bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of whole genome linkage‐linkage disequilibrium and association results, and identification of markers to predict genetic merit for twinning
Authors: Bierman C. D. , Kim E. , Shi X.‐W. , Weigel K. , Jeffrey Berger P. , Kirkpatrick B. W.
Published: March 2010

A previous genome‐wide search with a moderate density 10K marker set identified many marker associations with twinning rate, either through single‐marker analysis or combined linkage‐linkage disequilibrium (LLD; haplotype) analysis. The objective of the current study was to validate putative marker associations using an independent set of phenotypic data. Holstein bulls (n = 921) from 100 paternal half‐sib families were genotyped. Twinning rate predicted transmitting abilities were calculated using calving records from 1994 to 1998 (Data I) and 1999 to 2006 (Data II), and the underlying liability scores from threshold model analysis were used as the trait in marker association analyses. The previous analysis used 201 bulls with daughter records in Data I. In the current analysis, this was increased to 434, providing a revised estimate of effect and significance. Bulls with daughter records in Data II totaled 851, and analysis of this data provided the validation of results from analysis of Data I. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected to validate previously significant single‐marker associations and LLD results. Bulls were genotyped for a total of 306 markers. Nine of 13 LLD regions located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 22, 23(2) and 26 were validated, showing significant results for both Data I and II. Association analysis revealed 55 of 174 markers validated, equating to a single‐marker validation rate of 31%. Stepwise backward elimination and cross‐validation analyses identified 18 SNPs for use in a final reduced marker panel explaining 34% of the genetic variation, and to allow prediction of genetic merit for twinning rate.
Impaired lymphocyte mitochondrial antioxidant defences in variegate porphyria are accompanied by more inducible reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage
Authors: Ferrer Miguel D. , Sureda Antoni , Tauler Pedro , Palacín Clara , Tur Josep A. , Pons Antoni
Published: March 2010

This study aimed to analyse lymphocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and detoxification mechanisms and the appearance of oxidative damage in variegate porphyria (VP) patients. Twelve women affected by VP and 12 pair‐matched healthy control women participated in the study. VP women presented impaired expression of the mitochondrial proteins protoporphyrinogen oxidase, uncoupling protein‐3, Bcl‐2 and sirtuin 3. Lymphocytes from VP women presented higher H2O2production than controls after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate. The inhibition of H2O2production afterin vitrolymphocyte treatment with myxothiazol pointed towards complex III of the mitochondrial respiratory chain as the main contributor of the higher ROS production in porphyric subjects. No differences were observed between VP and control subjects in the levels of DNA damage, assessed by the comet assay method in un‐treated lymphocytes. However, DNA damage, expressed both as a percentage of DNA in tail and as the tail moment, was greater in VP women than controls after lymphocyte treatment with H2O2. In conclusion, lymphocytes from VP women showed impaired expression of mitochondrial antioxidant defences but no significant signs of oxidative stress were evidenced in basal, non‐stressing conditions; however, lymphocytes of VP women were more susceptible to producing mitochondrial ROS and to suffering oxidative damage when submitted to stressful situations.
Fishing tourism, biodiversity protection and regional politics in the River Tornionjoki, Finland
Authors: SALMI J. , SALMI P.
Published: March 2010

Abstract  Salmon, Salmo salar L., fishing involves a broad range of interest groups and is thus a challenge for fisheries governance. This article focuses on the natural River Tornionjoki between Finland and Sweden, the most important wild salmon river in the Northern Baltic Sea. The marine salmon fisheries have been restricted to protect the declining wild salmon stocks and secure catches for fishing tourism. River fisheries interest groups have been absent from the salmon committees, but have taken other measures to influence salmon fisheries politics. This social movement has achieved its aims only partly, because of counteractions by the coastal commercial fishers and their associations. A forum for enabling dialogue between stakeholders is recommended to reduce tensions between the commercial fishery and tourism industry.
The effect of a music programme during lunchtime on the problem behaviour of the older residents with dementia at an institution in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Fang‐Yu , Huang Hui‐Chi , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Lin Li‐Chan
Published: March 2010

Aims.  To study the effect of a music programme during lunchtime on problem behaviour among institutionalised older residents with dementia.

Background.  Symptoms of dementia among older people include depression, problems with memory, insomnia and problem behaviours. Problem behaviour has been identified by families and nurses as the greatest challenge that needs to be addressed. Several studies have found that music therapy can reduce problem behaviours among dementia sufferers and, based on this finding, music has been recommended for incorporation as part of dementia management.

Design.  This study used a quasi‐experimental design with an eight‐week time series follow‐up. The intervention was background music when residents had their lunch meal.

Methods.  A purposive sampling technique was used. Forty‐one participants were selected from an institution housing residents with dementia located in a city in Taiwan.

