bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraepidermal adenocarcinoma in the perianal skin of two cats, a condition resembling human extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Hargis Ann M. , Baldessari Audrey E. , Walder Emily J.
Published: November 2007

In humans, mammary and extramammary Paget's disease is an uncommon to rare manifestation of intraepidermal adenocarcinoma arising from simple epithelium, usually glandular in origin. This report describes two cats with lesions in perianal skin consisting of atypical intraepidermal neoplastic cells. Differential diagnoses included intraepidermal adenocarcinoma, in situ squamous or basal cell carcinoma, junctional amelanotic melanoma, and epitheliotropic tumours of histiocytic or lymphocytic origin. The atypical intraepidermal cells in the cats were immunohistochemically positive for cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18), which stains simple (glandular) epithelium. The keratinocytes and basal cells were negative for CK8/18. In addition, the atypical intraepidermal cells were immunohistochemically negative for melanocytic, lymphocytic, and histiocytic markers. The staining results confirmed the atypical intraepidermal cells to be of simple glandular origin, and ruled out other causes of intraepidermal malignancy. In one cat the clinical lesions consisted of a pruritic erythematous eruption surrounding the anus. Another cat presented clinically for an area of irregular anal thickening; this cat had well‐regulated diabetes mellitus. The cats were otherwise clinically healthy. The clinical features, histological appearance, and immunohistochemical staining of the skin lesions were consistent with those described for human perianal extramammary Paget's disease. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of an intraepidermal adenocarcinoma in a cat or other animal species.
Report of a novel B*3579 allele in an Ecuadorian family: confirmation and extension of A*6836 and B*3922 sequences
Authors: Sánchez‐Gordo F. , Balas A. , García‐Sánchez F. , Prat I. , Vicario J. L.
Published: November 2007

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I sequencing typing of a cord blood unit obtained from an Ecuadorian family showed the presence of the recently described A*6836 and B*3922 alleles. Sequences of these two antigens were confirmed and completed. Additionally, a new HLA‐B allele, B*3579, was found in the same family, showing a difference of one amino acid residue at position 211 (Ala > Glu) compared with B*3543.
The new HLA‐C allele, Cw*0220, shows a new polymorphism at amino acid position 169
Authors: Balas A. , Bustamante L. , García‐Sánchez F. , Vicario J. L.
Published: November 2007

The new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐C allele, Cw*0220, was identified in a Spanish Caucasian patient by sequence‐based typing. HLA‐Cw*0220 differs from Cw*020202 by a single amino acid replacement at constant position 169 (R > H).
Maize D4;1 and D5 cyclin proteins in germinating maize. Associated kinase activity and regulation by phytohormones
Authors: Lara‐Núñez Aurora , De Jesús Natividad , Vázquez‐Ramos Jorge M.
Published: November 2007

We have previously reported the expression of four different maize D cyclins during seed germination and showed that cytokinins and auxins stimulate the expression of every cyclin in a differential way. In this paper we characterize the behavior at the protein level of two of these cyclins, CycD5 and CycD4;1. Antibodies were raised against CycD5;2 (which very likely also recognizes D5;1) and CycD4;1 and Western blot studies demonstrated that neither BA nor indol‐3 acetic acid (IAA) stimulate cyclin accumulation during germination, compared with control levels. However, phytohormones, particularly IAA, modify the kinase activity associated to D cyclins preferentially at early hours of germination. The associated kinase moiety to D cyclins appears to be of a Cdk‐A type because this protein immunoprecipitates with D cyclins and because kinase activity is strongly inhibited by both olomoucine and also by a peptide corresponding to the carboxy end of a maize kip related protein (KRP) protein. There is thus no correlation between mRNA and protein expression for these maize D cyclins during seed germination, although phytohormones may stimulate a signaling cascade that stimulates activation of protein kinase activity in cyclin–Cdk complexes.
Frequency of risk factors for foot ulceration in individuals with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Freeman A. , May K. , Frescos N. , Wraight P. R.
Published: November 2007

Background:  Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with foot ulceration, the pathological pathway involved remains unclear. This pilot study was designed to investigate the risk factors for foot ulceration in individuals with CKD who do not have diabetes. The aims of this study were to establish the risk status for foot ulceration in individuals with CKD and to identify the particular foot ulcer risk factors most prevalent in this group.

Methods:  One hundred outpatients were recruited from a metropolitan hospital and allocated into one of four groups: (i) control: neither diabetes nor CKD, (ii) diabetes alone, (iii) coexisting CKD and diabetes and (iv) CKD alone. All participants were assessed for past/current foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, structural deformity and skin pathology. Comparisons were made between the groups regarding the prevalence of these factors.

Results:  Participants with CKD who did not have diabetes displayed no significant differences in risk factor presentation from those with diabetes alone. Of the participants with CKD and no diabetes, 36% had peripheral neuropathy, 20% had vascular insufficiency and 24% had the copresentation of peripheral neuropathy and structural deformity. Overall, participants with both CKD and diabetes had the highest presentation of past/current foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy and vascular insufficiency, all significantly more frequent in this group than in controls (P < 0.05). Eight of the total 10 participants found to have a past/current foot ulcer were in end‐stage kidney failure.

