bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating phenotypic B-1 cells are decreased in common variable immunodeficiency and correlate with immunoglobulin M levels
Authors: Kraljevic K , Wong S , Fulcher D A
Published: October 2012

B-1 cells are innate-like lymphocytes characterized by spontaneous production of ‘natural’ polyspecific antibodies, often of self-specificity, and thought to be responsible for tissue homeostasis, mucosal protection, maintaining resting serum immunoglobulin (Ig)M levels and for early immunoglobulin production following infection. Although defined most clearly in mice, a human B-1 cell counterpart, defined by the phenotype CD19 or 20+CD27+CD43+CD69 or 70–, has been proposed recently, facilitating a study of their role in human humoral immunodeficiencies, such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This study examined circulating B-1 cells in 27 CVID patients in comparison to age-matched controls (n = 28). Phenotypic putative B-1 cell proportions varied widely, but there was an overall 60–70% decrease in CVID (0·039 ± 0·033% of lymphocytes, mean ± standard deviation) compared with controls (0·110 ± 0·159% of lymphocytes, P = 0·0012). This decrease was, however, explained largely by concomitant loss of total CD27+ memory B cells characteristic of CVID, although those with higher memory B cell proportions appeared to show a true decrease. No age-related effects were apparent in B-1 cell proportions. However, among CVID patients, there was a strong positive correlation between the B-1 cell proportion and serum IgM levels, a relationship that was not evident for IgA, nor was there a relationship between memory B cell proportions and serum IgM. Patients with CVID have fewer circulating putative phenotypic B-1 cells, which largely reflected the overall decrease in memory B cells. However, B-1 cell proportions correlated with resting serum IgM levels, suggesting a possible role in IgM deficiency in CVID.
Attenuation of islet-specific T cell responses is associated with C-peptide improvement in autoimmune type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Brooks-Worrell B M , Palmer J P
Published: October 2012

The clinical efficacy of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists in cell-mediated autoimmune diseases results from down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and autoimmune effector cells. T cell islet autoimmunity has been demonstrated to be common in patients with phenotypic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and islet-specific T cells (T+) to be correlated positively with more severe beta cell dysfunction. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of the PPAR-γ agonist, rosiglitazone, therapy in autoimmune T2DM patients is due, in part, to the immunosuppressive properties on the islet-specific T cell responses. Twenty-six phenotypic T2DM patients positive for T cell islet autoimmunity (T+) were identified and randomized to rosiglitazone (n = 12) or glyburide (n = 14). Beta cell function, islet-specific T cell responses, interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ responses and islet autoantibodies were followed for 36 months. Patients treated with rosiglitazone demonstrated significant (P < 0·03) down-regulation of islet-specific T cell responses, although no change in response to tetanus, a significant decrease (P < 0·05) in IFN-γ production and significantly (P < 0·001) increased levels of adiponectin compared to glyburide-treated patients. Glucagon-stimulated beta cell function was observed to improve significantly (P < 0·05) in the rosiglitazone-treated T2DM patients coinciding with the down-regulation of the islet-specific T cell responses. In contrast, beta cell function in the glyburide-treated T2DM patients was observed to drop progressively throughout the study. Our results suggest that down-regulation of islet-specific T cell autoimmunity through anti-inflammatory therapy may help to improve beta cell function in autoimmune phenotypic T2DM patients.
Influence of the vitamin D plasma level and vitamin D-related genetic polymorphisms on the immune status of patients with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Rose K , Penna-Martinez M , Klahold E , Kärger D , Shoghi F , Kahles H , Bayer M , Hintermann E , Pfeilschifter J M , Badenhoop K , Ramos-Lopez E , Christen U
Published: October 2012

Vitamin D (VD) has been implicated in type 1 diabetes (T1D) by genetic and epidemiological studies. Individuals living in regions with low sunlight exposure have an increased T1D risk and VD supplementation reduced the risk in human individuals and mouse models. One possibility of how VD influences the pathogenesis of T1D is its immunomodulatory effect on dendritic cells (DC), which then preferentially activate regulatory T cells (Tregs). In the present pilot study, we collected blood samples from a small cohort of patients with T1D at baseline and months 6 and 12. VD-deficient patients were advised to supplement with 1000 IU/day VD. We found a considerable variation in the VD plasma level at baseline and follow-up. However, with higher VD plasma levels, a lower frequency of interleukin (IL)-4-producing CD8 T cells was observed. We further performed a comprehensive genotyping of 13 VD-related polymorphisms and found an association between VD plasma level and the genotype of the VD binding protein (DBP). The frequency of DC and T cell subsets was variable in patients of all subgroups and in individual patients over time. Nevertheless, we found some significant associations, including the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 hydroxylase (CYP27B1) genotype with the frequency of DC subtypes. In summary, our preliminary results indicate only a limited influence of the VD plasma level on the immune balance in patients with T1D. Nevertheless, our pilot study provides a basis for a follow-up study with a larger cohort of patients.
Maintenance of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy for vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Ryan Andrea , Saad Tahira , Kirwan Caitriona , Keegan David J , Acheson Robert W
Published: October 2012

Background

The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the risk of bleeding from vitreoretinal surgery in a continuous unbiased cohort of patients taking unsuspended antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.

