bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of acute rhinosinusitis
Authors: Mori Francesca , Fiocchi Alessandro , Barni Simona , Beghi Gianfranco , Caddeo Alessandra , Calcinai Elena , Contestabile Simona , de Martino Maurizio , Pucci Neri , Rossi Maria Elisabetta , Terracciano Luigi , Novembre Elio
Published: July 2012

To cite this article: Mori F, Fiocchi A, Barni S, Beghi G, Caddeo A, Calcinai E, Contestabile S, de Martino M, Pucci N, Rossi M Elisabetta, Terracciano L, Novembre E. Management of acute rhinosinusitis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23 (Suppl. 22): 27–31.

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the most common reasons for physician visits and for significant school absenteeism, although precise data on its prevalence and incidence are still lacking. RS is defined as acute if there are symptoms lasting <12 wk with complete resolution. Superinfection by bacteria following a viral infection is the most important mechanism of ARS. Diagnosis of ARS should be made on clinical grounds alone. Typically, acute bacterial RS is self‐limited and goes through spontaneous recovery within 4 wk. Recognizing the occurrence of bacterial superinfections of the sinuses during a common viral respiratory infection is fundamental to making the decision to start an appropriate antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments such as saline irrigation, nasal decongestants, steroids, antihistamines, and fungicides are all in widespread pediatric use, but analyzing the literature gives poor evidence of efficacy, except for topical steroids. RS is a multifactorial condition that poses a diagnostic and management challenge to infectivologist and ear‐nose‐throat specialists as well as to pediatricians.
Management of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cazzavillan Alessandro , Castelnuovo Paolo , Berlucchi Marco , Baiardini Ilaria , Franzetti Andrea , Nicolai Piero , Gallo Stefania , Passalacqua Giovanni
Published: July 2012

To cite this article: Cazzavillan A, Castelnuovo P, Berlucchi M, Baiardini I, Franzetti A, Nicolai P, Gallo S, Passalacqua G. Management of chronic rhinosinusitis in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23 (Suppl. 22): 32–44.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in children is difficult to treat, with resultant frequent recurrences and failures. There are controversies in the treatment, mirroring the debate over the exact etiology of this disorder. The available medical treatments are antibiotics, topical nasal corticosteroids, and nasal lavage with saline solutions; though, there is no general agreement on the efficacy of the latter. The new technique of balloon sinuplasty allows ventilation to the sinuses to be restored with minimal risk and trauma to the tissues, and initial outcome seems promising, being successful in most treated children. Concerning the surgical approach, adenoidectomy is among the most frequent surgical procedures performed on children, but its therapeutic effect is controversial, because randomized studies have failed to prove that adenoidectomy alone is sufficient in curing CRS. Instead, functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a minimally invasive technique which restores the sinus ostia patency and can re‐establish ventilation and drainage through the natural pathways. It is important that the effectiveness of any treatment is also evaluated by patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) that refer to all health‐related reports coming from the patients, without any involvement or interpretations by physician or others. Among PROs, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) is the one most widely known and used. HRQL can be measured by means of validated questionnaires, which provide scores proportional to the degree of well‐being perceived by patients. Concerning diseases of the upper airway including RS, there are numerous instruments specifically designed for children and caregivers, which allow to assess the effects of treatments in a more extensive and complete manner.
Pathophysiology, favoring factors, and associated disorders in otorhinosinusology
Authors: Gelardi Matteo , Marchisio Paola , Caimmi Davide , Incorvaia Cristoforo , Albertario Giada , Bianchini Sonia , Caimmi Silvia , Celani Camilla , Esposito Susanna , Fattizzo Miriam , Fiorella Maria Luisa , Frati Franco , Labò Elena , Leo Gualtiero , Licari Amelia , Marseglia Alessia , Piacentini Elena , Pignataro Lorenzo , Quaranta Nicola , Tenconi Rossana , Torretta Sara , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Principi Nicola
Published: July 2012

To cite this article: Gelardi M, Marchisio P, Caimmi D, Incorvaia C, Albertario G, Bianchini S, Caimmi S, Celani C, Esposito S, Fattizzo M, Fiorella ML, Frati F, Labò E, Leo G, Licari A, Marseglia A, Piacentini E, Pignataro L, Quaranta N, Tenconi R, Torretta S, Marseglia GL, Principi N. Pathophysiology, favoring factors, and associated disorders in otorhinosinusology. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23 (Suppl. 22): 5–16.

The pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis (RS) is related to inflammation, caused by infections in the acute form of the disease but also by other agents in the chronic forms. Cytology allows to evaluate the defensive components, such as hair cells and muciparous cells, while the presence in the nasal mucosa of eosinophils, mast cells, bacteria and/or fungal hyphae, or spores indicates the nasal pathology. The anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the otorhinosinusal system account for the frequent concomitant involvement of the different components. The pivotal pathophysiologic sites are the ostiomeatal complex, the spheno‐ethmoidal recess, and the Eustachian tube. The latter is the link with acute otitis media (AOM), which is the most common disease in infants and children and has major medical, social, and economic effects. Moreover, because of the strict relationship between upper and lower airways, nasal sinus disease may contribute to asthma and sinusitis may be considered as an independent factor associated with frequent severe asthma exacerbations. Concerning the role of allergy, the available data do not permit to attribute a central role to atopy in sinusitis and thus allergy testing should not be a routine procedure, while an allergologic evaluation may be indicated in children with OM, especially when they have concomitant rhinitis.
Chromaffin Cells of the Adrenal Gland in the Beagle Dog
Authors: Qiu S. , Du Y. , Wang L. , Hu C.
Published: July 2012

The distribution of adrenal chromaffin cells in the control beagle dog was investigated. The presence of chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, three zones of the adrenal cortex and capsule was identified by staining with H&E, chromium salts and TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) antibody. With H&E stain, there are morphological differences among the chromaffin cells in the medulla, cortex and capsule. In addition, the number of the capsular chromaffin cells was statistically significantly decreased in the 8–9, 11–12 and 15–16 month age groups compared with the 5–6 month age group. Both medullary and extra‐medullary chromaffin cells contained catecholamines, demonstrated via special staining for chromium salts. TH is the first enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis; it is a useful maker for all cells involved with catecholamine biosynthesis including chromaffin cells. TH antibody confirmed that the extra‐medullary cells were chromaffin cells. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay for detecting the apoptotic signalling identified the apoptosis of the chromaffin cells in the capsule.
Assessment Strategies and the Effects of Fighting Experience on Future Contest Performance in the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
Authors: Garcia Mark J. , Paiva Laura , Lennox Michelle , Sivaraman Boopathy , Wong Stephanie C. , Earley Ryan L.
Published: July 2012

Social experiences can be useful sources of information for animals charged with making fitness‐related decisions. Fighting experience can alter an animal's perception of its fighting ability possibly leading to changes in future contest decisions, which may increase/decrease their probability of winning future contests. Winner and loser effects have been revealed in a wide array of animals, but studies using reptilian models are rare. This study investigated the impact of fighting experience on future contest performance and outcome in the green anole lizard and investigated the assessment strategies used by anoles during contests of different intensities. To determine whether the green anole expresses winner or loser effects, focal animals engaged in a primary contest with a smaller (larger) opponent to gain a winning (losing) experience; opponent size asymmetries were a significant predictor of contest outcome. Focal individuals were isolated for 2 d before being given a secondary contest with a size‐matched, naïve opponent. We found no evidence of winner or loser effects 2 d following a previous contest. Although previous contest outcome did not dictate future contest success, dynamics of the previous contest did. Highly aggressive primary contest losers won a significant proportion of the secondary contests, while less aggressive losers were more apt to lose the secondary contest. Secondary contest success of prior winners was not influenced by earlier contest performance. Further analyses of contest dynamics reveal that individuals may use different assessment strategies depending on the intensity of the contest. Our results demonstrate that future contest success may be driven more by individual performance in a prior contest and less by prior contest outcome.
Sleep quality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: MCSHARRY DAVID G. , RYAN SILKE , CALVERLEY PETER , EDWARDS J. COLIN , MCNICHOLAS WALTER T.
Published: July 2012

Background and objective:  Previous reports have shown that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sleep poorly, but the underlying basis remains speculative. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine potential predictors of poor sleep quality in COPD patients.

Methods:  This is a secondary analysis of two previously published trials investigating the impact of long‐acting bronchodilators on nocturnal oxygen saturation in moderate to severe COPD patients. One hundred and six patients with established COPD were studied. Each patient underwent overnight polysomnography studies in a dedicated university‐affiliated sleep laboratory. Epworth Sleepiness Scores, spirometry and daytime arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) were also recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis sought independent predictors of sleep quality from baseline demographic, spirometry and oximetry values.

Results:  Patients' age was 66.4 ± 7.3 years (mean ± standard deviation), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 33.4 ± 12.9% predicted and daytime PaO2 64 ± 7.5 mm Hg. In comparison with historical normative populations, the cohort demonstrated impaired sleep quality. Sleep efficiency was 66 ± 17% and sleep stage analysis revealed altered architecture with diminished periods of rapid eye movement sleep (12.7 ± 8.3%). In multivariate analysis, daytime PaO2 correlated independently with sleep efficiency (P = 0.041), whereas FEV1 positively correlated with arousal index, and age correlated negatively with rapid eye movement sleep duration.

