bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Egan Brian J. , Marzio Leonardo , O’Connor Humphrey , O'Morain Colm
Published: August 2008

Antibiotic resistance has resulted in unsatisfactory eradication results with dual and now triple therapy in many countries. Newer antibiotics and changes in dosing and duration of therapy may overcome resistant strains but may only provide limited improvement in eradication rates. Sequential therapy with amoxicillin (1 g twice a day) and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (twice a day) given for 5 days followed by a PPI plus clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day) and tinidazole (500 mg twice a day) for 5 days is now a first‐line therapy for Helicobacter pylori in some countries. Standard triple therapy is effective in regions where clarithromycin resistance is low. Levofloxacin based triple therapy is an effective alternative to quadruple therapy in second‐line treatment. Adjuvant therapy may reduce side‐effects and improve compliance. Molecular and genomic research on H. pylori may result in the development of targeted antibiotic therapy; however, more research is required in this field. Further research in vaccination is also necessary before this can become an option in clinical practice.
Subjective and Objective Napping and Sleep in Older Adults: Are Evening Naps “Bad” for Nighttime Sleep?
Authors: Dautovich Natalie D. , McCrae Christina S. , Rowe Meredeth
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare objective and subjective measurements of napping and to examine the relationship between evening napping and nocturnal sleep in older adults.

DESIGN: For 12 days, participants wore actigraphs and completed sleep diaries.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred individuals who napped, aged 60 to 89 (including good and poor sleepers with typical age‐related medical comorbidities).

MEASUREMENTS: Twelve days of sleep diary and actigraphy provided subjective and objective napping and sleep data.

RESULTS: Evening naps (within 2 hours of bedtime) were characteristic of the sample, with peak nap time occurring between 20:30 and 21:00 (average nap time occurred between 14:30 and 15:00). Two categories of nappers were identified: those who took daytime and evening naps and daytime‐only. No participants napped during the evening only. Day‐and‐evening nappers significantly underreported evening napping and demonstrated lower objectively measured sleep onset latencies (20.0 vs 26.5 minutes), less wake after sleep onset (51.4 vs 72.8 minutes), and higher sleep efficiencies (76.8 vs 82%) than daytime‐only nappers.

CONCLUSION: Day and evening napping was prevalent in this sample of community‐dwelling good and poor sleepers but was not associated with impaired nocturnal sleep. Although the elimination or restriction of napping is a common element of cognitive‐behavioral therapy for insomnia, these results suggest that a uniform recommendation to restrict or eliminate napping (particularly evening napping) may not meet the needs of all older individuals with insomnia.
Potential Causes of Higher Mortality in Elderly Users of Conventional and Atypical Antipsychotic Medications
Authors: Setoguchi Soko , Wang Philip S. , Alan Brookhart M. , Canning Claire F , Kaci Liljana , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential mechanisms through which conventional antipsychotic medication (APM) might act, the specific causes of death in elderly patients newly started on conventional APM were compared with those of patients taking atypical APM.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: All British Columbia residents aged 65 and older who initiated a conventional or atypical APM between 1996 and 2004.

MEASUREMENTS: Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare risks of developing a specific cause of death within 180 days of APM initiation. Potential confounders were adjusted for using traditional multivariable, propensity‐score, and instrumental‐variable adjustments.

RESULTS: The study cohort included 12,882 initiators of conventional APM and 24,359 initiators of atypical APM. Of 3,821 total deaths within the first 180 day of use, cardiovascular (CV) deaths accounted for 49% of deaths. Initiators of conventional APM had a significantly higher adjusted risk of all CV death (hazard ratio (HR)=1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.10–1.36) and out‐of‐hospital CV death (HR=1.36, 95% CI=1.19–1.56) than initiators of atypical APM. Initiators of conventional APM also had a higher risk of death due to respiratory diseases, nervous system diseases, and other causes.

CONCLUSION: These data suggest that greater risk of CV deaths might explain approximately half of the excess mortality in initiators of conventional APM. The risk of death due to respiratory causes was also significantly higher in conventional APM use.
Association Between Cognitive Function and Periodontal Disease in Older Adults
Authors: Yu Yau‐Hua , Kuo Hsu‐Ko
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between cognitive function and periodontal disease in noninstitutionalized older adults.

DESIGN: Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001 to 2002.

PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred three dentate participants aged 60 and older who completed the periodontal examination and cognitive function test.

MEASUREMENTS: Periodontal examination, including assessment of probing depth and attachment loss, was performed. Periodontal disease was defined as at least 10% of sites with clinical attachment loss of more than 4 mm and at least 10% sites with probing depth greater than 3 mm. Cognitive function was measured using the 2‐minute Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).

