH on the chemical composition of organic matter in physically separated soil fractions in two broadleaf woodland sites at Rothamsted, UK
Authors: Tonon G. , Sohi S. , Francioso O. , Ferrari E. , Montecchio D. , Gioacchini P. , Ciavatta C. , Panzacchi P. , Powlson D.
Published: November 2010

Although acid soils are common in forest ecosystems, and there is documented evidence of pH influencing transformations of organic matter in soil, there are surprisingly few studies on the influence of soil pH on the chemical structure of physically fractionated soil organic matter (SOM). The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of pH on the chemical and physical processes involved in SOM stabilization. Forest soils of different pH (4.4 and 7.8) sampled from two long‐term experiments at Rothamsted Research (UK) were physically fractionated. The free light fraction (FLF), the intra‐aggregate light fraction and the fine silt and clay (S + C, <25 µm) were characterized using elemental, isotopic (δ13C), thermogravimetric, differential thermal, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and high‐resolution magic angle spinning 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. The quantitative distribution of carbon (C) between SOM fractions differed between the two soils. Carbon contents in the light fractions from the acid soil were significantly greater than in those of the alkaline soil. In contrast, in S + C fractions, C content was greater in the alkaline soil. FLF from the acid soil was characterized by a greater C:N ratio, smaller δ13C and greater content of thermo‐labile compounds compared with FLF from the alkaline soil. In contrast, there was only a weak effect of soil pH on the chemical composition of the organic matter in S + C fractions. Irrespective of soil pH, these latter fractions contained mainly aliphatic compounds such as carbohydrates, carboxylic acid, amide and peptide derivates. This suggested that physical mechanisms, involving the interactions between SOM and mineral surfaces, are of greater importance than the presence of chemically recalcitrant species in protecting SOM associated with the finest soil fractions.
Soil carbon and climate change: from the Jenkinson effect to the compost‐bomb instability
Authors: Luke C. M. , Cox P. M.
Published: November 2010

First generation climate–carbon cycle models suggest that climate change will suppress carbon accumulation in soils, and could even lead to a net loss of global soil carbon over the next century. These model results are qualitatively consistent with soil carbon projections published by Jenkinson almost two decades ago. More recently there has been a suggestion that the release of heat associated with soil decomposition, which is neglected in the vast majority of large‐scale models, may be critically important under certain circumstances. Models with and without the extra self‐heating from microbial respiration have been shown to yield significantly different results. The present paper presents a mathematical analysis of a tipping point or runaway feedback that can arise when the heat from microbial respiration is generated more rapidly than it can escape from the soil to the atmosphere. This ‘compost‐bomb instability’ is most likely to occur in drying organic soils with high porosity covered by an insulating lichen or moss layer. However, the instability is also found to be strongly dependent on the rate of global warming. This paper derives the conditions required to trigger the compost‐bomb instability, and discusses the relevance of these to the concept of dangerous rates of climate change. On the basis of simple numerical experiments, rates of long‐term warming equivalent to 10°C per century could be sufficient to trigger compost‐bomb instability in drying organic soils.
Optimizing search strategies for invasive pests: learn before you leap
Authors: Baxter Peter W.J. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: November 2010

1. Strategic searching for invasive pests presents a formidable challenge for conservation managers. Limited funding can necessitate choosing between surveying many sites cursorily, or focussing intensively on fewer sites. While existing knowledge may help to target more likely sites, e.g. with species distribution models (maps), this knowledge is not flawless and improving it also requires management investment.

2. In a rare example of trading‐off action against knowledge gain, we combine search coverage and accuracy, and its future improvement, within a single optimisation framework. More specifically we examine under which circumstances managers should adopt one of two search‐and‐control strategies (cursory or focussed), and when they should divert funding to improving knowledge, making better predictive maps that benefit future searches.

3. We use a family of Receiver Operating Characteristic curves to reflect the quality of maps that direct search efforts. We demonstrate our framework by linking these to a logistic model of invasive spread such as that for the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta in south‐east Queensland, Australia.

4. Cursory widespread searching is only optimal if the pest is already widespread or knowledge is poor, otherwise focussed searching exploiting the map is preferable. For longer management timeframes, eradication is more likely if funds are initially devoted to improving knowledge, even if this results in a short‐term explosion of the pest population.

