bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior dorsomedial striatum is critical for both selective instrumental and Pavlovian reward learning
Authors: Corbit Laura H. , Janak Patricia H.
Published: March 2010

The dorsal striatum (DS) has been implicated in instrumental learning but its role in the acquisition of stimulus‐driven behaviour is not clear. To explore the contribution of the DS to both response‐outcome (R‐O) and stimulus‐outcome (S‐O) associative learning, we pharmacologically inactivated subregions (dorsolateral, anterior dorsomedial and posterior dorsomedial) of the DS during acquisition sessions in which subjects acquired two unique, novel R‐O pairs or two unique, novel S‐O pairs. To test whether specific R‐O or S‐O associations were learned under inactivation, rats were tested following selective‐satiety devaluation of one outcome under drug‐free conditions. In the instrumental task, control rats and rats with dorsolateral striatum (DLS) inactivation during learning responded less on the lever that had earned the devalued outcome than on the alternative lever at test, indicating that the DLS is not critical for the formation of R‐O associations. In contrast, rats with inactivation of the medial DS (DMS) (either anterior or posterior) during learning responded indiscriminately, suggesting failure to acquire the novel R‐O associations. In the Pavlovian task, both controls and rats with anterior DMS inactivation during learning responded less in the presence of the stimulus predicting the devalued outcome, whereas rats with DLS or posterior DMS inactivation during learning responded equally to the stimuli, indicating that they had not acquired the novel S‐O associations. These data confirm that the DLS and anterior region DMS mediate different aspects of reward‐related learning, and suggest that the posterior DMS may mediate a function common to both forms of learning (R‐O and S‐O). Finally, we demonstrate that both S‐O and R‐O associations are required for selective Pavlovian‐instrumental transfer.
Glutamate‐induced depression of EPSP–spike coupling in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons and modulation by adenosine receptors
Authors: Ferguson Alexandra L. , Stone Trevor W.
Published: March 2010

The presence of high concentrations of glutamate in the extracellular fluid following brain trauma or ischaemia may contribute substantially to subsequent impairments of neuronal function. In this study, glutamate was applied to hippocampal slices for several minutes, producing over‐depolarization, which was reflected in an initial loss of evoked population potential size in the CA1 region. Orthodromic population spikes recovered only partially over the following 60 min, whereas antidromic spikes and excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) showed greater recovery, implying a change in EPSP–spike coupling (E–S coupling), which was confirmed by intracellular recording from CA1 pyramidal cells. The recovery of EPSPs was enhanced further by dizocilpine, suggesting that the long‐lasting glutamate‐induced change in E–S coupling involves NMDA receptors. This was supported by experiments showing that when isolated NMDA‐receptor‐mediated EPSPs were studied in isolation, there was only partial recovery following glutamate, unlike the composite EPSPs. The recovery of orthodromic population spikes and NMDA‐receptor‐mediated EPSPs following glutamate was enhanced by the adenosine A1 receptor blocker DPCPX, the A2Areceptor antagonist SCH58261 or adenosine deaminase, associated with a loss of restoration to normal of the glutamate‐induced E–S depression. The results indicate that the long‐lasting depression of neuronal excitability following recovery from glutamate is associated with a depression of E–S coupling. This effect is partly dependent on activation of NMDA receptors, which modify adenosine release or the sensitivity of adenosine receptors. The results may have implications for the use of A1and A2Areceptor ligands as cognitive enhancers or neuroprotectants.
Netrin‐1 receptor in the ventral tegmental area is required for sensitization to amphetamine
Authors: Yetnikoff Leora , Eng Conrad , Benning Sarah , Flores Cecilia
Published: March 2010

Fundamental to neural organization during development, the netrin‐1 guidance cue and its receptor, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), continue to be expressed in the adult brain. We have shown recently that adultdccheterozygous mice do not develop sensitization to the stimulant drug of abuse amphetamine (AMPH) and that repeated exposure to AMPH upregulates DCC expression in adult rats. This upregulation is selective to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a site critical for the initiation of behavioral plasticity induced by stimulant drugs, and is glutamate‐dependent. Here we demonstrate that the lack of AMPH‐induced sensitization indccheterozygotes is associated with a failure of AMPH to upregulate DCC receptor expression in the VTA. Further, we show that, in wild‐type mice, repeated AMPH induces increases in VTA expression of the dendritic spine‐associated protein, spinophilin. Significantly, however, this effect is not observed indccheterozygotes. In parallel experiments conducted in adult rats, we show that VTA DCC receptor activation, at the time of AMPH pretreatment, is critical for sensitization to AMPH. Together, these results demonstrate that the DCC netrin‐1 receptor, a protein traditionally known for its role in organizing brain development, plays a critical function in adult brain plasticity, possibly via orchestration of neuronal circuitry reorganization. We propose VTA DCC receptor signaling as a novel mechanism in the series of glutamate‐dependent cellular processes that lead to enduring plasticity by drugs of abuse.
Phenotypic characterization of a new Grin1 mutant mouse generated by ENU mutagenesis
Authors: Furuse Tamio , Wada Yumiko , Hattori Kotaro , Yamada Ikuko , Kushida Tomoko , Shibukawa Yoko , Masuya Hiroshi , Kaneda Hideki , Miura Ikuo , Seno Naoki , Kanda Tomoyuki , Hirose Ryo , Toki Shinichiro , Nakanishi Kousuke , Kobayashi Kimio , Sezutsu Hideki , Gondo Yoichi , Noda Tetsuo , Yuasa Shigeki , Wakana Shigeharu
Published: March 2010