Design

Prospective hospital‐based study.

Participants

Eighty‐five patients taking unsuspended aspirin, clopidogrel and/or warfarin therapy undergoing all forms of vitreoretinal surgery at The Mater Misericordiae University and The Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery taking unsuspended antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy over a 1‐year period were included in this prospective study to evaluate the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding complications.

Main Outcome Measures

The intraoperative and postoperative bleeding rates.

Results

One hundred and seven vitreoretinal procedures were performed on 85 patients taking unsuspended antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The intraoperative bleeding rate was 23%, the majority of which consisted of mild bleeding into the vitreous cavity during vitrectomy. The postoperative bleeding rate was 22%, consisting of 3.7% anterior chamber haemorrhage, 11% dispersed vitreous cavity haemorrhage, 4.7% dense vitreous cavity haemorrhage, 0.9% subretinal haemorrhage and 1.9% localized choroidal haemorrhage. The single greatest significant independent predictor of intraoperative bleeding was proliferative diabetic retinopathy and of postoperative bleeding was the presence of diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

There were no cases of uncontrolled intraoperative haemorrhage or serious postoperative choroidal haemorrhage. Mild haemorrhagic oozing during vitrectomy and dispersed vitreous cavity haemorrhage postoperatively were common. For the majority of patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication, these agents can be safely continued in the vitreoretinal surgical perioperative period.
Spreading Activation in an Attractor Network With Latching Dynamics: Automatic Semantic Priming Revisited
Authors: Lerner Itamar , Bentin Shlomo , Shriki Oren
Published: October 2012

Localist models of spreading activation (SA) and models assuming distributed representations offer very different takes on semantic priming, a widely investigated paradigm in word recognition and semantic memory research. In this study, we implemented SA in an attractor neural network model with distributed representations and created a unified framework for the two approaches. Our models assume a synaptic depression mechanism leading to autonomous transitions between encoded memory patterns (latching dynamics), which account for the major characteristics of automatic semantic priming in humans. Using computer simulations, we demonstrated how findings that challenged attractor‐based networks in the past, such as mediated and asymmetric priming, are a natural consequence of our present model’s dynamics. Puzzling results regarding backward priming were also given a straightforward explanation. In addition, the current model addresses some of the differences between semantic and associative relatedness and explains how these differences interact with stimulus onset asynchrony in priming experiments.
Effect of 2 days of intensive resistance training on appetite‐related hormone and anabolic hormone responses
Authors: Goto Kazushige , Shioda Kohei , Uchida Sunao
Published: October 2012

This study was designed to determine endocrine responses during 2 days of strenuous resistance training. Ten healthy men performed resistance training twice a day for two successive days to induce acute fatigue (excessive physical stress). The resistance training consisted of four exercises for the lower body in the morning and seven exercises for the upper body in the afternoon. Maximal isometric and isokinetic strengths were measured from day 1 (before the training period) to day 3 (after the training period). Fasting blood samples were taken on days 1–3. Maximal isometric and isokinetic strengths significantly decreased with two successive days of training (P<0·05), with significant increases in serum creatine phosphokinase and myoglobin concentrations (P<0·05). Significant reductions in the fasting concentrations of serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1, free testosterone, insulin and high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin were observed on day 3 (P<0·05), whereas there were no changes in the serum cortisol concentration or the free testosterone/cortisol ratio. Plasma active ghrelin and serum leptin concentrations decreased by −20·7 ± 2·8% and −29·6 ± 4·1%, respectively (P<0·05). Two days strenuous resistance training significantly affects the profiles of anabolic hormone and endocrine regulators of appetite and energy balance, such as ghrelin and leptin. The present findings suggest that decreased ghrelin and leptin concentrations might reflect excessive physical stress and may be early signs of accumulated fatigue.
RD Lawrence Lecture 2012 Assessing aetiology in diabetes: how C‐peptide, CRP and fucosylation came to the party!
Authors: Owen K. R.
Published: October 2012