Conclusion:  Individuals with CKD frequently display risk factors for foot ulceration. Risk factors are more prevalent in individuals who also have diabetes and foot ulcers become more frequent with progression to end‐stage kidney failure. Risk assessment and patient awareness strategies should therefore be extended to include all patients with CKD so as to reduce future foot ulcer development.
Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in older rural Chinese
Authors: Zhang X. , Sun Z. , Zhang X. , Zheng L. , Liu S. , Xu C. , Li J. , Zhao F. , Li J. , Hu D. , Sun Y.
Published: November 2007

Background:  The elderly obese are at increased risk of mortality and morbidity of many obesity‐related chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease. This study was designed to investigate the epidemiological features of overweight and obesity in older rural Chinese.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted during 2004–2005, which undertook multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample in Fuxin county, Liaoning province, China. A total of 6643 elderly persons with age ≥60 years was examined. At baseline, lifestyle and other factors were obtained. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the World Health Organization classification and Chinese criteria, respectively.

Results:  Overall, using World Health Organization criteria, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 13.8 and 1.7%, respectively. Using Chinese criteria, the corresponding figures were 21.2 and 4.0%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that women, Mongolian nationality, high levels of education and current drinking status were risk factors for overweight or obese participants. Increasing age, high levels of physical activity and current smoking status were shown as protective factors. A positive association was also observed between body mass index and female sex, Mongolian nationality, education levels and current drinking status. However, there was an inverse association between body mass index and age, physical activity levels and current smoking status.

Conclusion:  Although the prevalence of obesity was low, the prevalence of overweight was relatively high in older rural Chinese, especially in female adults. Unfavourable lifestyles, gender, age, ethnicity, education levels and physical activity were associated with the prevalence of these health conditions.
Alpha‐synuclein in the nucleus accumbens induces changes in cocaine behaviour in rats
Authors: Boyer Frederic , Dreyer Jean‐Luc
Published: November 2007

The mesolimbic dopaminergic system is widely recognized to be critical to the neurobiology of cocaine reward and addiction. The neuronal protein, α‐synuclein, is an important regulator in dopaminergic transmission. It interacts with the dopamine transporter, and regulates dopaminergic content, neurotransmission and synaptic strength of dopaminergic neurons. Alpha‐synuclein levels are elevated in midbrain dopamine neurons of chronic cocaine abusers, and its expression is increased in psychostimulant‐treated animals [M.S. Brenz‐Verca et al. (2003) J. Neurosci., 18, 1923–1938]. This suggests a role for α‐synuclein in psychostimulant‐induced behavioural effects. To investigate this hypothesis, we tested the effect of stimulation and silencing of α‐synuclein expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) on two cocaine‐induced behavioural effects in the rat. For this purpose, animals were administered with lentiviruses driving α‐synuclein overexpression under the control of a doxycycline regulatable promoter and/or with three lentiviruses expressing target‐specific siRNAs, aimed at silencing α‐synuclein mRNA expression. Animals were then tested for cocaine‐induced locomotion (15 mg/kg i.p.) or cocaine‐induced intravenous self‐administration (SA; 0.7 mg/kg, 1 h/day). Overexpression of α‐synuclein in the NAcc induced a 45% increase in locomotor activity and a 1.9‐fold increase of cocaine SA, which could be abolished when the same animal was fed doxycycline. Furthermore, local inhibition of α‐synuclein in the NAcc resulted in significant hypolocomotion activity and a decrease in SA. Our results demonstrate that α‐synuclein is able to modulate cocaine‐induced behavioural effects. This suggests that targeting α‐synuclein function could provide new therapeutic strategies to treat cocaine abuse, for which there is no available treatment.
Acetaldehyde mediates alcohol activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system
Authors: Melis M. , Enrico P. , Peana A. T. , Diana M.
Published: November 2007

Ethanol (EtOH), the main psychoactive ingredient of alcoholic drinks, is widely considered to be responsible for alcohol abuse and alcoholism through its positive motivational properties, which depend, at least partially, on the activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. However, acetaldehyde (ACD), the first metabolite of EtOH, has been classically considered to be aversive and useful in the pharmacological therapy of alcoholics. Here we show that EtOH‐derived ACD is necessary for EtOH‐induced place preference, a pre‐clinical test with high predictive validity for reward liability. We also found that ACD is essential for EtOH‐increased microdialysate dopamine (DA) levels in the rat nucleus accumbens and that this effect is mimicked by intra‐ventral tegmental area (VTA) ACD administration. Furthermore, in vitro, ACD enhances VTA DA neuronal firing through action on two ionic currents: reduction of the A‐type K+ current and activation of the hyperpolarization‐activated inward current. EtOH‐stimulating properties on DA neurons are prevented by pharmacological blockade of local catalase, the main metabolic step for biotransformation of EtOH into ACD in the central nervous system. These results provide in‐vivo and in‐vitro evidence for a key role of ACD in the motivational properties of EtOH and its activation of the mesolimbic DA system. Additionally, these observations suggest that ACD, by increasing VTA DA neuronal activity, would oppose its well‐known peripherally originating aversive properties. Careful consideration of these findings could help in devising new effective pharmacological therapies aimed at reducing EtOH intake in alcoholics.
Respiratory and metabolic acidosis differentially affect the respiratory neuronal network in the ventral medulla of neonatal rats
Authors: Okada Yasumasa , Masumiya Haruko , Tamura Yoshiyasu , Oku Yoshitaka
Published: November 2007