Results.  The mean age of participants was 81·68 (SD 6·39) years old. The mean score for Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) was 10·66 (SD 6·85). The mean of Barthel Activity of Daily Living score was 56·83 (SD 38·12). The results showed that the music programme reduced, significantly, physical and verbal aggressive behaviour among the older residents with dementia. The study identified that there was a one‐week time lag between the implementation of the music programme and a significant effect on the residents.

Conclusions.  The results from this study suggested that music is able to reduce the degree of problem behaviours among the older residents with dementia and this helps to ease work‐load of nurse aides and nurses during meal times.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results may serve as a reference for the future treatment of problem behaviour among the older with dementia.
Community‐based interventions to reduce falls among older adults in Taiwan – long time follow‐up randomised controlled study
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chi , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Huang Yu‐Tai , Kernohan W George
Published: March 2010

Aims.  The aim of the study was to examine the effects of different interventions that are used to prevent falls. These were education, Tai Chi Chuan and education plus Tai Chi Chuan; the study involved a five‐month implantation period and a one‐year follow‐up period.

Background.  With advancing years, a fall can be very serious and an increased number of falls/re‐falls among older adults has been noted. Hence, both education about risk factors and balance exercise programs such as Tai Chi Chuan may help to prevent falls.

Design.  This study adopted a randomised case‐controlled design with a two‐by‐two factorial approach. It included three intervention groups and one control group in a community‐based program.

Methods.  Cluster‐randomised sampling was used and four villages in Taiwan City were selected. Three interventions groups and one control group were involved over five‐months from late July 2000–January 2001 and each participant was followed up one year later (n = 163).

Results.  The intervention involving education plus Tai Chi Chuan resulted in a statistically significant reduction in falls and the risk factors of falls over the five‐month intervention. After one‐year follow‐up, participants receiving any one of the interventions showed a reduction in falls compared with the control group.

Conclusions.  Tai Chi Chuan was able to improve gait balance significantly. Education may also help participants to prevent falls‐by eliminating related risk factors present in their environment. However, it was found that at the one‐year follow‐up, any one of the three interventions had reduced falls significantly.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The prevention of falls among older adults seems to needs multiple interventions. Education plus Tai Chi Chuan has both an immediately and a long‐term effect and it is possible that a shorter intervention period using this approach would also be successful.
Effects of listening to music on postpartum stress and anxiety levels
Authors: Tseng Ying‐Fen , Chen Chung‐Hey , Lee ChihChen S
Published: March 2010

Aim.  This Taiwan study investigated what effect listening to specially selected, relaxing music at home, on a self‐regulated basis, had on the perceived stress and state anxiety of postpartum women.

Background.  Listening to music has been increasingly used in the perinatal period, but few studies have been undertaken to provide evidence of its effectiveness.

Design.  A randomised clinical trial.

Methods.  Seventy‐seven postpartum women were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 37) and a control group (n = 40). The experimental group listened to music at home for at least 30 minutes a day over two weeks and received regular postpartum care. The women in the control group received regular postpartum care only. The Perceived Stress Scale and State Anxiety Inventory were used to measure outcomes.

Results.  After controlling the pretest scores and educational level of mothers, which was a significant covariate, there were no significant differences in the posttest levels of perceived stress and state anxiety between the two groups.

Conclusions.  This study does not provide evidence that preselected designer music reduced stress and anxiety levels among postpartum women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Despite the absence of significant findings, there are lessons that professionals may find useful. It is recommended that future studies take more account of the stress factors that postpartum women are unable to control when they are listening to music at home.
Effects of relaxation training on sleep quality and fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Demiralp Meral , Oflaz Fahriye , Komurcu Seref
Published: March 2010

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation training on sleep quality and fatigue in Turkish women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.

Background.  Sleep problems and fatigue are highly prevalent in patients with breast cancer. Progressive muscle relaxation training is a promising approach in ameliorating the sleep quality and reducing the fatigue associated with cancer and its treatment.

Design.  A prospective, repeated measures, quasi‐experimental design with control group.

Methods.  The study sampling consisted of 27 individuals (14 individuals formed the progressive muscle relaxation group, 13 individuals formed the control group) who met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Progressive muscle relaxation training was given to the progressive muscle relaxation group, but not to the control group. The effect of the progressive muscle relaxation training was measured at different stages of the treatment. A data collection form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Piper Fatigue Scale were used to collect the data for this study.

Results.  The progressive muscle relaxation group experienced a greater increase in improved sleep quality and a greater decrease in fatigue than the control group.

Conclusions.  The findings indicated that progressive muscle relaxation training would improve sleep quality and fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Progressive muscle relaxation training given by a nurse can improve sleep quality and fatigue in patients with breast cancer. It is important to start relaxation training just before chemotherapy to decrease the frequency and severity of sleep problems and symptoms such as fatigue during chemotherapy.
The effect of heat application on pain, stiffness, physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Yıldırım Nurcan , Filiz Ulusoy Mehlika , Bodur Hatice
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  The aim in this study was to evaluate the effect of local heat application on pain, stiffness, physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Background.  Local heat application is used as a non‐pharmacological practice for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. On the other hand, literature reveals limited information on the effects of heat application.