Assigning the correct aetiology in diabetes is important for treatment, understanding prognosis and for follow‐up of family members. Despite these benefits, many are missing out on the opportunity to have testing for monogenic forms of diabetes. This review gives the clinical features of the commoner forms of monogenic diabetes and examines which clinical and biological markers can be used to identify those at highest risk of having Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). MODY is characterised by young‐onset, familial diabetes which is C‐peptide positive, β‐cell antibody negative and not associated with metabolic syndrome. Differentiating from type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be challenging due to the overlap of clinical features. In type 1 diabetes, insulin production ceases after the honeymoon period. Thus C‐peptide can be used to detect those with persisting insulin secretion who might have a different cause for their diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, most have insulin resistance, so absence of metabolic syndrome could be used to identify those most likely to have MODY. Another approach is to look for non‐pancreatic features associated with mutations in MODY genes. Following results from Genome‐wide association studies, we have shown that those with HNF1A mutations (the commonest form of MODY) have decreased serum levels of highly‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and altered patterns of plasma protein fucosylation. These features can differentiate HNF1A‐MODY from common forms of diabetes with a high degree of discriminative accuracy. Using combinations of clinical features and new biomarkers in diagnostic pathways will help increase diagnosis rates of MODY.
Does Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Induce Cardiac Remodeling?
Authors: Fuchs Therese , Baron Elvera L. , Leitman Marina , Burgsdorf Oleg , Torjman Amram , Vered Zvi
Published: October 2012

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare cardiac structure and function in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF), as opposed to patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), and normal control subjects. Methods and Results: This study included 83 patients, divided into 3 groups: group A, 32 patients with CAF for ≥6 months; group B, 29 patients in sinus rhythm with a documented history of PAF; and group C, 22 patients without history of atrial fibrillation. Patients with CAF were older (71 years vs. 64 in group B, and 64 in group C). Apart from age, groups were clinically similar. After careful clinical evaluation, comprehensive echocardiography studies were performed including cardiac chambers' size, systolic and diastolic left ventricular function. Left atrium (LA) volume index was significantly larger in CAF than PAF and control patients: 39 ± 13 versus 34 ± 9 versus 25 ± 8 (P < 0.003). Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in CAF: 53.8 ± 7 versus 61.6 ± 6.7 versus 58.4 ± 5.2% (P < 0.001). Isovolumic relaxation time was shorter in CAF, 65 ± 16 versus 82 ± 21 versus 81 ± 13 msec (P < 0.001). E/Vp was significantly greater in CAF 2.6 ± 0.8 versus 1.7 ± 0.4 versus 1.7 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001). Additional diastolic parameters were also significantly different. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that in patients with CAF structural and functional cardiac changes occur. Patients with CAF as opposed to both normal subjects and patients with PAF have larger left atria and reduced systolic and diastolic left ventricular function.
An Unusual Case of Left Atrial Myxoma and Papillary Fibroelastoma
Authors: Challa Suresh , Chaliki Hari P. , Najib Mohammad Q. , Ganji Jhansi L. , Click Roger L.
Published: October 2012

Mini‐Abstract

We present a case of a 76‐year‐old woman with new‐onset atrial flutter who underwent transesophageal echocardiography, which demonstrated a large left atrial mass consistent with myxoma and a “shimmering” mobile mass on the aortic side of the right coronary cusp, with fronds consistent with a papillary fibroelastoma. Such concurrent primary cardiac tumors of different histology are a rare occurence.
Stocking impacts the expression of candidate genes and physiological condition in introgressed brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations
Authors: Lamaze Fabien C. , Garant Dany , Bernatchez Louis
Published: October 2012

Translocation of plants and animal populations between environments is one of the major forms of anthropogenic perturbation experienced by pristine populations, and consequently, human‐mediated hybridization by stocking practices between wild and exogenous conspecifics is of increasing concern. In this study, we compared the expression of seven candidate genes involved in multifactorial traits and regulatory pathways for growth as a function of level of introgressive hybridization between wild and domestic brook charr to test the null hypothesis of no effect of introgression on wild fish. Our analyses revealed that the expression of two of the genes tested, cytochrome c oxidase VIIa and the growth hormone receptor isoform I, was positively correlated with the level of introgression. We also observed a positive relationship between the extent of introgression and physiological status quantified by the Fulton's condition index. The expression of other genes was influenced by other variables, including year of sampling (reflecting different thermal conditions), sampling method and lake of origin. This is the first demonstration in nature that introgression from stocked populations has an impact on the expression of genes playing a role in important biological functions that may be related with fitness in wild introgressed populations.
Spatialities of Governance – Spatial Imaginations Associated with Market, Hierarchy, Networks and Communities
Authors: Ibert Oliver , Stein Axel
Published: October 2012

This paper scrutinizes different modes of governance and their associations to spatial imaginations. Two main contributions are made. First, we outline the state of the art knowledge on coordinated action. We engage with thinking on markets, hierarchies and networks, while emphasizing the insights offered by the literature on communities of practice, which have yet to be considered by these established approaches. Second, we seek to make explicit how conceptual assumptions inherent to these modes of governance shape specific spatial imaginations. Coordination through the market has been strongly associated with the spatial imagination of agglomeration. More or less hierarchical governance inspired the idea of local production systems while the network paradigm has fed imaginations of relational spaces. In contrast, the spatial implications of communities remain barely understood. In this paper we suggest “shared contexts” as a useful notion to provide a preliminary understanding of this spatiality.
The use of radiography and the apex locator in endodontic treatment within the UK: a comparison between endodontic specialists and general dental practitioners
Authors: Orafi I. , Rushton V. E.
Published: October 2012

Aim

To investigate the attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialist endodontists working in the UK in the use of radiography and apex locators during root canal treatment and to see if use was related to respondent's age and the year of graduation.

