bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S‐phase fraction determined on fine needle aspirates is an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer – a multivariate study of 770 patients
Authors: Gazic B. , Pizem J. , Bracko M. , Cufer T. , Borstnar S. , Pohar‐Marinsek Z. , Us‐Krasovec M.
Published: September 2008

Background:  The prognostic significance of DNA ploidy and the S‐phase fraction (SPF) have been extensively studied in breast cancer, but their clinical utility remains controversial. The type of tumour material can substantially influence flow cytometric DNA measurements. Material obtained by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is very suitable for flow cytometric DNA analysis because it contains a low proportion of non‐tumour cells and less debris than tissue samples.

Methods:  The prognostic significance of DNA ploidy and SPF, determined on FNA samples, was analysed in 770 breast cancer patients, diagnosed between 1992 and 1997. DNA ploidy and SPF were determined at the time of diagnosis as part of the diagnostic work‐up. The median follow‐up was 90 months. Survival analysis included overall cancer specific survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and survival after recurrence (SAR). Other variables included in survival analyses were age, histological grade, histological type, lymph node status and tumour size. Disease free interval and the site of recurrence were also included in SAR analysis.

Results:  DNA ploidy and SPF correlated with tumour type, size, lymph node involvement and, especially, tumour grade. In a univariate analysis, both aneuploidy and high SPF were associated with shorter OS, DFS and SAR, but only SPF retained its independent prognostic significance in multivariate analyses. Independent prognostic variables for OS were node status, histological grade, SPF and tumour size. Node status, histological grade and SPF were independent predictors of DFS, while the site of recurrence, SPF, histological grade, disease free interval and age were independent predictors of SAR.

Conclusions:  DNA ploidy and SPF can be efficiently and routinely determined on FNA samples. High SPF is independently associated with a worse clinical outcome of patients with breast cancer. Although SPF and histological grade share prognostic information to some degree, SPF provides additional, less subjective prognostic information. The prognostic value of SPF determined on FNA samples could be even more relevant in neoadjuvant settings and for patients not amenable for surgical treatment, when histological grade cannot be assessed.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α are mediated via TNF‐R2 (p75) in tolerogenic transforming growth factor‐β‐treated antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Masli Sharmila , Turpie Bruce
Published: September 2008

Exposure of macrophages to transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β is known to alter their functional phenotype such that antigen presentation by these cells leads to tolerance rather than an inflammatory immune response. Typically, eye‐derived antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) exposed to TGF‐β in the local environment are known to induce a form of peripheral tolerance and protect the eye from inflammatory immune effector‐mediated damage. In response to TGF‐β, APCs increase their expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and TNF receptor 2 (TNF‐R2). Although TNF‐α has been implicated in tolerance and the associated regulation of the inflammatory immune response, its source and the receptors involved remain unclear. In this report we determined the contribution of TNF‐α and TNF‐R2 expressed by TGF‐β‐treated APCs to their anti‐inflammatory tolerogenic effect. Our results indicate that APC‐derived TNF‐α is essential for the ability of APCs to regulate the immune response and their IL‐12 secretion. Moreover, in the absence of TNF‐R2, APCs exposed to TGF‐β failed to induce tolerance or regulatory cells known to participate in this tolerance. Also, blocking of TNF‐R1 signalling enhanced the ability of the APCs to secrete increased TGF‐β in response to TGF‐β exposure. Together our results support an anti‐inflammatory role of TNF‐α in regulation of an immune response by TGF‐β‐treated APCs and suggest that TNF‐R2 contributes significantly to this role.
Climatic fluctuations shape the phylogeography of a mesic direct‐developing frog from the south‐western Australian biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Edwards Danielle L. , Dale Roberts J. , Scott Keogh J.
Published: September 2008

Aim To assess phylogeographic pattern throughout the range ofMetacrinia nichollsiin order to develop specific biogeographical hypotheses for the wet forests of south‐western Australia. This was carried out by contrasting a direct‐developing frog species,M. nichollsi, that breeds independently of free surface water with conventional, aquatic breeders and highly specialized direct developers.

Location Wet forests of the south‐western Australian biodiversity hotspot – an area of high species richness and endemism for myobatrachid frogs and many other faunal groups.

Methods We compiled an extensive phylogeographic data set from field‐collected samples based on mitochondrialND2sequences. Phylogenetic analyses combined with estimates of divergence times were used to build a model of major biogeographical events affecting the species. Phylogeographic analyses were used to provide insights into smaller‐scale processes acting within each major lineage.

Results Phylogenetic analysis recovered three major lineages, with divergence dates coincident with late Miocene–early Pliocene arid cycles. One lineage was confined to geographically isolated populations in the Stirling Ranges (Stirling Ranges Lineage, SRL). The continuous range ofM. nichollsiwas split into two: the Main Range Lineage (MRL) and the Southern Coastal Lineage (SCL). The SCL displays a strong drainage‐based population structure, whereas the MRL displays a strong signature of recent expansion, suggesting that these two lineages have had very different biogeographical histories.

