bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urocortin‐2 induces vasorelaxation of coronary arteries isolated from patients with heart failure
Authors: Smani Tarik , Calderon Eva , Rodriguez‐Moyano Maria , Dominguez‐Rodriguez Alejandro , Diaz Ignacio , Ordóñez Antonio
Published: November 2010

1. Urocortin‐2 (Ucn2) is a vasoactive peptide belonging to the corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) family that has potent cardiovascular actions. It has been suggested that Ucn2 participates in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the action of Ucn2 in human coronary arteries. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of Ucn2 on the vascular tone of human coronary arteries dissected from heart failure patients.

2. Human coronary arteries were dissected from the hearts of patients subjected to orthotopic heart transplantation. Coronary arteries were obtained from 17 patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy of ischaemic origin in Stage III–IV of the New York Heart Association classification. Changes in tone were measured in arterial rings using force transducers.

3. Application of increasing concentrations of Ucn2 (5–20 nmol/L) to arterial rings precontracted with agonists induced dose‐dependent relaxation of the coronary artery, which was independent of endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, the inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase by MDL‐12 (100 nmol/L) and protein kinase A (PKA) by H89 (1 μmol/L) prevented Ucn2‐mediated relaxation of coronary artery rings.

4. The results of the present study suggest that, in heart failure patients, Ucn2 could be useful in modulating coronary artery circulation independent of endothelial integrity through mechanisms that involve adenylyl cyclase activation and PKA stimulation. The findings warrant further investigation of the role of Ucn2 in circulatory regulation and its potential therapeutic application in heart disease.
Autofluorescence imaging: As a new method for predicting metachronous gastric cancer
Authors: Cho Joo Y , Hong Su J
Published: November 2010

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2010; 25: 1844–1849.
The Australian cerebral palsy research study – Protocol for a national collaborative study investigating genomic and clinical associations with cerebral palsy
Authors: O'Callaghan Michael E , MacLennan Alastair H , Gibson Catherine S , McMichael Gai L , Haan Eric A , Broadbent Jessica , Priest Kevin , Goldwater Paul N , Dekker Gustaaf A ,   for the Australian Collaborative Cerebral Palsy Research Group
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Previous studies have proposed a link between the presence of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cerebral palsy and the majority of these associations remain to be confirmed or rejected by prospective studies with sufficient statistical power. Prior studies have also given little attention to the interaction of genomic characteristics and clinical risk factors.

Methods:  This paper describes the design of a prospective case‐control study to test these genetic associations in conjunction with more stringent data collection in respect to clinical features associated with pregnancy, particularly maternal infection. Here we consider the ethical requirements, our hypothesis that genetic susceptibility modifies the risk of cerebral palsy in the presence of perinatal environmental triggers, a priori primary and secondary aims, power calculations, participant recruitment strategies, data linkage, sampling methods of genetic material and subsequent SNP analysis, collection of clinical data and the proposed final statistical analysis.
Post‐natal growth of 157 children born as extremely premature neonates
Authors: Jitka Kytnarova , Blanka Zlatohlavková , Ales Kubena , Daniela Markova , Milena Dokoupilova , Richard Plavka , Jiri Zeman
Published: November 2010

Aim:  With increasing survival rate of extremely premature neonates, their long‐term outcomes including growth and risk factors for later disorders need to be considered. We prospectively evaluated anthropometric parameters in children born as extremely premature neonates.

Methods:  Anthropometric parameters were measured at the ages of 2 and 5 years in 72 extremely premature children born between the 22nd and 25 + 6th weeks of gestation (group I) and 85 children born between the 26th and 27 + 6th weeks of gestation (group II).

Results:  Although catch‐up in the postnatal growth was observed in both groups of children, resulting in growth improvement, the height of the extremely premature children at the ages of 2 and 5 years remains lower (P < 0.01) compared with the control population. A decline in head growth was observed in both groups between the ages of 2 and 5 years, resulting in decrease of standard deviation score (SDS) for head circumference (HC) in comparison with that of the control population, accompanied by an increased number of children with microcephaly, defined as HC < −2 SD. At the age of five, microcephaly was found in 18% of children from group I and 11.7% of children from group II. At the age of 5 years, the waist and hip circumferences and ten skinfolds were not different between both groups of children.

Conclusion:  Long‐term follow‐up of extremely premature neonates is important not only to establish their growth patterns but also for risk factors assessment including adiposity for later development of adult‐onset diseases.
Early development of children with major birth defects requiring newborn surgery
Authors: Laing Sharon , Walker Karen , Ungerer Judy , Badawi Nadia , Spence Kaye
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To describe neurodevelopmental outcomes of neonates following cardiac or non‐cardiac surgery for major birth defects.

Methods:  From 1 June 2002 to 31 July 2004, infants born ≥33 weeks gestation who underwent major birth defect surgery were enrolled prospectively. Infants were assessed at a mean corrected age of 24 months (standard deviation (SD) = 8 months, range 18–36 months) using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development: Second Edition.