In the RIKEN large‐scale N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis project we screened mice with a dominant mutation that exhibited abnormal behavior in the open‐field test, passive avoidance test and home‐cage activity test. We tested 2045 progeny of C57BL/6J males treated with ENU and untreated DBA/2J females in the open‐field test and isolated behavioral mutant M100174, which exhibited a significant increase in spontaneous locomotor activity. We identified a missense mutation in the Grin1 gene, which encodes NMDA receptor subunit 1, and designated the mutant gene Grin1Rgsc174. This mutation results in an arginine to cysteine substitution in the C0 domain of the protein. Detailed analyses revealed that Grin1Rgsc174 heterozygote exhibited increased novelty‐seeking behavior and slight social isolation in comparison with the wild type. In contrast to other Grin1 mutant mice, this mutant exhibited no evidence of heightened anxiety. These results indicate that this is a unique behavioral Grin1 gene mutant mouse that differs from the known Grin1 mutant mice. The results of immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses suggested that impaired interaction between the glutamatergic pathway and dopaminergic pathway may underlie the behavioral phenotypes of the Grin1Rgsc174 mutant.
Asynchronous release of GABA via tonic cannabinoid receptor activation at identified interneuron synapses in rat CA1
Authors: Ali A. B. , Todorova M.
Published: March 2010

The influence of local circuit interneurons is thought to play an important role in adjusting synaptic strength via endogenous cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Using paired whole‐cell recordings, combined with double immunofluorescence and biocytin labelling in acute slices of rat CA1 at postnatal day 18–23, we investigated the properties of Cholecystokinin (CCK)‐positive stratum radiatum local circuit interneuron connections that utilised CB1 receptors. Three types of synaptic connections were studied, lacunosum‐moleculare‐radiatum perforant path‐associated (LM‐R PPA) to Shaffer collateral‐associated (SCA) interneurons, SCA–SCA interneurons and SCA–pyramidal cells. These three synapses were differentially under tonic reduction of inhibition that was blocked by the CB1 receptor inverse agonist AM‐251 (10 μm), which enhanced IPSPs. The strength of tonic reduction of inhibition was correlated with asynchronous release which was apparent at connections among interneurons. AM‐251 increased the ratio of synchronous to asynchronous release (synchronicity ratio), while the CB receptor agonist anandamide (14 μm) decreased the synchronicity ratio. Fast and slow calcium chelators (BAPTA‐AM and EGTA‐AM) also increased the synchronicity ratio, accelerated inhibitory time courses and reduced IPSP amplitudes. These data suggest that CB1 receptors at connections among interneuron synapses play a role in tonic suppression of inhibition and govern the asynchronous release of GABA, modulating the time windows of inhibition. Effects of calcium chelators suggest that asynchronous release is a result of a long‐lasting presynaptic calcium transients and/or a large distance between calcium source and sensor of exocytosis. These properties of specialised inhibitory neurons may have important modulatory roles in controlling spike timing among local circuit interneurons.
Metagenomic analysis reveals a marked divergence in the structure of belowground microbial communities at elevated CO2
Authors: He Zhili , Xu Meiying , Deng Ye , Kang Sanghoon , Kellogg Laurie , Wu Liyou , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Reich Peter B. , Zhou Jizhong
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 564–575

Understanding the responses of biological communities to elevated CO2 (eCO2) is a central issue in ecology, but little is known about the influence of eCO2 on the structure and functioning (and consequent feedbacks to plant productivity) of the belowground microbial community. Here, using metagenomic technologies, we showed that 10 years of field exposure of a grassland ecosystem to eCO2 dramatically altered the structure and functional potential of soil microbial communities. Total microbial and bacterial biomass were significantly increased at eCO2, but fungal biomass was unaffected. The structure of microbial communities was markedly different between ambient CO2 (aCO2) and eCO2 as indicated by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of gene‐based pyrosequencing data and functional gene array data. While the abundance of genes involved in decomposing recalcitrant C remained unchanged, those involved in labile C degradation and C and N fixation were significantly increased under eCO2. Changes in microbial structure were significantly correlated with soil C and N contents and plant productivity. This study provides insights into potential activity of microbial community and associated feedback responses of terrestrial ecosystems to eCO2.
A framework for metacommunity analysis of phylogenetic structure
Authors: Pillar Valério D. , Duarte Leandro d. S.
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 587–596