Main conclusions Late Miocene–Pliocene aridity appears to have isolated populations in the Stirling Ranges and resulted in the formation of two additional lineages on a north–south gradient that are independent of southward‐flowing drainage systems. Our results demonstrate that climatic fluctuations are likely to have generated fine‐scale phylogeographic structure withinM. nichollsiand that catchment regions are important refugia during arid cycles.
Phylogenetic relationships of crown conchs (Melongenaspp.): thecoronacomplex simplified
Authors: Hayes Kenneth A. , Karl Stephen A.
Published: September 2008

Aim The larval stages of marine taxa are often assumed to have an overriding influence on the phylogeographical structure of a species as well as on rates of speciation. Phylogeographical disjunctions in high‐dispersal marine taxa are generally attributed to historical events or contemporary ecological factors. The lack of genetic structure in low‐dispersal marine taxa is often ascribed to rafting by juveniles, yet few studies discuss the effects of historical conditions. Around peninsular Florida, there are three species of the crown conch,Melongena, which have direct‐developing, crawl‐away larvae. One of these species,M. corona, is subdivided into three subspecies. We refer to these five taxa as thecoronacomplex. We assessed the validity of these taxa and tested for patterns of phylogeographical subdivision.

Location Intertidal Florida and eastern Alabama, USA, Mexico and Panama.

Methods The mitochondrial DNA cytochromecoxidase subunit I, and ribosomal DNA 16S genes were sequenced from adult individuals representing all extant taxa ofMelongena. Phylogenetic trees were constructed under maximum likelihood analysis (heuristic search with tree bisection–reconnection branch‐swapping) using the programpaup*.

Results Sequence variability in the complex was low and suggested no systematic or phylogeographical partitioning in thecoronacomplex. The species complex probably consists of a single lineage exhibiting no clear pattern of genetic partitioning over the entire range.

Main conclusions The present study supports the designation of only four extant species within the genus:M. corona,M. patula,M. melongenaandM. bispinosa. The subspeciesM. corona corona,M. c. johnstoneiandM. c. altispira, and the speciesM. sprucecreekensisandM. bicolor, should all be considered to beM. corona. Surprisingly, even with very low larval and adult vagility, no population subdivisions were noted in our genetic analyses. Our analyses also substantiate the paraphyletic status of the family Melongenidae.
Phylogeography of an estuarine mysid, Neomysis integer (Crustacea, Mysida), along the north‐east Atlantic coasts
Authors: Remerie Thomas , Vierstraete Andy , Weekers Peter H. H. , Vanfleteren Jacques R. , Vanreusel Ann
Published: September 2008

Aim  The brackish water mysid, Neomysis integer, is one of the most common mysid species along the coasts of the north‐east Atlantic. In the present study, the phylogeographical patterns were examined throughout the distribution range of N. integer. In particular, the latitudinal trends in genetic diversity and the distribution of genetic variation were examined in order to elucidate the imprints of the Pleistocene glaciations.

Location  North‐east Atlantic coasts from the Baltic Sea to the south of Spain.

Methods  A total of 461 specimens from 11 populations were analysed by means of single‐stranded conformation polymorphism analysis combined with DNA sequencing of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene. The genetic structure was examined by using a progression of phylogenetic, demographic and population genetic analyses to elucidate not only the geographical structure, but also the evolutionary history producing that structure.

Results  The levels of genetic diversity were relatively uniform throughout the distribution range, with the exception of a decline at the northern and southern edges of distribution. A high heterogeneity was observed between the populations analysed (global ΦST = 0.787). This is caused by the disparate distribution of the cytochrome oxidase I haplotypes, with several population‐specific haplotypes. A clear genetic break (2.4% sequence divergence) occurred between the southernmost Guadalquivir population and all other populations.

Main conclusions  The present study corroborates the expectations of the genetic patterns typically observed in an estuarine species. The within‐population variability was low, whereas a significant (moderate to high) divergence was observed between populations. Phylogeographical analysis revealed that northern populations within the English Channel, North Sea and Baltic Sea are characterized by several widespread haplotypes, while the Irish population and all sites south of the Bay of Biscay consist solely of unique haplotypes. This pattern, combined with the relative high levels of genetic diversity, could be indicative for the presence of a glacial refugium in the English Channel region. Under this scenario N. integer must have survived the Last Glacial Maximum in the palaeoriver system present in that region.
Geographical patterns of abundance: testing expectations of the ‘abundance optimum’ model in two taxa of ectoparasitic arthropods
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Vinarski Maxim , Korallo‐Vinarskaya Natalia , Poulin Robert
Published: September 2008

Aim The ‘abundance optimum’ hypothesis predicts that species abundance peaks in the locality with the most favourable conditions and decreases with an increase of distance from that locality. We tested this prediction for 9 fleas and 13 gamasid mite species.

Location We used published data on fleas and gamasid mites that are parasitic on small mammals throughout the Palaearctic.

