bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infants Experience Perceptual Narrowing for Nonprimate Faces
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth A. , Varga Krisztina , Frick Janet E. , Fragaszy Dorothy
Published: October 2010

Perceptual narrowing—a phenomenon in which perception is broad from birth, but narrows as a function of experience—has previously been tested with primate faces. In the first 6 months of life, infants can discriminate among individual human and monkey faces. Though the ability to discriminate monkey faces is lost after about 9 months, infants retain human face discrimination, presumably because of their experience with human faces. The current study demonstrates that 4‐ to 6‐month‐old infants are able to discriminate nonprimate faces as well. In a visual paired comparison test, 4‐ to 6‐month‐old infants (n = 26) looked significantly longer at novel sheep (Ovis aries) faces, compared to a familiar sheep face (p = .017), while 9‐ to 11‐month‐olds (n = 26) showed no visual preference, and adults (n = 27) had a familiarity preference (p < .001). Infants’ face recognition systems are broadly tuned at birth—not just for primate faces, but for nonprimate faces as well—allowing infants to become specialists in recognizing the types of faces encountered in their first year of life.
Methodology for Determining the Appropriateness of a Linear Dose‐Response Function
Authors: Williams Michael S. , Ebel Eric D. , Vose David
Published: October 2010

Microbial food safety risk assessment models can often at times be simplified by eliminating the need to integrate a complex dose‐response relationship across a distribution of exposure doses. This is possible if exposure pathways lead to pathogens at exposure that consistently have a small probability of causing illness. In this situation, the probability of illness will follow an approximately linear function of dose. Consequently, the predicted probability of illness per serving across all exposures is linear with respect to the expected value of dose. The majority of dose‐response functions are approximately linear when the dose is low. Nevertheless, what constitutes “low” is dependent on the parameters of the dose‐response function for a particular pathogen. In this study, a method is proposed to determine an upper bound of the exposure distribution for which the use of a linear dose‐response function is acceptable. If this upper bound is substantially larger than the expected value of exposure doses, then a linear approximation for probability of illness is reasonable. If conditions are appropriate for using the linear dose‐response approximation, for example, the expected value for exposure doses is two to three logs10 smaller than the upper bound of the linear portion of the dose‐response function, then predicting the risk‐reducing effectiveness of a proposed policy is trivial. Simple examples illustrate how this approximation can be used to inform policy decisions and improve an analyst's understanding of risk.
Modeled Estimates of Soil and Dust Ingestion Rates for Children
Authors: Özkaynak Halûk , Xue Jianping , Zartarian Valerie G. , Glen Graham , Smith Luther
Published: October 2010

Daily soil/dust ingestion rates typically used in exposure and risk assessments are based on tracer element studies, which have a number of limitations and do not separate contributions from soil and dust. This article presents an alternate approach of modeling soil and dust ingestion via hand and object mouthing of children, using EPA's SHEDS model. Results for children 3 to <6 years old show that mean and 95th percentile total ingestion of soil and dust values are 68 and 224 mg/day, respectively; mean from soil ingestion, hand‐to‐mouth dust ingestion, and object‐to‐mouth dust ingestion are 41 mg/day, 20 mg/day, and 7 mg/day, respectively. In general, hand‐to‐mouth soil ingestion was the most important pathway, followed by hand‐to‐mouth dust ingestion, then object‐to‐mouth dust ingestion. The variability results are most sensitive to inputs on surface loadings, soil‐skin adherence, hand mouthing frequency, and hand washing frequency. The predicted total soil and dust ingestion fits a lognormal distribution with geometric mean = 35.7 and geometric standard deviation = 3.3. There are two uncertainty distributions, one below the 20th percentile and the other above. Modeled uncertainties ranged within a factor of 3–30. Mean modeled estimates for soil and dust ingestion are consistent with past information but lower than the central values recommended in the 2008 EPA Child‐Specific Exposure Factors Handbook. This new modeling approach, which predicts soil and dust ingestion by pathway, source type, population group, geographic location, and other factors, offers a better characterization of exposures relevant to health risk assessments as compared to using a single value.
Rebalancing the Global Economy
Authors: RAJAN RAHGURAM G.
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.

Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Short‐termism Is Undermining America
Authors: PHELPS EDMUND S.
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.

Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
The Danger of Global Austerity
Authors: PAPANDREOU GEORGE
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.

Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Japan's Lessons for China
Authors: GARDELS NATHAN
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.

Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Chinese Prosperity Doesn't Bring Democracy
Authors: LI‐ZHI FANG
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.

Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Transesophageal Echocardiography of the Descending Thoracic Aorta: Establishing an Accurate Anatomic Marker Using the Celiac Artery
Authors: Vasaiwala Samip , Vidovich Mladen I. , Connolly John , Frazin Leon
Published: October 2010

Objective: We performed transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography (CT) on patients with aortic pathology to describe a more anatomically coherent marker on TEE studies by using the celiac artery as a reference. Background: As there are no anatomic markers for the eight‐vertebrae long descending thoracic aorta, aortic disease (AD) is routinely reported as a distance from the dental incisors in TEE studies. This method does not provide an anatomically accurate location of AD relative to recognizable anatomy. Methods: Ten patients referred for contrast CT and TEE for evaluation of embolic events were studied. Twenty‐seven focal aortic lesions found on TEE were measured relative to their distance from the celiac artery. The agreement among the two methods of quantification of aortic lesions from the celiac artery was assessed by univariate regression analysis and by the Bland–Altman method. Difference in the mean values between the two groups was analyzed by paired t‐test. Results: The P value for the two‐tailed t‐test for the difference between the two modalities was 0.122. The Pearson coefficient for comparison of CT and TEE data was 0.98. The coefficient of determination for TEE versus CT data was 0.96. Conclusions: The TEE CA reference marker proves to be an accurate method for localizing disease in the descending thoracic aorta relative to CT findings. Reporting of aortic disease relative to this marker is more clinically applicable than the current method of measurement. The CA reference marker should be routinely reported in TEE studies to enhance the diagnosis of aortic disease. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1093‐1097)
Does a New Ultrasound Flow Modality Improve Visualization of Neonatal Pulmonary Veins?
Authors: Nyrnes Siri Ann , Lovstakken Lasse , Skogvoll Eirik , Torp Hans , Haugen Bjørn Olav
Published: October 2010

Background: Blood flow imaging is a new ultrasound modality that supplements color Doppler imaging with angle‐independent information of flow direction that is not influenced by velocity aliasing. This is done by visualizing the blood speckle movement superimposed on the color Doppler images. This study aimed to investigate whether this method improves the visualization of the pulmonary veins in neonates. Methods: Twenty‐six neonates with suspected congenital heart disease were prospectively examined with echocardiography and blood flow imaging of the pulmonary veins after parental consent. For each patient, blood flow imaging and color Doppler imaging cine loops were presented to four observers (pediatric cardiologist/cardiologists) in a random order. Questions regarding the pulmonary venous connections and the overall quality of the pulmonary vein imaging were evaluated on a visual analogue scale from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). The methods were compared within each observer using the Wilcoxon's exact signed‐rank test. Results: Blood flow imaging (color Doppler imaging combined with the blood speckle movement) was consistently ranked as better than conventional color Doppler imaging for visualization of the pulmonary veins for all observers (all P‐values < 0.002). Conclusion: Blood flow imaging may improve the visualization of the pulmonary veins in neonates. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1113‐1119)
Assessing density–damage relationships between water hyacinth and its grasshopper herbivore
Authors: Bownes Angela , Hill Martin P. , Byrne Marcus J.
Published: October 2010

Plants are variable in their responses to insect herbivory. Experimental increases in densities of phytophagous insects can reveal the type of plant response to herbivory in terms of impact and compensatory ability. The relationship between insect density and plant damage of a grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Brüner (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Tetrataeniini), a candidate biological control agent, and an invasive aquatic plant, water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms‐Laubach (Pontederiaceae), was investigated to assess potential damage to the weed. The impact of different densities of male and female grasshoppers on E. crassipes growth parameters was determined in a quarantine glasshouse experiment. Damage curves indicated that the relationship between plant biomass reduction and insect density was curvilinear whereas leaf production was linear. Female C. aquaticum were more damaging than males, causing high rates of plant mortality before the end of the trial at densities of three and four per plant. Feeding by C. aquaticum significantly reduced the total plant biomass and the number of leaves produced, and female grasshoppers caused a greater reduction in the number of leaves produced by water hyacinth plants than males. Grasshopper herbivory suppressed vegetative reproduction in E. crassipes, suggesting C. aquaticum could contribute to a reduction in the density and spread of E. crassipes infestations. The results showed that E. crassipes vigour and productivity decreases with an increase in feeding intensity by the grasshopper. Cornops aquaticum should therefore be considered for release in South Africa based on its host specificity and potential impact on E. crassipes.
Postpartum maternal pneumococcal meningitis complicated by endocarditis
Authors: KAKOGAWA JUN , ORITO SEIYA , MASUYA NORIO , SADATSUKI MIYUKI , GOMIBUCHI HIDETO , MINOURA SHIGEKI
Published: October 2010