Conclusions:  Sleep quality is poor in patients with severe COPD compared with normative populations of similar age, and daytime hypoxaemia is independently associated with impaired sleep efficiency.
Ratio of waist circumference to chest circumference is inversely associated with lung function in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: FENG KUI , CHEN LI , HAN SHAO‐MEI , ZHU GUANG‐JIN
Published: July 2012

Background and objective:  In White children, waist circumference (WC) is positively correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Because fat distribution differs among different races, the relationship between WC and lung function in Asian children may differ from that in White children. The present study aimed to examine the effect of WC on ventilatory function in Chinese children.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was performed on 1572 healthy subjects aged 9–18 years. Height, weight, chest circumference (CC), WC and lung function (FVC, FEV1, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximal mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF)) were measured. To avoid the problem of colinearity, a model that combined CC and WC as the waist‐to‐chest ratio (WCR) was used. The relative contributions of WCR and body mass index (BMI) to spirometric parameters were determined by linear regression analysis.

Results:  WCR was inversely associated with all spirometric parameters. On average, each 0.01 increase in WCR was associated with decreases of 8.14 mL for FVC, 9.36 mL for FEV1, 6.54% for FEV1/FVC, 19.81 mL/s for PEF and 17.25 mL/s for MMEF. BMI was positively associated with all spirometric parameters except FEV1/FVC. These results suggest that WC was inversely associated with lung function parameters.

Conclusions:  Inverse associations were identified between WCR, as well as WC, and lung function in a population of Chinese children. The underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.
Peri‐diaphragmatic lung volume assessed by computed tomography correlates with quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: TANABE NAOYA , MURO SHIGEO , FUSEYA YOSHINORI , SATO SUSUMU , OGUMA TSUYOSHI , KIYOKAWA HIROFUMI , TAKAHASHI TAMAKI , KINOSE DAISUKE , HOSHINO YUMA , KUBO TAKESHI , HIRAI TOYOHIRO , MISHIMA MICHIAKI
Published: July 2012

Background and objective:  Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is important in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with emphysema, lung hyperinflation identified radiologically as shortening and flattening of the diaphragm is associated with impaired HRQoL. It remains unclear whether shortening of the diaphragm and/or alteration in chest wall shape are associated with reduced pulmonary function and HRQoL.

Methods:  Pulmonary function testing and chest computed tomography (CT) were performed, and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was administered to 123 patients with COPD. Using CT images, the ratio of volume of lung region adjacent to the diaphragm dome to total lung volume (DLV%) was evaluated as a novel CT index, and conventional indices, including percent low attenuation volume (LAV%), wall area percent (WA%), total lung volume and diaphragm length (Ldi) were calculated.

Results:  DLV% was significantly correlated with Ldi. DLV% and Ldi were inversely correlated with lung hyperinflation, assessed as the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity, independent of LAV% and WA%. Unlike Ldi, DLV% was inversely associated with all components and total scores for the SGRQ, independent of the severity of emphysema and airflow limitation.

Conclusions:  Reduced lung volume around the diaphragm correlated with lung hyperinflation and HRQoL, independent of emphysema severity. This needs to be verified in additional studies.
Translation of the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS) into Danish and a preliminary psychometric validation
Authors: Buus Niels , Gonge Henrik
Published: July 2012

A central challenge for empirical research of clinical supervision is how to measure the effectiveness of clinical supervision. The Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale (MCSS) measures supervisees' perception of the effectiveness of clinical supervision. The aims of this paper were to account for the translation of the MCSS from English into Danish and to present a preliminary psychometric validation of the Danish version of the scale. Methods included a formal translation/back‐translation procedure and statistical analyses. The sample consisted of MCSS scores from 139 Danish mental health nursing staff members. The total MCSS score had good internal consistency, but the analyses identified a number of reliability and consistency issues. The results were compared with other translations of the MCSS and with the reduced version of the MCSS, the MCSS‐26. The discussion indicated that MCSS theoretically refers to a broad conception of supervision, which includes supervision practices ranging from highly formalized events to more frequent ad hoc sessions. The MCSS's intention to measure perceptions of supervisees from this variety of practices may be problematic, and it is suggested that a further reduction of the type of practices MCSS currently aims at measuring could be beneficial.
Delirium and transition to a nursing home of hospitalized older adults: A controlled trial of assessing the interdisciplinary team‐based “geriatric” care and care coordination by non‐geriatrics specialist physicians
Authors: Yoo Ji Won , Nakagawa Shunichi , Kim Sulgi
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To examine whether a team‐based inpatient “geriatric” care model provided by non‐geriatrics specialist physicians was associated with changes in the occurrence of delirium and transition to a nursing home.

Methods:  We carried out an intervention (interdisciplinary; ITD group) control (usual care group) study comparing the outcomes of hospitalized older adults cared for by non‐geriatrics specialist physicians. Compared with the usual care group, the ITD intervention group provided additional value: geriatric care and care coordination by leading daily ITD team meetings.

Results:  After adjusting for patient demographics and clinical characteristics, the probability of transition to a nursing home in the ITD intervention group was significantly lower (odds ratio 0.52; 95% confidence intervals, 0.16–0.94; P = 0.008) than that in the usual care group. However, there was no significant difference in the predicted probabilities of delirium between the ITD intervention and usual care groups.