Methods For each ectoparasite, we computed the correlation between the relative abundance on its principal host species in a region and the distance from that region to the region of maximum abundance. Then, the correlation coefficients were used in a meta‐analysis. We also made a cross‐species comparison between relative abundances in localities (a) closest to and (b) furthest from the locality of maximum abundance.

Results Although the relationship between the relative abundance in a region and the distance from that region to the region of maximum abundance was negative in 19 out of 22 ectoparasites, it was only statistically significant in three of them. However, a meta‐analysis of coefficients of correlations across all species revealed a significant negative effect of the distance from the region of maximum abundance on relative abundance in a particular region. A cross‐species comparison between relative abundances in the localities closest to and furthest from the locality of maximum abundance demonstrated that the former were significantly higher than the latter.

Main conclusions A lack of strict host specificity in the ectoparasites studied, and the absence of any strong spatial correlations among the environmental variables affecting ectoparasite reproduction and abundance, may provide an explanation for the spatial independence in abundance values of most species. However, a preference for a particular host even in host‐opportunistic parasites combined with species‐specific environmental preferences could be the reason behind the weak, but significant, negative abundance–distance relationship across species. The contradiction between results obtained when separate species were considered and when the overall pattern was analysed across species suggests that there exists a general underlying spatial pattern that can often be masked by other factors.
The effect of island area on body size in a primate species from the Sunda Shelf Islands
Authors: Schillaci Michael A. , Meijaard Erik , Clark Terrence
Published: September 2008

Aim  We examine the effect of island area on body dimensions in a single species of primate endemic to Southeast Asia, the long‐tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). In addition, we test Allen’s rule and a within‐species or intraspecific equivalent of Bergmann’s rule (i.e. Rensch’s rule) to evaluate body size and shape evolution in this sample of insular macaques.

Location  The Sunda Shelf islands of Southeast Asia.

Methods  Body size measurements of insular macaques gathered from the literature were analysed relative to island area, latitude, maximum altitude, isolation from the mainland and other islands, and various climatic variables using linear regression.

Results  We found no statistically significant relationship between island area and body length or head length in our sample of insular long‐tailed macaques. Tail length correlated negatively with island area. Head length and body length exhibited increases corresponding to increasing latitude, a finding seemingly consistent with the expression of Bergmann’s rule within a single species. These variables, however, were not correlated with temperature, indicating that Bergmann’s rule is not in effect. Tail length was not correlated with either temperature or increasing latitude, contrary to that predicted by Allen’s rule.

Main conclusions  The island rule dictating that body size will covary with island area does not apply to this particular species of primate. Our study is consistent with results presented in the literature by demonstrating that skull and body length in insular long‐tailed macaques do not, strictly speaking, conform to Rensch’s rule. Unlike previous studies, however, our findings suggest that tail‐length variation in insular macaques does not support Allen’s rule.
Structuring asynchronous discussion groups: the impact of role assignment and self‐assessment on students' levels of knowledge construction through social negotiation
Authors: De Wever B. , Van Keer H. , Schellens T. , Valcke M.
Published: September 2008

This article examines the impact of the introduction of roles and the added value of self‐assessment on students' level of knowledge construction in online asynchronous discussions in a first‐year university course in instructional sciences. Students' postings in 20 discussion groups were used as the research data for this study. All messages, submitted during the 12‐week discussion period and comprising four discussion themes of 3 weeks each, were analysed. Repeated‐measures multilevel modeling was adopted to analyse the data from the content analysis. The results point at a significant positive impact of assigning roles to students. However, this positive impact depends on the moment of the introduction of the roles. Higher levels of social knowledge construction were found in discussion groups where roles were introduced right at the start of the discussions and faded out towards the end. The results further indicate that self‐assessment has no significant added value.
Identification of the novel penicillin biosynthesis gene aatB of Aspergillus nidulans and its putative evolutionary relationship to this fungal secondary metabolism gene cluster
Authors: Spröte Petra , Hynes Michael J. , Hortschansky Peter , Shelest Ekaterina , Scharf Daniel H. , Wolke Sandra M. , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: September 2008

The final step of penicillin biosynthesis in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans is catalysed by isopenicillin N acyltransferase encoded by the aatA gene. Because there is no bacterial homologue, its evolutionary origin remained obscure. As shown here, disruption of aatA still enabled penicillin production. Genome mining led to the discovery of the aatB gene (AN6775.3) which has a similar structure and expression pattern as aatA. Disruption of aatB resulted in a reduced penicillin titre. Surface plasmon resonance analysis and Northern blot analysis indicated that the promoters of both aatA and aatB are bound and regulated by the same transcription factors AnCF and AnBH1f. In contrast to aatA, aatB does not encode a peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1). Overexpression of a mutated aatBPTS1 gene in an aatA‐disruption strain (leading to peroxisomal localization of AatB) increased the penicillin titre more than overexpression of the wild‐type aatB. Homologues of aatA are exclusively part of the penicillin biosynthesis gene cluster, whereas aatB homologues also exist in non‐producing fungi. Our findings suggest that aatB is a paralogue of aatA. They extend the model of evolution of the penicillin biosynthesis gene cluster by recruitment of a biosynthesis gene and its cis‐regulatory sites upon gene duplication.
Design of treatment trials in irritable bowel syndrome: opioid agonists and atypical benzodiazepine antagonists
Authors: Mangel A. W. , Fehnel S. E.
Published: September 2008