It is well known that species evolutionary history plays a crucial role in community assembly. Here, we offer a formal analytical framework to integrate in metacommunity analysis the species’ phylogeny with their functional traits and abundances. We define phylogenetic structure of a community as phylogenetically weighted species composition. This is used to reveal patterns of phylogenetic community variation and to measure and test by specified null models the phylogenetic signal at the metacommunity level, which we distinguish from phylogenetic signal at the species pool level. The former indicates that communities more similar in their phylogenetic structure are also similar in their average trait values, which may indicate species’ niche conservation for the given traits. We apply this framework to an example from grassland communities and find that traits with significant phylogenetic signal at the metacommunity level exhibit ecological filtering along the resource gradient, but since both mechanisms act independently on traits, niche conservatism is not supported.
Habitat fragmentation causes immediate and time‐delayed biodiversity loss at different trophic levels
Authors: Krauss Jochen , Bommarco Riccardo , Guardiola Moisès , Heikkinen Risto K. , Helm Aveliina , Kuussaari Mikko , Lindborg Regina , Öckinger Erik , Pärtel Meelis , Pino Joan , Pöyry Juha , Raatikainen Katja M. , Sang Anu , Stefanescu Constantí , Teder Tiit , Zobel Martin , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 597–605

Intensification or abandonment of agricultural land use has led to a severe decline of semi‐natural habitats across Europe. This can cause immediate loss of species but also time‐delayed extinctions, known as the extinction debt. In a pan‐European study of 147 fragmented grassland remnants, we found differences in the extinction debt of species from different trophic levels. Present‐day species richness of long‐lived vascular plant specialists was better explained by past than current landscape patterns, indicating an extinction debt. In contrast, short‐lived butterfly specialists showed no evidence for an extinction debt at a time scale of c. 40 years. Our results indicate that management strategies maintaining the status quo of fragmented habitats are insufficient, as time‐delayed extinctions and associated co‐extinctions will lead to further biodiversity loss in the future.
Regulation of nitrogen metabolism in the marine diazotroph Trichodesmium IMS101 under varying temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations
Authors: Levitan Orly , Brown Christopher M. , Sudhaus Stefanie , Campbell Douglas , LaRoche Julie , Berman‐Frank Ilana
Published: March 2010

We examined the influence of forecasted changes in global temperatures and pCO2 on N2 fixation and assimilation in the ecologically important cyanobacterium Trichodesmium spp. Changes of mRNA transcripts (nifH, glnA, hetR, psbA, psaB), protein (nitrogenase, glutamine synthetase) pools and enzymatic activity (nitrogenase) were measured under varying pCO2 and temperatures. High pCO2 shifted transcript patterns of all genes, resulting in a more synchronized diel expression. Under the same conditions, we did not observe any significant changes in the protein pools or in total cellular allocations of carbon and nitrogen (i.e. C : N ratio remained stable). Independently of temperature, high pCO2 (900 µatm) elevated N2 fixation rates. Levels of the key enzymes, nitrogenase and glutamine synthetase that mediate nitrogen assimilation did not increase, implying that the high pCO2 allowed higher reaction turnover rates through these key enzymes. Moreover, increased temperatures and high pCO2 resulted in higher C : P ratios. The plasticity in phosphorous stoichiometry combined with higher enzymatic efficiencies lead to higher growth rates. In cyanobacteria photosynthesis, carbon uptake, respiration, N2 fixation and nitrogen assimilation share cellular components. We propose that shifted cellular resource and energy allocation among those components will enable Trichodesmium grown at elevated temperatures and pCO2 to extend its niche in the future ocean, through both tolerance of a broader temperature range and higher P plasticity.
Expression of E‐series prostaglandin (EP) receptors and urodynamic effects of an EP4 receptor antagonist on cyclophosphamide‐induced overactive bladder in rats
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Yoshimura Naoki , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Wu Moya , Tyagi Pradeep , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of four subtypes of E‐series prostaglandin (EP1–EP4) receptors and the urodynamic effects of an EP4 receptor antagonist (AH23848) in cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced overactive bladder (OAB) in rats, as intravesical prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induces OAB via activation of EP receptors and sensitization of afferent nerves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental and control rats were injected with CYP (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or saline, respectively. Continuous cystometrograms (CMGs) were performed 48 h after CYP or saline injection under urethane anaesthesia. AH23848 was given intravenously at doses of 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg. The bladder was then harvested for histology. Some bladders were harvested for analysis of EP receptors expression by Western blotting without a CMG study. CMG variables (baseline pressure; intercontraction interval [ICI], pressure threshold [PT], contraction amplitude) and histological changes were measured.