Conclusion:  As compared with the usual care group, a significantly lower probability of transition to a nursing home was observed in the ITD intervention group, but the probabilities of delirium between the ITD intervention and usual care groups did not differ significantly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 342–350.
Estimation of functional recovery in patients after hip fracture by Berg Balance Scale regarding the sex, age and comorbidity of participants
Authors: Radosavljevic Natasa , Nikolic Dejan , Lazovic Milica , Petronic Ivana , Milicevic Vera , Radosavljevic Zoran , Potic Jelena , Ilic‐Stojanovic Olivera , Jeremic Aleksandar
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the functional status measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in elderly aged more than 65 years after hip fractures, and to evaluate the influence of sex, age and comorbidity on balance function improvement.

Methods:  The study included 203 patients with hip fractures. Functional status was evaluated by BBS: at admission (Group 1), at discharge (Group 2) and 3 months after discharge (Group 3). We analyzed three age groups: Group65–74, Group75–84 and Group85‐up; female and male sex separately; and for severity index value (SI; total cumulative illness rating scale for geriatrics score divided by number of endorsed categories): group between 0–1.99 (SI1) and group ≥2 (SI2).

Results:  BBS values significantly declined in all male groups and female Group 2 and Group 3 in SI2 (P < 0.01). Group65–74 and Group85‐up had a significant BBS values decline in Group 2 and Group 3, whereas Group75–84 had a significant decline in all groups in the SI2 group (P < 0.01). Females and males had a significant BBS values increase in the SI1 groups (P < 0.01), and non‐significant BBS values increase between Group 2/Group 3 for SI2. Group85‐up had a significant BBS values increase in SI1 (Group 1/Group 2 and Group 1/Group 3; P < 0.01); a non‐significant increase between Group 1/Group 2 and Group 1/Group 3, and a non‐significant decline between Group 2/Group 3 in SI2.

Conclusions:  Male sex, increased comorbidity and age more than 85 years could be considered with lower functional recovery capacity potential after hip fracture, and thus should be individually assessed and continuously monitored. Functional status estimation by BBS could be taken as a sensitive predictive value for the evaluation of functional improvement in these patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 365–371.
Altered spatial learning, cortical plasticity and hippocampal anatomy in a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia‐related endophenotypes
Authors: Brown P. Leon , Shepard Paul D. , Elmer Greg I. , Stockman Sara , McFarland Rebecca , Mayo Cheryl L. , Cadet Jean Lud , Krasnova Irina N. , Greenwald Martin , Schoonover Carrie , Vogel Michael W.
Published: July 2012

Adult rats exposed to the DNA‐methylating agent methylazoxymethanol on embryonic day 17 show a pattern of neurobiological deficits that model some of the neuropathological and behavioral changes observed in schizophrenia. Although it is generally assumed that these changes reflect targeted disruption of embryonic neurogenesis, it is unknown whether these effects generalise to other antimitotic agents administered at different stages of development. In the present study, neurochemical, behavioral and electrophysiological techniques were used to determine whether exposure to the antimitotic agent Ara‐C later in development recapitulates some of the changes observed in methylazoxymethanol (MAM)‐treated animals and in patients with schizophrenia. Male rats exposed to Ara‐C (30 mg/kg/day) at embryonic days 19.5 and 20.5 show reduced cell numbers and heterotopias in hippocampal CA1 and CA2/3 regions, respectively, as well as cell loss in the superficial layers of the pre‐ and infralimbic cortex. Birth date labeling with bromodeoxyuridine reveals that the cytoarchitectural changes in CA2/3 are a consequence rather that a direct result of disrupted cortical neurogenesis. Ara‐C‐treated rats possess elevated levels of cortical dopamine and DOPAC (3,4‐didyhydroxypheylacetic acid) but no change in norepinephrine or serotonin. Ara‐C‐treated rats are impaired in their ability to learn the Morris water maze task and showed diminished synaptic plasticity in the hippocampocortical pathway. These data indicate that disruption of neurogenesis at embryonic days 19.5 and 20.5 constitutes a useful model for the comparative study of deficits observed in other gestational models and their relationship to cognitive changes observed in schizophrenia.
Reconstruction of the perineum following extralevator abdominoperineal excision for carcinoma of the lower rectum: a systematic review
Authors: Foster J. D. , Pathak S. , Smart N. J. , Branagan G. , Longman R. J. , Thomas M. G. , Francis N.
Published: July 2012

Aim  An improvement in oncological outcome has been reported following an extralevator approach to abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) for low rectal carcinoma. A larger perineal defect following ELAPE and the impact of neoadjuvant radiotherapy are sources of considerable morbidity for patients. We report an evidence‐based systematic review of published data on the outcome of perineal reconstruction following ELAPE for low rectal carcinoma, comparing the use of tissue flap and biological mesh techniques.