Methodology

A postal questionnaire was sent to 857 randomly selected GDPs and all endodontic specialists working in the UK (170). Non‐responders were sent a further two mailings. Chi‐squared tests were used to compare both groups at the P < 0.05 level of significance. For nonparametric data, the Mann–Whitney U test was employed.

Results

The overall response rate was 73%. There were significant differences between endodontic specialists and GDPs in the prescription of the preoperative, the cone‐fit and the postoperative radiograph. A total of 114 (86.4%) endodontic specialists and 321 (53.2%) GDPs reported using an apex locator (P < 0.001). Eighty‐eight (66.7%) endodontists and 217 (36%) GDPs used an apex locator and a radiograph to determine the working length for a single‐rooted tooth (P < 0.001). For multi‐rooted teeth, 91 (68.9%) endodontists and 229 (38%) GDPs used a combined approach of an electronic apex locator and a working‐length radiograph (P < 0.001). One‐millimetre short of the radiographic apex was employed by 56.2% of respondents as the apical limit. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) between the two groups with regard to routine radiographic follow‐up.

Conclusions

Both endodontists and GDPs were found to be observing national guidelines when performing root canal treatment. Greater use of apex locators was found amongst endodontists who tended to use a combined approach of an apex locator and periapical radiography.
Empirical evaluation of grouping of lower urinary tract symptoms: principal component analysis of Tampere Ageing Male Urological Study data
Authors: Pöyhönen Antti , Häkkinen Jukka T. , Koskimäki Juha , Hakama Matti , Tammela Teuvo L.J. , Auvinen Anssi
Published: October 2012

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

The ICS has divided LUTS into three groups: storage, voiding and post‐micturition symptoms. The classification is based on anatomical, physiological and urodynamic considerations of a theoretical nature. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the inter‐correlations of various LUTS, which is a novel approach to research and can strengthen existing knowledge of the phenomenology of LUTS. After we had completed our analyses, another study was published that used a similar approach and results were very similar to those of the present study.

We evaluated the constellation of LUTS using PCA of the data from a population‐based study that included >4000 men. In our analysis, three components emerged from the 12 LUTS: voiding, storage and incontinence components. Our results indicated that incontinence may be separate from the other storage symptoms and post‐micturition symptoms should perhaps be regarded as voiding symptoms.

Objective

To determine how lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) relate to each other and assess if the classification proposed by the International Continence Society (ICS) is consistent with empirical findings.

Materials And Methods

The information on urinary symptoms for this population‐based study was collected using a self‐administered postal questionnaire in 2004.

The questionnaire was sent to 7470 men, aged 30–80 years, from Pirkanmaa County (Finland), of whom 4384 (58.7%) returned the questionnaire.

The Danish Prostatic Symptom Score‐1 questionnaire was used to evaluate urinary symptoms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the inter‐correlations among various urinary symptoms.

Results

The PCA produced a grouping of 12 LUTS into three categories consisting of voiding, storage and incontinence symptoms. Post‐micturition symptoms were related to voiding symptoms, but incontinence symptoms were separate from storage symptoms.

In the analyses by age group, similar categorization was found at ages 40, 50, 60 and 80 years, but only two groups of symptoms emerged among men aged 70 years. The prevalence among men aged 30 was too low for meaningful analysis.

Conclusions

This population‐based study suggests that LUTS can be divided into three subgroups consisting of voiding, storage and incontinence symptoms based on their inter‐correlations.

Our empirical findings suggest an alternative grouping of LUTS. The potential utility of such an approach requires careful consideration.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE AND SCOPE IN POSTAL OUTLETS UNDER CONSIDERATION OF UNOBSERVED HETEROGENEITY
Authors: FILIPPINI Massimo , KOLLER Martin
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT:  We analyze economies of scale and scope in Swiss Post's post offices and franchised postal agencies under consideration of different underlying production technologies and unobserved factors using a latent class model. The results confirm the existence of unobserved heterogeneity and of increasing economies of scale and scope in the Swiss Post's outlet network.
LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: MAIN RESULTS OF A RESEARCH PROJECT BY CIRIEC INTERNATIONAL
Authors: BOGNETTI Giuseppe , OBERMANN Gabriel
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT:  The present article is meant as an introduction to the three contributions on local public transport, water services and waste management resulting from a research of CIRIEC International Scientific Commission on ‘Public Services/Public Enterprises’, launched in 2008. The main purpose of the research was to produce a cross section description of essential and widely used local public services in different countries and to investigate their evolution over the last two or three decades.