RESULTS

CYP‐induced up‐regulation of EP4 receptor (100% increase) accompanied by detrusor overactivity (ICI 70.5% decrease; PT, 67.7% increase). However, CYP down‐regulated EP1 receptor expression (51.9% decrease), but had no significant effects on the EP2 and EP3 receptors. AH23848 significantly extended the ICI in CYP‐treated rats but it had no effects on other urodynamic variables or in control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Modulation of EP receptors plays a role in CYP‐induced OAB. Antagonists to the EP4 receptor may be a new target for treatment of patients with OAB.
Improving informed consent for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy using multimedia techniques: a prospective randomized crossover study
Authors: Gyomber Dennis , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Wong Peter , Parker Frank , Bolton Damien M.
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To compare the comprehension gained by standard consent (SC) vs a unique interactive multimedia presentation (IMP), for radical prostatectomy (RP), as informed consent for RP requires that the patient understands the procedure and potential complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty patients undergoing RP were prospectively randomized to SC or IMP, followed by a 26‐question test on critical aspects of the surgery and its implications. The groups were crossed over and re‐tested, with a subsequent statistical analysis. SC involved typical verbal interaction and consultation with physicians and nurses, whilst the IMP provided consistent and animated information on these topics, and included multiple‐choice questions probing understanding of key points. Progression through the IMP only occurred with correct responses; incorrect responses prompted a review of the information before repeating the question. Telephone interviews assessed usability, overall understanding, educational level and primary language.

RESULTS

The patient groups had similar demographics. The IMP group (78%) had significantly higher knowledge test scores (P < 0.001) than the SC group (57%), suggesting a better understanding of the implications of surgery. This was maintained on crossover, with the SC group scores improving by 11% compared to testing before IMP (P < 0.001). The initial IMP group scores were unchanged on crossover and repeat testing (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IMP provides better patient understanding than SC for RP, by ensuring that the procedure and risks have been explained consistently, and by actively testing the patient. Such tools assist in obtaining ethical and legally informed consent, thus increasing patient knowledge whilst reducing patient anxiety and potential dissatisfaction or medico‐legal consequences when less than ideal outcomes occur.
Endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: critical analysis of outcomes and learning curve
Authors: McNeill Alan S. , Nabi Ghulam , McLornan Lisa , Cook Jonathan , Bollina Prasad , Stolzenberg Jens‐Uwe
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes and learning curve of extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy (EERP) using cumulative summation charts from a single tertiary referral centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data from 300 consecutive men with localized prostate cancer who underwent EERP at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK, between February 2006 and July 2009 were prospectively maintained in a database. The data collected included demographic details, perioperative outcomes, complications and follow‐up for functional and oncology outcomes. The learning curve was analysed using generalized linear models for complication rate, operative time and blood loss, using procedure experience.

RESULTS

The mean (sd, range) operative duration was 160.52 (40.84, 100–310) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 229.3 (172, 20–1000) mL. There was no conversion to open surgery and no patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. Only one of 250 (0.3%) patients required a blood transfusion after EERP. The median (range) hospital stay was 3 (2–20) days and the median catheterization time before cystography was 9 days. There was evidence that the complication rate reduced as experience was gained (odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.97–0.99; P= 0.002), with the estimated probability of a complication decreasing from 29% for the first to <1% for the 250th procedure. Also there was evidence of a decrease in operative duration (−0.0020 rate parameter on log scale; 95% CI −0.0024 to −0.0017; P < 0.001) and blood loss (−0.01 rate parameter on log scale; 95% CI −0.003 to −0.0002; P= 0.021). The positive surgical margin rate in pT2 disease decreased from 27% in the first 50 to 14.7% in the last 50 operated cases. The continence rate and biochemical recurrence‐free rate at a minimum follow‐up of 1 year for the first 100 patients was 89% and 94%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results from this series suggest that the benefits of minimally invasive surgery for localized prostate cancer (EERP) can be replicated after mentored fellowship training of a surgeon. The complication rate reduced substantially as experience was gained, suggesting a continuous surgical learning curve
PUBLIC INVESTMENT, TAX EVASION, AND THE WELFARE EFFECTS OF A TARIFF REFORM
Authors: ATOLIA MANOJ
Published: March 2010

Contrary to the case considered in literature, the experience of developing countries indicates that the tariff reforms have not been revenue neutral due to the heavy dependence of developing countries on trade taxes and pervasive tax evasion. In contrast to the plausibility of a welfare loss shown by the current literature, when the adverse effect of the loss of tariff revenue on public investment is factored in, the welfare outcome of the tariff reforms of past few decades turns out to be much more pessimistic. The constraints imposed by tariff dependence and tax evasion imply that future tariff reforms in these countries should be undertaken after strengthening their domestic tax system and augmenting the ability of their governments to fight tax evasion. For countries of sub‐Saharan Africa, where such reforms are likely to be concentrated, this would need planning and capacity building over a longer time horizon. (JEL D61, D62, F13, H26)
CENTRALIZED AND DECENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL COMMON POOL RESOURCES IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM FISHING COMMUNITIES IN COLOMBIA
Authors: VELEZ MARIA ALEJANDRA , MURPHY JAMES J. , STRANLUND JOHN K.
Published: March 2010

This article uses experimental data to test for a complementary relationship between formal regulations imposed on a community to conserve a local natural resource and nonbinding verbal agreements to do the same. Our experiments were conducted in the field in three regions of Colombia. Our results suggest that the hypothesis of a complementary relationship between communication and external regulation is supported for some combinations of regions and regulations but cannot be supported in general. We conclude that the determination of whether formal regulations and informal communication are complementary must be made on a community‐by‐community basis. (JEL C93, H41, Q20, Q28)
THE BEHAVIOR OF INEXPERIENCED BIDDERS IN INTERNET AUCTIONS
Authors: LIVINGSTON JEFFREY A.
Published: March 2010