Abstract Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function. Few agents are available for the treatment of IBS. Historically, one impediment to the development of agents to treat IBS was lack of a uniform and robust clinical trial design. Studies occurred with different durations of treatment, endpoints and with different target populations. Great advances have been made over the past decade in trial design including: optimal duration of study, mode of data collection, populations to evaluate and identification of endpoints. Using these refinements, it was possible to demonstrate the efficacy of some new agents. These advances are illustrated by a review of trials with kappa opioid agonists and atypical benzodiazepine antagonists, which appear to be promising new classes of treatments for symptoms in IBS.
Morphology and evolution of an anastomosed channel network where saline underflow enters the Black Sea
Authors: FLOOD ROGER D. , HISCOTT RICHARD N. , AKSU ALI E.
Published: September 2008

The Bosphorus Strait accommodates two‐way flow between the Aegean and Black Seas. The Aegean (Mediterranean) inflow has speeds of 5 to 15 cm sec−1 in the strait and a salinity contrast of ∼12‰ to 16‰ with the Black Sea surface waters on the shelf. An anastomosed channel network crosses the shelf and in water deeper than 70 m is characterized by first‐order channels 5 to 10 m deep, local lateral accretion bedding, muddy in‐channel barforms, and a variety of sediment waves both on channel floors and bar crests, crevasse channels entering the overbank area and levée/overbank deposits which are radiocarbon‐dated in cores to be younger than ∼7·5 to 8·0 ka. This channel network accommodates the saline density current formed by the Mediterranean inflow. The density contrast between the density underflow and the ambient water mass is ∼0·01 g cm−3, similar to the density contrast ascribed to low‐concentration turbidity currents in the deep sea. Channel‐floor deposits are sandy to gravelly with local shell concentrations. Low‐relief bedforms on the channel floor have relatively straight crests, upflow‐dipping cross‐stratification, heights 1 to 1·5 m and wavelengths 85 to 155 m. Bankfull flows are subcritical, so these probably are not antidunes. Bar tops are ornamented locally with mudwaves having heights 1 to 2 m and wavelengths ∼20 to 100 m; these are potentially antidunes formed under shallow overbank flows. Towards the shelf edge, the degree of channel bifurcation increases dramatically and bar tops are dissected locally by secondary channels, some of which terminate in hanging valleys. Conical mounds on the shelf (possibly mud volcanoes or sites of fluid seepage) interact with the channel network by promoting accretion of muddy streamlined macroforms in their lee. This channel network may be one of the largest and most accessible natural laboratories on Earth for the study of continuously flowing density currents. Although the driver is salinity contrast, the underflow transports sufficient sediment to form levée wedges and large streamlined barforms, and presumably transports sediment into deep water.
Dietary chloride deficiency due to new liquid nutritional products
Authors: Miyahara Jun , Aramaki Shuichi , Yokochi Kenji
Published: September 2008

Background:  In infants the ingestion of chloride‐deficient formulas was previously reported to cause hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia, which is referred to as dietary chloride deficiency syndrome. Since that time, however, dietary chloride deficiency has not been commonly recognized. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical features of dietary chloride deficiency syndrome caused by the ingestion of newly marketed liquid nutritional products.

Methods:  This was a retrospective chart review of 59 patients with severe motor and intellectual disability (SMID); they had been given newly marketed liquid nutritional products that were later found to be chloride deficient.

Results:  Eight–nine weeks after changing to the new liquid nutritional products, clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities were noted. The main clinical finding was weight loss; 22% of subjects lost >5% of their bodyweight. A small number of the subjects had a mild bowel movement disorder; diarrhea and constipation were found in six and three patients, respectively. Hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypochloremia occurred in 33.9%, 44.5%, and 50.8%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Chloride‐deficient liquid nutritional products can cause weight loss, hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, and hypokalemia in persons with severe motor and intellectual disability.
Effects of dexamethasone on cardiovascular functions in acute phase in meconium‐injured rabbits
Authors: Mokra Daniela , Tonhajzerova Ingrid , Petraskova Maria , Calkovska Andrea
Published: September 2008

Background:  Because cardiovascular functions and their control mechanisms may be influenced by meconium aspiration and by treatment, cardiovascular parameters including heart rate variability (HRV) were evaluated after meconium instillation and treatment with dexamethasone.

Methods:  Adult rabbits were anesthetized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated. Meconium suspension (25 mg/mL, 4 mL/kg) was instilled intratracheally to induce respiratory failure. Thirty minutes later, animals received i.v. dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg; dexa group, n = 6) or were left without treatment (control group, n = 5). All animals were ventilated for an additional 5 h. Mean heart rate (MHR), mean blood pressure (MBP), central venous pressure (CVP), and time and spectral analyses of HRV were registered and evaluated. Blood gases were measured and right‐to‐left pulmonary shunts (RLS) calculated.