RESULTS: Higher cognitive function was associated with lower odds of periodontal disease. After controlling for demographics, educational level, body mass index, chronic diseases, health behaviors, bleeding on probing, and probing sites, the odds ratio for periodontal disease was 0.69 (95% confidence interval=0.51–0.94) for each standard deviation (SD) increase in the DSST score. Each SD increase in DSST score was associated with a 31% less likelihood of periodontal disease. Mean DSST scores for participants with and without periodontal disease were 42.2 and 45.5 (P=.02), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Higher cognitive function was associated with lower odds of periodontal disease in noninstitutionalized older adults.
False Promises: The Tobacco Industry, “Low Tar” Cigarettes, and Older Smokers
Authors: Cataldo Janine K. , Malone Ruth E.
Published: August 2008

To investigate the role of the tobacco industry in marketing to and sustaining tobacco addiction among older smokers and aging baby boomers, We performed archival searches of electronic archives of internal tobacco company documents using a snowball sampling approach. Analysis was done using iterative and comparative review of documents, classification by themes, and a hermeneutic interpretive approach to develop a case study. Based on extensive marketing research, tobacco companies aggressively targeted older smokers and sought to prevent them from quitting. Innovative marketing approaches were used. “Low tar” cigarettes were developed in response to the health concerns of older smokers, despite industry knowledge that such products had no health advantage and did not help smokers quit. Tobacco industry activities influence the context of cessation for older smokers in several ways. Through marketing “low tar” or “light” cigarettes to older smokers “at risk” of quitting, the industry contributes to the illusion that such cigarettes are safer, although “light” cigarettes may make it harder for addicted smokers to quit. Through targeted mailings of coupons and incentives, the industry discourages older smokers from quitting. Through rhetoric aimed at convincing addicted smokers that they alone are responsible for their smoking, the industry contributes to self‐blame, a documented barrier to cessation. Educating practitioners, older smokers, and families about the tobacco industry's influence may decrease the tendency to “blame the victim,” thereby enhancing the likelihood of older adults receiving tobacco addiction treatment. Comprehensive tobacco control measures must include a focus on older smokers.
Short‐Term Mortality in Relation to Age and Comorbidity in Older Adults with Community‐Acquired Bacteremia: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Søgaard Mette , Schønheyder Henrik C. , Riis Anders , Sørensen Henrik T. , Nørgaard Mette
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess 30‐day mortality from bacteremia in relation to age and comorbidity and the association between age and mortality with increasing comorbidity.

DESIGN: Population‐based cohort study.

SETTING: North Jutland County, Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS: Adults in medical wards with community‐acquired bacteremia, 1995 to 2004.

MEASUREMENTS: Smoothed mortality curves and computed mortality rate ratios (MRRs) using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS: Two thousand eight hundred fifty‐one patients, 851 aged 15 to 64, 1,092 aged 65 to 79, and 909 aged 80 and older were included. Mortality increased linearly with age. Compared with patients younger than 65, adjusted MRRs in patients aged 65 to 79 and 80 and older were 1.5 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2–2.0) and 1.8 (95% CI=1.4–2.3), respectively. Mortality also increased with level of comorbidity. Compared with patients with low comorbidity, adjusted MRRs in patients with medium and high comorbidity were 1.5 (95% CI=1.2–1.8) and 1.7 (95% CI=1.4–2.2), respectively. Regardless of the level of comorbidity, MRRs were consistently higher in older than in younger patients.

CONCLUSION: Older age and greater comorbidity predicted mortality, and increasing age‐related comorbidity did not explain the effect of age.
Patient Ethnicity and the Identification of Anxiety in Elderly Primary Care Patients
Authors: Kim Yeowon A. , Morales Knashawn H. , Bogner Hillary R.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of ethnicity and primary care physician (PCP) identification of anxiety in older adults.

DESIGN: A cross‐sectional survey conducted between 2001 and 2003.

SETTING: Primary care offices in the Baltimore, Maryland, area.

PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 330 adults aged 65 and older from Maryland primary care practices with complete information on psychological status and physician assessments.

MEASUREMENTS: PCPs were asked to rate anxiety on a Likert scale. Patient interviews included measures of psychological status and patient use of psychotropic medications.

RESULTS: Older black patients were less likely than older white patients to be identified as anxious (unadjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.18–0.64) and less likely to be taking psychotropic medications (unadjusted OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.20–0.81). In multivariate models that controlled for potentially influential characteristics including depression and anxiety symptoms, the association between identification (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.15–0.61) with patient ethnicity remained significantly unchanged.

CONCLUSION: PCPs were less likely to identify older black Americans as anxious than white patients. An understanding of the role of ethnicity in the identification of anxiety is important for the screening and management of anxiety in elderly people.
Quantitative assessment of the kinetics of growth factors release from platelet gel
Authors: Su Chen Y. , Kuo Ya P. , Nieh Heng‐Lu , Tseng Yu H. , Burnouf Thierry
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: The time course of the release of growth factors from platelet (PLT) gels has not been thoroughly studied and should be elucidated for a better standardization of the clinical use of these products.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Release of PLT‐derived growth factor‐AB (PDGF‐AB), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) was determined 5, 60, 120, and 300 minutes after PLT gel formation. Control experiments where PLT gel was removed and, afterward, exogenous thrombin was added, were also performed. Protein profiles of the PLT concentrates and of the releasates were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE).