Design.  The study was a comparative study.

Methods.  The patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups (23 patients in each) as intervention and control groups, and patients in the control group were applied with the routine medication of the physician. The intervention group received 20‐minute heat application every other day for four weeks in addition to the routine medication. The data were collected using data collection form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index and SF‐36.

Results.  The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities disability scores of the patients with knee osteoarthritis in control and intervention groups before and after the intervention were compared, and the differences for both scores in the change were found to be statistically significant (p < 0·05). Moreover, statistically significant differences were found between the control and intervention group patients in terms of changes in the scores for physical function, pain and general health perception (p < 0·05).

Conclusions.  It was found that heat application every other day decreased pain and disability of the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Also, heat application was found to improve the subdimensions of quality of life scores of physical function, pain and general health perception of patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The data obtained in this study on the efficiency of heat application on pain, stiffness, physical function and general health perception of patients with knee osteoarthritis may offer an insight into decision‐making process for appropriate intervention.
Pivotal moments and changes in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music for patients with depression
Authors: Lin Mei‐Feng , Hsu Mei‐Chi , Chang Hsiu‐Ju , Hsu Yu‐Yun , Chou Mei‐Hsien , Crawford Paul
Published: March 2010

Aims.  To explore pivotal moments and changes during the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music from the perspective of patients with depression.

Background.  Depression has been described as an extremely difficult experience for people and is characterised by emotional distress and suffering. As depression progresses, symptoms increase and gradually influence all aspects of the lives of those affected. Few studies have been undertaken into the essence of inner and pivotal experiences during Guided Imagery and Music in patients with depression.

Design.  A qualitative research design and discovery‐oriented approach were used as the method of both data gathering and textual analysis.

Methods.  This study conducted semi‐structured interviews with five patients with depression after each of eight sessions of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. Each session took place in a music therapy laboratory. Forty transcripts were organised into categories and analysed according to the discovery‐oriented approach of Mahrer and Boulet, considering the dimensions of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music.

Results.  Nine patients with depression were recruited from a medical centre in southern Taiwan from 2004–2005. Five successfully completed eight Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music sessions. There were 141 statements coded into 10 subthemes and three themes describing pivotal moments: pushing aside the barrier, gaining new insight, moving forward. Each category was supported by three‐four themes. The analysis also yielded three meaningful moments: releasing mind–body rigidity, awareness and inspiration, acceptance and inner transformation. Patients described personal emotional, cognitive and behavioural transformation during the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music experiences.

Conclusions.  The discovery‐oriented approach fulfilled the aim of gaining a valuable understanding of the psychological growth experiences of patients with depression during the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Patients with depression particularly need comfort and caring. It is important that nurses offer interventions as adjuvants to medication. This study supports the feasibility of incorporating the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music into the nursing management of patients with depression. Future studies are suggested to examine the interactive process of music stimulus and the multidimensional nature of imagery.
The physiological and psychological effects of slow‐stroke back massage and hand massage on relaxation in older people
Authors: Harris Melodee , Richards Kathy C
Published: March 2010

Background and aims.  In recent years, the nursing profession used technology and pharmacology to relieve conditions such as pain, anxiety and insomnia that were once treated with massage. However, interest in massage has grown with the move to more holistic nursing. This review examines the physiological and psychological effects of slow‐stroke back massage and hand massage on relaxation in older people and identifies effective protocols for massage in older people.

Design.  Review.

Methods.  Cooper’s five‐stage model was used in the review process. The search strategy included all studies without limiters for dates through June 2009 in the following databases: Ovid Medline, Cochrane databases, PubMed, EBSCO, CINAHL, Health Resource, PychINFO and EMB Reviews 1991–June 2009. The quality of the research was evaluated using the Research Appraisal Checklist. Twenty‐one studies met the inclusion criteria for massage, relevance to older people and rigorous research.

Results.  All studies using slow‐stroke back massage and hand massage showed statistically significant improvements on physiological or psychological indicators of relaxation. The most common protocols were three‐minute slow‐stroke back massage and 10‐minute hand massage.

Conclusion.  Physiological and psychological indicators suggest the effectiveness of slow‐stroke back massage and hand massage in promoting relaxation in older people across all settings.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Studies are needed to analyse the feasibility and cost effectiveness of massage to develop best practices for massage interventions in older people.
Plant responses to simulated hurricane impacts in a subtropical wet forest, Puerto Rico
Authors: Shiels Aaron B. , Zimmerman Jess K. , García‐Montiel Diana C. , Jonckheere Inge , Holm Jennifer , Horton David , Brokaw Nicholas
Published: March 2010

1. We simulated two key components of severe hurricane disturbance, canopy openness and detritus deposition, to determine the independent and interactive effects of these components on woody plant recruitment and forest structure.