In Internet auctions, bidders alter their strategies as they gain market experience. While inexperienced bidders bid the same high amounts regardless of the seller’s reputation, experienced bidders bid substantially less if the seller has yet to establish a reputation and raise their bids as reports are filed that the seller has treated bidders well in the past. Experienced bidders also wait until much closer to the end of the auction to place their bids, although it takes very little experience to learn that waiting to submit one’s bid is a superior strategy. (JEL L14, L15, D83, D12)
GUNS AND OIL: AN ANALYSIS OF CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS TRADE IN THE POST‐COLD WAR ERA
Authors: KHANNA NEHA , CHAPMAN DUANE
Published: March 2010

This paper analyzes the global conventional weapons trade between 1989 and 1999. We postulate that a key reason for the huge transfer of weapons to the Persian Gulf region is the enormous value of the oil wealth there along with the dependence of Western economies on access to the relatively cheap and steady supply of crude oil. We find a strong, positive, and robust empirical association between arms trade and crude oil trade and explain it as the result of a target price band arrangement that was responsible for the remarkably stable crude oil prices during our study period. (JEL F10, F59, Q38)
CODE CREATION IN ENDOGENOUS MERGER EXPERIMENTS
Authors: FEILER LAUREN , CAMERER COLIN F.
Published: March 2010

We study the conflict that can occur in a merger due to firms' use of specialized language, or “code,” and whether participants accurately forecast this difficulty. After creating a shared code to describe different pictures accurately, subjects bid for extra payments to join a merged group. The two lowest bidders are placed in the merged group. Values inferred from two different bidding procedures indicate fairly accurate general appraisals of the cost of the merger, but the values of those subjects who bid the least, and choose to join the merged group, are too optimistic, reflecting an “organizational winner's curse.” (JEL D23, D83, G34, L21, M14)
LEARNING BUT NOT EARNING? THE IMPACT OF JOB CORPS TRAINING ON HISPANIC YOUTH
Authors: FLORES‐LAGUNES ALFONSO , GONZALEZ ARTURO , NEUMANN TODD
Published: March 2010

Why did Hispanics who participated in Job Corps (JC) training not experience earnings gains like whites and blacks, despite achieving similar human capital gains? We find that the differential labor market outcomes of each group are related to the different levels of local labor market unemployment rates (LUR) they face. Furthermore, the groups exhibit differential impacts on their earnings from the LUR they face, which also vary by randomization status. We find that (a) blacks and Hispanics face higher LUR that mitigate their potential gains from JC and (b) JC “shields” whites from adverse LUR, but not blacks and Hispanics. (JEL J24, J13, J15)
THE EFFECT OF DIRECT TO CONSUMER TELEVISION ADVERTISING ON THE TIMING OF TREATMENT
Authors: BRADFORD W. DAVID , KLEIT ANDREW N. , NIETERT PAUL J. , ORNSTEIN STEVEN
Published: March 2010

We examine how direct to consumer advertising affects the delay between diagnosis and pharmacological treatment for patients suffering from a common chronic disease. The primary data for this study consist of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis (N = 18,235) taken from a geographically diverse national research network of 72 primary care practices with 348 physicians in 27 states over the 1999–2002 time period. Brand‐specific advertising data were collected for local and network television at the monthly level for the nearest media markets to the practices. Results of duration models of delay to treatment suggest advertising does affect the length of time that patients and physicians wait to initiate therapy. This evidence suggests that these effects may be welfare enhancing in that advertising tends to encourage more rapid adoption among patients who are good clinical candidates for the therapy and leads to less rapid adoption among some patients who are poor clinical candidates. (JEL D12, I11)
MILITARY SPENDING AND THE GROWTH‐MAXIMIZING ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC CAPITAL: A CROSS‐COUNTRY EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: KALAITZIDAKIS PANTELIS , TZOUVELEKAS VANGELIS
Published: March 2010

In this paper we present an endogenous growth model to analyze the growth maximizing allocation of public investment among N different types of public capital. Using this general model of public capital formation, we analyze the stability of the long‐run equilibrium and we derive the growth‐maximizing values of the shares of public investment allocated to the different types of public capital, as well as the growth‐maximizing tax rate (amount of total public investment as a share of GDP). Then we proceed with an empirical investigation of the theoretical implication of the model that both the effects of the shares of public investment and the tax rate on the long‐run growth rate are non‐linear, following an inverse U‐shaped pattern. Using data of public investment in infrastructure and military capital formation, we derive empirical estimations that confirm the theoretical implications of the model. (JEL E62, H56, O40).
FIDDLING WITH VALUE: VIOLINS AS AN INVESTMENT?
Authors: GRADDY KATHRYN , MARGOLIS PHILIP E.
Published: March 2010