Results:  Of the 118 study infants, 79 (66%) were male, the mean gestation was 38.5 weeks (SD 1.9 weeks) and mean birthweight was 3194 g (SD 653 g). Forty‐five infants (47%) had undergone general surgery for non‐cardiac defects. The majority of infants (73%) performed below average in cognitive and language skills. Mental delay was found in 41% of infants; 16% were significantly delayed. Fine and gross motor skills were below average in 60% of infants. Twenty‐six percent of infants had motor delay; 9% were significantly delayed. Both the mean Mental Development Index (M = 88, SD = 19.8) and mean Psychomotor Development Index (M = 93, SD = 19.3) were significantly below the normative mean (d = 0.8, P < 0.001 and d = 0.5, P < 0.001, respectively). One in five children had global developmental delay. There was no significant difference in outcome between the cardiac and general surgery groups.

Conclusions:  The majority of infants performed below average on a standardised test of infant development. Our results show that infants requiring newborn surgery for major birth defects are at high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We recommend that follow‐up programmes include systematic multidisciplinary developmental monitoring and early intervention.
National survey of childhood febrile illness cases with fever of unknown origin in Japan
Authors: Kasai Kazuko , Mori Masaaki , Hara Ryoki , Miyamae Takako , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Yokota Shumpei
Published: November 2010

Background:  In Japan, an actual condition survey on childhood febrile diseases with fever of unknown origin has never been performed. We carried out a national survey on childhood febrile illnesses in order to collect useful information for the differential diagnosis.

Methods:  A nationwide survey using questionnaires was performed on febrile illness cases with fever of unknown origin (FUO) experienced by 2843 pediatrics institutions with sick beds during a 5‐year period before 2007. FUO was defined as a febrile illness of at least 2 weeks' duration with a temperature ≥38°C, and failure to establish a diagnosis in spite of intensive evaluation during seven days' hospitalization.

Results:  Two hundred fifty‐five of 2843 questionnaire‐surveyed institutions had 960 FUO cases, of which 132 could not be diagnosed, and 828 could be diagnosed after detailed medical examinations. The diagnoses they clarified included infectious diseases in 190 cases (23%), rheumatic diseases in 448 cases (54%), neoplasms in 67 cases (8%), and others in 123 cases (15%).

Conclusion:  Clarification of illnesses that ought to be differentiated in the diagnostic approach to an FUO case is essential for arriving at its definitive diagnosis by exclusion.
Coordination of outreach eye services in remote Australia
Authors: Turner Angus W , Mulholland Will J , Taylor Hugh R
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background:  This paper aims to describe models for service integration between ophthalmology and optometry when conducting outreach eye services. The effect of good coordination on clinical activity and cost‐effectiveness is examined.

Design:  Cross‐sectional case study based on remote outreach ophthalmology services in Australia.

Participants:  Key stake‐holders from eye services in nine outreach regions participated in the study.

Methods:  Semistructured interviews were conducted to perform a qualitative assessment of outreach eye services' levels of coordination. Records of clinical activity were used to statistically compare the effects of good coordination.

Main Outcome Measures:  Clinical activity (surgery and clinic consultation rates), waiting times and costs per attendance. Surgical case rate being the proportion of surgery that results from a clinic.

Results:  Service integration between optometry and ophthalmology resulted in an increased surgical case rate for ophthalmology clinics (R2 = 0.57). There were trends towards increased clinical activity and reduced waiting times, and costs/attendance were stable.

Conclusions:  Coordination of eye services with better integration of ophthalmology and optometry roles may improve efficiency of services for patients. Coordination of eye services has multiple facets including facilitating engagement with the local community, eye professions and health facilities. The varied roles of eye health coordination require further definition and appropriate funding.
Funding models for outreach ophthalmology services
Authors: Turner Angus W , Mulholland Will , Taylor Hugh R
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background:  This paper aims to describe funding models used and compare the effects of funding models for remuneration on clinical activity and cost‐effectiveness in outreach eye services in Australia.

Design:  Cross‐sectional case study based in remote outreach ophthalmology services in Australia.

Participants:  Key stake‐holders from eye services in nine outreach regions participated in the study.

Methods:  Semistructured interviews were conducted to perform a qualitative assessment of outreach eye services' funding mechanisms. Records of clinical activity were used to statistically compare funding models.

Main Outcome Measures:  Workforce availability (supply of ophthalmologists), costs of services, clinical activity (surgery and clinic consultation rates) and waiting times.

Results:  The supply of ophthalmologists (full‐time equivalence) to all remote regions was below the national average (up to 19 times lower). Cataract surgery rates were also below national averages (up to 10 times lower). Fee‐for‐service funding significantly increased clinical activity. There were also trends to shorter waiting times and lower costs per attendance.

Conclusions:  For outreach ophthalmology services, the funding model used for clinician reimbursement may influence the efficiency and costs of the services. Fee‐for‐service funding models, safety‐net funding options or differential funding/incentives need further exploration to ensure isolated disadvantaged areas prone to poor patient attendance are not neglected. In order for outreach eye health services to be sustainable, remuneration rates need to be comparable to those for urban practice.
A microanatomical and histological study of the fin long bones of the Devonian sarcopterygianEusthenopteron foordi
Authors: Meunier François J. , Laurin Michel
Published: November 2010

Meunier F.J. and Laurin M. 2012. A microanatomical and histological study of the fin long bones of the Devonian sarcopterygianEusthenopteron foordi. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)93: 88–97.