Method  A literature search was performed of electronic databases including the Medline, Embase and Scopus databases (1995–2011). Studies describing outcomes relating to the perineum following ELAPE were included for review.

Results  Eleven small cohort studies reported the outcome relating to the perineum following ELAPE. Pooled‐analysis of 255 combined patients undergoing flap repair and 85 undergoing biological mesh repair showed no significant difference in the rates of perineal wound complications or perineal hernia formation.

Conclusion  There is little information on the optimal technique of perineal wound closure following ELAPE. With the limited data available, there was no significant difference in complication rates between biological mesh and flap repair. There is a need for high‐quality prospective trials to compare methods of reconstruction to determine the long‐term results, quality of life and function.
STATIC COMMON AGENCY AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE: AN EVALUATIVE SURVEY
Authors: Mallard Graham
Published: July 2012

The common agency model is among the most productive economic frameworks of recent times, generating important results in the analysis of political influence, industrial organization and public goods provision. This paper presents a survey of the applications of the common agency model to issues of political influence, examining the applications and their results. It also discusses a number of the weaknesses of this literature, weaknesses that open up important avenues of further research in the directions of interest group formation, the nature of lobbying, the political system, behavioural demands and empirical analysis.
The Democratic Factor in the Education‐Growth Relationship
Authors: Armellini Mauricio
Published: July 2012

While the incidence of education on the determination of personal income has been well documented by scholars, the same is not true when it comes to the effects of education on economic growth, where different data sets and models have yielded contradictory results. This paper shows that a democratic environment is favourable to the impact of education on economic growth, even if democracy itself may not have a direct effect. This can be at least part of the explanation for why education alone, when observed in a cross section of countries, has shown mixed effects on growth.
Trust and Ethnic Fractionalization: The Importance of Religion as a Cross‐Cutting Dimension
Authors: Finseraas Henning , Jakobsson Niklas
Published: July 2012

The existing literature on diversity and trust has focused on a unidimensional understanding of diversity. We argue that a unidimensional approach is theoretically and empirically problematic and use a recently developed multidimensional measure of social structure to investigate which aspects of diversity are associated with generalized trust. We run cross‐country regressions with up to 115 countries to explore the importance of fractionalization for average trust levels 1981–2008. Using several different measures of ethnic fractionalization, we do not find a general and robust relationship between ethnic fractionalization and trust. In line with expectations, however, we find a negative and significant association between ethnic fractionalization and trust for low levels of ethno‐religious cross‐cuttingness and cross‐fractionalization, illustrating the importance of multidimensionality.
Living Organ Procurement from the Mentally Incompetent: The Need for More Appropriate Guidelines
Authors: Van Assche Kristof , Genicot Gilles , Sterckx Sigrid
Published: July 2012

With the case of Belgium as a negative example, this paper will evaluate the legitimacy of using mentally incompetents as organ sources. The first section examines the underlying moral dilemma that results from the necessity of balancing the principle of respect for persons with the obligation to help people in desperate need. We argue for the rejection of a radical utilitarian approach but also question the appropriateness of a categorical prohibition. Section two aims to strike a fair balance between the competing interests at stake and to define the conditions under which organ harvest from mentally incompetents might be morally acceptable. To this end, we morally assess the main requirements that have been put forward to allow organ removal from incompetent donors. We conclude that the current Belgian legislation is far too permissive and that national regulations that do not permit the harvest of non‐regenerable organs from mentally incompetents in exceptional circumstances are too restrictive. On the basis of this discussion, we propose a number of guiding principles for decision‐making in this area.
Are Bans on Kidney Sales Unjustifiably Paternalistic?
Authors: Malmqvist Erik
Published: July 2012

This paper challenges the view that bans on kidney sales are unjustifiably paternalistic, that is, that they unduly deny people the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies in order to protect them from harm. I argue that not even principled anti‐paternalists need to reject such bans. This is because their rationale is not hard paternalism, which anti‐paternalists repudiate, but soft paternalism, which they in principle accept. More precisely, I suggest that their rationale is what Franklin Miller and Alan Wertheimer call ‘group soft paternalism’. Group soft paternalistic policies restrict the freedom of autonomous individuals, not for their own good (hard paternalism), but as an unavoidable consequence of seeking to protect other, non‐autonomous individuals from harms that they have not voluntarily chosen (soft paternalism). Group soft paternalism supports prohibiting kidney sales on three conditions: (1) that such sales are potentially harmful to vendors, (2) that many vendors would suffer impaired autonomy, and (3) that distinguishing between autonomous and non‐autonomous vendors and interfering only with the latter is unfeasible. I provide reasons for thinking that these conditions will often hold.
TRANSATLANTIC CAPITAL MARKET PRICE DISCOVERY DURING A FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: Hoag Christopher , Norman Stephen
Published: July 2012