RESULTS: Mean PDGF‐AB, TGF‐β1, EGF, and VEGF concentration increased to 76, 114, 3.7, and 0.8 ng per mL, respectively, in the presence of the PLT gel, but remained at approximately 28, 30, 0.28, and 0.34 ng per mL, respectively, when the PLT gel was removed after formation. IGF‐1 content remained unchanged (approx. 80 ng/mL). SDS‐PAGE analysis showed that several PLT proteins disappear during PLT gel formation and that the protein patterns of the releasates were undistinguishable at the different time points.

CONCLUSION: There is a gradual and fast release of PDGF‐AB, TGF‐β1, EGF, and VEGF from PLT gel for at least 60 to 300 minutes after gel formation, whereas the IGF releasate concentration remains unchanged. This study may provide useful information to improve clinical applications of PLT gels and to design improved blood‐derived biomaterials with controlled release of growth factors.
Characteristics of the Cavotricuspid Isthmus in Predicting Recurrent Conduction in the Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: LO LI‐WEI , TAI CHING‐TAI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , WONGCHAROEN WANWARANG , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , HU YU‐FENG , UENG KUO‐CHANG , TSAI WEN‐CHIN , CHANG CHIEN‐JUNG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , HIGA SATOSHI , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: August 2008

Background:
The characteristics of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter that may predict recurrence of flutter is not known. We aimed to investigate the CTI characteristics in patients who underwent a second ablation procedure for recurrent AF after previous combined pulmonary vein (PV) and CTI ablation.

Methods:
Among 196 consecutive patients with drug‐refractory symptomatic AF who underwent PV isolation and CTI ablation with bidirectional isthmus block, 49 patients (age 50 ± 12 years, 43 males) had recurrent AF and received a second procedure 291 ± 241 days after the first procedure. Right atrial angiography for the evaluation of the CTI morphology, and the biatrial contact bipolar electrograms were obtained before both procedures.

Results:
In the second procedure, 11 (group 1) of the 49 patients demonstrated recovered CTI conduction. Compared with the patients without CTI conduction (group 2, n = 38), group 1 patients had a higher frequency of a pouch‐type anatomy (82% vs 13%, P < 0.001), longer CTI (34.0 ± 8.6 vs 25.5 ± 7.5 mm, P = 0.01), longer ablation time, and larger number of radiofrequency applications; furthermore, the preablation bipolar voltage decreased along both the CTI and ablation line in group 2, whereas it remained similar in group 1 in the second procedure.

Conclusions:
A high (22%) percentage of CTIs exhibited recurrent conduction in the long‐term follow‐up. The CTIs with recurrent conduction had a higher incidence of a pouch and longer length compared with those without recurrent conduction.
Subcutaneous Bioimpedance Recording: Assessment of a Method for Hemodynamic Monitoring by Implanted Devices
Authors: VENUGOPAL DEVIPRASAD , PATTERSON ROBERT , JHANJEE RAJAT , McKNITE SCOTT , LURIE KEITH G. , BELALCAZAR ANDRES , BENDITT DAVID G.
Published: August 2008

Background:
Diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected symptomatic arrhythmias is limited by inability to assess the hemodynamic impact of a detected rhythm.

Objective:
To address this limitation, we utilized closely spaced subcutaneous electrodes, small enough to incorporate within an implantable monitor, to detect blood flow‐induced pectoral muscle bioimpedance (Z) changes in a swine model of hemorrhage‐induced hypotension.

Methods:
In seven anesthetized and ventilated adult pigs, small ring electrodes (current electrodes 5 cm apart; voltage electrodes 3.5 cm apart) were positioned on the left pectoral muscle. Z signals (Biopac® system) and invasive arterial blood pressures were recorded. Hypotension was induced by hemorrhage (50% blood volume reduction). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) with corresponding pulse Z (ΔZ) and base Z (Zo) were measured. A longitudinal mixed model with a first‐order autoregressive error structure was used to test for associations (change in ΔZ vs change in MAP and change in ΔZ vs change in PP) taking into account within pig correlation.

Results:
During bleeding‐induced hypotension, Zo increased. Changes of ΔZ correlated with both a change in MAP (coefficient = 1.17, P < 0.0001) and change in PP (coefficient = 0.98, P < 0.0001). A change in ΔZ of 1–2 orders of magnitude corresponded to an approximate 40–70% drop in MAP and PP in a porcine model in which the baseline MAP was 69–70 mmHg.

Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that closely spaced subcutaneous electrodes identify changes in local tissue/vascular bioimpedance that correlate well with direct invasive measures of induced hypotension in a porcine model.
Low absolute lymphocyte count is a poor prognostic marker in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and suggests patients’ survival benefit from rituximab
Authors: Oki Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Kato Harumi , Kuwatsuka Yachiyo , Taji Hirofumi , Kagami Yoshitoyo , Morishima Yasuo
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the prognostic value of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods:  In a large cohort of patients with DLBCL treated with CHOP (n = 119) or RCHOP (n = 102) in our institution, we evaluated the prognostic value of ALC at diagnosis with regards to treatment response, overall (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Use of rituximab, all International Prognostic Index (IPI) determinants, β2microglobulin level, presence of B symptoms or bulky disease, and ALC were evaluated.