Two respiratory‐related areas, the para‐facial respiratory group/retrotrapezoid nucleus (pFRG/RTN) and the pre‐Bötzinger complex/ventral respiratory group (preBötC/VRG), are thought to play key roles in respiratory rhythm. Because respiratory output patterns in response to respiratory and metabolic acidosis differ, we hypothesized that the responses of the medullary respiratory neuronal network to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are different. To test these hypotheses, we analysed respiratory‐related activity in the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG of the neonatal rat brainstem–spinal cord in vitro by optical imaging using a voltage‐sensitive dye, and compared the effects of respiratory and metabolic acidosis on these two populations. We found that the spatiotemporal responses of respiratory‐related regional activities to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are fundamentally different, although both acidosis similarly augmented respiratory output by increasing respiratory frequency. PreBötC/VRG activity, which is mainly inspiratory, was augmented by respiratory acidosis. Respiratory‐modulated pixels increased in the preBötC/VRG area in response to respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis shifted the respiratory phase in the pFRG/RTN; the pre‐inspiratory dominant pattern shifted to inspiratory dominant. The responses of the pFRG/RTN activity to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are complex, and involve either augmentation or reduction in the size of respiratory‐related areas. Furthermore, the activation pattern in the pFRG/RTN switched bi‐directionally between pre‐inspiratory/inspiratory and post‐inspiratory. Electrophysiological study supported the results of our optical imaging study. We conclude that respiratory and metabolic acidosis differentially affect activities of the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG, inducing switching and shifts of the respiratory phase. We suggest that they differently influence the coupling states between the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG.
Acute and long‐term effects of MK‐801 on direct cortical input evoked homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the female rat
Authors: Wöhrl Robert , Eisenach Sven , Manahan‐Vaughan Denise , Heinemann Uwe , Von Haebler Dorothea
Published: November 2007

We analysed acute and long‐term effects of theN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist MK‐801 on long‐term heterosynaptic population spike depression (LTHPSD) evoked by high‐frequency stimulation of the direct cortical input in female rat hippocampal slices to understand disturbances in cognitive functions associated with an acute phencyclidine‐induced psychosis. High‐frequency stimulation (HFS) of the direct cortical input (dCI) to cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) induced homosynaptic long‐term potentiation (LTP) while simultaneously evoking LTHPSD at the Schaffer collateral input. Animals treated with a single intraperitoneal application of MK‐801 (5 mg/kg body weight) showed severe behavioural alterations for 24 h, although histological examination of CA1 did not reveal any morphological changes. However, after application of MK‐801, homosynaptic LTP of the dCI was suppressed for up to 7 days and recovered within 4 weeks. Likewise, LTHPSD in response to HFS of the dCI to CA1 was abolished for at least 1 week post‐treatment, with partial recovery occurring after 4 weeks. Homosynaptic LTP, induced by HFS of Schaffer collaterals, was also disturbed for at least 24 h, with recovery after 7 days. Remarkably, bath application of MK‐801 (50 µm) converted LTHPSD, induced by dCI HFS, into persistent heterosynaptic long‐term enhancement of stratum radiatum‐evoked responses. The acute effects of MK‐801 on synaptic plasticity seen in this study may contribute to the observed severe behavioural alterations and long‐term effects and may explain some of the long‐lasting symptoms remaining after an acute psychotic episode in humans.
Novel CaV2.1 clone replicates many properties of Purkinje cell CaV2.1 current
Authors: Richards Kathryn S. , Swensen Andrew M. , Lipscombe Diane , Bommert Kurt
Published: November 2007