2. We increased canopy openness by trimming branches and added or subtracted canopy detritus in a factorial design. Plant responses were measured during the 4‐year study, which followed at least 1 year of pre‐manipulation monitoring.

3. The physical conditions of canopy openness and detritus deposition in our experiment resembled the responses to Hurricane Hugo, a severe category 4 hurricane that struck this forest in 1989.

4. Canopy detritus deposition killed existing woody seedlings and provided a mechanical barrier that suppressed seedling recruitment. The increase in understorey light caused by canopy trimming stimulated germination from the seed bank and increased seedling recruitment and density of pioneer species several hundred‐fold when hurricane debris was absent. Many significant interactions between trimming and detritus deposition were evident from the manner in which seedling density, recruitment and mortality changed over time, and subsequently influenced the composition of woody stems (individuals ≥ 1 cm d.b.h.).

5. When the canopy was trimmed, stem densities increased > 2‐fold and rates of recruitment into the stem size class increased > 25‐fold. Trimming had no significant effect on stem mortality. The two dominant species that flourished following canopy trimming were the pioneer species Cecropia schreberiana and Psychotria berteriana. Deposition of canopy detritus had little effect on stems, although basal area increased slightly when detritus was added. There were no evident effects of the interactions between canopy trimming and detritus deposition on stems.

6. Synthesis. The separate and interactive effects of canopy openness and detritus deposition result in variable short‐term trajectories of forest recovery. However, the short interval of increased canopy openness due to hurricane impacts and its influence on the recruitment of pioneer trees is the dominant factor that drives short‐term recovery and may alter long‐term structure and composition of the forest.
C‐reactive protein lowering with rosuvastatin in the METEOR study
Authors: Peters S. A. E. , Palmer M. K. , Grobbee D. E. , Crouse J. R. , O’Leary D. H. , Raichlen J. S. , Bots M. L.
Published: March 2010

Abstract.  Peters SAE, Palmer MK, Grobbee DE, Crouse JR III, O’Leary DH, Raichlen JS, Bots ML (Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Keele University, Keele, UK; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston‐Salem, NC, USA; Caritas Carney Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE, USA). C‐reactive protein lowering with rosuvastatin in the METEOR study. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 155–161.

Objectives.  In addition to its LDL‐C‐lowering effects, statin treatment reduces the level of C‐reactive protein (CRP). Long‐term data on this effect in low‐risk populations are limited. Furthermore, whether the CRP reduction is a consequence of LDL‐C lowering or occurs independently remains unclear. We studied these aspects in the Measuring Effects on intima media Thickness: an Evaluation Of Rosuvastatin (METEOR) study, a randomized placebo‐controlled trial amongst 984 low‐risk subjects.

Methods.  METEOR is a randomized placebo‐controlled trial that evaluated the effect of 40 mg of rosuvastatin on 2‐year change in carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) amongst 984 low‐risk patients (10‐year Framingham risk <10%) with modest CIMT (CIMT ≥ 1.2 and <3.5 mm) and elevated LDL‐C. CRP levels were measured at baseline and after 2 years of treatment.

Results.  Median baseline CRP was 1.4 mg L–1. Rosuvastatin lowered CRP significantly compared with placebo: −36% in the rosuvastatin group versus no change in the placebo group. There was no relation between change in CRP and change in LDL‐C (Spearman correlation: 0.08; SE: 0.04). Stratified analyses showed that the CRP‐lowering effect was present amongst all strata of baseline characteristics, including baseline lipids and CRP levels. However, the magnitude of CRP reduction was larger amongst women and participants older than 60 years.

Conclusions.  Rosuvastatin (40 mg) lowers CRP independently from its effects on LDL‐C in low‐risk subjects with normal baseline CRP levels and modest CIMT.
Phylogenetic similarity and structure of Agaricomycotina communities across a forested landscape
Authors: EDWARDS IVAN P. , ZAK DONALD R.
Published: March 2010