This paper measures the returns to investing in violins, using two different datasets. One dataset includes 337 observations on repeat sales of the same violins at auction and at dealer sales starting in the mid‐nineteenth century, and another dataset includes over 2,500 observations on sales of individual violins at auction since 1980. Overall, real returns for the dataset on repeat sales for the period 1850–2008 have been approximately 3.5%. Real returns to the overall portfolio of individual sales since 1980 have been about 3.3%. The price path has been stable with a slight negative correlation to stocks and bonds. (JEL D44, G11, L82)
WHAT IS THE PROBABILITY YOUR VOTE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Authors: GELMAN ANDREW , SILVER NATE , EDLIN AARON
Published: March 2010

One of the motivations for voting is that one vote can make a difference. In a presidential election, the probability that your vote is decisive is equal to the probability that your state is necessary for an electoral college win, times the probability the vote in your state is tied in that event. We computed these probabilities a week before the 2008 presidential election, using state‐by‐state election forecasts based on the latest polls. The states where a single vote was most likely to matter are New Mexico, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Colorado, where your vote had an approximate 1 in 10 million chance of determining the national election outcome. On average, a voter in America had a 1 in 60 million chance of being decisive in the presidential election. (JEL H0)
Conflict and professionalism: perceptions among nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zakari N.M. , Al Khamis N.I. , Hamadi H.Y.
Published: March 2010

ZAKARI N.M., AL KHAMIS N.I. & HAMADI H.Y. (2010) Conflict and professionalism: perceptions among nurses in Saudi Arabia. International Nursing Review57, 297–304

Aim:  To examine the relationship between nurses' perceptions of conflict and professionalism.

Background:  In Saudi Arabia, health‐care sectors are constantly undergoing major changes because of social, consumer‐related, governmental, technological and economic pressures. These changes will influence the nature of health‐care organizations, such as hospitals' work environment. The ability of nurses to practise in a professional manner may be influenced by their work environment and conflict level.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional design was conducted in this study. A simple random selection of three health‐care sectors in Saudi Arabia was performed and 346 nurse managers, as well as bedside nurses participated to provide information about conflict levels and professionalism. The Perceived Conflict Scale was used to assess the level of conflict, and the Valiga Concept of Nursing Scale was used to assess the professionalism perception among nurses.

Results:  The intragroup/other department type of conflict had a statistically significant correlation with the perception of professionalism. In addition, the findings point to a low perception among the participating nurses regarding their professionalism.

Conclusion:  A number of factors might explain the low level of perception of professionalism. These relate to the workplace itself, as well as to the personal background of the nurses, which includes the personal interest in the nursing profession, as well as the family's, society's and the consumers' views of the profession. Given the findings of this study, nurse managers are encouraged to create a work environment that supports professionalism and minimizes conflict.
Operating room nurses' perceptions of the effects of physician‐perpetrated abuse
Authors: Higgins B.L. , MacIntosh J.
Published: March 2010

HIGGINS B.L. & MACINTOSH J. (2010) Operating room nurses' perceptions of the effects of physician‐perpetrated abuse. International Nursing Review57, 321–327

Background:  Operating room (OR) nurses experience abuse perpetrated by physicians; however, little research has been conducted to examine nurses' perceptions of the effects of such abuse.

Aims:  The aim of this research was to understand participants' perceptions of physician‐perpetrated abuse on their health and ability to provide patient care.

Materials/Methods:  In this qualitative descriptive study, ten operating room nurses working in Eastern Canada participated in open‐ended, individual audiotaped interviews that were transcribed for analysis using Boyatzis' method for code development.

Results:  Three categories of factors contributing to abuse were developed. The first, culture of the OR, included environment and hierarchy. The second, catalysts of abuse, included nurses' positions and experience as well as non‐nurse factors such as resources and interpersonal relationships among physicians. The third category, perceived effects, included psychological, physical and social health consequences for nurses. Effects on patient care consisted of safety and potential challenges to access.

Discussion:  Nursing practice implications included mentoring, support and accountability for action. Educational implications related to interdisciplinary education and increased education on communication, assertiveness, and awareness of abuse. Implications for research included studying perceptions of other health‐care providers including physicians, studying recruitment and retention in relation to abuse, and studying other abuse in health care such as horizontal violence.

Conclusion:  We suggest a proactive approach for empowering OR nurses to address abuse and an increased focus on interdisciplinary roles.
Teaching nursing in a situation of conflict: encounters between Palestinian‐Israeli and Jewish‐Israeli nursing students
Authors: Arieli D. , Hirschfeld M.J.
Published: March 2010

ARIELI D. & HIRSCHFELD M.J. (2010) Teaching nursing in a situation of conflict: encounters between Palestinian‐Israeli and Jewish‐Israeli nursing students. International Nursing Review57, 312–320

Purpose:  This research examines the ways Palestinian‐Israeli and Jewish‐Israeli nursing students, who study together in one group in an academic school of nursing situated in northern Israel, perceive each other and the relationships among them.

Design:  The study is based on semi‐structured interviews with undergraduate students. The cohort consists of 46 students, 20 of whom participated in the study.