Results:  Low ALC (<1.0 × 109/L) was associated with advanced stage, performance status ≥2, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, number of extranodal involvement ≥2, B symptoms, elevated β2microglobulin and higher IPI risk group. Low ALC was associated with lower CR rate by univariate analysis (odds ratio = 3.29, P = 0.024) but not by multivariate analysis. By univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model, low ALC was associated with shorter OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.89, P < 0.001] and PFS (HR = 2.91, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low ALC was associated with shorter OS (HR = 2.51, P = 0.003) and PFS (HR = 2.72, P < 0.001), independent of above‐mentioned parameters. Subclass analyses revealed that the use of rituximab improves OS in patients with low ALC (HR = 0.42, P = 0.05) but not in those with high ALC (HR = 0.83, P = 0.71). This observation was most obvious in patients with higher IPI score.

Conclusion:  Low ALC is a poor prognostic marker in patients with DLBCL and suggests patients’ survival benefit from rituximab.
Elevated serum concentrations of activated hepatocyte growth factor activator in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Wader K. F. , Fagerli U. M. , Holt R. U. , Stordal B. , Børset M. , Sundan A. , Waage A.
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potential key factor in multiple myeloma. Conversion of pro‐HGF to its active form is a critical limiting step for its biological effects. We aimed to examine the levels of the most potent activator, the hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA), in serum and bone marrow plasma of patients with multiple myeloma.

Methods:  The activated form of HGFA was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum (n = 49) and bone marrow plasma (n = 16) from multiple myeloma patients, and in serum from healthy controls (n = 24).

Results:  The median concentrations of activated HGFA in myeloma and control sera were 39.7 (range 6.2–450.0) and 17.6 ng/mL (range 4.8–280.6), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.037). The median concentration of activated HGFA in bone marrow plasma was 6.1 ng/mL (range 3.5–30.0).

Conclusion:  We here show for the first time that the activated form of HGFA is present at high levels in serum and bone marrow of myeloma patients, thus providing a necessary prerequisite for the activation of HGF.
Survival and outcome of blastoid variant myeloma following treatment with the novel thalidomide containing regime DT‐PACE
Authors: Srikanth Muralikrishnan , Davies Faith E. , Wu Ping , Jenner Matthew W. , Ethell Mark E. , Potter Michael N. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Saso Radovan M. , Dines Sharon , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: August 2008

Blastoid morphology is a rare presenting feature of myeloma which is frequently seen in patients with extramedullary myeloma and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Cell cycle active agents can be effective as treatment for aggressive myeloma and their activity enhanced by using them in combination with the anti‐angiogenic agent thalidomide. DT‐PACE is an example of such a regimen which we have used to treat 26 relapsed and or refractory patients with extramedullary/blastoid myeloma. The overall response rate (complete response/PR) was 59%, but despite these initial good responses, patients had a short progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A subgroup of patients who proceeded to autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) have a trend towards a better PFS and OS when compared with the group receiving chemotherapy alone (PFS = 10 vs. 3 months P = 0.273 and OS 10 vs. 7 months P = 0.235). Interestingly of the group who received ASCT consolidation three patients remain alive beyond 18 months. In conclusion, the clinical outcome of this group of cases is poor even when treated with the intensive regimen DT‐PACE; however, a subgroup can do well if DT‐PACE is consolidated by ASCT.
Protective effect of melatonin against chlorophyll degradation during the senescence of barley leaves
Authors: Arnao M. B. , Hernández‐Ruiz J.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is a highly conserved molecule whose presence is not exclusive to the animal kingdom. Indeed, numerous studies have demonstrated its presence in plants, where the possible role(s) of this indoleamine is (are) under active investigation. The present work aims to further our knowledge in this respect and presents the results of a study of the effect that melatonin has on foliar senescence. Barley leaves treated with melatonin solutions clearly slowed down the senescence process, as estimated from the chlorophyll lost in leaves. This effect of melatonin was concentration dependent, with an optimal response being obtained at 1 mm melatonin, after 48 hr of incubation in darkness. The already known effects of the phytohormones, kinetin, and abscisic acid, were also assayed. Of the phytohormone and melatonin combinations assayed, 1 mm melatonin presented the best protection against senescence. The levels of endogenous melatonin in control leaves were measured by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and in leaves treated with different exogenous melatonin concentrations (to demonstrate the absorption capacity of leaves). The possible physiological implications of this newly revealed action of melatonin in foliar senescence are discussed.
The Luminal N‐Terminus of Yeast Nvj1 is an Inner Nuclear Membrane Anchor
Authors: Millen Jonathan I. , Pierson Jason , Kvam Erik , Olsen Lars J. , Goldfarb David S.
Published: August 2008