The Agaricomycotina are a phylogenetically diverse group of fungi that includes both saprotrophic and mycorrhizal species, and that form species – rich communities in forest ecosystems. Most species are infrequently observed, and this hampers assessment of the role that environmental heterogeneity plays in determining local community composition and in driving β‐diversity. We used a combination of phenetic (TRFLP) and phylogenetic approaches [Unifrac and Net Relatedness Index (NRI)] to examine the compositional and phylogenetic similarity of Agaricomycotina communities in forest floor and surface soil of three widely distributed temperate upland forest ecosystems (one, xeric oak – dominated and two, mesic sugar maple dominated). Generally, forest floor and soil communities had similar phylogenetic diversity, but there was little overlap of species or evolutionary lineages between these two horizons. Forest floor communities were dominated by saprotrophic species, and were compositionally and phylogenetically similar in all three ecosystems. Mycorrhizal species represented 30% to 90% of soil community diversity, and these communities differed compositionally and phylogenetically between ecosystems. Estimates of NRI revealed significant phylogenetic clustering in both the forest floor and soil communities of only the xeric oak‐dominated forest ecosystem, and may indicate that this ecosystem acts as a habitat filter. Our results suggest that environmental heterogeneity strongly influences the phylogenetic β‐diversity of soil inhabiting Agaricomycotina communities, but has only a small influence on forest floor β‐diversity. Moreover, our results suggest that the strength of community assembly processes, such as habitat filtering, may differ between temperate forest ecosystems.
Intimal dissection of the hepatic artery after thrombectomy as a cause of graft loss in pediatric living‐related liver transplantation
Authors: Maksoud‐Filho João Gilberto , Tannuri Uenis , Gibelli Nelson Elias Mendes , De Pinho‐Appezzato Maria Lucia , Da Silva Marcos Marques , Ayoub Ali Abdoul Rahman , Santos Maria Mercês , Velhote Manoel Carlos Prieto , De Mello Eduardo Sobrosa , Maksoud João Gilberto
Published: March 2010

Abstract: HAT is the main cause of graft loss in pediatric living‐related LTx. Revascularization of the graft by thrombectomy and re‐anastomosis has been reported to be effective for graft salvage in cases of HAT and should be attempted when potential donors are not available for emergency re‐transplantation. Immediate complications secondary to revascularization attempts in cases of HAT are not described. Late complications are mainly related to biliary tree ischemia. We report a case of child who experienced intimal hepatic artery dissection, which extended into intra‐hepatic branches of the artery after a thrombectomy with a Fogarty balloon catheter in an attempt to restore arterial flow after HAT. This complication led to acute deterioration of the graft and the need for emergency re‐transplantation.
Effect of production system and pruning on Aphis sambuci dynamics over time and on elderberry yield
Authors: Holb I. J. , Fodor B. , Lakatos P. , Abonyi F. , Balla B. , Fazekas M. , Gáll J. M.
Published: March 2010

In a 2‐year study, elder aphid (Aphis sambuci) dynamics over time and berry yield were evaluated in two production systems (integrated and organic) and in two winter pruning treatments (trees pruned to four and eight scaffolds) in two black elderberry orchards in Hungary. In the organic production system, the first aphid colony was observed 1–2 weeks earlier (late‐March) in both years and locations compared to the integrated programme. The number of aphid colonies then increased until mid‐May in both years, reaching a maximum number of aphid colonies of 11.2 on 100 scaffolds in the integrated production system and of 38.9 in the organic programme. Then, the number of colonies decreased and reached a zero value at mid‐June in the integrated production system and 2 weeks later (early July) in the organic one in both years and locations. First autumn aphid colonies were observed in early September in the integrated production system but 2 weeks earlier (late August) in the organic one in both years and locations. The number of aphid colonies between mid‐April and mid‐June indicated a larger increase on trees pruned to eight scaffolds compared to trees pruned to four scaffolds. Both the total number of aphid colonies and the area under the aphid colony curves (AUACC) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the integrated treatments compared with organic ones. Across all treatments, both measures were significantly lower (P < 0.05) on trees pruned to four scaffolds compared with trees pruned to eight scaffolds. However, when the effect of pruning on the number of aphid colonies was analysed separately for integrated and organic plots, pruning caused significant differences in aphid colony numbers and AUACC in the organic plots. Berry yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the integrated treatments compared with the organic ones, but pruning showed no significant effect on yield. Overall, pruning to four scaffolds resulted in a lower aphid colony number in the organic production system compared to the integrated one. Thus, winter pruning may be useful as an aphid control strategy in organic elderberry orchards.
Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β prevents peroxide‐induced collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Förster Karina , Richter Heike , Alexeyev Mikhail F , Rosskopf Dieter , Felix Stephan B , Krieg Thomas
Published: March 2010

1. Preconditioning has been proposed to protect the myocardium by inhibiting glycogen‐synthase kinase (GSK) 3β. The aim of the present study was to test whether transfection of ventricular myocytes with inactive GSK3β would mimic preconditioning and whether a constitutively active form of GSK3β would prevent protection by an opioid receptor agonist.

2. Isolated ventricular myocytes from adult rats were infected with live adenovirus containing either a wild‐type (wtGSK), constitutively active (caGSK) or dominant‐negative (dnGSK) GSK3β plasmid. Cells were loaded with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) and exposed to H2O2 (100 μmol/L) for 40 min before mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was assessed using flow cytometric analysis.

3. Fluorescence intensity was reduced in H2O2‐treated cells compared with untreated cells, presumably because oxidant injury opened mitochondrial permeability transition pores, causing mitochondria to lose TMRE. The selective GSK3β inhibitor SB216763, as well as the δ‐opioid receptor agonist [d‐Ala2‐d‐Leu5]‐enkephalin (DADLE) (1 μmol/L), protected cells against peroxide‐induced loss of ΔΨm.