5. Synthesis and applications. By combining trade‐offs between knowledge acquisition and utilization, managers can better focus – and justify – their spending to achieve optimal results in invasive control efforts. This framework can improve the efficiency of any ecological management that relies on predicting occurrence.
Dynamic properties of the Sulfolobus CRISPR/Cas and CRISPR/Cmr systems when challenged with vector‐borne viral and plasmid genes and protospacers
Authors: Gudbergsdottir Soley , Deng Ling , Chen Zhengjun , Jensen Jaide V. K. , Jensen Linda R. , She Qunxin , Garrett Roger A.
Published: November 2010

The adaptive immune CRISPR/Cas and CRISPR/Cmr systems of the crenarchaeal thermoacidophile Sulfolobus were challenged by a variety of viral and plasmid genes, and protospacers preceded by different dinucleotide motifs. The genes and protospacers were constructed to carry sequences matching individual spacers of CRISPR loci, and a range of mismatches were introduced. Constructs were cloned into vectors carrying pyrE/pyrF genes and transformed into uracil auxotrophic hosts derived from Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 or Sulfolobus islandicus REY15A. Most constructs, including those carrying different protospacer mismatches, yielded few viable transformants. These were shown to carry either partial deletions of CRISPR loci, covering a broad spectrum of sizes and including the matching spacer, or deletions of whole CRISPR/Cas modules. The deletions occurred independently of whether genes or protospacers were transcribed. For family I CRISPR loci, the presence of the protospacer CC motif was shown to be important for the occurrence of deletions. The results are consistent with a low level of random dynamic recombination occurring spontaneously, either inter‐genomically or intra‐genomically, at the repeat regions of Sulfolobus CRISPR loci. Moreover, the relatively high incidence of single‐spacer deletions observed for S. islandicus suggests that an additional more directed mechanism operates in this organism.
Hfq binding at RhlB‐recognition region of RNase E is crucial for the rapid degradation of target mRNAs mediated by sRNAs in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ikeda Yoshiki , Yagi Mieko , Morita Teppei , Aiba Hiroji
Published: November 2010

An RNA chaperon Hfq along with Hfq‐binding sRNAs stably binds to RNase E in Escherichia coli. The role of the Hfq–RNase E interaction is to recruit RNase E to target mRNAs of sRNAs resulting in the rapid degradation of the mRNA–sRNA hybrid. The C‐terminal scaffold region of RNase E is responsible for the interaction with Hfq. Here, we demonstrate that the scaffold region can be deleted up to residue 750 without losing the ability to cause the rapid degradation of target mRNAs mediated by Hfq/sRNAs. The truncated RNase E750 can still bind to Hfq although the truncation significantly reduces the Hfq‐binding ability. We conclude that the subregion between 711 and 750 is sufficient for the functional interaction with Hfq to support the rapid degradation of ptsG mRNA although additional subregions within the scaffold are also involved in Hfq binding. Deletion of the 702–750 region greatly impairs the ability of RNase E to cause the degradation of ptsG mRNA. In addition, a polypeptide corresponding to the scaffold region binds to Hfq without the help of RNA. Finally, we demonstrate that overexpression of RhlB partially inhibits the Hfq binding to RNase E and the rapid degradation of ptsG mRNA.
Controls on late Quaternary incised‐valley dimension along passive margins evaluated using empirical data
Authors: MATTHEUS CHRISTOPHER R. , RODRIGUEZ ANTONIO B.
Published: November 2010

Incised valleys are canyon‐like features that initially form near the highstand shoreline and evolve over geological time as rivers erode into coastal plains and continental shelves to maintain equilibrium‐gradient profiles in response to sea‐level fall. Most of these valleys flood during sea‐level rise to form estuaries. Incised‐valley morphology strongly controls the rate of creation of sediment accommodation, valley‐fill facies architecture and the preservation potential of coastal lithosomes on continental shelves, and affects coastal physical processes. Nonetheless, little is known about what dictates incised‐valley size and shape and whether these metrics can be used to explain principal formation processes. The main control on alluvial channel morphology over human time scales is discharge; this is based on numerous empirical studies and is well‐constrained because all variables are easily measured at this short time scale. Knowledge of long‐term river evolution over a complete glacio‐eustatic cycle, on the contrary, remains largely conceptual, experimental and based on individual systems because variables that are thought to drive morphological change are not easily quantified. In spite of this difficulty, existing models of incised‐valley formation at the coast suggest that valley evolution is driven largely by downstream forcing mechanisms, highlighting sea‐level and shelf gradient/morphology as the dominant controls on valley incision. Although valleys are cut by rivers, whose channels are a direct reflection of discharge, little empirical data exist in coastal areas to address the degree to which valley evolution is governed by upstream controls. The late Quaternary is the best time period to examine because it provides the most complete sedimentary record and many variables, including sea‐level, tectonics, substrate lithology and drainage network characteristics, are accurately constrained. Here, 38 late Quaternary valleys along the coast of two different passive continental margins are compared, which suggests that valley shape and size are governed primarily by upstream, intrinsic controls such as discharge. Valley width, depth and cross‐sectional area are found to be predictable at the highstand shoreline and are scaled with the size of their drainage basin, which has important implications for estimating sediment discharge to continental shelves and deep water environments during periods of low sea‐level.
Alcohol‐seeking behavior is associated with increased glutamate transmission in basolateral amygdala and nucleus accumbens as measured by glutamate‐oxidase‐coated biosensors
Authors: Gass Justin T. , Sinclair Courtney M. , Cleva Richard M. , Widholm John J. , Olive M. Foster
Published: November 2010