Results:  Immediately after meconium instillation, MBP, CVP, and RLS increased and MHR decreased (P < 0.05). MHR and MBP were restored within several minutes, while CVP and RLS remained high until the end of experiment. Thirty minutes after meconium instillation, slightly but non‐significantly higher spectral powers in all frequency bands of HRV were found (P > 0.05). Dexamethasone treatment enhanced oxygenation (P < 0.05) and slightly reduced PaCO2 (P > 0.05), increased parasympathetic activity expressed by mean squared successive difference and decreased spectral power in the very low frequency band (P < 0.05) compared to controls, but had no significant effect on MHR, MBP, CVP, and RLS.

Conclusions:  Single‐dose i.v. dexamethasone showed a trend to improve gas exchange, however, increased parasympathetic activity, what should be considered in use of corticosteroids in the treatment of meconium aspiration syndrome.
Potential benefits of early addition of rosiglitazone in combination with glimepiride in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rosenstock J. , Chou H. S. , Matthaei S. , Seidel D. K. , Hamann A.
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To assess the efficacy and tolerability of early combination therapy with rosiglitazone (RSG) and glimepiride (GLIM) vs. GLIM monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:  Strategies for the addition of RSG in combination with GLIM were evaluated with data from two randomized, double‐blind, placebo (PBO)‐controlled studies. Study A – addition of RSG (4 or 8 mg) or PBO to continued GLIM 3 mg once daily; study B – addition of low‐dose RSG (4 mg) prior to uptitration of GLIM (from 2 to 4 mg) vs. continued uptitration of GLIM (from 2 to 8 mg).

Results:  Study A reported significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) from baseline to week 26 with the addition of both 4 and 8 mg RSG to GLIM 3 mg [−21 mg/dl (−1.2 mmol/l), p = 0.0019 and −43 mg/dl (−2.4 mmol/l), p < 0.0001, respectively] and in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (−0.63%, p = 0.00015 and −1.17%, p < 0.0001, respectively) from a baseline of 8.2 and 8.1%, respectively. At the end of the study, target HbA1c <7.0% was achieved in 43 and 68% of patients in the RSG 4 mg + GLIM and RSG 8 mg + GLIM groups, respectively, compared with 32% in the PBO + GLIM (GLIM alone) group. In study B, addition of RSG to GLIM reduced mean FPG and HbA1c levels at week 24 from baseline [−28 mg/dl (−1.5 mmol/l), p < 0.0001, and −0.68%, p < 0.0001, respectively]. There were no significant changes with GLIM monotherapy in either study. Favourable effects of RSG + GLIM on insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function and cardiovascular disease biomarkers were also observed. All treatments were similarly well tolerated.

Conclusions:  Early addition of RSG to GLIM is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option to improve glycaemic control in sulphonylurea‐treated patients with T2DM.
Preglomerular and postglomerular basal diameter changes and reactivity to angiotensin II in obese rats
Authors: Roos M. H. , Eringa E. C. , Van Rodijnen W. F. , Van Lambalgen T. A. , Ter Wee P. M. , Tangelder G. J.
Published: September 2008

Aim and Methods: Obesity in humans is associated with proteinuria and an increased glomerular filtration, possibly related to an increase in glomerular capillary pressure. We investigated in obese and lean Zucker rats (10–12 weeks old) whether this might be related to alterations in the diameter of preglomerular and postglomerular microvessels and their reactivity to the resistance regulator angiotensin II (AngII), using the hydronephrotic kidney model.

Results: The obese rats exhibited a hyperinsulinaemic, euglycaemic state and hypertension. Urinary protein concentration and fluid intake were both increased threefold. Basal diameters of distal interlobular arteries (ILAs) and afferent arterioles (AAs) were larger in the obese rat than in the lean rat (ILA: 25.7 ± 0.3 vs. 23.0 ± 0.4 μm and AA: 18.8 ± 0.3 vs. 16.7 ± 0.5 μm, respectively; p ≤ 0.01), while diameters of efferent arterioles (EAs) were smaller in obese animals (14.2 ± 1.1 vs. 18.2 ± 1.2 μm; p ≤ 0.05). AngII induced a concentration‐dependent constriction in ILA, AA and EA with an augmented response in the obese compared with the lean rats. Thus, at higher concentrations, AngII abolished the diameter difference between obese and lean animals in preglomerular microvessels while exaggerating that in postglomerular arterioles.

Conclusions: Our data indicate that in obese rats, a vasodilated state in small preglomerular microvessels and a vasoconstricted state in the postglomerular arterioles exist. Although AngII cancelled the former, the latter remained. Therefore, these data reveal periglomerular vascular changes that may play a role in glomerular dysfunction and renal pathology associated with obesity.
The effectiveness of glibenclamide in women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Holt R. I. G. , Clarke P. , Parry E. C. , Coleman M. A. G.
Published: September 2008

Background:  Several studies have suggested that glibenclamide may be used safely and effectively in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of our study was to assess effectiveness and safety of glibenclamide for GDM in UK clinical practice.