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is largely divided between perinuclear and cortical compartments. Yeast Nvj1 localizes exclusively to small patches on the perinuclear ER where it interacts with Vac8 in the vacuole membrane to form nucleus–vacuole (NV) junctions. Three regions of Nvj1 mediate the biogenesis of NV junctions. A membrane‐spanning domain targets the protein to the ER. The C‐terminus binds Vac8 in the vacuole membrane, which induces the clustering of both proteins into NV junctions. The luminal N‐terminus is required for strict perinuclear localization. Three‐dimensional cryo‐electron tomography reveals that Nvj1 clamps the separation between the two nuclear membranes to half the width of bulk nuclear envelope. The N‐terminus contains a hydrophobic sequence bracketed by basic residues that resembles outer mitochondrial membrane signal‐anchors. The hydrophobic sequence can be scrambled or reversed without affecting function. Mutations that reduce the hydrophobicity of the core sequence or affect the distribution of basic residues cause mislocalization to the cortical ER. We conclude that the N‐terminus of Nvj1 is a retention sequence that bridges the perinuclear lumen and inserts into the inner nuclear membrane.
Heart rate and blood pressure control in infants exposed to maternal cigarette smoking
Authors: Viskari‐Lähdeoja S , Hytinantti T , Andersson S , Kirjavainen T
Published: August 2008

Aim: Exposure to maternal cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Foetal and postnatal smoke‐exposure may alter cardiovascular control in infants. We studied heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) responses in smoke‐exposed infants.

Methods: Eleven infants exposed to maternal cigarette smoking were studied at the age of 12 ± 2.1 (range 10–16) weeks. Twenty healthy, age‐matched infants from non‐smoking families served as controls. During confirmed slow‐wave sleep (NREM3), 3–5 sec side motion and 45 sec 45° head‐up tilt tests were performed.

Results: Control infants showed consistent biphasic HR and BP responses to side motion, with an initial 2–5% increase followed by a 2% decrease (p < 0.0001). In smoke‐exposed infants, the initial HR (p = 0.009) and BP responses (p < 0.0001) were markedly reduced, and the subsequent decrease in BP was more prominent (systolic blood pressure, SBP, p = 0.005; diastolic blood pressure, DBP, p = 0.03). No differences were observed between the groups in tilt test results, HR variability or HR responses to spontaneous arousals.

Conclusion: Maternal cigarette smoking may alter vestibulo‐mediated cardiovascular control in early infancy. This may contribute to increased SIDS risk.
A Universe Devoid of Sentient Beings?
Authors: Moonan Lawrence
Published: August 2008

In his published Gifford Lectures, Professor Michael Dummett asks ‘what would it be for there to be a universe devoid of sentient beings? What would be the difference between God's creating a material universe, in the whole of which there never was any creature able to experience it [‘a unidead’, in Moonan's shorthand], and His creating nothing at all? … What difference would its existing make?’ He answers: ‘there would surely be no difference…’ and ‘unless there are sentient and rational observers, it would not be possible for either observation or inference to occur’. (Thought and Reality, 97.)

Some theists might find this a disconcerting restriction on divine power; and if in addition realist, might put it down to a refusal of realism for the range of language in question. In this article, however, I presuppose a coherent realism for the range, and argue that Dummett's contentions can hold for realisms too, and ought not to disconcert serious theists. What is crucial is not (just) whether you are prepared to understand your assertions in an ‘anti-realist’ rather than a realist manner, but whether or not you are prepared to use ‘God’ to stand for something not finite in any way, if there is any, and for nothing else in extra-mental reality. Dummett's Giffords are metaphysically serious: where it would matter if there were no God.
Carbon Monoxide‐induced Stomatal Closure Involves Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide in Vicia faba Guard Cells
Authors: She Xiao‐Ping , Song Xi‐Gui
Published: August 2008

Here the regulatory role of CO during stomatal movement in Vicia faba L. was surveyed. Results indicated that, like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), CO donor Hematin induced stomatal closure in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. These responses were also proven by the addition of gaseous CO aqueous solution with different concentrations, showing the first time that CO and H2O2 exhibit the similar regulation role in the stomatal movement. Moreover, our data showed that ascorbic acid (ASA, an important reducing substrate for H2O2 removal) and diphenylene iodonium (DPI, an inhibitor of the H2O2‐generating enzyme NADPH oxidase) not only reversed stomatal closure by CO, but also suppressed the H2O2 fluorescence induced by CO, implying that CO induced‐stomatal closure probably involves H2O2 signal. Additionally, the CO/NO scavenger hemoglobin (Hb) and CO specific synthetic inhibitor ZnPPIX, ASA and DPI reversed the darkness‐induced stomatal closure and H2O2 fluorescence. These results show that, perhaps like H2O2, the levels of CO in guard cells of V. faba are higher in the dark than in light, HO‐1 and NADPH oxidase are the enzyme systems responsible for generating endogenous CO and H2O2 in darkness respectively, and that CO is involved in darkness‐induced H2O2 synthesis in V. faba guard cells.
Possible Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Enzymes in Desiccation Sensitivity of Antiaris toxicaria Seeds and Axes
Authors: Cheng Hong‐Yan , Song Song‐Quan
Published: August 2008