Findings:  The students perceive themselves as divided into two separate groups according to nationality. Cooperation between the groups related to their study duties is described as generally satisfying, but little expressive communication and scarce social relations occur across these two groups. Students provided their perceptions of ‘the others’ to explain this social distance.

Implications:  We discuss the challenges of the situation for nursing educators and some strategies for coping with these challenges.
Hot, dry and different: Australian lizard richness is unlike that of mammals, amphibians and birds
Authors: Powney G. D. , Grenyer R. , Orme C. D. L. , Owens I. P. F. , Meiri S.
Published: March 2010

Aims  (1) To map the species richness of Australian lizards and describe patterns of range size and species turnover that underlie them. (2) To assess the congruence in the species richness of lizards and other vertebrate groups. (3) To search for commonalities in the drivers of species richness in Australian vertebrates.

Location  Australia.

Methods  We digitized lizard distribution data to generate gridded maps of species richness and β‐diversity. Using similar maps for amphibians, mammals and birds, we explored the relationship between species richness and temperature, actual evapotranspiration, elevation and local elevation range. We used spatial eigenvector filtering and geographically weighted regression to explore geographical patterns and take spatial autocorrelation into account. We explored congruence between the species richness of vertebrate groups whilst controlling for environmental effects.

Results  Lizard richness peaks in the central deserts (where β‐diversity is low) and tropical north‐east (where β‐diversity is high). The intervening lowlands have low species richness and β‐diversity. Generally, lizard richness is uncorrelated with that of other vertebrates but this low congruence is strongly spatially structured. Environmental models for all groups also show strong spatial heterogeneity. Lizard richness is predicted by different environmental factors from other vertebrates, being highest in dry and hot regions. Accounting for environmental drivers, lizard richness is weakly positively related to richness of other vertebrates, both at global and local scales.

Main conclusions  Lizard species richness differs from that of other vertebrates. This difference is probably caused by differential responses to environmental gradients and different centres of diversification; there is little evidence for inter‐taxon competition limiting lizard richness. Local variation in habitat diversity or evolutionary radiations may explain weak associations between taxa, after controlling for environmental variables. We strongly recommend that studies of variation in species richness examine and account for non‐stationarity.
Physiological Regulation and Fearfulness as Predictors of Young Children's Empathy‐related Reactions
Authors: Liew Jeffrey , Eisenberg Nancy , Spinrad Tracy L. , Eggum Natalie D. , Haugen R.G. , Kupfer Anne , Reiser Mark R. , Smith Cynthia L. , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn , Baham Melinda E.
Published: March 2010

Indices of physiological regulation (i.e., resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA] and RSA suppression) and observed fearfulness were tested as predictors of empathy‐related reactions to an unfamiliar person's simulated distress within and across 18 (T1, N = 247) and 30 (T2, N = 216) months of age. Controlling for T1 helping, high RSA suppression and low fearfulness at T1 predicted T2 helping. In a structural model, empathic concern was marginally positively related to resting RSA at both assessments whereas personal distress was related to RSA suppression within time (marginally positively at T1 and significantly negatively at T2). Fearfulness was associated with self‐oriented, distress‐related reactions within time. Comfort seeking (an index of personal distress) declined in mean level with age whereas helping increased, and both behaviors exhibited differential continuity (as did resting RSA). Individual, as well as developmental, differences in the types of reactions that young children exhibit when witnessing others' suffering and distress were discussed.
Nonargumental Mixed Projections
Authors: Phoevos Panagiotidis E.
Published: March 2010

This paper takes a comparative look at idiosyncratic instances of mixed categories in Korean, Japanese, Hebrew, and Greek, arguing them to be genuine mixed projections, despite their inability to function as arguments—which in turn is a well‐known characteristic of mixed projections, such as English gerunds. After their syntactic behavior is examined, it is argued that these nonargumental mixed projections are embedded within prepositional phrases headed by (null) temporal prepositions. This derives their peculiar properties while successfully capturing the differences between them and purely verbal/clausal projections such as infinitivals.
Metaphysical Nihilism and Cosmological Arguments: Some Tractarian Comments
Authors: Hansen Stig Børsen
Published: March 2010

Abstract: This paper explores the relevance of themes from Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico‐Philosophicus to the ongoing discussion of metaphysical nihilism. I set out by showing how metaphysical nihilism is of paramount importance for cosmological arguments. Metaphysical nihilism is the position that there might have been nothing. Two conflicting intuitions emerge from a survey of discussions of metaphysical nihilism: Firstly, that metaphysical nihilism is true, and secondly, that formulations of the position are somehow unclear or nonsensical. By considering formalizations of philosophical language, the second intuition is sharpened, while the first intuition is given expression through the Tractarian distinction between what is said and what is shown by our symbolism. I conclude by exploring and rejecting objections to making metaphysical nihilism a scientific, rather than a philosophical question.
Effect of simplification from protease inhibitors to boosted atazanavir‐based regimens in real‐life conditions
Authors: Rubio R , Serrano O , Carmena J , Asensi V , Echevarría S , Flores J , Ribera E , Zarraga M , Ocampo A , De La Fuente B , Sepúlveda MA , Mariño AI , Minguez C , Vicent R , Cartón JA , Moyano B , Esteban H , Mahillo B , Serrano L , González‐García J ,   for the GESIDA 44/04 SIMPATAZ study group
Published: March 2010

Background

Atazanavir (ATV) boosted with ritonavir (ATV/r) is a potent, well‐tolerated, once‐daily protease inhibitor (PI). Few data are available on this agent as a treatment simplification option for patients taking other PIs.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of ATV‐containing regimens in patients who have simplified their antiretroviral treatment.