A paleohistological study of the endoskeletal bones of the dorsal and pelvic fins shows thatEusthenopteron foordihad true long bones that grew in length and thickness through endochondral and periosteal ossification, respectively. Endochondral ossification required cartilaginous epiphyses with a growth plate system whose presence is confirmed by both calcified cartilage and thin endochondral bony trabeculae that overlaid the erosive bays located in hypertrophic calcified cartilage. Articulations between axial mesomeres in paired fins were diarthroses. This microanatomical organization, i.e. longitudinal growth of diaphysis and articulations between epiphyses, can be considered an exaptation for terrestrial locomotion as it can produce skeletal elements able to support strong mechanical stress.
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 120‐W lithium triborate laser in enlarged prostates (>120 cc)
Authors: Woo Henry H.
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate experience with high power LBO laser for large prostates

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective database of 288 men treated with PVP from November 2006–2009

33 men identified to have transrectal ultrasound measured prostate size >120 cc

All but 9 men not in urinary retention or on anticoagulant medications

Average ASA Score 2.25 (range 1–4) with 11 having an ASA Score of 3 or more

RESULTS

Mean operating time and laser time 109 and 86 minutes respectively

IPSS, QoL and Qmax changes from baseline to 3 months for those not in retention were 24 to 8.6, 5.0 to 1.8 and 7.5 mL/s to 19.6 mL/s respectively

Post void residual in these men fell from a mean of 235 mL to 88 mL

Average fall in PSA was 38% for 22 men with paired PSA data

Post operative urinary retention in 4 men resolved. 2 late onset clot urinary retention

CONCLUSION

Early results demonstrate PVP to be safe and efficacious on early follow up in a high risk group of patients with significantly enlarged prostates, anticoagulation and urinary retention
Decision‐making in localized prostate cancer: lessons learned from an online support group
Authors: Huber Johannes , Ihrig Andreas , Peters Tim , Huber Christian G. , Kessler Anja , Hadaschik Boris , Pahernik Sascha , Hohenfellner Markus
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Patient (preference/ecological)  Level of Evidence 2c

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

Social support plays a major role for decision‐making in localized prostate cancer and the importance of online resources has become increasingly recognized. However, so far most of the knowledge has been generated on formal and stylistic aspects. The study adds to understanding the content and the dynamics of peer‐to‐peer counselling in an online support group.

OBJECTIVE

• To investigate patient‐to‐patient communication with regard to decision‐making in localized prostate cancer; as most of it is done in private, online support groups are a unique means for this task.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Over a 32‐month period, we screened 501 threads in the largest German online support group for prostate cancer.

• Threads started by questioners newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and stating decision‐making as the key topic were included; in all, 82 (16.4%) threads met these criteria.

• Two independent investigators characterized every thread following a standardized protocol.

• Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were applied for group analyses. A complementary qualitative linguistic approach was chosen.

RESULTS

• Threads were most commonly started to ask for therapy recommendations (66%), information on the course of treatment (46%) and emotional support (46%).

• Answers consisted of treatment recommendations (40%), emotional support (37%) and personal experiences (28%).

• A second opinion on the biopsy cores (51%) and additional imaging (40%) were common suggestions.

• The rate of advice for radical prostatectomy (RP) vs radiotherapy was 67 vs 82%. Thus, surgery was less recommended in our sample (P= 0.01); 75% of the men with an initial therapeutic preference were finally confirmed herein.

• Linguistic analysis showed that posters frequently use a tentative language style and that common language is avoided.

CONCLUSIONS

• Patients readily receive information, advice and emotional support as part of an online support group.

• The scientific evaluation of an online support group is a complementary way of getting to know our patients’ needs and worries.

• Patient–physician contact can benefit from this knowledge.
Preferences for antimuscarinic therapy for overactive bladder
Authors: Swinburn Paul , Lloyd Andrew , Ali Shehzad , Hashmi Noreen , Newal David , Najib Hiba
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Preference (discrete choice experiment)

Level of Evidence 2a

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

Whilst antimuscarinic treatments are widely used little work has been done to understand how patients consider the relative benefits and costs associated with their use.

This study provides data which demonstrates both the perceived value of symptom reduction and burden associated with common antimuscarinic AEs. These findings may prove useful in informing prescribing decisions.

OBJECTIVE • To examine patient preferences and strength of preferences for treatment for the various symptoms of overactive bladder and adverse events associated with the use of antimuscarinic treatments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS • A discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey was developed that detailed treatment choices in terms of attributes relating to their efficacy in reducing symptoms and the likelihood of experiencing typical adverse events. Levels for each attribute were based on a literature review, qualitative interviews and a meta‐analysis of clinical trial data.