The P‐type calcium current is mediated by a voltage‐sensing CaV2.1 α subunit in combination with modulatory auxiliary subunits. In Purkinje neurones, this current has distinctively slow inactivation kinetics that may depend on alternative splicing of the α subunit and/or association with different CaVβ subunits. To better understand the molecular components of P‐type calcium current, we cloned a CaV2.1 cDNA from total mouse brain. The full‐length CaV2.1 isoform that we isolated (GenBank AY714490) contains sequences recently shown to be present in Purkinje neurones. In agreement with previously published work, the alternatively spliced amino acid V421, implicated in slow inactivation, was not encoded in AY714490 and was absent from reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction products generated from single Purkinje cells. Next, we studied the expression of the four known mouse auxiliary CaVβ2 isoforms in Purkinje neurones. Confirmation of the presence of CaVβ2a in Purkinje cells, previously shown by others to slow CaV2.1 kinetics, led us to characterize its influence on current dynamics. We studied currents generated by the clone AY714490 coexpressed in tsA201 cells with four different CaVβ subunits. In addition to the well‐documented slowing of open‐state inactivation kinetics, coexpression with the CaVβ2a subunit also protected CaV2.1 channels from closed‐state inactivation and prevented the channel from inactivating during physiological trains of action potential‐like stimuli. This strong resistance to inactivation parallels the property of Purkinje neurone P‐type currents and is suggestive of a role for CaVβ2a in modulating the inactivation properties of P‐type calcium currents in Purkinje neurones.
Induction of autophagy in neurite degeneration of mouse superior cervical ganglion neurons
Authors: Yang Yi , Fukui Koji , Koike Tatsuro , Zheng Xiaoxiang
Published: November 2007

Emerging lines of evidence show that the mechanisms of neurite degeneration are convergent, with poor neuritic transport, mitochondrial dysfunction and an increase in intra‐axonal calcium being the principal convergence points. Nevertheless, the details are unclear. Here, we revealed the induction of autophagy in degenerating neurites of sympathetic neuron initiated by three different experimental paradigms. Autophagosomes were colocalized with collapsed cytoskeletal proteins in neuritic beadings during degeneration. Accumulation of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3‐II, which is the most reliable marker for autophagy, was observed in the early stage of neurite degeneration. The autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine efficiently suppressed neurite degeneration by protecting neurites from the loss of viability and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, knocking down the key autophagy‐related genes Atg7 and Beclin1 significantly delayed axonal and dendritic degeneration after nerve growth factor deprivation. Reduced expression of Atg7 also suppressed neurite fragmentation after transection. Therefore, our present data suggest the critical role of autophagy in neurite degeneration and may provide a valuable clue in understanding the mechanism of axonal and dendritic degeneration.
Diabetes insipidus and, partially, low anxiety‐related behaviour are linked to a SNP‐associated vasopressin deficit in LAB mice
Authors: Keßler Melanie S. , Murgatroyd Chris , Bunck Mirjam , Czibere Ludwig , Frank Elisabeth , Jacob Wolfgang , Horvath Charlotte , Muigg Patrik , Holsboer Florian , Singewald Nicolas , Spengler Dietmar , Landgraf Rainer
Published: November 2007

Following secretion from the posterior pituitary, the neuropeptide vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the kidney to retain water, and when released centrally it can contribute to anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviours. We hypothesized that CD1 mice bred for low trait anxiety (LAB) suffer from a deficit in AVP. Both osmotically stimulated peripheral secretion and intra‐paraventricular nucleus (PVN) release of AVP were found decreased in LAB animals compared with normal anxiety (NAB) or high anxiety (HAB) controls. Consequently, in addition to their extreme non‐anxiety, LAB mice showed signs of central diabetes insipidus (cDI), including increased fluid intake and reduced urine osmolality, as well as a pathological increase in plasma osmolality upon water deprivation. These cDI symptoms were attenuated by administration of a selective AVP V2 receptor agonist. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 1 (C(+ 40)T) of the Avp gene of LAB animals causes an amino acid substitution in the signal peptide of the AVP precursor, and is likely to impair processing and trafficking of the precursor, as suggested by reduced axonal transport of AVP from the hypothalamic PVN, finally contributing to cDI symptoms and low trait anxiety. In an F2 panel, this SNP co‐segregated with fluid intake and showed a partial contribution to low anxiety‐related behaviour, indicated by its co‐segregation with time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus‐maze in a subset of F2 mice. Thus, the SNP‐associated deficit in plasma and central AVP contributes to signs of cDI and, at least partially, to low trait anxiety, both features being typical of LAB animals.
FK506‐binding protein localizations in human penile innervation
Authors: Lagoda Gwen , Sezen Sena F. , Liu Tongyun , Höke Ahmet , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine if FK506‐binding proteins (FKBPs) are localized to the autonomic nerve supply of the human penis because FK506 (an immunosuppressant drug) has been linked to enhanced nerve regeneration after nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases by binding to FKBPs, a select group of immunophilins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human lower genitourinary tract specimens were obtained and embedded in paraffin wax. The tissue was sectioned (10 µm) and processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies for FKBPs 12, 38, 52, 65, 135 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). To confirm specificity of the antibody, we processed some tissue in the absence of primary antibody, with mouse or rabbit IgG, and with a blocking peptide for FKBP12.