Methods:  Women with GDM requiring pharmacological therapy were offered a choice of insulin or glibenclamide. Maternal and foetal outcomes were assessed in women treated with insulin (45) or glibenclamide (44) and also compared with women treated with diet alone (55).

Results:  Thirty‐four (77%) achieved adequate glycaemic control with glibenclamide. Women choosing glibenclamide were more likely to be Asian and had higher fasting and 2‐h glucose at diagnosis than those choosing insulin. There was no difference in maternal age or parity. Ten women treated with glibenclamide switched to insulin [inadequate control (7), unpredictable hypoglycaemia (1) and other reason (2)]. There was no difference in mode of birth, birth weight or birth weight centile between groups. One stillbirth occurred with glibenclamide. Glibenclamide treatment was associated with lower Apgar scores and increased neonatal jaundice. Neonatal hypoglycaemia occurred more frequently in babies of women treated with either glibenclamide or insulin.

Conclusion:  The use of glibenclamide in pregnancy is associated with adequate glycaemic control in 77% of women and achieved similar foetal outcomes to women treated with insulin.
Anaemia in diabetic renal failure: is there a role for early erythropoietin treatment in preventing cardiovascular mortality?
Authors: Abaterusso Cataldo , Pertica Nicoletta , Lupo Antonio , Ortalda Vittorio , Gambaro Giovanni
Published: September 2008

The mortality rate in diabetics with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is seven times higher than end‐stage renal disease mainly because of cardiac causes. Anaemia may have a relevant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular (CV) disease in CKD. Anaemia occurs at an earlier stage of CKD in diabetic individuals than in those with other causes of CKD. Observational findings support the unfavourable influence of anaemia on mortality in CKD patients, and the combination of anaemia and CKD in diabetics identifies a group with a particularly high mortality risk. While the effect of erythropoietin on these patients’ quality of life is known, its impact on mortality and CV risk is uncertain. The recent Anaemia Correction in Diabetes (ACORD) trial in diabetic CKD patients, which targeted haemoglobin levels of 13–15 mg/dl, disclosed no statistically significant favourable or adverse effects on mortality or morbidity over the 2‐year follow‐up, while other studies endeavouring to nearly normalize haemoglobin have reportedly proved risky. Even if anaemia is causally involved, the pathogenesis of CV disease in diabetics with CKD is so complex that addressing just one factor (anaemia) may not suffice to prevent CV risk, and normalizing haemoglobin levels may even be harmful.
Exenatide prevents fat‐induced insulin resistance and raises adiponectin expression and plasma levels
Authors: Li L. , Yang G. , Li Q. , Tan X. , Liu H. , Tang Y. , Boden G.
Published: September 2008

Background:  Exenatide (exendin‐4) can reduce blood glucose levels, increase insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity through mechanisms that are not completely understood.

Methods:  In the present study, we examined the effects of exenatide treatment on glucose tolerance (intravenous glucose tolerance test), insulin sensitivity (euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamps), insulin signalling (insulin receptor substrate 1 tyrosine phosphorylation) and adipocytokine levels (visfatin and adiponectin) in high fat–fed rats.

Results:  Administration of exenatide (0.5 or 2.0 μg/kg twice daily × 6 weeks) prevented high‐fat diet (HFD)–induced increases in body weight, plasma free fatty acids, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Exenatide also prevented HFD‐induced deterioration in peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity, insulin clearance, glucose tolerance and decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) in fat and skeletal muscles. Interestingly, plasma visfatin levels decreased in exenatide‐treated rats, whereas expression and plasma levels of adiponectin increased.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that chronic exenatide treatment enhances insulin sensitivity and protects against high fat–induced insulin resistance.
Isosteviol increases insulin sensitivity and changes gene expression of key insulin regulatory genes and transcription factors in islets of the diabetic KKAy mouse
Authors: Nordentoft I. , Jeppesen P. B. , Hong J. , Abudula R. , Hermansen K.
Published: September 2008

Aims:  Isosteviol (ISV), a diterpene molecule, is an isomer of the backbone structure of a group of substances with recently proven antidiabetic capabilities in both man and rodents. The aim of this study was to investigate if ISV possesses beneficial effects on the metabolism in the diabetic KKAy mouse and to establish the long‐term in vivo effects of ISV on the gene expression profile of key insulin regulatory genes in islets.

Methods:  Twenty KKAy mice, aged 5 weeks, were divided into two groups and treated for 9 weeks with either (i) standard chow diet (control) or (ii) chow + 20 mg/kg body weight of ISV. Blood samples were collected before and after intervention and were subsequently analysed. As a non‐diabetic control group, 10 normal C57BL mice were fed with standard chow diet. Gene expression was determined in islets by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and Affymetrix microarray.