Previous results show relatively small amounts of time variation in the Hasbrouck (1995) information share across international markets. Using data from a security that was cross‐listed on the New York and London Stock Exchanges in the 1860s, we find that the information share changes dramatically during a financial crisis that began in the foreign market.
Time Horizons and Smoothing in the Bank of England's Reaction Function: The Contrast Between the Standard GMM andEx AnteForecast Approaches*
Authors: Cobham David , Kang Yue
Published: July 2012

The monetary policy reaction function of the Bank of England is estimated by the standard GMM approach and theex anteforecast method developed byGoodhart (2005), with particular attention to the horizons for inflation and output at which each approach gives the best fit. The horizons for theex anteapproach are much closer to what is implied by the Bank's view of the transmission mechanism, while the GMM approach produces an implausibly slow adjustment of the interest rate, and suffers from a weak instruments problem. These findings suggest a strong preference for theex anteapproach.
Neurokinin receptor 3 peptide exacerbates 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced dopaminergic degeneration in rats through JNK pathway
Authors: Chu John Man Tak , Chan Ying Shing , Chen Liang Wei , Yung Ken Kin Lam
Published: July 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 123, 417–427.

Neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor is predominantly expressed in striatum and substantia nigra (SN). Evidences have indicated the roles of NK3 receptor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. By administrating NK3 receptor agonist senktide into 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats, exacerbation of dopaminergic degeneration was found in striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta. From apomorphine rotation test, significant increase of contralateral rotation number was detected in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats with senktide injection. Furthermore, tyrosine hydroxylase expression in striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Further reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivities was found in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats that received senktide treatment. Also, phosphorylation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor 1 subunit was investigated in SN region and significant up‐regulation was revealed in senktide‐treated 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats. Finally, phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and c‐Jun were examined in nigral region. Up‐regulation of phosphorylated JNK molecules was shown in SN region after senktide injection. In line with this evidence, phosphorylation of c‐Jun at Ser 63 and Ser 73 was also up‐regulated by senktide treatment, thus presenting new aspects that NK3 peptide could exacerbate 6‐OHDA toxicity in in vivo models and the possible mechanism may be contributed by the modulation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor 1 subunit and JNK pathway activities.
Constructing SLA differently: the value of ELF and language ideology in an ASEAN case study
Authors: De Costa Peter I.
Published: July 2012

This paper examines how a designer immigrant student from Indonesia, a recipient of an ASEAN scholarship, used English as a lingua franca (ELF) with her Singaporean teacher and classmates. I illustrate how the constructs of ELF and language ideologies can bridge a conceptual gap in second language acquisition (SLA) – one which perceives any deviation from English as a native language norm in terms of error and fossilization. By drawing on classroom interaction and interview data from a year‐long ethnographic study, I present an expanded view of SLA in order to better understand language acquisition dynamics in a contemporary globalized world.
On professional writing: Thai writers' views on their English
Authors: Buripakdi Adcharawan
Published: July 2012

The paper describes Thai professional writers' perspectives towards Thai English. Data were drawn from in‐depth interviews of twenty Thai fiction and non‐fiction writers. A grounded theory and rhetorical move analysis were employed to examine the underlying assumptions of the participants' English positioning. The findings reveal that although the participants had different positions toward English, the majority conformed to Standard English and did not consider Thai English as a world English variety. This study not only demonstrated the ideological and political status of particularized English in Thailand but also addressed macro aspects of English usage outside school. The participants' conceptualization of their English illustrated that English use in Thailand was situated in a hierarchy of language and was deeply embedded in internal colonization.
Experimental examination of women's selection criteria for sperm donors versus life partners
Authors: Zeifman Debra M. , Ma Jennifer E.
Published: July 2012

To evaluate factors shaping mate‐selection decisions, 2 age groups of women were randomly assigned to hypothetical scenarios wherein they sought a sperm donor or life partner. Respondents were asked to (a) construct an ideal man and (b) rate and rank the importance of traits associated with good genes, parenting ability, partner potential, and economic resources. Women seeking donors valued good genes more and partner potential less than women seeking partners. Younger women sought greater degree of physical resemblance to donors than to partners. Older women showed greater desire to be similar to partners than donors on sociocultural characteristics. The findings suggest women adjust their selection criteria as a function of context and that mate preferences may change as women mature.
Beta‐glucosidase 2 knockout mice with increased glucosylceramide show impaired liver regeneration
Authors: Gonzalez‐Carmona Maria A. , Sandhoff Roger , Tacke Frank , Vogt Annabelle , Weber Susanne , Canbay Ali E. , Rogler Gerhard , Sauerbruch Tilman , Lammert Frank , Yildiz Yildiz
Published: July 2012

Background and aims

Glycolipids have been shown to serve specialized functions in cell signalling, proliferation and differentiation processes, which are all important during liver regeneration. We previously generated beta‐glucosidase 2 (GBA2) knockout mice that accumulate the glycolipid glucosylceramide in various tissues, including the liver. The present study addressed the role of GBA2‐deficiency and subsequent glucosylceramide accumulation in liver regeneration.