Relapse is one of the most problematic aspects in the treatment of alcoholism and is often triggered by alcohol‐associated environmental cues. Evidence indicates that glutamate neurotransmission plays a critical role in cue‐induced relapse‐like behavior, as inhibition of glutamate neurotransmission can prevent reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior. However, few studies have examined specific changes in extracellular glutamate levels in discrete brain regions produced by exposure to alcohol‐associated cues. The purpose of this study was to use glutamate oxidase (GluOx)‐coated biosensors to monitor changes in extracellular glutamate in specific brain regions during cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior. Male Wistar rats were implanted with indwelling jugular vein catheters and intracerebral guide cannula aimed at the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, and then trained to self‐administer alcohol intravenously. A separate group of animals were trained to self‐administer food pellets. Each reinforcer was accompanied by the presentation of a light/tone stimulus. Following stabilization of responding for alcohol or food reinforcement, and subsequent extinction training, animals were implanted with pre‐calibrated biosensors and then underwent a 1‐hour cue‐induced reinstatement testing period. As determined by GluOx‐coated biosensors, extracellular levels of glutamate were increased in the BLA and NAc core during cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior. The cumulative change in extracellular glutamate in both regions was significantly greater for cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior versus that of food‐seeking behavior. These results indicate that increases in glutamate transmission in the BLA and NAc core may be a neurochemical substrate of cue‐evoked alcohol‐seeking behavior.
Sophocarpine alleviates non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats
Authors: Song Chun‐Yan , Zeng Xin , Chen Si‐Wen , Hu Ping‐Fang , Zheng Zhi‐Wu , Ning Bei‐Fang , Shi Jian , Xie Wei‐Fen , Chen Yue‐Xiang
Published: November 2010

Background and Aim:  Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one entity in the spectrum of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to explore the prevention and therapeutic effect of sophocarpine on experimental rat NASH.

Methods:  Sophocarpine with the dosage of 20 mg/kg/day was injected into NASH rats. At the end of 12 weeks, all rats were killed to detect the degree of fatty degeneration, inflammation and fibrosis.

Results:  Sophocarpine intervention (in the pro‐treated and treated groups) resulted in a significant decrease of liver weight, liver index, serum transaminase and serum lipids. Messenger RNA expressions of leptin, interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, procollagen‐I and α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and deposition of IL‐6, TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 in liver decreased, whereas the messenger RNA expression of adiponectin increased significantly compared with that in the model group. Moreover, histological improvement was also observed in the sophocarpine intervention group. In addition, there was no significant difference in any detected indicator between the pro‐treated and treated group.

Conclusions:  Sophocarpine could decrease the level of serum transaminase, improve lipid metabolism, reduce synthesis of inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, TGF‐β1 and IL‐6, activate protective adipocytokine adiponectin, and might be selected as a promising agent for the clinical prevention and therapy of NASH.
Lateral lumbar X‐ray assessment of abdominal aortic calcification in Australian haemodialysis patients
Authors: TOUSSAINT NIGEL D , PEDAGOGOS EUGENIE , LAU KENNETH K , HEINZE STEFAN , BECKER GAVIN J , BEAVIS JENNIFER , POLKINGHORNE KEVAN R , DAMASIEWICZ MATTHEW J , KERR PETER G
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Vascular calcification is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) can be detected by X‐ray, although AAC is less well documented in anatomical distribution and severity compared with coronary calcification. Using simple radiological imaging we aimed to assess AAC and determine associations in prevalent Australian haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods:  Lateral lumbar X‐ray of the abdominal aorta was used to determine AAC, which is related to the severity of calcific deposits at lumbar vertebral segments L1 to L4. Two radiologists determined AAC scores, by semi‐quantitative measurement using a validated 24‐point scale, on HD patients from seven satellite dialysis centres. Regression analysis was used to determine associations between AAC and patient characteristics.

Results:  Lateral lumbar X‐ray was obtained in 132 patients. Median age of patients was 69 years (range 29–90), 60% were male, 36% diabetic, median duration of HD 38 months (range 6–230). Calcification (AAC score ≥ 1) was present in 94.4% with mean AAC score 11.0 ± 6.4 (median 12). Independent predictors for the presence and severity of calcification were age (P = 0.03), duration of dialysis (P = 0.04) and a history of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.009). There was no significant association between AAC and the presence of diabetes or time‐averaged serum markers of mineral metabolism, lipid status and C‐reactive protein.