Methods

SIMPATAZ was a multicentre, prospective, noninterventional study in patients who had undetectable HIV RNA on their current PI‐containing therapy and who were switched to an ATV/r‐based regimen. Patients underwent a routine physical examination, and data were collected on HIV RNA levels, CD4 cell counts, liver function, lipid parameters, adverse reactions, adherence to treatment and patient satisfaction.

Results

A total of 183 patients were enrolled in the study and included in the analysis (80% were male, 29% had AIDS, and 52% were coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus). The median baseline CD4 count was 514 cells/μL. Median exposure to previous HIV therapy was 8 years, and 32% of patients had a history of PI failures. Lopinavir boosted with ritonavir was the most frequent PI replaced (62%) and tenofovir+lamivudine /emtricitabine the backbone most used during the study (29%). The study drug was discontinued early by 25 patients (14%), two of whom discontinued as a result of adverse events (Hodgkin lymphoma and vomiting). Two patients died (lung cancer and myocardial infarction). At month 12, 93% of the study population had an undetectable HIV RNA viral load. Hyperbilirubinaemia >3 mg/dL and increased alanine aminotransferase levels>200 IU/L were observed in 38.5% and 4.4% of patients, respectively. Median changes from baseline to month 12 in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were −13 mg/dL (−7%; P<0.0001), −19 mg/dL (−13%; P<0.0001) and −7 mg/dL (−6%; P=0.021), respectively.

Conclusions

In a real‐world setting, switching from other PIs to ATV/r is a well‐tolerated and safe option for improving the lipid profile and for retaining virological response in controlled pretreated patients.
International consensus recommendations on the aesthetic usage of botulinum toxin type A (Speywood Unit) – part I: upper facial wrinkles
Authors: Ascher B , Talarico S , Cassuto D , Escobar S , Hexsel D , Jaén P , Monheit GD , Rzany B , Viel M
Published: March 2010

Background  Azzalure (Galderma SA) is a newly approved European botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT‐A). It is derived from Dysport (Ipsen Pharma), which has a long history of usages in various applications. Azzalure and Dysport are collectively referred to as BoNT‐A (Speywood Unit) and are different from other BoNT‐A preparations.

Objective  To provide consensus recommendations on the treatment of upper face wrinkles with BoNT‐A (Speywood Unit).

Methods  The members of the International Board on Botulinum toxin Azzalure (IBBA) convened to develop consensus on the treatment of upper facial wrinkles based on their own extensive experience.

Results  The consensus recommendations address the general issues regarding treatment and provide specific guidelines on the anatomy, injection points, dose, injection technique and safety precautions concerning each common upper face indication. The recommended final concentration of BoNT‐A (Speywood Unit) is 200 s.U/mL (10 s.U/0.05 mL) after reconstitution. For glabellar lines, the members recommend a total of five injection points with 10 s.U/point. For forehead wrinkles, the members recommend four to six injections into the frontalis with 5–10 s.U/point. For crow’s feet, the members recommend three injections per side with 5–10 s.U/point at the lateral part of the orbicularis oculi. For lateral eyebrow lift, the members recommend one point at each eyebrow tail and an additional one in each side of the frontalis with 5–10 s.U/point.

Conclusion  This guideline provides a framework for physicians who wish to perform safe and efficacious injection of BoNT‐A (Speywood Unit).
Allergy is not the main trigger of urticaria in children referred to the emergency room
Authors: Ricci G , Giannetti A , Belotti T , Dondi A , Bendandi B , Cipriani F , Masi M
Published: March 2010

Background  Urticaria is the disease that has the highest impact on quality of life and requires the most visits to the emergency room.

Objective  To investigate the clinical presentation of acute urticaria in children referred to the paediatric emergency room of our hospital and to define possible related aetiologies.

Methods  We included 814 children consecutively referred to the emergency room between January 2006 and December 2007 with a diagnosis of acute urticaria, isolated or associated with other clinical symptoms.

Results  Only 2.0% of the cases studied were associated with severe clinical pictures. In 437 cases (53.7%), the cause of urticaria was not determined. The infections of the respiratory tract were the most frequently suspected aetiological factor. The diagnosis of allergic urticaria is more defined, but belongs to a minority group (10.8%). The first level treatment includes the use of non‐sedating oral H1‐antihistamine.

Conclusion  The children with urticaria are frequently referred to the paediatric emergency room, but only in a few cases were associated with severe clinical manifestations or allergy. The evidence of an inverse relationship between the number of accesses and the patients' age may be explained by the higher prevalence of this disease in early childhood and possibly also by a higher concern of the parents of the younger patients.