4. Cells transfected with dnGSK (1 μmol/L) were equally protected against peroxide stress, when given throughout the TMRE and H2O2 treatment, confirming a protective effect of GSK3β with a highly selective inhibition. Cells transfected with wtGSK did not show any difference in responses to H2O2, SB216763 or DADLE compared with untransfected cells, suggesting that adenovirus infection itself had no effect. In contrast, caGSK‐transfected myocytes could no longer be protected with DADLE, suggesting a role for GSK3β between the surface receptor and the mitochondria.

5. These experiments confirm that inhibition of GSK3β protects the myocytes, but also that the preconditioning mimetic DADLE loses its protective effect when a constitutively active GSK3β is present.
Agonist function of the recombinant α4β3δ GABAAreceptor is dependent on the human and rat variants of the α4‐subunit
Authors: Wang Ming‐De , Rahman Mozibur , Johansson Inga‐Maj , Bäckström Torbjörn
Published: March 2010

1. It is known that the α4‐subunit is likely to occur in the brain predominantly in α4β3δ receptors at extrasynaptic sites. Recent studies have revealed that the α1‐, α4‐, γ2‐ and δ‐subunits may colocalize extrasynaptically in dentate granule cells of the hippocampus. In the present study, we characterized a series of recombinant GABAAreceptors containing human (H) and rat (R) α1/α4‐, β2/β3‐ and γ2S/δ‐subunits inXenopusoocytes using the two‐electrode voltage‐clamp technique.

2. Both Hα1β3δ and Hα4β3γ2Sreceptors were sensitive to activation by GABA and pentobarbital. Contrary to earlier findings that the α4β3δ combination was more sensitive to agonist action than the α4β3γ2Sreceptor, we observed extremely small GABA‐ and pentobarbital‐activated currents at the wild‐type Hα4β3δ receptor. However, GABA and pentobarbital activated the wild‐type Rα4β3δ receptor with high potency (EC50 = 0.5 ± 0.7 and 294 ± 5 μmol/L, respectively).

3. Substituting the Hα4subunit with Rα4conferred a significant increase in activation on the GABA and pentobarbital site in terms of reduced EC50and increasedImax. When the Hα4subunit was combined with the Rβ3and Rδ subunit in a heteropentameric form, the amplitude of GABA‐ and pentobarbital‐activated currents increased significantly compared with the wild‐type Hα4β3δ receptor.

4. Thus, the results indicate that the Rα4β3δ, Hα1β3δ and Hα4β3γ2Scombinations may contribute to functions of extrasynaptic GABAAreceptors. The presence of the Rα4subunit at recombinant GABAAreceptors containing the δ‐subunit is a strong determinant of agonist action. The recombinant Hα4β3δ receptor is a less sensitive subunit composition in terms of agonist activation.
Total intravenous anesthesia and spontaneous respiration for airway endoscopy in children – a prospective evaluation
Authors: MALHERBE STEPHAN , WHYTE SIMON , SINGH PERMENDRA , AMARI ERICA , KING ASHLEE , MARK ANSERMINO J.
Published: March 2010

Introduction:  Inhalational anesthesia with spontaneous respiration is traditionally used to facilitate airway endoscopy in children. The potential difficulties in maintaining adequate depth of anesthesia using inhalational anesthesia and the anesthetic pollution of the surgical environment are significant disadvantages of this technique. We report our institutional experience using total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and spontaneous respiration.

Methods:  We prospectively studied 41 pediatric patients undergoing 52 airway endoscopies and airway surgeries. Following induction of anesthesia, a propofol infusion was titrated to a clinically adequate level of anesthesia, guided by the Bispectral Index (BIS), and a remifentanil infusion was titrated to respiratory rate. ECG, BP, pulse oximetry, BIS level, transcutaneous CO2 (TcCO2), respiratory rate, and drug infusion rates were recorded. Adverse events and the response to these events were also recorded.

Results:  Forty‐one children underwent 52 airway procedures; 17 rigid bronchoscopies and 35 microlaryngobronchoscopies, including 18 LASER treatments, were performed. The mean (sd) age was 6.9 (5.8) years and weight 26.9 (21.2) kg. The mean induction time was 13 (6) min, and anesthesia duration was 49 (30) min. The mean highest TcCO2 recorded during the procedures was 62.8 ± 15.3 mmHg. Coughing occurred in 14 (27%) patients, requiring additional topical anesthesia (3), a bolus of propofol (4) or remifentanil (1), or removal of the bronchoscope (1). Desaturation below 90% occurred in 10 (19%) cases; only three required intervention in the form of temporary assisted ventilation (2) or inhaled bronchodilators (1). No laryngospasm, stridor, or arrhythmias were observed.