RESULTS

In the pelvis, immunoreactivity for all the FKBPs and nNOS was localized to the periprostatic ganglia although FKBP12 was the only FKBP localized to nerve bundles in this location. In penile tissue, immunoreactivity for all five FKBPs and nNOS was localized to nerves, although immunoreactivity for FKBP38 was minimal. The FKBPs were also evident in epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the prostate and penis. Negative controls did not produce staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification and localization of immunophilins to nerves coursing in prostate and penile tissue suggest a likely molecular basis to apply immunophilin ligand therapy to protect or regenerate cavernosal nerves. Our findings support the hypothesis that immunosuppressant drugs such as FK506, working via specific receptor mechanisms, are potentially useful to sustain erectile function in men after radical prostatectomy.
Marketing Development: Live 8 and the Production of the Global Citizen
Authors: Biccum April
Published: November 2007

This contribution argues that a recent crisis in British national narrative has been transformed into a marketing campaign for development. This is an exercise aimed at creating the figure of the ‘Global Citizen’, which has an attitude and aptitude for neoliberal globalization and which acts as a bulwark against recent mass popular protest criticizing the institutions of global governance. The marketing campaign for development culminated recently in a mass commodity spectacle in the form of Live 8, co‐opting the voices of critique and acting as a theatre of legitimation for neoliberal global governance. This has been done by the very actors who stand most to gain from the development agenda currently being proposed for Africa in G8 ministerial talks. This whole fiasco, which occurs within an environment of raging debates over the ‘new’ American imperialism, itself bears the mark of empire.
Reconciling Archer and Bourdieu in an Emergentist Theory of Action
Authors: Elder-Vass Dave
Published: November 2007

Margaret Archer and Pierre Bourdieu have advanced what seem at first sight to be incompatible theories of human agency. While Archer places heavy stress on conscious reflexive deliberation and the consequent choices of identity and projects that individuals make, Bourdieu's concept of habitus places equally heavy stress on the role of social conditioning in determining our behavior, and downplays the contribution of conscious deliberation. Despite this, I argue that these two approaches, with some modification, can be reconciled in a single emergentist theory of human action that is sketched out in this article. It examines how human dispositions and our reflexive decisions are related to the determination of human action, linking dispositions and decisions to their neural base in human physiology and to the social factors that influence them. As a result, it argues, we can see human action as the outcome of a continuous interaction between dispositions and reflexivity. The article goes on to relate this explanation back to Bourdieu's concept of the habitus and Archer's account of reflexivity. It argues that the weaknesses in Bourdieu's theory of action can be resolved by a reasonable reinterpretation of the habitus that makes it consistent with the emergentist theory and creates space for human choices as well as social influences on our behavior. This opens up a role for the sort of reflexive deliberations advocated by Archer and thus to a reconciliation of the key contributions of both Archer and Bourdieu.
Celebrity Status
Authors: Kurzman Charles , Anderson Chelise , Key Clinton , Lee Youn Ok , Moloney Mairead , Silver Alexis , Van Ryn Maria W.
Published: November 2007

Max Weber's fragmentary writings on social status suggest that differentiation on this basis should disappear as capitalism develops. However, many of Weber's examples of status refer to the United States, which Weber held to be the epitome of capitalist development. Weber hints at a second form of status, one generated by capitalism, which might reconcile this contradiction, and later theorists emphasize the continuing importance of status hierarchies. This article argues that such theories have missed one of the most important forms of contemporary status: celebrity. Celebrity is an omnipresent feature of contemporary society, blazing lasting impressions in the memories of all who cross its path. In keeping with Weber's conception of status, celebrity has come to dominate status “honor,” generate enormous economic benefits, and lay claim to certain legal privileges. Compared with other types of status, however, celebrity is status on speed. It confers honor in days, not generations; it decays over time, rather than accumulating; and it demands a constant supply of new recruits, rather than erecting barriers to entry.
The Northern Theory of Globalization
Authors: Connell Raewyn
Published: November 2007

Recent sociological theories of globalization represent a second encounter between sociology and global issues. Their underlying concept of “global society” was constructed from an idea of abstract linkage, given content by existing theories about metropolitan society emphasizing modernity, postmodernity, or system dynamics. Antinomies within the globalization theory, such as the global/local opposition and chaotic argument about power, arise from the metropole-centered logic itself, not from conflicts of evidence. The rhetoric and performativity of globalization theory construct a relation with metropolitan audiences, and sociological theories constitute themselves in multiple ways as Northern theory. If we want a genuinely global analysis of globalization we must reconstruct sociological theory as a markedly more inclusive dialogue.
Null subjects and polarity focus*
Authors: Holmberg Anders
Published: November 2007

Abstract. Some null‐subject languages cannot drop the subject pronoun in the second conjunct in sentences which translate asThey say that John doesn’t speak French, but he does, where the pronoun is coreferent with John. Among the null‐subject languages which do not allow a null subject in this context are Chinese (various dialects), Finnish and European Portuguese. Among the languages that allow it are Japanese, Persian, and Spanish. An explanation is proposed of this variation, based on the following correlation: The languages which do not allow a null subject standardly reply to yes/no‐questions by repeating the finite verb of the question. The languages which allow a null subject standardly reply by using a special affirmation particle ‘yes’. The connection between these two properties is that both involve polarity focus. The proposal is that a null subject in the second conjunct is prohibited in the former class because of a competition of derivations involving ellipsis. This hypothesis is based on the theory of polarity focus in Finnish articulated inHolmberg (2001).
Optimizing verbal agreement in Mordvin
Authors: Aranovich Raúl
Published: November 2007