Methods

Gba2 knockout and wild‐type mice were subjected to two‐third partial hepatectomy. Mice were sacrificed at different time points, blood was collected, and the remnant liver was removed. Glucosylceramide and ceramide were quantified using mass spectrometry from whole liver and isolated hepatocytes. Serum and hepatocytic supernatant of IL‐6, TNF‐α and TGF‐β levels were measured using ELISA. Cell signalling proteins were analysed using immunoblots.

Results

Regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy showed a significant increase of hepatic glucosylceramide in GBA2‐deficient mice compared to controls. Accumulation of glucosylceramide was associated with a delay in liver regeneration and reduced serum levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α. Furthermore, reduced IL‐6 led to decreased expression of the phosphorylated form of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (P‐STAT3).

Conclusions

We conclude that increased glucosylceramide affects cytokine‐ and growth factor‐mediated signalling pathways during liver regeneration. Thus, the repression of IL‐6/STAT3 signalling pathway seems to be one of the mechanisms for the delay of liver regeneration in GBA2‐deficient mice.
Worker aggression of ant Lasius japonicus enhanced by termite soldier–specific secretion as an alarm pheromone of Reticulitermes speratus
Authors: TRONG NGUYEN Tuan , AKINO Toshiharu
Published: July 2012

The subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus usually nests in rotten wood trunks, which may also be occupied by the Japanese garden ant Lasius japonicus. Few battles were observed between them under ordinary circumstances because they inhabit separate nesting sites. However, once the termite nesting sites were artificially broken, the ant workers invaded and hunted the termites, although the termite soldiers fought against the ants. This study aims to confirm intra‐ and inter‐specific chemical interactions between the termite and ant. Solid phase microextraction–gas chromatograph (SPME‐GC) analyses revealed that R. speratus soldiers secreted caste‐specific sesquiterpene hydrocarbon when they were irritated. Both the hexane extract of the soldiers and its hydrocarbon fraction, as well as the crushed soldier bodies, attracted the soldiers but dispersed the workers when presented on the trails. We also confirmed that the soldier chemicals enhanced aggressiveness of L. japonicus, which rushed around the odor sources and hunted any termites that were present. These findings suggest that: (i) the soldier–specific secretion might serve as an alarm pheromone in termite chemical communication, in which components recruit soldiers and also warn the other colony members away; and (ii) termite communication is eavesdropped on by L. japonicus workers to locate and hunt the termites.
Ecological Design is More Important Than Compensatory Mitigation for Successful Restoration of Alpine Spoil Heaps
Authors: Rydgren Knut , Halvorsen Rune , Auestad Inger , Hamre Liv N.
Published: July 2012

Spoil heaps of surplus rock from hydropower tunnel construction negatively impact alpine landscapes unless restored. Such spoil heaps have been created for more than 100 years, but we still lack knowledge about the relative importance of compensatory mitigation (seeding and fertilization), spoil‐heap construction method, local environmental factors, and regional climatic factors for restoration success. We studied the species composition of 19 alpine spoil heaps in Western Norway and their undisturbed surroundings using ordination and statistical modeling. Substrate grain size was the principal factor explaining differences in species composition between spoil heaps and their surroundings. Soil characteristics, that is, organic matter content and pH, and reutilization of topsoil were also important. Seeding and fertilization had negligible effects on restoration success. Slow recovery was observed for total vegetation cover and species richness of vascular plants and lichens while bryophyte cover recovered rapidly. Lower bryophyte cover and bryophyte and vascular plant species richness on older than on younger spoil heaps indicated recent changes in spoil‐heap construction practices that favor plant colonization. Our results indicate that spoil‐heap design is more important for restoration success than compensatory mitigation. We therefore suggest spoil heaps designed with a fine‐grained top substrate preferably from stockpiled local topsoil, with uneven surface topography that mimics natural topographic variation, and recommend discontinuation of seeding and fertilization.
Animal Colonization of Restored Peatlands: Inoculation of Plant Material as a Source of Insects
Authors: Grégoire Taillefer Amélie , Wheeler Terry A.
Published: July 2012