Conclusion:  TIVA and spontaneous respiration is an effective technique to manage anesthesia for airway endoscopy and surgery in children.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE IN THE HOUSEHOLD: PUZZLES AND PATTERNS FROM THE AMERICAN PAST
Authors: LOGAN TREVON D.
Published: March 2010

Estimates of household economies of scale are critical for measuring income and living standards, yet we know little about how these scale economies change over time. I use American household expenditure surveys to produce the first comparable historical estimates of household scale economies. I find that scale economies changed significantly from 1888 to 1935 for all expenditure categories considered (food, clothing, entertainment, and housing), but not all trends in scale economies are consistent with theoretical predictions. As such, our notions about household economies of scale must be reassessed in light of this historical evidence. (JEL D1, E3, I3, J1, N3)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: ECONOMICS AND POLICY
Authors: Linares Pedro , Labandeira Xavier
Published: March 2010

Abstract Energy efficiency and conservation are major factors in the reduction of the environmental impact of the energy sector, particularly with regard to climate change. Energy efficiency also contributes to reducing external dependence and vulnerabilities in the energy domain. In this paper, we discuss the factors that influence energy efficiency and conservation decisions, and the most appropriate policies for their promotion. Although not all public policies seem justified, we argue that specific policies for promoting energy conservation may be required, preferably based on economic instruments or on the provision of information to consumers.
The ethics of impression management
Authors: Provis Chris
Published: March 2010

There are differences among forms of impression management that are relevant to its ethical evaluation. Sometimes, moral appraisal is to do with impression management as a tactic of influence, but not about deception. In other cases, an audience is given a true or a false impression, and ethical questions of deception arise, but they are made more complex by the need to consider the responsibility of an audience in reaching its conclusions. Cases where that is an issue blend into a third category in which impression management is joint social performance. Such cases raise additional possibilities of the problematic influence of one agent by another, but also begin to move ethical concerns from the behaviour of an individual agent to the social practices that sustain their expectations. Such social practices invite ethical appraisal because they may impose constraints. But they may also provide opportunities for achievement and pursuit of excellence.
Values, value types and moral reasoning of MBA students
Authors: Lan George , Gowing Maureen , Rieger Fritz , McMahon Sharon , King Norman
Published: March 2010

This study uses the Schwartz Values Questionnaire and version 2 of the Defining Issues Test to investigate the values, value types (clusters of related values) and level of moral reasoning of a sample of 108 MBA students in a Canadian university. There are no statistically significant differences in the levels of moral reasoning attributed to gender. Male and female MBA students rank ‘family security’ and ‘healthy’ as their two most important values. For males, hedonism, achievement and self‐direction are the three most important value types, while for females they are benevolence, hedonism and security, respectively. There are statistically significant gender differences for the value types hedonism, achievement, stimulation and power. Overall, however, there are more similarities than differences between the male and the female students. Regression analysis indicates a statistically significant positive association between the postconventional level of moral reasoning as measured by P‐scores and the value‐type universalism. The findings provide further evidence that value types affect the postconventional level of moral reasoning.
International website disclosure of codes of ethics: auditor‐specific and stock‐exchange‐listing differences
Authors: Bernardi Richard A. , LaCross Catherine C.
Published: March 2010

This research examines whether having a readily available code of ethics on a corporation's website associates with either their auditor or stock exchange listing. As such, it is the first research that studies the association among readily available codes of ethics, client auditor and stock exchange listing on a longitudinal basis. In our data gathering, we went to the website of each corporation and searched for a readily available disclosure of its code of ethics at the beginning of April 2006 through April 2009 – third‐through‐sixth anniversaries of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act. Our data indicate that the average readily available rate of codes of ethics for Ernst and Young's clients was significantly lower than the average readily available rate for the clients of Deloitte and Touche in 2006 and 2007 and PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2007. However, our data indicate no differences among the Big Four firms in 2008 and 2009. Our data indicate that the average readily available rates for the clients listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) were significantly higher than for clients that were not listed on the NYSE for all four observation points (2006–2009).
The incidence of major stroke subtypes in Southern Italy: a population‐based study
Authors: Manobianca G. , Zoccolella S. , Petruzzellis A. , Miccoli A. , Logroscino G.
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Stroke is characterized by well‐defined clinical major subtypes, but there are few studies on incidence rates, aetiologies and outcomes in population‐based setting. We assessed the age/sex incidence of the major stroke subtypes in a region of Southern Italy.

Methods:  We established a multisource, prospective population‐based register in Puglia, Southern Italy to identify all residents with a first‐ever stroke between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2002.

Results:  One hundred and twenty‐seven first‐ever strokes were diagnosed, and stroke subtype was defined in 119 cases. The incidence rates per 100 000 adjusted to the European population (AEP) were 112 for cerebral infarction (CI), 30 for intracerebral haemorrhage (IH), four for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SH) and nine for undetermined stroke (US). The incidence rates for CI, IH and US approximately doubled with each decade of life and were higher in men. AEP incidence rates for CI in the age groups 45–84 were lower compared to other studies, whilst the corresponding rates for IH were higher.