Abstract. In the Mordvin definite conjugation, portmanteau verbal affixes cross‐reference the person and number of both subject and object. This complex agreement system shows extensive syncretism, which is more acute among the most marked members of the paradigm. I argue that Optimality‐Theory gives a more explanatory account of the pattern of neutralizations in the Mordvin verb than rule‐based theories. Predictions of the analysis are tested against data from other Finno‐Ugric and Uralic languages.
How Complex Are Complex Predicates?
Authors: Wurmbrand Susi
Published: November 2007

Abstract. This paper argues that clause union/restructuring constructions such as verb clusters in German do not involve head clustering in the form of (lexical or derived) complex head formation. I provide several arguments showing that clause union properties are licensed in the absence of complex head formation and that complex head formation hence cannot be seen as a condition on clause union/restructuring. Complex head approaches are compared to syntactic complementation approaches—in particular, to an approach where the verbs of a restructuring construction project independent VPs that include all the internal arguments associated with the particular verbs. A series of empirical facts are considered (constituency, word order, modification, event structure properties, and nominalizations) that all point to the conclusion that these constructions involve regular VPs rather than complex V‐V heads. Although it is not excluded that complex head approaches could be adjusted to accommodate these facts, the main advantage of the VP‐complementation approach is that the sum of the properties discussed follows without additional assumptions from the structure suggested and that this approach also correctly predicts which constructions are excluded.
EU EASTERN ENLARGEMENT AND THE CONFIGURATION OF GERMAN‐POLISH INTER‐FIRM LINKAGES
Authors: KRÄTKE STEFAN , BORST RENATE
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the spatial configuration of German‐Polish inter‐firm linkages based on foreign direct investment. The analysis highlights that most of the German‐Polish inter‐firm linkages are based in West German economic centres, so that East Germany and particularly the Eastern border regions are facing the threat of falling behind those economic regions which take advantage of the chances offered by EU Eastern enlargement. However, within East Germany the region of Berlin‐Brandenburg proves to be the strongest centre of advanced economic linkages to Poland. In comparison to the West German metropolitan regions, Berlin‐Brandenburg firms with direct investment in Poland are characterised by a qualitatively advanced profile of activity branches, in which the technology‐centred and R&D‐intensive industrial branches as well as the highly qualified producer services have a dominant share. The region thus has a potential to become a centre of competence in German‐Polish economic relations.
THE KOMATI DOWNSTREAM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES
Authors: TERRY ALAN
Published: November 2007

To overcome widespread rural poverty, raise incomes and improve food security, Swaziland has begun a process of commercialisation of its subsistence farms. This strategy is based upon extending irrigation onto customary tenured land in the semi‐arid lowveld and converting land to sugar cane production. The paper demonstrates that if farmers adopt an irrigated home garden as a supplement to the cash crop, then food security may be improved. However, changes to the EU's Sugar Protocol is undermining the financial viability of the participating farmers’ associations and compromising the ability of the Komati Downstrean Development Project to improve living standards in the area. It argues that EU aid provided to offset changes to the EU Sugar Protocol should be targeted at the most vulnerable to those changes.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PROXIMITY AND REGIONAL INNOVATION SYSTEMS
Authors: STERNBERG ROLF
Published: November 2007

Research on regional innovation systems (RIS) suffers from two research gaps: The lack of focus on the entrepreneurial dimension and the dominance of empirical studies on intraregional networks and linkages between innovative actors. Referring to the agenda set by Oinas and Malecki, this paper deals with both interrelated issues. It is shown that while intraregional connections are without any doubt of great relevance for the functioning of RISs they bear the risk of lock‐in effects. The complementary importance of extra‐regional relationships for the innovativeness of economic regions is emphasised. Entrepreneurial migrants play a crucial role in such relationships. This paper provides a discussion of the five dimensions of proximity recently introduced by Boschma. It is argued that geographical proximity is only one, but often not the most important dimension. For international connections of innovative actors within RIS, cognitive and institutional proximity might be even more relevant.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL AND REPLICATION FUNCTION OF NEW FIRM FORMATION
Authors: KOSTER SIERDJAN
Published: November 2007

New firm formation is commonly seen as a representation of the entrepreneurial capacity of a region. However, there is also a group of new firms that is based on the replication of existing business practices rather than on the entrepreneurial introduction of new practices. Both groups of founding types have a role in the explanation of regional economic development. This paper displays the spatial and industry patterns of two types of new firm formation representing each function: individual foundings and organisational foundings.
The Roots of the Presbyterian Church of Kenya: The Merger of the Gospel Missionary Society and the Church of Scotland Mission Revisited
Authors: WAMAGATTA EVANSON N.
Published: November 2007