Results:  We demonstrated that long‐term treatment with ISV improves glucose homeostasis, increases insulin sensitivity, lowers plasma triglycerides and lowers weight in the diabetic KKAy mice. Furthermore, ISV markedly changes the gene expression profile of key insulin regulatory genes GLUT2, Ins1, Ins2, Pdx1/Ipf1, Beta2/Neurod1, Pax6 and 11‐beta‐HSD‐1 and beta‐cell transcription factors Nkx2‐2, Nkx6‐1, C/EBPalpha and FoxA2 in isolated islets of the KKAy mice.

Conclusions:  The results indicate that ISV improves glucose and insulin sensitivity as well as improving the lipid profile and upregulates the gene expression of key beta‐cell genes, including insulin regulatory transcription factors.
The community of nursing: moral friends, moral strangers, moral family
Authors: Laabs Carolyn A.
Published: September 2008

Abstract  Unlike bioethicists who contend that there is a morality common to all, H. Tristan Engelhardt (1996) argues that, in a pluralistic secular society, any morality that does exist is loosely connected, lacks substantive moral content, is based on the principle of permission and, thus, is a morality between moral strangers. This, says Engelhardt, stands in contrast to a substance‐full morality that exists between moral friends, a morality in which moral content is based on shared beliefs and values and exists in communities that tend to be closely knit and religiously based. Of what value does Engelhardt's description of ethics as moral friends and moral strangers have for nursing? In this essay, I attempt to show how Engelhardt's description serves to illustrate how the nursing community historically had been one of moral friends but has gradually become one of moral strangers and, hence, at risk of failing to protect patients in their vulnerability and of compromising the integrity of nursing. Building on Engelhardt's concepts, I suggest we might consider modern nursing like a moral family to the extent that members might at times relate to one another as moral strangers but still possess a desire and a need to reconnect with the common thread that binds us as moral friends. Nursing is a practice discipline. Given the challenges of modern bioethics, an applied ethic is needed to give moral direction to clinicians as we strive to conduct ourselves ethically in the practice of our profession. To that end, nursing should reflect upon and seek to reconnect with the content‐full morality that is historically and religiously based.
Influences on the supply of accounting graduates in Australia: a focus on international students
Authors: Jackling Beverley , Keneley Monica
Published: September 2008

This paper examines the influences on the potential supply of accounting graduates in Australia with reference to the personal and social influences on the decision to major in accounting using the Theory of Reasoned Action and focusing on differences between local and international students. Responses from 437 accounting majors’ found that personal attitudes linked to ‘intrinsic interest’ and ‘extrinsic interest’ was influential in choice of major. ‘Reference groups’ were an important social influence for international students. The findings have implications for government policy and the accounting profession in terms of attracting students and particularly international students, who are sufficiently interested in accounting as a career choice to address the skill shortage in Australia.
Fundamental and technical analysis: substitutes or complements?
Authors: Bettman Jenni L. , Sault Stephen J. , Schultz Emma L.
Published: September 2008

Although the fundamental and technical analysis literatures invest considerable effort in assessing their respective ability to explain share prices, they invariably do so without reference to each other. In this context, we propose an equity valuation model integrating both fundamental and technical analysis and, in doing so, recognize their potential as complements rather than as substitutes. Testing confirms the complementary nature of fundamental and technical analysis by showing that, although each performs well in isolation, models integrating both have superior explanatory power. While our findings relate to the valuation of shares, they also have implications for other valuation exercises.
Impact of a tick size reduction on liquidity: evidence from the Sydney Futures Exchange
Authors: Alampieski Kiril , Lepone Andrew
Published: September 2008

This paper examines the impact of a reduction in the minimum price increment on liquidity and execution costs in a futures market setting. In 2006, the Sydney Futures Exchange halved the minimum tick in the 3 Year Commonwealth Treasury Bond Futures. Results indicate that bid‐ask spreads are significantly reduced after the change. Quoted depth, both at the best quotes and visible in the limit order book, is significantly lower after the tick reduction. Further analysis reveals that execution costs are significantly reduced after the change. We conclude that a tick size reduction improves liquidity and reduces execution costs in a futures market setting.
Managerial Collective Cognitions: An Examination of Similarities and Differences of Cultural Orientations
Authors: Tyler Beverly B. , Gnyawali Devi R.
Published: September 2008

abstract Using the context of market orientation, we examine how an exemplary business's market orientation culture is reflected in managers' mental models, evaluate how mental models and perceived behaviours differ across hierarchical levels and functions, and compare the cognitive values and beliefs or the cognitive aspects of market orientation culture with behavioural aspects. Results from a rich, multi‐method, case study suggest that while managers in the business share core beliefs regarding the customer dimension of market orientation, their beliefs regarding competitors, technology and inter‐functional coordination dimensions vary widely across the levels and functions of the business. We found differences in terms of both the integration between the four dimensions of market orientation and the depth of knowledge within the dimensions. Our findings reveal that customer rather than competitor beliefs are the most important commonly shared beliefs in successful companies, leading us to encourage cognitive researchers to move beyond competitor analysis when examining managerial cognition. Another implication for future research is that a strong market orientation implies common core beliefs regarding customer dimensions but does not imply that all beliefs will be or should be shared. From the methodological standpoint, we find that cognitive mapping techniques provide rich insights into a business's market orientation culture that are not gained from behavioural methods alone.
Direct and Indirect Aggression During Childhood and Adolescence: A Meta‐Analytic Review of Gender Differences, Intercorrelations, and Relations to Maladjustment
Authors: Card Noel A. , Stucky Brian D. , Sawalani Gita M. , Little Todd D.
Published: September 2008