Conclusions:  AAC detected by lateral lumbar X‐ray is highly prevalent in our cohort of Australian HD patients and is associated with cardiovascular disease, increasing age and duration of HD. This semi‐quantitative method of determining vascular calcification is widely available and inexpensive and may assist cardiovascular risk stratification.
Histologic study of age‐related change in the posterior pituitary gland focusing on abnormal deposition of tau protein
Authors: Hashizume Mariko , Takagi Junko , Kanehira Tomoki , Otake Kazuo , Mimuro Maya , Yoshida Mari , Hashizume Yoshio
Published: November 2010

We studied histologic findings of age‐related change in the posterior pituitary gland focusing specifically on abnormal deposition of tau protein. Posterior pituitary glands from a total of 201 patients with mean age of 72, range 15 to 100 years, were dissected at autopsy, and semiquantitative analysis of tau protein deposition in the posterior pituitaries was performed. We confirmed that tau protein deposition in the posterior pituitary appears histologically as either a ‘thread‐like’ or ‘dot’ form. In double staining using an anti‐neurofilament antibody and Gallyas‐Braak staining, Gallyas‐Braak‐positive structures were located in the neurite. The grade and the frequency of tau protein deposition were increased in accord with aging. An interrelation was observed between tau protein deposition in the brain and that in the posterior pituitary. In tauopathy diseases, tau protein deposition in the posterior lobe is advanced compared to that in non‐tauopathy diseases. The level of tau protein deposition in the hypothalamus was compared semi‐quantitatively with that in the posterior pituitary, and the levels correlated well. We suggest that in the posterior pituitary of elderly people, high frequency of occurrence of deposition of abnormal tau protein in the neurites may cause dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
Living in aged care: Using spiritual reminiscence to enhance meaning in life for those with dementia
Authors: MacKinlay Elizabeth , Trevitt Corinne
Published: November 2010

Spiritual reminiscence is a way of telling a life story with emphasis on meaning. Spiritual reminiscence can identify meaning associated with joy, sadness, anger, guilt, or regret. Exploring these issues in older age can help people to reframe some of these events and come to new understanding of the meaning and purpose of their lives. A total of 113 older adults with dementia, living in aged‐care facilities, participated in this study. They were allocated to small groups for spiritual reminiscence, to meet weekly over 6 weeks or 6 months. Quantitative data were gathered using a behavioural scale before and after each spiritual reminiscence session. Qualitative data included taped and transcribed reminiscence sessions, individual interviews, and observer journals. A facilitator led the small‐group discussion based on spiritual reminiscence. New relationships were developed among group members that improved life for these people in aged care. This paper examines aspects of the qualitative data around the themes of ‘meaning in life’ and ‘vulnerability and transcendence’. Spiritual reminiscence offers nursing staff a way of knowing those with dementia in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Perspectives on the experience of being physically restrained: An integrative review of the qualitative literature
Authors: Strout Tania D.
Published: November 2010

Publications providing information on the safe use of physical restraints, guidelines for restraint use, and journal articles on the care of mental health patients are frequently devoid of information regarding patients' perspectives on physical restraint. As physical restraint is a common procedure in many settings, the purpose of this review is to examine and summarize the qualitative literature on patients' perspectives on being physically restrained, from 1966 through to 2009. A formal integrative review of existing qualitative literature on patients' perspectives of physical restraint was conducted. Studies were critiqued, evaluated for their strength, and analysed for key themes and meanings. Twelve studies were ultimately identified and included in the review. Four themes emerged from the review, including negative psychological impact, retraumatization, perceptions of unethical practices, and the broken spirit. While little qualitative research on patients' perceptions of physical restraint exists, findings within the current literature reveal serious implications for patients and nurses alike. Additional research into physical restraint implications for the patient–nurse dyad is needed, and nurses should approach the use of physical restraint with caution and awareness of their potential psychological impact.
Reconciling mental health recovery with screening and early intervention in dementia care
Authors: Irving Kate , Lakeman Richard
Published: November 2010

If early intervention in dementia care is to be enhanced, it is important to have a critical debate over how this should be realized. In this paper, we offer a synthesis of two approaches to care: mental health recovery and person‐centred care, and apply them to early‐stage dementia care. ‘Person‐centred care’ has become a catchphrase for good dementia care. However, many people have not experienced improvements in care, and other lynch pin concepts, such as ‘mental health recovery’, might have utility in driving reform. The similarities and differences between the two approaches are drawn out, and the difficulties of using the word ‘recovery’ when discussing a degenerative disease are highlighted. The implications of this discussion for early intervention are discussed. It could be seen that the two bodies of knowledge have much to offer each other, despite initial dissonance with the label of recovery in dementia care.
Linking psychosocial stressors and childhood obesity
Authors: Gundersen C. , Mahatmya D. , Garasky S. , Lohman B.
Published: November 2010