• Attributes were combined into choice sets using a fractional orthogonal design that had been folded over. Pairs of choice sets were presented to overactive bladder (OAB) patients (n= 332), who indicated which treatment alternative they preferred. Data were analysed using the conditional logit model.

RESULTS • Participants expressed the strongest preference for the avoidance of urgency incontinence episodes, followed by preference for a reduction in the experience of urinary urgency and the number of micturition episodes. The influence of the likelihood of experiencing an adverse event on treatment preference was also estimated.

• Finally, marginal rates of substitution were calculated to demonstrate the relative value of trade‐offs between the various attributes.

• Treatment preferences were found to be broadly similar across two patient age groups (i.e. under 45 s and 45 and over).

CONCLUSION • The study demonstrates that individuals with OAB place significant emphasis on the prospect of reduction in symptoms. Avoidance of incontinence episodes is particularly valued and equivalent to a much greater reduction in the frequency of micturition or experience of urgency. However, even a modest increase in the likelihood of experiencing an adverse event could easily motivate a change in treatment preference.
Comparative analysis of determinants of executive remuneration in the UK financial services sector
Authors: Shiwakoti Radha K.
Published: November 2010

This paper analyses the determinants of executive remuneration in the UK financial services sector. For this purpose, the determinants of executive remuneration of demutualized societies are compared with those of building societies, which have retained their mutual status, traditional retail banks, and their pre‐demutualization positions. The results show that the determinants of remuneration differ in the UK mutual and plc organizational forms, and that the role of the determinants changed after demutualization. In particular, the relationships between remuneration and size disappeared after demutualization. The results also imply that remuneration committees use only industry norms to attract and retain executives irrespective of performance.
LEAPFROGGING INTO THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY: ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES OF THE ARAB GULF STATES
Authors: EWERS MICHAEL C. , MALECKI EDWARD J.
Published: November 2010

The oil‐abundant, labour‐deficient countries of the Persian Gulf are investing their wealth towards creating economic development beyond oil. At a minimum, these strategies are attempts to craft the basis for sustainable economic development in a global economy that is more dependent on human capital and creativity than on natural resource wealth. This paper examines the Gulf development experience in light of theories on the diversification of natural resource‐based economies, the transition from pre‐ to post‐industrial development, and the role of services as an economic base. The paper assesses the Gulf's current development efforts and post‐oil, knowledge‐based aspirations in terms of the region's competitiveness, knowledge accumulation, and labour market structure.
THE GERMAN EAST‐WEST DIVIDE IN KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION: AN APPLICATION TO NANOMATERIAL PATENTING
Authors: PATUELLI ROBERTO , VAONA ANDREA , GRIMPE CHRISTOPH
Published: November 2010

Research and development (R&D), in the field of nanomaterials is expected to be a major driver of innovation and economic growth. Consequently, it is of great interest to understand which factors facilitate the creation of new technological knowledge. The existing literature has typically addressed this question by employing a knowledge production function based on firm‐, regional‐ or even country‐level data. Estimating the effects for the entire national system of innovation, however, assumes poolability of regional data. We apply our reasoning to Germany, which has well‐known regional disparities, in particular between the East and the West. Based on analyses at the NUTS 3 regional level, we find different knowledge production functions for the East and the West. Moreover, we investigate how our results are affected by the adoption of alternative aggregation levels. Overall, our findings suggest that a careful evaluation of poolability and aggregation is required before estimating knowledge production functions at the regional level.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUST IN ‘TRANSITIONAL’ EUROPE. THE CASE OF THE TEXTILE BAZAARS IN ŁÓDŹ (POLAND)
Authors: VAN DER VELDE MARTIN
Published: November 2010

This contribution will address the issue of trust (and distrust) in a period of (Central) European transition. This will be illustrated using the example of the bazaars in the greater Łódź region. As the bazaar trade did and does play an important role in the adaptation necessary in a period of transition, they are used as a proxy for the post‐socialist societies in the 1990s and the first decade of the twentieth century. The role of trust, especially, in the current spatial or horizontal outreach will be discussed.
Temporal Interpolation of Spatially Dynamic Polygons
Authors: Daniels Alex , Dean Denis J.
Published: November 2010

In this study we compare two methods of interpolating simple metrics from polygons that change over time. Conventional methodology involves computing values of the metrics at points in time where the polygon is observed, and interpolating between these observed values to estimate values at other points in time. An alternative method applies interpolation techniques to the locations of vertices composing polygons are interpolated between observations and metrics are computed from the interpolated polygon shapes. We conducted a Monte Carlo simulation of both techniques using simulated polygons composed of varying numbers of vertices, which were allowed to move randomly over varying numbers of discrete time periods. We observed differences in the success of the two methods when applied to three metrics: Area, Perimeter, and Area/Perimeter Ratio. We found the two techniques to perform differently depending upon the metric being interpolated. Full results are presented and possible reasons why the techniques succeeded or failed under various conditions are discussed.
An Adaptive Method of High Accuracy Surface Modeling and Its Application to Simulating Elevation Surfaces
Authors: Yue Tian‐Xiang , Chen Chuan‐Fa , Li Bai‐Lian
Published: November 2010