The relationships among desiccation sensitivities of Antiaris toxicaria seeds and axes, changes in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase, (DHAR), production rate of superoxide radical (·O2−), and the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA)‐reactive substance were studied. Desiccation tolerance of seeds and axes decreased with dehydration. Desiccation tolerance of axes was higher than that of seeds, and that of epicotyls was higher than radicles. Activities of SOD, CAT and DHAR of seeds increased during the initial phase of dehydration, and then decreased with further dehydration, whereas activities of APX and GR decreased with dehydration. These five enzyme activities of axes, however, increased during the initial phase of dehydration, and then decreased with further dehydration. The rate of superoxide radical production, and the contents of H2O2 and TBA‐reactive products of seeds and axes gradually increased with dehydration. These results show that the A. toxicaria seed is a typical recalcitrant seed. Loss of desiccation tolerance in seeds and axes was correlated with the increase in ·O2− production rate, content of H2O2 and TBA‐reactive products, and the decline of antioxidant enzyme activities of seeds and axes.
The puzzling origin of the 6Li plateau
Authors: Evoli Carmelo , Salvadori Stefania , Ferrara Andrea
Published: August 2008

We discuss the 6Li abundance evolution within a hierarchical model of Galaxy formation which correctly reproduces the [Fe/H] distribution of metal-poor halo stars. Contrary to previous findings, we find that neither the level (6Li/H = 6 × 10−12) nor the flatness of the 6Li distribution with [Fe/H] can be reproduced under the most favourable conditions by any model in which 6Li production is tied to a (data-constrained) Galactic star formation rate via cosmic ray spallation. Thus, the origin of the plateau might be due to some other early mechanism unrelated to star formation.
The Work‐Life Balance: Geographical Perspectives on Lifestyle, Leisure, Stuff and the Future Presidential Address to the Institute of Australian Geographers’ Conference, Hobart, July 20081
Authors: WALMSLEY D.J.
Published: August 2008

The work‐life balance is a pressing social issue in Australia but one on which geographers have been relatively silent. Predictions of ‘a leisure society’ have not been fulfilled. Instead, work has come to dominate life in Australia and in many other advanced western societies. The reasons for this are explored. Materialism is at the heart of the work‐life imbalance. There is, however, evidence of a changing work ethic and the emergence of leisure‐orientated lifestyles, albeit with ‘leisure’ interpreted as ‘freedom to’ undertake gratifying activity rather than simply ‘freedom from’ obligatory commitments. Despite the supposed homogenising influence of globalisation and the internet, place will become increasingly important in a leisure‐orientated lifestyle‐led future.
Screening Climatic and Non‐Climatic Risks to Australian Catchments
Authors: PRESTON B.L. , JONES R.N.
Published: August 2008

Emerging and future climatic change across the Australian continent has been identified as a significant threat to the successful sustainable management of the nation's water resources. However, the impacts of climate change must be viewed within the context of past, present and future climatic variability and human agency. A qualitative screening‐level risk assessment was undertaken for Australia's 325 surface water management areas by aggregating a suite of six relevant risk indicators. Four indicators addressed the antecedent conditions upon which future climate change will act. These included 50‐year trends in rainfall, the status of surface and groundwater development, and catchment condition. Two indicators addressed future drivers of supply and demand; specifically, projected changes in runoff and population. The results indicate that the management challenges currently experienced in Australia's population centres and key agricultural areas such as the Murray‐Darling Basin are likely to increase in future decades. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of net risk, inclusive of multiple biophysical and socioeconomic drivers, is more extensive than is suggested by consideration of surface water development and availability alone. Comparison of at‐risk catchments with the spatial distribution of various social and environmental assets identified a high degree of overlap among catchment risk and human populations, water storages, irrigated agricultural land, and wetlands of international significance. This suggests that the catchments of the greatest value are also those judged to be at greatest risk. Though considerable work remains in evaluating the security of Australia's water resources to climatic and other stressors, this study provides a first‐order scheme for prioritising the risks to which catchments are exposed and an assessment of how some key drivers are likely to interact to drive risk.
Adaptive Management for Water Quality Improvement in the Great Barrier Reef Catchments: Learning on the Edge
Authors: BRODERICK KATHLEEN
Published: August 2008

This paper proposes using an adaptive management approach to achieve water quality improvement in large catchments with multiple diffuse pollutant issues. Adaptive management involves attention to process, and commitment to continually improving knowledge and practice. It also requires an appreciation of differences in understanding of various stakeholders and an ongoing commitment to learning. Based on research with the Burdekin Dry Tropics regional Natural Resource Management group, the paper shows how the acquisition of knowledge about Water Quality Management can be an aim in itself, rather than an activity peripheral to the planning process. To this end, the paper describes the methods used to elicit stakeholders’ understandings, explores the variation in understandings between key stakeholders, and describes a process used to incorporate the various views in an adaptive management framework for managing water quality. The research findings reveal the importance of process and participation for adaptive management and suggest that success can be judged in terms of learning outcomes.
Towards Household Sustainability in Sydney? Impacts of Two Sustainable Lifestyle Workshop Programs on Water Consumption in Existing Homes
Authors: LAWRENCE KATRINA , McMANUS PHIL
Published: August 2008