Research has established a wide array of genetic and environmental factors that are associated with childhood obesity. The focus of this review is on recent work that has established the relationship between one set of environmental factors, stressors and childhood obesity. These stressors are particularly prevalent for low‐income children, a demographic group that has high rates of obesity in the USA and other developed countries. In this review, we begin by summarizing the psychosocial stressors faced by children followed by health outcomes associated with exposure to these stressors documented in the literature. We then summarize 11 articles which examined the connection between psychosocial stressors in the household and obesity and eight articles which examined the connection between individual psychosocial stressors and obesity. Policy recommendations emerging from this research include recognizing reductions in childhood obesity as a potential added benefit of social safety net programmes that reduce financial stress among families. In addition, policies and programmes geared towards childhood obesity prevention should focus on helping children build resources and capacities to teach them how to cope effectively with stressor exposure. We conclude with suggestions for future research.
ADAPTIVE RANKS CLONE ANDk‐NEAREST NEIGHBOR LIST–BASED IMMUNE MULTI‐OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Yang Dongdong , Jiao Licheng , Gong Maoguo , Feng Jie
Published: November 2010

Artificial immune systems (AIS) are computational systems inspired by the principles and processes of the vertebrate immune system. The AIS‐based algorithms typically exploit the immune system's characteristics of learning and adaptability to solve some complicated problems. Although, several AIS‐based algorithms have proposed to solve multi‐objective optimization problems (MOPs), little focus have been placed on the issues that adaptively use the online discovered solutions. Here, we proposed an adaptive selection scheme and an adaptive ranks clone scheme by the online discovered solutions in different ranks. Accordingly, the dynamic information of the online antibody population is efficiently exploited, which is beneficial to the search process. Furthermore, it has been widely approved that one‐off deletion could not obtain excellent diversity in the final population; therefore, ak‐nearest neighbor list (wherekis the number of objectives) is established and maintained to eliminate the solutions in the archive population. Thek‐nearest neighbors of each antibody are founded and stored in a list memory. Once an antibody with minimal product ofk‐nearest neighbors is deleted, the neighborhood relations of the remaining antibodies in the list memory are updated. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested on 10 well‐known and frequently used multi‐objective problems and two many‐objective problems with 4, 6, and 8 objectives. Compared with five other state‐of‐the‐art multi‐objective algorithms, namely NSGA‐II, SPEA2, IBEA, HYPE, and NNIA, our method achieves comparable results in terms of convergence, diversity metrics, and computational time.
A Parallel SPH Implementation on Multi‐Core CPUs
Authors: Ihmsen Markus , Akinci Nadir , Becker Markus , Teschner Matthias
Published: November 2010

This paper presents a parallel framework for simulating fluids with the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. For low computational costs per simulation step, efficient parallel neighbourhood queries are proposed and compared. To further minimize the computing time for entire simulation sequences, strategies for maximizing the time step and the respective consequences for parallel implementations are investigated. The presented experiments illustrate that the parallel framework can efficiently compute large numbers of time steps for large scenarios. In the context of neighbourhood queries, the paper presents optimizations for two efficient instances of uniform grids, that is, spatial hashing and index sort. For implementations on parallel architectures with shared memory, the paper discusses techniques with improved cache‐hit rate and reduced memory transfer. The performance of the parallel implementations of both optimized data structures is compared. The proposed solutions focus on systems with multiple CPUs. Benefits and challenges of potential GPU implementations are only briefly discussed.
A Comparison of Earnings Measures from Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Surveys: Evidence from the UK
Authors: Francesconi Marco , Sutherland Holly , Zantomio Francesca
Published: November 2010

The paper compares earnings data from the British Household Panel Survey with those collected in the Family Resources Survey, using several measures, which account for various key aspects of the two surveys, and contrasting three different points in time (1995–1996, 2003–2004 and 2007–2008). We first perform non-parametric tests of equality at the centre of the distributions and over the whole earnings distributions. We then apply multivariate regression methods to establish whether the Family Resources Survey and British Household Panel Survey earnings data yield different results in relation to three typical uses of earnings data: the probability of being at the bottom or at the top of the distribution, the estimation of earnings functions both at the mean and at various quartiles and, using earnings as an explanatory variable, the probability of belonging to an occupational pension plan. Our analysis reveals that the two surveys have fairly similar earnings data in the first comparison year, whereas sizable and stable differences emerge in the later two comparisons. These findings are robust to the use of alternative definitions of earnings. They suggest the important role that is played by non-response and attrition between the first and the second comparison time points, and that played by ‘learning-by-doing’ effects in later data collections.
Investigating Scheduling of Work: A Two-Stage Optimal Matching Analysis of Workdays and Workweeks
Authors: Lesnard Laurent , Kan Man Yee
Published: November 2010

We study the scheduling of work by using optimal matching analysis. We show that optimal matching can be adapted to the number of periodicities and theoretical concerns of the topic by adjusting its costs and parameters. Optimal matching is applied at two stages to define workdays and workweeks at the first and second stage respectively. There were five types of workdays and seven types of workweeks in the UK between 2000 and 2001. Standard workdays represented just over a half of workdays and standard workweeks constituted one in four workweeks. There were three types of part-time workweeks.
Going Home for Christmas: Prisoners, A Taste of Freedom and the Press
Authors: O'DONNELL IAN , JEWKES YVONNE
Published: November 2010