An adaptive method is employed to speed up computation of high accuracy surface modeling (HASM), for which an error indicator and an error estimator are developed. Root mean‐square error (RMSE) is used as the error estimator that is formulated as a function of gully density and grid cell size. The error indicator is developed on the basis of error surfaces for different spatial resolutions, which are interpolated in terms of the absolute errors calculated at sampled points while paying attention to the landform characteristics. The error surfaces indicate the magnitude and distribution of errors in each step of adaptive refinement and make spatial changes to the errors in the simulation process visualized. The adaptive method of high accuracy surface modeling (HASM‐AM) is applied to simulating elevation surface of the Dong‐Zhi tableland with 27.24 million pixels at a spatial resolution of 10 m × 10 m. Test results show that HASM‐AM has greatly speeded up computation by avoiding unnecessary calculations and saving memory. In addition, HASM‐AM improves simulation accuracy.
Creativity and discourse
Authors: JONES RODNEY H.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT: This paper will consider the relationship between discourse analysis and creativity and elucidate the ways in which a discourse analytical approach to creativity might be distinguished from the ‘language and creativity’ approaches which currently dominate applied linguistics and sociolinguistics. In the ‘discourse and creativity’ approach I will be describing, creativity is located not in language per se, but in the strategic ways people use language in concrete situations in order to stimulate social change. I will explore how aspects of this approach are reflected in work carried out within the paradigm of world Englishes.
Creativity in recent educational discourse in England
Authors: HALL CHRISTINE
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper offers an analysis of creativity in educational discourse in England over the Labour government's three terms in office. It traces the changing definitions and uses of the term in relation to agendas about raising standards in schools, promoting the arts and cultural education, and developing entrepreneurialism. In particular, it offers an analysis of the ways that these changing definitions influenced the Creative Partnerships programme, a national initiative to encourage schools in England to work in partnership with the creative sector.
‘God … or a Bad, or Mad, Man’: C.S. Lewis's Argument for Christ – A Systematic Theological, Historical and Philosophical Analysis of Aut Deus Aut Malus Homo
Authors: Brazier P. H.
Published: November 2010

The proposition that Jesus was ‘Bad, Mad or God’ is central to C.S. Lewis's popular apologetics. It is fêted by American Evangelicals, cautiously endorsed by Roman Catholics and Protestants, but often scorned by philosophers of religion. Most, mistakenly, regard Lewis's trilemma as unique. This paper examines the roots of this proposition in a two thousand year old theological and philosophical tradition (that is, aut Deus aut malus homo), grounded in the Johannine trilemma (‘unbalanced liar’, or ‘demonically possessed’, or ‘the God of Israel come amongst his people’). Jesus can only be understood in the context of the Jewish religious categories he was born into; therefore, for Lewis, Jesus is who he reveals himself to be. Jesus' self‐understanding reflects his identity, his triune salvific role; this is for Lewis, the transposed reality of divine Sonship. Reason and logic are paramount here, reflected in the structure of Lewis's argument. Lewis's trilemma is not so much a proof of God's existence, but a question, a dilemma, where each and every person must come to a decision. For all its perceived faults, its simplistic language, Lewis's trilemma still is a very successful piece of Christian apologetic, grounded in a serious philosophical and theological tradition.
ON THE VERY IDEA OF AN ONTOLOGY OF COMMUNION: BEING, RELATION AND FREEDOM IN ZIZIOULAS AND LEVINAS
Authors: ABLES TRAVIS E.
Published: November 2010

The present article examines the theology of John Zizioulas with a view to understanding its coherence and viability for ecclesiology. Instead of treating his trinitarian theology, or his historical claims, I focus upon the basic themes of his personalistic ontology, especially the relationship between the ‘hypostasis’ and its ‘nature.’ I argue that Zizioulas's central concept of freedom rests upon an equivocation: he affirms both that freedom and being are identical, and that they are mutually exclusive. In conversation with the philosophy of Levinas, I further argue that Zizioulas's proposal, as an ontology of communion, falls prey to the same reduction of being to thought that forms the central tenet of Western conceptions of subjectivity. In conclusion, I argue that both of these problems trade on a basic inability to account for grace as the fundamental reality of communion. Throughout my basic concern is to inquire into just what function the category of ‘being’ has in Zizioulas's theology, and to point out its surprising obscurity.
Suffering the Promise of God: Engaging Oswald Bayer
Authors: JENSON MATT
Published: November 2010

This article examines Oswald Bayer's wide‐ranging constructive appropriation and application of Luther's theology of the Word. Bayer grounds theology in the divine word of promise, understanding theology and the Christian life as a vita receptiva in which human action is, from first to last, responsive. He pits Luther against modern theological evasions of the Word in his insistence on the distinctively Christian pathos of existence, and his ethic of categorical gift reflects this. I conclude with a commendation of Bayer's theology of the Word, a question about the relation between God's revelation and hiddenness and a concern that he may at times compromise the definitive self‐revelation of God in Christ.
Performances across Time and Space: Drama in the Global Households of Filipina Transmigrant Workers
Authors: Arnado Janet M.
Published: November 2010