Residential water consumption accounts for approximately 70 per cent of Sydney's water consumption. The capacity of households to reduce water consumption is limited by expectations and conventions of water supply shaped by existing water infrastructure (Allon and Sofoulis, 2006) and ‘saver‐unfriendly’ household water fittings (Sofoulis, 2005). Sustainable lifestyle workshop programs – many of which address water use – are relatively new, and rigorous research into their impacts is scarce. Existing research generally relies on reported behaviour change from participants, which is then used to estimate resource savings. This paper examines water consumption data, and the questionnaire responses of participants in two sustainable lifestyle workshop programs, to examine whether reported behavioural and technical changes are translating into significant water savings. The Sustainability Street (Penrith) and GreenHome (Parramatta) programs are changing participant behaviours, but reductions achieved by Sustainability Street are not significant at the 0.05 level. GreenHome reductions, while significant, cannot be fully attributed to the program due to the downward trend commencing prior to the program. The improved behaviour of participants – in comparison to their previous behaviour and the behaviour of non‐participants – is thus not translating into significant water savings. This indicates that the relationship between improved environmental behaviour and actual water savings is not as straightforward as program operators might assume. The implications of this are that research should use real consumption data and not estimations derived from behaviour change, and strategies to reduce household water consumption need to involve bigger technical changes to household water infrastructures.
Estimation of Soil Erosion Using Field and Modelling Approaches in an Undisturbed Arnhem Land Catchment, Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: HANCOCK G.R. , LOUGHRAN R.J. , EVANS K.G , BALOG R.M.
Published: August 2008

An assessment of slope erosion at Tin Camp Creek catchment, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia, was carried out using the fallout environmental radioisotope caesium‐137 (137Cs) as an indicator of soil erosion status, two numerical models (SIBERIA and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)) and erosion pins. This undisturbed drainage basin is situated in the seasonally wet‐dry tropics, with high energy storms and a mean annual rainfall of 1389 mm. Tin Camp Creek catchment is unaffected by European agriculture or pastoral activities, but often experiences fire during the dry season. Two transects were sampled for 137Cs in 2002 and 2004, and two models were used to convert 137Cs measurements into soil loss estimates. Two methods using the theoretical Profile Distribution Model (PDM) gave net soil redistribution rates between +2.72 and –22.19 t ha−1 yr−1 and +2.95 and –24.06 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively, while an Australian empirical model (AEM) for uncultivated soils produced estimates between +1.84 and –7.00 t ha−1 yr−1 (negative values indicate soil erosion, positive, deposition). The RUSLE gave estimated soil losses for the two transects of approximately 10 t ha−1 yr−1, while the SIBERIA model produced values between 0.5 and 2 t ha−1 yr−1 for the transects and between 3.5 and 11 t ha−1 yr−1 for the total catchment. Average net soil losses of 14 and 15 t ha−1 yr−1 for the total catchment and slopes, respectively, were measured by erosion pins. The soil losses in the catchment are similar to those for some other transects in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia (measured by the 137Cs AEM), even though these areas are affected by pastoral activities. This may be at least partly explained by erosion in Tin Camp Creek catchment during high intensity rainstorms at the commencement of the wet season, especially if the slopes have been affected by fire during the previous dry season.
Vulnerable Goth Teens: The Role of Schools in This Psychosocial High‐Risk Culture
Authors: Rutledge Carolyn M. , Rimer Don , Scott Micah
Published: August 2008

Background:  In recent years, a number of tragedies have been linked to the Goth culture. Most alarming have been the acts of violence, suicide, and self‐harm found among teens. Teachers, parents, administrators, and fellow students are at a loss on how to relate to such students. They are unsure what role they might play in addressing some of the psychosocial issues they encounter. The purposes of this article are to describe characteristics of Goth teens, identify psychosocial risks for these teens, and describe roles school personnel can play.

Methods:  This article provides a review of the Goth culture, risk factors for Goth teens, and methods school personnel can use in identifying and addressing the psychosocial needs of this group.

Results:  The Goth culture attracts teens who are depressed, feel persecuted, have a distrust of society, or have suffered past abuse. They then surround themselves with people, music, Web sites, and activities that foster angry or depressed feelings. They have a higher prevalence of depression, self‐harm, suicide, and violence than non‐Goth teens.

Conclusions:  School personnel are in a position to make a difference. By preparing themselves with knowledge, skills, materials, and referral sources, they can serve as liaisons. They have a specific role in advocating for the health and safety of students, identifying students who are at risk, disseminating new knowledge, and providing guidance in the management of the troubled teens.
The Evaluation of School‐Based Violence Prevention Programs: A Meta‐Analysis*
Authors: Park‐Higgerson Hyoun‐Kyoung , Perumean‐Chaney Suzanne E. , Bartolucci Alfred A. , Grimley Diane M. , Singh Karan P.
Published: August 2008

Background:  Youth violence and related aggressive behaviors have become serious public health issues with physical, economic, social, and psychological impacts and consequences. This study identified and evaluated the characteristics of successful school‐based violence prevention programs.