Ecological restoration of mined peatlands in North America involves active reintroduction of bog plant species. Animals are not actively reintroduced, thus the re‐establishment of peatland fauna must occur either by inoculation along with introduced plant material or by dispersal. We examined the extent to which insects are reintroduced to restored sites with plant material by rearing insects from shredded vegetation collected in three donor sites. We assessed differences in abundance, diversity, and composition of taxonomic and trophic groups among seasons and sites. Abundance and species richness did not differ by season, but species assemblages did. The three sites were significantly different in abundance, but not in species richness and assemblages. Few insects emerged from the vegetation, suggesting that shredded plant material may not be the primary source of insect colonists. Insects likely recolonize by active or passive dispersal from the surrounding area. The species pool was similar among donor sites; consequently a mined site could be inoculated with vegetation from another peatland in the same region and this would not affect the insect assemblages at the initial stage of establishment. Diapause may be a major factor for emergence success among seasons of collection. Knowledge of how restoration techniques influence establishment of insect communities will help predict longer‐term outcomes of restoration on biotic communities in peatlands.
Management of Non‐Native Annual Plants to Support Recovery of an Endangered Perennial Forb, Ambrosia pumila
Authors: Hasselquist Eliza Maher , Hasselquist Niles J. , Rogers Deborah L.
Published: July 2012

Invasive non‐native plants pose a ubiquitous threat to native plant communities and have been blamed for the decline of many endangered species. Endangered species legislation provides legal instruments for protection, but identifying a general method for protecting endangered species by managing non‐natives is confounded by multiple factors. We compared non‐native management methods aimed at increasing populations of an endangered forb, Ambrosia pumila, and associated native plants. We compared the effects of a grass‐specific herbicide (Fusilade II), hand‐pulling, and mowing in two degraded coastal sage scrub sites in southern California, U.S.A. At both sites, hand‐pulling had the greatest effect on non‐native cover, and correspondingly resulted in the greatest increase in A. pumila stems. Fusilade II application also led to an increase in A. pumila, but was not as effective in controlling non‐native plants as hand‐pulling and its effect varied with the dominant non‐native species. Mowing was not effective at promoting A. pumila, and its effect on non‐native cover seemed to be related to rainfall patterns. Although some methods increased A. pumila, none of our treatments simultaneously increased cover of other native plants. Hand‐pulling, the most effective treatment, is labor intensive and thus only feasible at small spatial scales. At larger scales, managers should take an experimental approach to identifying the most appropriate method because this can vary depending on the specific management objective (endangered species or whole native community), the dominant non‐natives, yearly variation in weather, and the timing of treatment application.
Simple Method of Record Base Fabrication for a Bar‐Retained Implant Overdenture
Authors: Oh Won‐suk , Park Ju‐mi
Published: July 2012

A record base should be stable and accurately transferable from the cast to the mouth. This article describes a simple and practical method of fabricating a record base for mounting a master cast used to fabricate an implant connecting bar for an implant‐retained overdenture.
Holding Mayors Accountable: New York's Executives from Koch to Bloomberg
Authors: Arnold R. Douglas , Carnes Nicholas
Published: July 2012

How do citizens evaluate the performance of their mayors? Previous studies have examined mayoral performance either with cross‐sectional surveys or by comparing pairs of consecutive elections. In this article, we use 150 surveys conducted in New York City between 1984 and 2009 to carry out the first time‐series analysis of mayoral approval. We show that fluctuations in crime and the economy affect mayors’ ratings and that black and white citizens react similarly to changing local conditions (although their initial evaluations of mayors often diverge sharply). We also show that how New Yorkers rate mayors in the polls is closely related to how they vote for mayors at the polls.
Optimizing Electrode Placement for Hemodynamic Benefit in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: BABBS CHARLES F.
Published: July 2012

Background:Research is needed to explore the relative benefits of alternative electrode placements in biventricular and left ventricular (LV) pacing for heart failure with left bundle branch block (LBBB).

Methods:A fast computational model of the left ventricle, running on an ordinary laptop computer, was created to simulate the spread of electrical activation over the myocardial surface, together with the resulting electrocardiogram, segmental wall motion, stroke volume, and ejection fraction in the presence of varying degrees of mitral regurgitation. Arbitrary zones of scar and blocked electrical conduction could be modeled.

Results:Simulations showed there are both sweet spots and poor spots for LV electrode placement, sometimes separated by only a few centimeters. In heart failure with LBBB, pacing at poor spots can produce little benefit or even reduce pumping effectiveness. Pacing at sweet spots can produce up to 35% improvement in ejection fraction. Relatively larger benefit occurs in dilated hearts, in keeping with the greater disparity between early and late activated muscle. Sweet spots are typically located on the basal to midlevel, inferolateral wall. Poor spots are located on or near the interventricular septum. Anteroapical scar with conduction block causes little shift in locations for optimal pacing. Hearts with increased passive ventricular compliance and absence of preejection mitral regurgitation exhibit greater therapeutic gain. The durations and wave shapes of QRS complexes in the electrocardiogram can help predict optimum electrode placement in real time.

Conclusions:Differences between poor responders and hyperresponders to cardiac resynchronization therapy can be understood in terms of basic anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Computational modeling suggests general strategies for optimal electrode placement. In a given patient heart size, regional pathology and regional dynamics allow individual pretreatment planning to target optimal electrode placement. (PACE 2012; 35:1135–1145)