The Presbyterian Church of Kenya is the product of the merger of the missionary work of the American Gospel Missionary Society (GMS) and the Scottish Church of Scotland Mission (CSM) in 1946. The two missions had been working independently of each other in central Kenya since 1898. However, there is hardly any scholarly work that has analysed the merger. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to examine why the GMS‐CSM merger became necessary from a GMS perspective. The paper argues that the merger became inevitable and unavoidable because the GMS was unable to solve the problems that plagued it — some of its own making and others beyond its control. The paper concludes by showing that the CSM emerged as the beneficiary of the merger because it eventually assimilated the GMS work.
The social economy of the medieval village in the early fourteenth century1
Authors: SCHOFIELD PHILLIPP R.
Published: November 2007

A significant issue for the historical investigation of the nature of the economy and society of the medieval English village has been the extent to which wealthier villagers were able and willing to respond to the needs of their less fortunate neighbours through informal charity, including the extension of credit and lowered costs for foodstuffs in periods of harvest failure. This article presents a case study of aspects of the local economy, principally viewed through land market activity and inter‐personal litigation, in the early fourteenth century. It concludes that, in this context, there is little evidence for such non‐aggressive activity during the subsistence crises ofc.1300. Instead, a focus on the market and best economic opportunity persisted in ways that were likely to have been antithetical to contemporary views of charitable giving and which may have informed other aspects of social and economic dealing within the local community.
Scottish, Irish, and imperial connections: Parliament, the three kingdoms, and the mechanization of cotton spinning in eighteenth‐century Britain1
Authors: GRIFFITHS TREVOR , HUNT PHILIP , O’BRIEN PATRICK
Published: November 2007

This paper offers a new perspective on the emergence of machinery in the cotton spinning trade during the third quarter of the eighteenth century. It does so by examining the interplay between economic, political, and national interests within the early Hanoverian state. Changes in trading relationships between textile producers across the three kingdoms of England/Wales, Ireland, and Scotland created escalating supply‐side problems, which, by the 1760s, would precipitate a quest for solutions based on new technologies.
Intravital insights in skin wound healing using the mouse dorsal skin fold chamber
Authors: Sorg Heiko , Krueger Christian , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: November 2007

The skin fold chamber is one of the most accepted animal models for studying the microcirculation both in health and disease. Here we describe for the first time the alternative use of the skin fold chamber in mice for intravital microscopic investigation of skin regeneration after creating a full dermal thickness wound. The dorsal skin fold chamber was implanted in hairless SKH1‐hr mice and a full dermal thickness wound (area ~4 mm2) was created. By means of intravital fluorescence microscopy, the kinetics of wound healing were analyzed for 12 days post wounding with assessment of epithelialization and nutritive perfusion. The morphology of the regenerating skin was characterized by hematoxylin‐eosin histology and immunohistochemistry for proliferation and microvessel density. The model allows the continuous visualization of wound closure with complete epithelialization at day 12. Furthermore, a sola cutis se reficientis could be described by an inner circular ring of vessels at the wound margin surrounded by outer radial passing vessels. Inner circular vessels presented initially with large diameters and matured towards diameters of less than 15 µm for conversion into radial spreading outer vessels. Furthermore, wound healing showed all diverse core issues of skin repair. In summary, we were able to establish a model for the analysis of microcirculation in the healing skin of the mouse. This versatile model allows distinct analysis of new vessel formation and maturation in regenerating skin as well as evaluation of skin healing under different pathologic conditions.
Second Life: an overview of the potential of 3‐D virtual worlds in medical and health education
Authors: Boulos Maged N. Kamel , Hetherington Lee , Wheeler Steve
Published: November 2007

This hybrid review‐case study introduces three‐dimensional (3‐D) virtual worlds and their educational potential to medical/health librarians and educators. Second life (http://secondlife.com/) is perhaps the most popular virtual world platform in use today, with an emphasis on social interaction. We describe some medical and health education examples from Second Life, including Second Life Medical and Consumer Health Libraries (Healthinfo Island—funded by a grant from the US National Library of Medicine), and VNEC (Virtual Neurological Education Centre—developed at the University of Plymouth, UK), which we present as two detailed ‘case studies’. The pedagogical potentials of Second Life are then discussed, as well as some issues and challenges related to the use of virtual worlds. We have also compiled an up‐to‐date resource page (http://healthcybermap.org/sl.htm), with additional online material and pointers to support and extend this study.
Evaluating information skills training in health libraries: a systematic review
Authors: Brettle Alison
Published: November 2007

Introduction: Systematic reviews have shown that there is limited evidence to demonstrate that the information literacy training health librarians provide is effective in improving clinicians’ information skills or has an impact on patient care. Studies lack measures which demonstrate validity and reliability in evaluating the impact of training.