Methods:  Twenty‐six randomized controlled trial (RCT), school‐based studies that were designed to reduce externalizing, aggressive, and violent behavior between the 1st and 11th grades were analyzed for assessing the effects of 5 program characteristics by comparing results of intervention groups to control groups (no intervention) after intervention using a meta‐analysis. Electronic databases and bibliographies were systematically searched, and a standardized mean difference was used for analysis.

Results:  There was no significant difference between interventions, although programs that used non–theory‐based interventions, focused on at‐risk and older children, and employed intervention specialists had slightly stronger effects in reducing aggression and violence. Interventions using a single approach had a mild positive effect on decreasing aggressive and violent behavior (effect size =−0.15, 95% CI =−0.29 to −0.02, p = .03).

Conclusions:  Unlike previous individual study findings, this meta‐analysis did not find any differential effects for 4 of the 5 program characteristics. In addition, the significant effect noted was contrary to expectation, exemplifying the complexity of identifying effective program strategies. This study adds to the current literature by assessing the program characteristics of RCT studies in an effort to determine what factors may affect school‐based violence prevention program success.
Examining Anger as a Predictor of Drug Use Among Multiethnic Middle School Students
Authors: Nichols Tracy R. , Mahadeo Madhuvanti , Bryant Kylie , Botvin Gilbert J.
Published: August 2008

Background:  Anger, a component of negative affect, has previously been associated with increased drug use primarily among white high school–aged students. However, few studies have examined these associations over time, and fewer have examined them among younger adolescents and students of color. Affective factors may play a greater role in drug use for girls relative to boys; yet, little is known regarding differences in associations between affect and drug use by gender.

Methods:  The current study used data from the control condition (N = 2025) of a drug and violence preventive intervention trial to examine the association between self‐reported anger levels among multiethnic urban adolescents in the sixth grade and their use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana use 1 year later. Potential gender differences were examined as well.

Results:  Multivariate generalized estimating equations models found anger to be significantly associated with increases in smoking, drinking, and marijuana use. There were no significant gender differences found for any of the drug use outcomes.

Conclusions:  Results are consistent with studies conducted on primarily white high school youth, where anger had a small but significant effect on drug use over time. The findings also suggest that drug prevention programs should include emotion regulation skills, such as anger management, in addition to drug resistance skills.
Glioblastoma with Adipocyte‐Like Tumor Cell Differentiation—Histological and Molecular Features of a Rare Differentiation Pattern
Authors: Rickert Christian H. , Riemenschneider Markus J. , Schachenmayr Walter , Richter Hans‐Peter , Bockhorn Jürgen , Reifenberger Guido , Paulus Werner
Published: August 2008

We report on three adult patients with primary glioblastomas showing prominent adipocytic (lipomatous) differentiation, hence referred to as “glioblastomas with adipocyte‐like tumor cell differentiation.” Histologically, the tumors demonstrated typical features of glioblastoma but additionally contained areas consisting of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive astrocytic tumor cells resembling adipocytes, that is, containing large intracellular lipid vacuoles. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and focused molecular genetic analyses demonstrated gains of chromosomes 7, losses of chromosomes 9 and 10, as well as homozygous deletion of p14ARF in one of the tumors. The second tumor showed gains of chromosomes 3, 4, 8q and 12 as well as losses of chromosomes 10, 13, 15q, 19 and 22. In addition, this tumor carried homozygous deletions of CDKN2A and p14ARF as well as point mutations in the TP53 and PTEN genes. The third tumor also had a mutation in the PTEN gene. None of the tumors demonstrated EGFR, CDK4 or MDM2 amplification. Taken together, our results define a rare glioblastoma differentiation pattern and indicate that glioblastomas with adipocyte‐like tumor cell differentiation share common molecular genetic features with other primary glioblastomas.
Dreaming the American Dream: Individualism and Positive Psychology
Authors: Becker Dana , Marecek Jeanne
Published: August 2008

Although positive psychology now promotes itself globally, its American roots are evident in its persistent though unacknowledged attachment to an American‐inspired brand of individualism. That attachment is evident in the movement's endorsement of self‐fulfillment as the ultimate life goal, its promotion of self‐improvement via personal effort, and its narrow sense of the social. We maintain that the bounded, autonomous self that strides through a positive life is an illusion, as is the notion that human flourishing and happiness are readily available to all. We also take issue with the individualistic vision that pervades positive psychologists’ descriptions of society and social institutions. Taking as an exampleA Primer in Positive Psychology(a recent textbook written by one of the founding fathers of positive psychology and highly praised by the others), we argue that positive psychology's rendering of social institutions is fundamentally asocial and neglects gender, class, ethnicity, and power relations.
The Dean of St Asaph's Trial: Libel and Politics in the 1780s
Authors: PAGE ANTHONY
Published: August 2008

In the early 1780s the Society for Constitutional Information poured much time and money into defending a charge of libel against one of its supporters, Jonathan Shipley, dean of St Asaph. This effort has been dismissed by historians as a waste of resources and a reflection of the waning of the campaign for political reform. This article examines the political significance of the Shipley trial in light of recent scholarship that stresses the importance of the courtroom and print culture in reformist agitation.