This meta‐analytic review of 148 studies on child and adolescent direct and indirect aggression examined the magnitude of gender differences, intercorrelations between forms, and associations with maladjustment. Results confirmed prior findings of gender differences (favoring boys) in direct aggression and trivial gender differences in indirect aggression. Results also indicated a substantial intercorrelation (= .76) between these forms. Despite this high intercorrelation, the 2 forms showed unique associations with maladjustment: Direct aggression is more strongly related to externalizing problems, poor peer relations, and low prosocial behavior, and indirect aggression is related to internalizing problems and higher prosocial behavior. Moderation of these effect sizes by method of assessment, age, gender, and several additional variables were systematically investigated.
Development of Three‐Dimensional Object Completion in Infancy
Authors: Soska Kasey C. , Johnson Scott P.
Published: September 2008

Three‐dimensional (3D) object completion was investigated by habituating 4‐ and 6‐month‐old infants (n= 24 total) with a computer‐generated wedge stimulus that pivoted 15°, providing only a limited view. Two displays, rotating 360°, were then shown: a complete, solid volume and an incomplete, hollow form composed only of the sides seen during habituation. There were no reliable preferences for either test display by 4‐month‐olds. At 6 months, infants showed a reliable novelty preference for the incomplete test display. Infants in a control group (n= 24) not habituated to the limited‐view wedge preferred neither test display. By 6 months, infants may represent simple objects as complete in 3D space despite a limited perspective. Possible mechanisms of development of 3D object completion are discussed.
Young Children’s Recognition of the Intentionality of Teaching
Authors: Ziv Margalit , Solomon Ayelet , Frye Douglas
Published: September 2008

Two studies examined the role of intention in preschoolers’ understanding of teaching. Three‐ to 5‐year‐olds judged stories in which there was an intention to teach or not (teaching vs. imitation) for 4 different learning outcomes (successful, partial, failed, and unknown). They also judged 2 stories with embedded instructional intent (e.g., guided discovery learning) and several standard theory of mind tasks. There was an age‐related change in the understanding of teaching. Five‐year‐olds distinguished teaching from imitation and recognized guided discovery learning. Understanding of imitation and false belief was related. The findings indicate that theory of mind is relevant to other means of knowledge acquisition besides perceptual access and that understanding intention could help young children to recognize instruction and identify its different forms.
Categories Influence Predictions About Individual Consistency
Authors: Rhodes Marjorie , Gelman Susan A.
Published: September 2008

Predicting how people will behave in the future is a critical social‐cognitive task. In four studies (N= 150, ages preschool to adult), young children (ages 4–5) used category information to guide their expectations about individual consistency. They predicted that psychological properties (preferences and fears) would remain consistent over time after hearing one example in which properties followed a category‐linked distribution (e.g., children of different genders had different properties) but not when properties varied within a category (e.g., children of the same gender had different properties). The developmental course of these findings is examined. Results suggest the importance of considering how children’s emerging theories of behavior and of social groups operate together to inform their expectations about the social world.
Arguing on the Computer: A Microgenetic Study of Developing Argument Skills in a Computer‐Supported Environment
Authors: Kuhn Deanna , Goh Wendy , Iordanou Kalypso , Shaenfield David
Published: September 2008

We report a study of a class of 28 sixth graders engaged in an extended computer‐supported argumentive discourse activity. Participants collaborated with a same‐side peer in arguing against successive pairs of peers on the opposing side of an issue. Meta‐level awareness was facilitated by conducting the dialogs via instant messaging software, which made available a transcript of the dialog that was used in additional reflective activities. In the course of dialogs on 3 successive topics, participants showed significant gains in meta‐level communications about the discourse, reflecting at least implicit understanding of its goals, as well as in the strategic moves that constituted the discourse. The latter advances remained evident when the social support of a same‐side partner was withdrawn.
The Influence of Race and Gender on Children’s Conversations and Playmate Choices
Authors: Leman Patrick J. , Lam Virginia L.
Published: September 2008

The present study examined the influence of race and gender on children’s conversations and friendship choices. Four hundred and twenty‐eight children (M age = 7.5 years, SD = 0.34) from 2 racial minority groups (i.e., African Caribbean and South Asian) and the racial majority group (i.e., European) chose a picture of a playmate together with a peer. Race influenced the levels of assertion and affiliation in children’s conversations. The effects of race on conversation also varied according to the gender of the children involved in interaction. Same‐race pairs tended to choose in‐group playmates, but same‐race minority pairs showed less marked in‐group preference. Cross‐race pairs selected a majority‐group child as a playmate most often.