We give here a transversal overview of general common trends in the three analyzed sectors. We explain the increasing autonomy and separation of decision levels in planning and governance processes, describe the changing role and nature of the provider of public services, depict some peculiarities of the structure and the process of regulation, and deal finally with some remarks on funding policies. We show that unquestionably EU directives and regulations did have a definite impact on the way the services were supplied; however this has not produced a prevailing ‘European model’ in all member States. Our research shows clearly that as of now the EU area offers very different models of local public services. The variety of solutions adopted is impressive. Each concrete choice regarding regulation, market governance, planning and provision depends in the end on a negotiation between the central state, local authorities, bureaucracy, trade unions, pressure groups such as private enterprises and users of the service. The existence of different solutions adopted by different countries and within the same sector could mean that a compulsory policy towards a uniform solution, as frequently favoured by the EU, is not convincing and should not be supported. Since there is no evidence that the different solutions produce different degrees of efficiency and effectiveness, they could represent appropriate forms of adaptation to national overall characteristics and changing citizens’ needs.
THE MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT SECTOR IN EUROPE: SHIFTING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE MARKET
Authors: ANTONIOLI Barbara , MASSARUTTO Antonio
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT:  This paper provides a comparative assessment of the organization of urban waste management in selected European countries and discusses the regulatory implications of the ongoing evolution. Using an institutional economic approach, focused on governance of transactions along the value chain, we argue that: i) there is evidence of an increasing shift towards operator‐based integrated systems; ii) the emphasis put on material and energy recovery opens the market far beyond the traditional legal monopolies established for managing urban services. These results pose new challenges for economic regulation and make it more complicate to trace the boundary between the public service and the market domain. Spaces for competition in the market have become much larger, but the role of public regulation and planning are nonetheless more far‐reaching than in the past.
NEW ORGANIZATIONAL MODELS IN EUROPEAN LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT: FROM MYTH TO REALITY*
Authors: ZATTI Andrea
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT:  The Europeanization of public services is frequently considered to have created pressure for Member States to progressively converge towards a new dominant organizational model, based on deregulation, de‐integration and privatization. However, while in some sectors European directives played a crucial role in boosting a common evolutionary path, in other cases, mainly related to local public services, this influence remained feeble and more uncertain. The empirical insight on EU Local Public Transport Services carried out in this paper aims at investigating if and to what extent this new dominant paradigm actually emerges, or if and to what extent more fragmented and heterogeneous outcomes prevail.

The main outcome is that the public role in Local Public Transport is still widespread and that a major theoretical and analytical focus should be directed to the ability of the principal‐competent public administration to play its role in an effective and sound manner, while often too much attention is paid to the characteristics of the agent‐operator (public‐private, big or small, foreign or national, etc.).
US Universities and the Production of the Global Imaginary
Authors: Kamola Isaac
Published: October 2012

Research Highlights and Abstract

Globalization and US higher education. Theorizing the global imaginary (Charles Taylor and Manfred Steger). Althusser and the imaginary. Universities and the production of knowledge.

I argue that ‘globalization’ is not simply a concept describing the world but rather an imaginary; a mental practice which renders multiple, often competing, social relationships into a meaningful, coherent whole. While some scholars have made similar arguments, none has laid out a theoretically rigorous understanding of the global imaginary. I first draw upon the work of Charles Taylor and Manfred Steger to better understand globalization as an imaginary, but find their work unable to explain how the global imaginary is produced. To ameliorate this deficiency, I turn to the work of Louis Althusser to theorize globalization as socially produced within particular material apparatuses that organize daily practices. I conclude by applying this theory to examine how the apparatus of the US university has transformed from an institution designed to produce a national imaginary to one producing the global imaginary.
Multifunctional Agriculture Meets Health Care: Applying the Multi‐Level Transition Sciences Perspective to Care Farming in the Netherlands
Authors: Hassink Jan , Grin John , Hulsink Wim
Published: October 2012