The separation of transnational domestic workers from their kinship households and their inclusion into new ones is a conflict situation that creates social drama. Contradictions in their positions in these two global households highlight this drama, for example, in their contrasting roles as breadwinners in one household and as domestic workers in the other, as transnational mothers and live‐in caregivers, and as international migrants and domestically confined workers. In this article, I employ Erving Goffman’s (1959) dramaturgical approach, particularly “contrived” and “real” performances, to examine the everyday performances of migrant workers across time and space, that is, vis‐à‐vis their contradictory roles as breadwinners in their left‐behind kinship households in the Philippines and as “maids” in their co‐residential global households in Singapore, over a period of time. I offer the time‐performance continuum loop as a context explaining the variations of domestic workers’ performances. This model captures the initial years of employment as overwhelming the migrants with hardships and poor performances whereas long‐term employment as equipping them with mastery in their performances. My research draws from conventional ethnographic fieldwork among Filipina domestic workers in Singapore, supplemented by a virtual ethnography in an online forum among Singapore employers.
Regulation of the molecular response to oxygen limitations in plants
Authors: Licausi Francesco
Published: November 2010

The oxygen availability to plant tissues can vary strongly in time and space. To endure short‐ or long‐term oxygen deprivation, plants evolved a series of metabolic and morphological adaptations that have been extensively studied. However, our knowledge of the molecular regulation of these processes is not as well understood. In this review, the recent findings on the molecular effectors that regulate the response of higher plants to oxygen deficiency are discussed. Although no direct oxygen sensor has been discovered in plants so far, mechanisms that perceive low‐oxygen derived signals have been reported, involving different sets of transcription factors (TFs). The ERF (Ethylene Responsive Factor) family especially appears to play a crucial role in the determination of survival to reduced oxygen availability in Arabidopsis and rice. This class of TFs displays a broad range of targets, being involved in both the metabolic reprogramming and the morphological adaptations exploited by plants when subjected to low‐oxygen conditions.
Parental, social and environmental factors associated with hatching failure in Florida Scrub‐Jays Aphelocoma coerulescens
Authors: WILCOXEN TRAVIS E. , BRIDGE ELI S. , BOUGHTON RAOUL K. , RENSEL MICHELLE A. , JAMES REYNOLDS S. , SCHOECH STEPHAN J.
Published: November 2010

Hatching failure within clutches of eggs occurs to varying degrees in many avian species. We investigated predictors of hatching failure in a population of Florida Scrub‐Jays, for which hatching success has been monitored for 15 years. We assessed whether hatching failure was related to parental traits (e.g. age, experience as a pair or body condition), lay date, social structure (e.g. number of helpers), environmental conditions, or some combination of these. We used linear mixed models and Akaike’s information criterion to determine the models that best explain observed patterns of hatching failure. The best model showed that increased hatching failure was associated with below‐average rainfall during the breeding season, and was more common for newly established breeding pairs than for pairs that had previously produced one or more clutches together. Other contributing models suggested that hatching failure was greatest for the youngest and oldest female breeders. Some aspects of our findings are consistent with conclusions drawn from other species. However, as a whole, our analyses suggest that hatching failure in the Florida Scrub‐Jay is influenced by a complex set of environmental and parental factors.
Apparent survival and return rate of breeders in the southern temperate White‐rumped Swallow Tachycineta leucorrhoa
Authors: BULIT FLORENCIA , MASSONI VIVIANA
Published: November 2010

Life‐histories and demographic parameters of southern temperate bird species have been little studied. We estimated return rates between years and sexes, and adult apparent survival and recapture probabilities with mark–recapture data on White‐rumped Swallows and found a lower return rate of unsuccessful females. There was little support for influences of sex or year on survival rates. The estimates were equivalent to the lowest value reported for a northern congener, in contrast to the prediction of geographical variation under life‐history theory.
Neumann’s Warbler Hemitesia neumanni (Sylvioidea): the sole African member of a Palaeotropic Miocene avifauna
Authors: IRESTEDT MARTIN , GELANG MAGNUS , SANGSTER GEORGE , OLSSON URBAN , ERICSON PER G. P. , ALSTRÖM PER
Published: November 2010

We present molecular evidence that Neumann’s Warbler Hemitesia neumanni is deeply nested within the Cettiidae. The species’ distribution in the Albertine Rift of East Africa is intriguing, as the family Cettiidae is principally an Asian radiation. This disjunct distribution could be a result of colonization of Africa by long‐distance dispersal, or the Cettiidae may at some point in the past have had a much larger geographical distribution that also covered parts of Africa.
The role of avian ‘seed predators’ as seed dispersers
Authors: HELENO RUBEN H. , ROSS GEORGINA , EVERARD AMY , MEMMOTT JANE , RAMOS JAIME A.
Published: November 2010