Abstract: This article explores the extent to which prisoners in the UK and Republic of Ireland are permitted to leave prison to join their families for the Christmas festivities. It is argued that the willingness to allow such absences provides insights into divergent penal policies and contrasting socio‐cultural attitudes towards prisoners and imprisonment (and, tangentially, the meaning of Christmas). In the Republic of Ireland the use of temporary release (TR) for Christmas – although in decline – has been largely uncontroversial. Even when addressing prisoners who fail to return at the end of their leave, press coverage tends to be discreet and factual. Very different in style and tone are newspapers in the UK which tend only to report prisoner release schemes if the stories can be linked to themes of recidivism, pampered (and dangerous) prisoners and misplaced political correctness. Here the granting of a taste of freedom is characterised by a strong belief in the 19th‐Century principle of ‘less eligibility’ and the implication that prison inmates are an undeserving underclass who should be shown no goodwill at any time of the year.
Depigmentation therapies for normal skin in vitiligo universalis
Authors: AlGhamdi K.M. , Kumar A.
Published: November 2010

If vitiligo involves most of the body, it might be easier to depigment the normal remaining skin rather than to attempt repigmentation. We reviewed the literature to date regarding available therapies for depigmenting the normal skin in vitiligo universalis. Our review revealed that the threshold regarding what percentage of body surface area qualifies as depigmentation is variable among practitioners. Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is the most widely used depigmenting agent and has few side‐effects. Tretinoin in combination with MBEH is able to speed depigmentation of the skin. Monomethylether of hydroquinone has also been used successfully for depigmentation. Eighty‐eight per cent phenol is also effective in depigmenting the skin but its application on large areas is toxic for liver and kidney. Different types of lasers are also available to destruct the melanocytes selectively, but this technique can be painful and expensive. Cryotherapy is a cheap depigmenting therapy but, because of scarring risk, it should only be used by experienced dermatologists. No trials have compared the efficacy of the above‐mentioned well‐established depigmentation agents/techniques. Certain drugs such as imatinib, imiquimod and diphencyprone, which are used to treat other diseases, caused depigmentation as a side‐effect. Some depigmentation agents used for branding cattle can also serve as topical depigmentation agents. In conclusion, comparative clinical trials are needed to compare the efficacy of various depigmentation agents/techniques. In particular, topical imatinib, imiquimod and diphencyprone may be considered as potential depigmenting agents, which require further investigation. This review revealed that MBEH is safe and effective depigmenting agent.
Dermal infiltrates of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas with epidermotropism but not other cutaneous lymphomas are abundant with langerin+ dendritic cells
Authors: Der‐Petrossian M. , Valencak J. , Jonak C. , Klosner G. , Dani T. , Müllauer L. , Pehamberger H. , Knobler R. , Trautinger F.
Published: November 2010

Background  The Langerhans cell (LC) hypothesis suggests that cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL) are diseases of chronic T‐cell stimulation by LC‐mediated antigen presentation.

Objective  To investigate a broad panel of CTCL and cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCL) for the spatial association of langerin+ dendritic cells (DC) with T and B cells in the skin, respectively.

Methods  Fifty‐five specimens of CTCL and 10 of CBCL were double‐stained with monoclonal antibodies against langerin and CD3 or CD20, respectively, and evaluated by confocal laser scan microscopy.

Results  Dermal infiltrates in mycosis fungoides (n = 38), primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium‐sized pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma (n = 3) and primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified (n = 3) were characterized by a high frequency of dermal langerin+ DCs. These cells were exclusively present in the malignant infiltrates. No direct co‐localization of CD3 and langerin could be resolved. Dermal langerin+ cells were detected only in one of six primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas (C‐ALCL), characterized by epidermotropism. In other C‐ALCL cases (five of six), in lymphomatoid papulosis (n = 3), subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (n = 2), and all variants of CBCL no dermal langerin+ DCs could be found.

Conclusions  Langerin+ DCs are abundant in the dermal infiltrates of T‐cell lymphomas with specific involvement of the epidermis. This might indicate that immature LC and neoplastic T cells interact and gives rise to further studies to characterize the phenotype of the langerin+ cell population described here and its role in the pathology of CTCL.
A half of schoolchildren with ‘ISAAC eczema’ are ill with allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Czarnobilska E. , Obtulowicz K. , Dyga W. , Spiewak R.
Published: November 2010

Background  Similarity in clinical symptoms between atopic eczema (AE) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) may lead to misdiagnoses in both clinical practice and epidemiological studies. As patch testing for contact allergy does not seem popular among paediatric allergists, the resulting bias leads mainly to under diagnosing of ACD and over diagnosing of AE in children and adolescents.