Care farming is a promising example of multifunctional agriculture: it is an innovation at the crossroads of the agricultural and healthcare sectors. Our objective is to develop a framework for understanding the success of initiatives in this field. We link empirical data with the multi‐level perspective from the transition sciences and extend this perspective with insights from the literature on entrepreneurship, alliance management and organisational attributes. This framework allows us to explain the success of the three major types of initiatives: (1) individual care farms; (2) regional foundations of care farmers; and (3) care institutions collaborating with groups of farmers at a regional level. We propose that the main factors responsible for the success of initiatives are the commitment and competences of the entrepreneur, the creation of alliances, the quality of the new regional organisations and the implementation of the care farm services in care organisations. The relative importance of the factors varies between the different types of initiatives and local and regional levels.
Splitting bodies/selves: women’s concepts of embodiment at the moment of birth
Authors: Lupton Deborah , Schmied Virginia
Published: October 2012

Little sociological research has focused specifically on the moment of birth. In this article we draw upon interview data with women who had very recently given birth for the first time to explore the ways in which they described both their own embodiment and that of their infants at this time. We use the term ‘the body‐being‐born’ to describe the liminality and fragmentation of the foetal/infant body as women experience it when giving birth. The study found that mode of birth was integral to the process of coming to terms with this body during and following birth. The women who gave birth vaginally without anaesthesia experienced an intense physicality as they felt their bodies painfully opening as the ‘body‐being‐born’ forced its way out. In contrast the women who had had a Caesarean section tended to experience both their own bodies and those of their infants as absent and alienated. Most of the women took some time to come to terms with the infant once it was born, conceptualising it as strange and unknown, but those who delivered by Caesarean section had to work even harder in coming to terms with the experience.
The Reduced Ostrovsky Equation: Integrability and Breaking
Authors: Grimshaw R. H. J. , Helfrich Karl , Johnson E. R.
Published: October 2012

The reduced Ostrovsky equation is a modification of the Korteweg‐de Vries equation, in which the usual linear dispersive term with a third‐order derivative is replaced by a linear nonlocal integral term, which represents the effect of background rotation. This equation is integrable provided a certain curvature constraint is satisfied. We demonstrate, through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, that when this curvature constraint is not satisfied at the initial time, then wave breaking inevitably occurs.
Orthographic and semantic processing in young readers
Authors: Polse Lara R. , Reilly Judy S.
Published: October 2012

This investigation examined orthographic and semantic processing during reading acquisition. Children in first to fourth grade were presented with a target word and two response alternatives, and were asked to identify the semantic match. Words were presented in four conditions: an exact match and unrelated foil (STONE–STONE–EARS), an exact match and an orthographic neighbour foil (STONE–STONE–STOVE), a ­synonym match and an unrelated foil (STONE–ROCK–EARS) and a synonym match and an orthographic neighbour foil (STONE–ROCK–STOVE). Accuracy and reaction time results suggest that orthographic and semantic processing follow a two‐step ­acquisition pattern. First, the orthographic component of reading develops quickly; however, forming strong conceptual links from orthographic to semantic representations follows a protracted trajectory, which matures between the third and fourth grades. These results are consistent with research that suggests younger children rely on more concrete, perceptual systems and then transition to more flexible, abstract cognition.
Assessment of the upper limb in cerebral palsy: validity and reliability of the revised VOAA‐DDD
Authors: BIALOCERKOWSKI ANDREA E
Published: October 2012

This paper is on the original article by Houwink et al. on pages 76–82 of this issue
Model‐based analysis of skin conductance responses: Towards causal models in psychophysiology
Authors: Bach Dominik R. , Friston Karl J.
Published: October 2012

The empirical investigation of unobservable psychological processes usually rests on operational definitions. As an alternative, we propose the use of explicit causal models. This is particularly useful in psychophysiology, where formal models can be expressed mathematically, exploiting biophysical constraints, and inverted to yield estimates of unobservable processes. In psychophysiology, recent advances have been made in causal modeling for skin conductance responses, which we discuss to exemplify the development of such models. Empirical evidence suggests that these methods have a greater validity compared to operational approaches. This review concludes by considering the theoretical implications for the field of psychophysiology and benefits for practical data analysis.
Chemical, Physical, and Biological Characterization of a Dimeric form of Biosynthetic Human Growth Hormone
Authors: Becker GW , Bowsher RR , Mackellar WC , Poor ML , Tackitt PM , Riggin RM
Published: October 2012

A dimer of biosynthetic human growth hormone (HGH) has been isolated and characterized. This entity, which is the predominant dimeric species in biosynthetic HGH, is chemically identical to monomeric HGH and exists in a noncovalent dimeric form which is dissociated to monomeric HGH on polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels or in aqueous solutions containing 30% acetonitrile. This substance, found in all production lots of pituitary HGH, biosynthetic HGH, and biosynthetic methionyl HGH examined, is much less biopotent than monomeric HGH and can be distinguished from monomeric HGH by a monoclonal antibody. These data demonstrate that polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is not a valid method for measuring this dimer and that size‐exclusion chromatography under aqueous conditions is required.
Theproduction of recombinant glycoproteins with special reference to simple eukaryotesincluding Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Jung Eva , Williams Keith L.
Published: October 2012