Seed dispersal is a central process in plant ecology with consequences for species composition and habitat structure. Some bird species are known to disperse the seeds they ingest, whereas others, termed ‘seed predators’, digest them and apparently play no part in dispersal, but it is not clear if these are discrete strategies or simply the ends of a continuum. We assessed dispersal effectiveness by combining analysis of faecal samples and bird density. The droppings of seed dispersers contained more entire seeds than those of typical seed predators, but over a quarter of the droppings of seed predators contained whole seeds. This effect was further magnified when bird density was taken into account, and was driven largely by one frequent interaction: the Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, a typical seed predator and the most abundant bird species in the area and dispersed seeds of Leycesteria formosa, a non‐native plant with berry‐like fruits. These results suggest the existence of a continuum between seed predators and seed dispersers.
Premarital affect as a predictor of postnuptial marital satisfaction
Authors: MATTSON RICHARD E. , FRAME LAURA E. , JOHNSON MATTHEW D.
Published: November 2010

Although well established with newlywed couples, studies examining the association between affective communication during conflict and later relationship satisfaction yield inconsistent results with premarital samples. The current study reexamined this association with a different method of coding affect observed during discussions of separate male‐ and female‐selected problem topics and contemporary methods for modeling dyadic data. The sample included 32 engaged couples assessed across the transition to marriage. Premarital affect correlated with concurrent and postnuptial relationship satisfaction. Men's and women's premarital affect also predicted changes in women's relationship satisfaction across the transition to marriage when controlling for cohabitation, length of the assessment interval, and age. Implications are discussed in the context of prominent developmental models of marriage and current premarital interventions.
Chronic Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol treatment in rhesus monkeys: differential tolerance and cross‐tolerance among cannabinoids
Authors: McMahon Lance R.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe extent to which behavioural effects vary as a function of CB1receptor agonist efficacy is not clear. These studies tested the hypothesis that cannabinoid tolerance and cross‐tolerance depend upon the CB1agonist efficacy of drugs to which tolerance/cross‐tolerance develops.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHSensitivity to cannabinoids, including the cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant, low efficacy agonist Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), and high efficacy agonists CP 55940 and WIN 55212‐2, was determined before and after chronic Δ9‐THC treatment in rhesus monkeys. Two measures of behavioural effect were assessed: effects of drugs to decrease fixed ratio responding for food presentation and stimulus‐shock termination and discriminative stimulus effects in monkeys discriminating Δ9‐THC (0.1 mg·kg−1, i.v.).

KEY RESULTSΔ9‐THC decreased responding for both food presentation and stimulus‐shock termination; these effects were antagonized by the CB1antagonist rimonabant. Chronic Δ9‐THC (1 mg·kg−1per 12 h, s.c.) resulted in tolerance to the rate‐decreasing effects of Δ9‐THC and cross‐tolerance to CP 55940 and WIN 55212‐2; however, cross‐tolerance was less than tolerance. Chronic Δ9‐THC increased sensitivity to rimonabant without changing sensitivity to the non‐cannabinoids midazolam and ketamine. In monkeys discriminating Δ9‐THC (0.1 mg·kg−1, i.v.), both CP 55940 and WIN 55212‐2 produced high levels of drug‐lever responding. Chronic Δ9‐THC (1 mg·kg−1per day, s.c.) decreased sensitivity to Δ9‐THC without producing cross‐tolerance to CP 55940 or WIN 55212‐2.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSIn Δ9‐THC‐treated monkeys, the magnitude of tolerance and cross‐tolerance to other CB1receptor agonists varied inversely with agonist efficacy, suggesting that CB1agonist efficacy is an important determinant of behavioural effects.
Central nicotinic acetylcholine receptor involved in Ca2+‐calmodulin‐endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway modulated hypotensive effects
Authors: Cheng Pei‐Wen , Lu Pei‐Jung , Chen Siang‐Ru , Ho Wen‐Yu , Cheng Wen‐Han , Hong Ling‐Zong , Yeh Tung‐Chen , Sun Gwo‐Ching , Wang Ling‐Lin , Hsiao Michael , Tseng Ching‐Jiunn
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSERecent evidence has suggested that nicotine decreases blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), indicating that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in BP control in the NTS. However, the signalling mechanisms involved in nAChR‐mediated depressor effects in the NTS are unclear. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate these signalling mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHDepressor responses to nicotine microinjected into the NTS of Wistar‐Kyoto rats were elicited in the absence and presence of an antagonist of α7 nAChR, the calcium chelator ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid, a calmodulin‐specific inhibitor, nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitor, endothelial NOS (eNOS)‐selective inhibitor or neuronal NOS (nNOS)‐specific inhibitor.