Objectives  To assess the frequency of AE and ACD among children and adolescents who answered affirmatively the eczema module of ISAAC questionnaire.

Methods  Of 9320 schoolchildren involved in an allergy screening programme, 143 consecutive participants were recruited for the present study. The inclusion criterion was affirmative answers to questions from the eczema module of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The children were examined by two allergists: a paediatrician and a dermatologist, and the children underwent patch testing.

Results  We diagnosed AE in 46 (55.4%) children and 18 (30.0%) adolescents, whereas 32 (38.6%) children and 31 (51.7%) adolescents were diagnosed with ACD, with a considerable overlap of both diseases. Nine of 46 (19.6%) children and 13 of 25 (52.0%) adolescents with affirmative answers to the question about flexural eczema were diagnosed with ACD, while lacking features sufficient for the diagnosis of AE according to Hanifin and Rajka. Based on the indices from the whole population tested (9320 pupils), a rough estimate of the general ACD prevalence was 5.8% for adolescents, and 8.5% for children, which is close to the figure of 7.2% observed previously in Danish schoolchildren.

Conclusions  Our data demonstrate that ‘ISAAC eczema’ is an epidemiological entity that embraces comparable portions of cases of atopic eczema and allergic contact dermatitis, and possibly also other less frequent pruritic dermatoses. Each case of chronic recurrent dermatitis in children requires differential diagnosis aimed at allergic contact dermatitis and inflammatory dermatoses other than atopic eczema, even when predominantly localized in flexural areas.
Emotions and Narrative Analysis: A Methodological Approach
Authors: KLERES JOCHEN
Published: November 2010

After what has been termed the affective or emotional turn in sociology and many other academic fields, there is still a dearth of methodologies for systematic empirical emotion analysis in sociology. The article addresses this gap and argues that the principles of narrative analysis can be fruitfully extended to the systematic empirical investigation of emotions. A short description of key principles and tools in narrative analysis will serve as the basis for showing how the same concepts can be used to gain access to the emotional side of human experience. To this end the article engages with philosophical debates to develop a specific theoretical notion of emotions—their narrative nature—and discusses the emotional nature of narrative. Specifically, this calls into question any clear‐cut distinction between meaning and emotion. Based on this, the text then employs linguistic and some psychological and literary research to demonstrate and systematize key ways in which emotions can be expressed narratively as well as on the level of sentences and words. Together this forms an encompassing methodological framework that can capture the emotionality of human experience in its manifold forms. Specifically, this also addresses the problem of non‐conscious emotions.
Prediction of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm labour: analysis of multiple proteins in amniotic and cervical fluids
Authors: Holst R‐M , Hagberg H , Wennerholm U‐B , Skogstrand K , Thorsen P , Jacobsson B
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Holst R‐M, Hagberg H, Wennerholm U‐B, Skogstrand K, Thorsen P, Jacobsson B. Prediction of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm labour: analysis of multiple proteins in amniotic and cervical fluids. BJOG 2011;118:240–249.

Objective  Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity is a major cause of preterm delivery and the diagnosis is dependent on invasive amniocentesis. The objective was to determine whether specific proteins in amniotic and cervical fluids alone, or in combination, could identify bacterial invasion.

Design  A prospective follow‐up study.

Population  Women with singleton pregnancies presenting with preterm labour between 22 and 33 weeks of gestation (n = 89).

Setting  Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Methods  Amniotic and cervical fluid was analysed with polymerase chain reaction for Mycoplasmas, and was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Twenty‐seven proteins were analysed using multiplex technology. Individual levels of each protein were compared in order to find associations between different proteins and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Predictive models based on multiple proteins were created using stepwise binary logistic regression.

Main outcome measure  The main outcome measure was microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity.

Results  Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was present in 17% (15/89) of the women. Concentration levels of several amniotic and cervical proteins were significantly higher in women with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Three multivariate predictive models were found. The predictive power of the non‐invasive model (73% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 55% positive predictive value, 94% negative predictive value) was as good as the invasive models. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and likelihood ratio were 0.87 and 6.0, respectively.

Conclusions  Prediction of intra‐amniotic infection using selected cervical proteins was equally good as prediction using the same proteins collected from amniotic fluid, or a combination of cervical and amniotic proteins.
Simultaneous measurement of objective refraction, accommodation response and axial length of the human eye
Authors: Alderson Alison , Mankowska Aleksandra , Cufflin Matthew P , Mallen Edward AH
Published: November 2010

Citation information: Alderson A, Mankowska A, Cufflin MP & Mallen EAH. Simultaneous measurement of objective refraction, accommodation response and axial length of the human eye. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 100–108. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2010.00794.x

Purpose:  Accurate measurements of ocular biometry and objective refraction are of vital importance to research laboratories working in the area of refractive error development and oculomotor function. A number of commercially available instruments can provide these measurements, and are used in both their intended modes, and with modifications to increase their research utility. A limitation that exists currently is the inability to conduct simultaneous measurements of refractive error or accommodation response, and the axial length of the same eye. In this technical note we provide details of a method to adapt the Zeiss IOLMaster and the Shin‐Nippon SRW‐5000 infrared optometer to simultaneously measure refraction and axial length.