Conclusions:  This population had a lower incidence of CI compared to other population‐based studies from Northern Europe and the United States. Furthermore, with the projected increase in the segment of the very old in the general population, our data indicate that both CI and IH will dramatically increase in the near future.
Signalling pathways involved in sildenafil‐induced relaxation of human bladder dome smooth muscle
Authors: Oger S , Behr‐Roussel D , Gorny D , Lebret T , Validire P , Cathelineau X , Alexandre L , Giuliano F
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  The mechanism(s) of action responsible for the beneficial effects of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors including sildenafil on lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia are unclear. In particular, the role of the NO‐cGMP signalling pathway in regulating human bladder dome smooth muscle relaxation is questionable. Thus, we assessed the ability of a PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil, to relax such tissue, and identified the signalling pathways involved in this relaxation.

Experimental approach:  Human bladder samples were obtained from 20 patients with no overactive bladder undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer. Detrusor strips were mounted isometrically in Krebs–HEPES solution. Concentration–response curves for sildenafil (10 nM–30 µM) were generated in the presence of various inhibitors on carbachol‐induced pre‐contraction.

Key results:  Sildenafil relaxed carbachol‐pre‐contracted human detrusor strips, starting at 3 µM. This effect was not modified by NO donors, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (10 µM) or sodium nitroprusside (300 nM), but was significantly inhibited by inhibition of guanylate cyclase (with ODQ, 10 µM) or adenylyl cyclase (with MDL‐12,330A, 10 µM), by the ATP‐sensitive potassium channel inhibitor, glibenclamide (10 µM), or inhibition of the large (with iberiotoxin, 30 nM) or small (with apamin, 100 nM) conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels.

Conclusions and implications:  Sildenafil‐induced relaxation of human detrusor smooth muscle involved cGMP‐, cAMP‐ and K+ channel‐dependent signalling pathways, with a minor contribution from NO. The effect of this sildenafil‐induced relaxation on the clinical benefit of PDE5 inhibitors on urinary storage symptoms in men deserves further investigation.
Interest operators for feature‐based matching in close range photogrammetry
Authors: Jazayeri Ida , Fraser Clive S.
Published: March 2010

Although automated object surface reconstruction via feature‐based matching is commonly employed in both stereoscopic close range and topographic photogrammetry, it has rarely been used in conjunction with multi‐image, convergent photogrammetric networks. A prerequisite for feature‐based matching of distinct points is the application of interest operators to provide the dense arrays of candidate feature points within the images forming the network. This paper describes an evaluation of three interest operators, the Förstner, SUSAN and FAST algorithms, the aim being to assess which is optimal for feature‐based matching in convergent close range photogrammetry. Following a brief review of the development of interest operators, a description of the three operators is provided, with the recently developed FAST operator being discussed in more detail. The merits of image pre‐processing via the Wallis filter are also outlined, after which the performance of the interest operators is experimentally assessed within an eight‐image network on the basis of accuracy of interest‐point localisation, detection rate and speed. The findings of the evaluation are that, of the Förstner, SUSAN and FAST operators, the FAST, which has not been employed to a significant extent in photogrammetry to date, is optimal for feature‐based matching in multi‐image close range networks.
Digital camera performance where spatial resolution is determined by the optical component
Authors: Thomson Grant H.
Published: March 2010

The spatial resolution attributed to digital cameras is usually based on the number or size of the pixels in the sensor. On closer examination it can often be shown that the real limit to the level of detail recorded by a camera will in practice be due to the performance of the optical system. An example of how this happens is given with a comparison between two satellite camera systems.
Killing Tigers to Save Them: Fallacies of the Farming Argument
Authors: KIRKPATRICK R. CRAIG , EMERTON LUCY
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  The lucrative, illegal trade in tigers (Panthera tigris) remains a major conservation problem. Tiger farming has been proposed as a potential solution, with farmed tigers substituting for wild tigers. At first glance, this argument's logic seems simple: farming will increase the supply of tigers, prices will fall, and poaching will no longer be profitable. We contend, however, that this supply‐side argument relies on mistaken assumptions. First, tiger markets are imperfect, meaning they are dominated by a few producers who control price. Second, consumers prefer wild tigers to farmed tigers and therefore the two are not pure substitutes. In economic terms, products from wild tigers are luxury goods, commanding a price premium. Third, there is no evidence that farmed tigers can be produced or sold more cheaply than wild tigers. In sum, it is unlikely that farming will drive down the price of wild‐caught tigers or decrease profitability for tiger poachers. Rather, tiger farming is more likely to increase aggregate demand for tiger products and stimulate higher levels of poaching.