Aim: To determine what measures have been used; the extent to which they are valid and reliable; to provide guidance for health librarians who wish to evaluate the impact of their information skills training.

Methods: Data sources: Systematic review methodology involved searching seven databases, and personal files. Study selection: Studies were included if they were about information skills training, used an objective measure to assess outcomes, and occurred in a health setting.

Results: Fifty‐four studies were included in the review. Most outcome measures used in the studies were not tested for the key criteria of validity and reliability. Three tested for validity and reliability are described in more detail.

Conclusions: Selecting an appropriate measure to evaluate the impact of training is a key factor in carrying out any evaluation. This systematic review provides guidance to health librarians by highlighting measures used in various circumstances, and those that demonstrate validity and reliability.
Assessing the impact of a study skills programme on the academic development of nursing diploma students at Northumbria University, UK
Authors: Bailey Pam , Derbyshire Julie , Harding Anne , Middleton Anne , Rayson Karen , Syson Lindy
Published: November 2007

Background:  The Government's nursing recruitment campaign has widened access for those wishing to enter the profession, resulting in some students entering university with clinical experience but little experience of academic writing or using libraries. For these students, the library and study advice staff have an important role to play in helping them acquire appropriate information literacy and study skills.

Objective:  To evaluate the impact of workshops supplementing online instruction in study skills on students’ study and writing skills, and level of information literacy.

Methods:  A small group of pre‐registration nursing students identified as needing support with information literacy and study skills participated in focus groups to identify areas of concern, and were offered four remedial workshops. A follow‐up focus group explored whether the students’ needs had been addressed. Further evaluation of the workshops’ impact was completed by diagnostic testing within the University's information literacy programme, Skills Plus.

Outcomes:  The results showed that all students who attended at least one workshop improved their academic grade in their next assignment. Qualitative data indicated that the students’ confidence level and information literacy, including referencing skills, had improved.

Conclusion:  Evaluating the impact of this intervention has provided the evidence to demonstrate the value of this additional support.
Finding a new kind of knowledge on the HeartNET website
Authors: Bonniface Leesa , Green Lelia
Published: November 2007

Background:  A website developed by the National Heart Foundation (WA Division) and Edith Cowan University, with the help of an Australian Research Council–Linkage grant, provides insight into the sense of isolation experienced by many heart patients which prompts them to engage in a relentless search to answer the fundamental question: why me?

Objective:  To discover whether an online community for people with heart conditions may help instil a sense of sharing a journey with others, and to assess the impact of this shared experience.

Methods:  The qualitative data constituted 50 in‐depth interviews with heart patients using the HeartNET website. This website, with its 600+ membership, also provides Discussion Board data to add depth to the analysis.

Results:  Patients describe how their unsatisfactory search for information in one ‘place’ (the Internet) led them to discover a new ‘place’ (an online community) where they could ‘ask difficult questions’, and ‘gain support and wisdom’ from others.

Conclusion:  This paper suggests that, when anxious patients seek health‐related information, for example in a library, they may benefit from being given contact points to communicate with others who find themselves in similar situations. Internet‐based social software (Web 2.0) can provide this kind of communication.
Assessing the impact of information services in a regionalized health‐care organization
Authors: Medernach Carolyn , Franko Joanne
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Assessment of the usage of medical library services before and after the implementation of several new services, as well as assessment of the clinical impact of the information provided by the medical library.

Methods:  A sample of employees, residents and physicians were surveyed using a stratified, random selection process in two surveys 4 years apart. The response rate for the first survey was 52% and the response rate for the second survey was 35.2%.

Results:  Differences in usage included increased overall use of the librarians and library services, decreased use of the Internet as a source of information, and direct and indirect impacts upon patient care. Information needs of respondents also increased to where 65% of employees and 94% of physicians require information at least once a week. Patient management was the main reason for needing information. The top two specific uses were to find out about a condition and determine a treatment plan.

Conclusions:  These findings parallel some of the findings of other researchers, and contradict the findings of others. Possible explanations for these findings and implications for future research are discussed.
Chronic intestinal ischaemia: diagnosis
Authors: Zacho Helle D. , Abrahamsen Jan
Published: November 2007

Chronic intestinal ischaemia is a relatively rare but very important clinical entity, which is caused by a reduction in the splanchnic blood flow, most often because of atherosclerosis. Intestinal angina is postprandial abdominal pain developing when the genuine and collateral vessels no longer are able to accommodate the postprandial increasing demand from the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. In addition, the clinical picture very often includes sitophobia and weight loss. In daily clinical practice, conventional angiography is considered as the gold standard, but ultra sonography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance angiography are gaining momentum when investigating for chronic intestinal ischaemia. These methods depend on imaging of the stenotic vessels not taking into consideration the possibility of sufficient splanchnic perfusion in spite of severely stenotic or occluded vessels. Only a few papers address the physiological consequence of stenotic or occluded vessels – the lack of postprandial increase in splanchnic blood flow.