Methods:  The optical modification used to combine the measurement paths of the IOLMaster and SRW‐5000 instruments consists of a narrow band‐pass filter, and optical relay to extend the working distance of the IOLMaster, and an electronic system to provide synchronisation between the IOLMaster and the SRW‐5000 continuous accommodation recording system. The optical modification was tested on model eyes, and on a cohort of 20 human eyes. The combined system was then used to measure accommodation response and axial length simultaneously in a single participant.

Results:  Inclusion of the optical modification in the IOLMaster pathway induced a 0.004 mm shift in the average measurement of a calibration eye, and an average difference of 0.001 mm for a cohort of human eyes. For the SRW‐5000, inclusion of the modified optics induced a +0.15 D shift in the spherical component of refraction measurements made on a model eye, and an average shift of +0.12 D in the spherical component of measurements made on a cohort of human eyes. Simultaneous measurement of accommodation response and axial length in a single participant revealed that a change in stumulus vergence from 0 to 5 D caused an average accommodation response of 3.89 D, and an average transient axial length change of 0.059 mm.

Conclusions:  The system described provides a useful method of achieving simultaneous measurements of axial length, objective refraction and accommodation response in a human eye.
The influence of learning styles, enrolment status and gender on academic performance of optometry undergraduates
Authors: Prajapati Bhavna , Dunne Mark , Bartlett Hannah , Cubbidge Robert
Published: November 2010

Citation information:Prajapati B, Dunne M, Bartlett H & Cubbidge R. The influence of learning styles, enrolment status and gender on academic performance of optometry undergraduates.Ophthalmic Physiol Opt2011,31, 69–78. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2010.00798.x

Purpose: This cross‐sectional study was designed to determine whether the academic performance of optometry undergraduates is influenced by enrolment status, learning style or gender.

Methods: Three hundred and sixty undergraduates in all 3 years of the optometry degree course at Aston University during 2008–2009 were asked for their informed consent to participate in this study. Enrolment status was known from admissions records. An Index of Learning Styles (http://www4.nscu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Learning‐Styles.html) determined learning style preference with respect to four different learning style axes; active‐reflective, sensing‐intuitive, visual‐verbal and sequential‐global. The influence of these factors on academic performance was investigated.

Results: Two hundred and seventy students agreed to take part (75% of the cohort). 63% of the sample was female. There were 213 home non‐graduates (entrants from the UK or European Union without a bachelor’s degree or higher), 14 home graduates (entrants from the UK or European Union with a bachelor’s degree or higher), 28 international non‐graduates (entrants from outside the UK or European Union without a bachelor’s degree or higher) and 15 international graduates (entrants from outside the UK or European Union with a bachelor’s degree or higher). The majority of students were balanced learners (between 48% and 64% across four learning style axes). Any preferences were towards active, sensing, visual and sequential learning styles. Of the factors investigated in this study, learning styles were influenced by gender; females expressed a disproportionate preference for the reflective and visual learning styles. Academic performance was influenced by enrolment status; international graduates (95% confidence limits: 64–72%) outperformed all other student groups (home non graduates, 60–62%; international non graduates, 55–63%) apart from home graduates (57–69%).

Conclusion: Our research has shown that the majority of optometry students have balanced learning styles and, from the factors studied, academic performance is only influenced by enrolment status. Although learning style questionnaires offer suggestions on how to improve learning efficacy, our findings indicate that current teaching methods do not need to be altered to suit varying learning style preferences as balanced learning styles can easily adapt to any teaching style (Learning Styles and Pedagogy in Post‐16 Learning: A Systematic and Critical Review. London, UK: Learning and Skills Research Centre, 2004).
Parental marital conflict and divorce, parent–child relationships, and social support among Latino‐American young adults
Authors: RIGGIO HEIDI R. , VALENZUELA ANN MARIE
Published: November 2010

Based on research documenting the harmful consequences of parental conflict and divorce, this self‐report study examined parental conflict, divorce, and social outcomes of Latino‐American young adults. Undergraduate students (N = 431) from divorced and intact families completed measures of parental conflict, quality of parent–adult child relationships, and perceptions of social support. As hypothesized, conflict was associated with poorer parent–adult child relationships, divorce was associated with poorer father–adult child relationships and higher quality mother–adult child relationships, and quality of relationships with parents was positively related to perceived social support. Contrary to expectations, perceptions of social support were not related to parental conflict. Results are discussed in terms of features of Latino families, including extended family networks as important sources of social support.