Because many recombinantly produced proteins require post‐translational modification to be properly folded and active, there is a new emphasis on eukaryotic expression systems. Dictyostelium discoideum is a well studied eukaryotic model organism for the investigation of key questions in molecular and cell biology. More recently D. discoideum was successfully used as a system for recombinant glycoprotein production. The vegetative amoebae are easy and inexpensive to grow either in axenic culture or on Gram‐negative bacteria. Reliable and uncomplicated transformation systems are also well established. This organism harbours the machinery to perform post‐translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acylation, formation of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors and more importantly N‐and O‐linked glycosylation. This review provides an overview of glycosylation in different expression systems and focuses on glycosylation in D. discoideum.
Alkaline‐pH‐actingdigestive enzymes of the polyphagous insect pest Spilosoma obliqua: stabilityand potential as detergent additives
Authors: Anwar Adil , Saleemuddin Mohammed
Published: October 2012

The gut contents of the fifth‐instar larvae of the polyphagous insect pest Spilosoma obliqua reared on castor‐bean leaves exhibit high proteolytic, amylolytic and lipolytic activities. While the pH optimum of proteolytic activity was 11.0, those of amylase and lipase were 9.0 and 8.0 respectively. Among these, the lipase had a temperature optimum of 40 ° C; the amylolytic and proteolytic activities peaked at 50 ° C. All three enzyme activities could be nearly quantitatively precipitated from the gut contents at 60′ (NH4)2SO4 saturation. The protease, amylase and lipase in the fraction obtained thus were reasonably stable at 40 ° C and retained over 20, 41 and 50% activities respectively after 24 h at pH 9.0. Glutaraldehyde treatment of the dialysed ammonium sulphate fraction resulted in a marked improvement in the retention of enzyme activities at 40 ° C. The ammonium sulphate fraction was also highly effective in facilitating the removal of old bloodstains from cotton cloth in both the presence and absence of detergents.
Industrial Products ‐ the Return to Carbohydrate‐Based Industries
Authors: Louwrier Ariel
Published: October 2012

This review is aimed at generating a wide‐scale perspective of the current ways in which an extensive range of industrial products are produced, and how the move towards carbohydrate‐based industries has not only started, but is well under way. It is separated into two fundamental parts. In the first the role of biofuel production is examined, and in the second the role of speciality chemicals and enzymes is outlined, the latter not just as biocatalysts, but also as end products.
Immobilization of Urease from Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) in Polyacrylamide Gels and Calcium Alginate Beads
Authors: Das Nilanjana , Kayastha Arvind M. , Malhotra O. P.
Published: October 2012

Urease from pigeonpea was entrapped in polyacrylamide gel with 50% immobilization at 10% total monomer (containing 5% cross‐linker) with high mechanical stability of the gel. Approximately 0.61 mg of protein could be loaded per 5 ml of gel. The immobilized enzyme had a t1/2 of approx. 200 days when stored in 0.1 M Tris/acetate buffer, pH 6.5, at 4 °C. The gel strips were used 4×5 times for urea assay over a period of 6 h with less than 2% loss of activity. Approximately 50% immobilization of urease in calcium alginate was observed at 3% alginate with 0.12 mg protein/ml alginate. The resultant enzyme beads showed a t1/2 of approx. 75 days when stored in 0.1 M Tris/acetate buffer, pH 6.5, at 4 °C. The beads were used 4–5 times for urea assay over a period of 6 h with about 40% loss of activity. In both cases, the enzyme activity was directly proportional to the amount of immobilized enzyme. There was practically no leaching of the entrapped enzyme over a period of 48 h from either of the polymers. Both the immobilized enzyme preparations were used to analyse the blood urea of some clinical samples from the University hospital. The results obtained compared favourably with those obtained by the usual method employed in the clinical pathology laboratory.
A Stochastic Approach to Model Dynamic Systems in Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Miller Shelie A. , Moysey Stephen , Sharp Benjamin , Alfaro Jose
Published: October 2012

This article presents a framework to evaluate emerging systems in life cycle assessment (LCA). Current LCA methods are effective for established systems; however, lack of data often inhibits robust analysis of future products or processes that may benefit the most from life cycle information. In many cases the life cycle inventory (LCI) of a system can change depending on its development pathway. Modeling emerging systems allows insights into probable trends and a greater understanding of the effect of future scenarios on LCA results. The proposed framework uses Bayesian probabilities to model technology adoption. The method presents a unique approach to modeling system evolution and can be used independently or within the context of an agent‐based model (ABM). LCA can be made more robust and dynamic by using this framework to couple scenario modeling with life cycle data, analyzing the effect of decision‐making patterns over time. Potential uses include examining the changing urban metabolism of growing cities, understanding the development of renewable energy technologies, identifying transformations in material flows over space and time, and forecasting industrial networks for developing products. A switchgrass‐to‐energy case demonstrates the approach.
Stagnating Life Expectancies and Future Prospects in an Age of Uncertainty
Authors: Denney Justin T. , McNown Robert , Rogers Richard G. , Doubilet Steven
Published: October 2012

Objective

This article provides a timely assessment of U.S. life expectancy given recent stalls in the growth of length of life, the continuing drop in international rankings of life expectancy for the United States, and a period of growing social and economic insecurity.