KEY RESULTSMicroinjection of nicotine into the NTS produced a dose‐dependent decrease in BP and HR, and increased nitrate levels. This depressor effect of nicotine was attenuated after pretreatment with a nAChR antagonist or blockers of the calmodulin‐eNOS pathway. In contrast, N5‐(1‐Imino‐3‐butenyl)‐L‐ornithine (vinyl‐L‐NIO), nNOS‐specific inhibitor, did not diminish these nicotine‐mediated effects. Calmodulin was found to bind eNOS after nicotine injection into NTS. However, nicotine did not affect the eNOS phosphorylation level or eNOS upstream extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 and Akt phosphorylation levels. Furthermore, pretreatment with an ERK1/2 or Akt inhibitor did not attenuate nicotine‐induced depressor effects in the NTS.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese results suggest that the nAChR‐Ca2+‐calmodulin‐eNOS‐NO signalling pathway, but not nNOS, plays a significant role in central BP regulation, and neither the ERK1/2 nor Akt signalling pathway are significantly involved in the activation of eNOS by nAChRs in the NTS.
Swelling of cotton as a tool to enhance the response of cellulase enzymes
Authors: Paul Roshan , Teli Mangesh D
Published: November 2010

Enzymes are now widely used in various textile processes, such as pretreatment and finishing. In the present investigation, undyed as well as vat‐dyed cotton fabrics were pretreated with intracrystalline swelling agents, such as sodium hydroxide and ethylene diamine, and an intercrystalline swelling agent, morpholine. Acid hydrolysis was also carried out on cotton. All the samples were further treated with acid and neutral cellulase enzymes. The effect of pretreatment and enzyme action on the vat dyeing was then studied. In all cases, it was found that intra‐ as well as intercrystalline swelling resulted in enhancing the response of the enzymes.
Photorealistic ink‐jet digital printing – factors influencing image quality, image stability and print durability
Authors: Kazlauciunas Algy
Published: November 2010

Digital cameras have now replaced film‐based cameras as the most popular method of still image capture. As a consequence, there has been a rise in growth of the photo‐realistic digital‐printer market as many amateur and professional photographers choose to produce their own hard copy images. The most popular digital printing technology for producing photo‐realistic images is currently drop‐on‐demand ink jet. There has been much research into key factors influencing the quality, stability and durability of images produced using this, and other, digital printing technologies. A key area of study in achieving photo‐realistic images from digital printing systems has been ink‐receivable layers and dye/pigment colorants, and most importantly compatibility between the two. As with any new technology it is important to achieve an acceptable standard of performance and, to this end, research work has been instigated by the International Standards Institute since the mid‐1990s, to achieve a set of standards appertaining to areas such as light fastness, water fastness, thermal stability, humidity fastness and pollution susceptibility. This paper reviews the current state regarding the aforementioned areas with respect to their influence on print quality, stability and durability.
Latina Mothers' Beliefs and Practices Related to Weight Status, Feeding, and the Development of Child Overweight
Authors: Lindsay Ana C. , Sussner Katarina M. , Greaney Mary L. , Peterson Karen E.
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine maternal beliefs and practices related to weight status, child feeding, and child overweight in the Latino culture that may contribute to the rising rates of overweight among preschool Latino children in the United States.

Design and Sample: This 2‐phase qualitative study relies on data obtained in 6 focus groups with a total of 31 primarily Spanish‐speaking, low‐income mothers, followed by 20 individual, in‐depth interviews with women participating in a health promotion educational program.

Measures: Child‐feeding beliefs, practices, and weight status perceptions were elicited.

Results: The findings indicated that most respondents reported personal struggles with weight gain, particularly during and after pregnancy, and were concerned that their children would become obese. Although subjects understood the health and social consequences related to overweight, many discussed the pressures of familial and cultural influences endorsing a “chubby child.”

Conclusions: Education and interventions that incorporate “culturally mediated” pathways to address mothers' feeding practices are essential for the prevention and control of childhood overweight among low‐income Latinos. Nurses should be aware of the social and cultural influences on Latina mothers' beliefs and practices related to weight status and feeding practices and address these in their education approaches to prevent childhood overweight and obesity with this population group.
Pulsatile Flow Improves Cerebral Blood Flow in Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Wang Wei , Bai Shu‐Ying , Zhang Hai‐Bo , Bai Jie , Zhang Shu‐Jing , Zhu De‐Ming
Published: November 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pulsatile flow on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in infants with the use of a mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Thirty infants scheduled for open heart surgery were randomized to the pulsatile group (Group P, n = 15) and nonpulsatile group (Group NP, n = 15). In Group P, pulsatile perfusion was applied during the aortic cross‐clamping period, whereas nonpulsatile perfusion was used in Group NP. The systolic peak velocity (Vs), the end of diastolic velocity (Vd), the mean velocity (Vm), and the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) of the middle cerebral artery were measured by a transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound after anesthesia (T1; baseline), at the beginning of CPB (T2), 10 min after aortic cross‐clamping (T3), 3 min after declamping (T4), at the cessation of CPB (T5), and at the end of the operation (T6). During T3 and T4, the Vs in Group P was significantly higher than in Group NP. However, there were no statistically significant differences between Vd and Vm. The PI and RI in Group P were also higher than those in Group NP (both P < 0.05). During T5, Vd and Vm were higher in Group P (P < 0.05), whereas there was no difference in Vs. Additionally, PI and RI in Group P were significantly lower than those in Group NP (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference during T6. Pulsatile perfusion may increase CBF and decrease cerebral vascular resistance in the early period after mild hypothermic CPB.