Methods

Time‐series analysis is used on over 70 years of data from the Human Mortality Database to forecast future life expectancy to the year 2055.

Results

The results show limited improvements in U.S. life expectancy at birth, less than three years on average, for both men and women.

Conclusions

Even in uncertain times, it is important to look forward in preparing for the needs of future populations. The results presented here underscore the relevance of policy and health initiatives aimed at improving the nation's health and reveal important insight into possible limits to mortality improvement over the next five decades.
Diabetic foot wounds in haemodialysis patients: 2‐year outcome after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and minor amputation
Authors: Matsuzaki Kyoichi , Miyamoto Akira , Hakamata Naohiro , Fukuda Masahiro , Yamauchi Yasutaka , Akita Takako , Kuhara Ryoji , Tezuka Shingo
Published: October 2012

Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is known to be associated with high mortality. In some patients, surgery cannot be performed due to high risk of perioperative death and complications. In other cases, there is only pain at rest but no wound. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately predict the prognosis of individual patients. We examined the prognosis of CLI cases in which therapeutic footwear was made for ambulation after wounds healed. The subjects were 31 haemodialysis patients with diabetic foot wounds, which were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and minor amputation. The subjects were 22 men and 9 women. Female patients were significantly older than male patients (P = 0·046). Two‐year postoperative outcomes were survival in 19 patients and death in 12 patients. Eight of twelve deceased patients had a history of coronary intervention. There were 8 deaths among 13 patients with such history, indicating a marginally significant increase in the mortality rate (P = 0·060). Re‐amputation was performed in 6 of 19 patients who survived. Two years postoperatively, 41·9% of patients overall survived without re‐amputation. It is important to increase the number of cases for further study to improve the well‐being of CLI patients and to examine medical economics.
Unintended and Unavoidable: The Failure to Protect Rule and Its Consequences for Undocumented Parents and Their Children
Authors: Rogerson Sarah
Published: October 2012

Parents without immigration status in the United States regularly face the threat of deportation and separation from their children. When an undocumented parent is brought to the attention of law enforcement through the child welfare system, they also face the potential of the loss of legal custodial rights to their children. The child welfare system and immigration enforcement mechanisms operate independent of one another with little regard for how actions in one can impact a parent's legal rights in the other, often permanently separating children from their parents. This article examines the particular issue of undocumented parents who are charged with the failure to protect their children from witnessing or otherwise experiencing abuse committed by a third party. It explores how such a charge, whether founded or unfounded, can result in loss of eligibility for immigration relief to which the undocumented parent would otherwise be entitled, as well as deportation of the parent and permanent separation of parent and child. These issues are situated within the larger context of the normative guideposts of both family and immigration law, namely, the best interests of the child and family unity. It identifies issues for further academic inquiry as well as tips for practitioners who may represent undocumented parents in either the family or immigration systems.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Learn about the potential consequences under family law and immigration law when an undocumented parent's child is abused by a third party

Gain strategies for planning with undocumented parents to avoid the loss of the custody of their children in the event of a sudden deportation

Be able to identify and address particular concerns for clients who are undocumented victims of domestic violence
‘Til Death Do Us Part: Affidavits of Support and Obligations to Immigrant Spouses
Authors: Thronson Veronica Tobar
Published: October 2012

This article analyzes the use of a federal affidavit of support, a required document that forms part of all family immigration petitions to overcome public charge grounds of inadmissibility. The federal statute mandating affidavits of support was altered in 1996 in an attempt to make them contractually binding, even after the dissolution of marriage. Further, affidavits of support implicate not only obligations between spouses, but also deeming analysis for public benefit eligibility. Case law interpreting these affidavits of support is scarce and varied, but trends, patterns, and contested issues are emerging. Yet courts have not settled on any theory and practice for incorporating these affidavits into their decisions related to family dissolution. This article provides an introduction to affidavits of support and an initial effort to frame the most critical issues related to them that arise in family litigation. This article also highlights some of the key strategic issues and caveats for litigants and parties.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

An introduction to affidavits of support and the immigration law context in which it exists

A review of trends, patterns, and contested issues emerging in available judicial decisions in state and federal courts

Key strategic issues and caveats for litigants and parties on the use of affidavits of support