Bacterial meningitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Few cases of pneumococcal meningitis during pregnancy and the postpartum period have been reported. We describe a case of postpartum pneumococcal meningitis complicated by endocarditis. A 26‐year‐old para‐2 woman who had had a normal vaginal delivery at 38 weeks at a maternity home was transported to our hospital with a 39.5°C fever 11 days postpartum. Eight hours after her arrival, her state of consciousness deteriorated rapidly. Lumbar puncture revealed Gram‐positive cocci consistent with Streptococcus pneumoniae. She was immediately treated with antibiotics and subsequently diagnosed with endocarditis. Final culture results from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the presence of S. pneumoniae. She recovered completely with no evidence of neurological damage. Maintaining a high clinical suspicion and initiating appropriate diagnostic testing and therapeutic interventions promptly are essential to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial meningitis.
Effects of seasonality, isolation and patch quality for habitat selection processes by mute swansCygnus olorin a fishpond landscape
Authors: Gayet Guillaume , Guillemain Matthieu , Benmergui Maurice , Mesleard François , Boulinier Thierry , Bienvenu Jean‐Philippe , Fritz Hervé , Broyer Joël
Published: October 2010

Foragers in patchy environments do not only select sites for single patch characteristics, but also have to consider the local environment of such patches. We studied habitat selection by mute swansCygnus olorin a wide and heterogeneous fishpond region (the Dombes, eastern France). In this study, we considered fishpond isolation, resource quality within fishponds and breeding status of mute swans during both summer and winter. Mute swans did not select aquatic habitat randomly within the landscape. During summer, the population spread preferentially on medium to large fishponds, in subregions with numerous or closely related waterbodies, without generating a clumped distribution of birds. In addition to a positive effect of local fishpond number (2 km radius), breeding birds also responded positively to fishpond size. Non‐breeders selected fishponds mainly according to their size. Intraspecific territoriality did not appear to limit the presence of non‐breeders (i.e. moulting flocks), since both breeders and non‐breeders could coexist on the larger fishponds. During winter, mute swans used medium to large reflooded fishponds after summer drainage. The surrounding aquatic environment of fishponds played a minor role in determining flocking, compared to actual patch quality. Flocking occurred on large fishponds that had reflooded after having dried the summer before, whatever the agricultural cultivation practiced in the summer following drainage. The results suggest that geographical aspects should be taken into account when considering the potential impact of this expanding species within such ecosystems, and also in more general management policies dealing with aquatic habitats for waterbird populations.
Quality of life in health care of non‐melanoma skin cancer – results of a pilot study
Authors: Steinbauer Julia , Koller Michael , Kohl Elisabeth , Karrer Sigrid , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus
Published: October 2010

Background: Modern patient‐oriented medicine increasingly involves psychosocial aspects of disease processes in therapy evaluations. We conducted a pilot study on the implementation of a suitable device assessing the quality of life of patients with non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in clinical routine.

Patients and Methods: 52 patients with NMSC were asked to fill out the German version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) by A.Y. Finlay. Additionally, one‐third of the patients were evaluated by the treating physicians.

Results: The questionnaire was well‐accepted and completed within a few minutes. Less than 1 % values were missing with respect to individual items. 31 % of patients experienced a moderate to strong impairment of the quality of life. This impairment involved symptoms, emotions, everyday activities, and leisure activities, whereas work and school were of minor importance. The variables age, gender, and diagnosis were of little importance.

Conclusions: The limited number of publications available necessitates a step‐wise introduction of this topic into the German literature. Data on quality of life could be relevant for the inclusion of NMSC onto the list of occupational diseases in occupations with high UV exposure. Sufficient data have to be generated in follow‐up studies of longitudinal design that are based on the present pilot study.
Comparative study of plasma leptin concentration between solid ruminal and liquid abomasal feeding in weaned adult sheep
Authors: BAN‐TOKUDA Tomomi , DELAVAUD Carole , CHILLIARD Yves , FUJIHARA Tsutomu
Published: October 2010

This experiment was conducted to investigate the difference between ruminal (solid feed, SF) and abomasal (liquid feed, LF) feeding on the plasma leptin concentration in sheep. The experiment consisted of 2 weeks to adapt the animals to SF, 4 weeks of feeding on SF, 2 weeks adaptation to LF, 8 weeks of feeding on LF, 2 weeks of adaptation to SF, and 4 weeks of feeding on SF. The LF directory flowed into the abomasums of sheep by bottle feeding. Plasma leptin concentration before morning feeding was almost constant in the SF periods, whereas it showed between‐day variations when measured during the LF periods. Mean plasma leptin levels were higher for LF (7.77 ± 0.76 ng/mL; mean ± SE) than for SF periods (3.95 ± 0.16 ng/mL; mean ± SE). Although plasma leptin concentration did not show any change after feeding in the SF and LF periods, plasma insulin and glucose levels increased within 15 min after liquid abomasal feeding, but not after solid ruminal feeding. The high plasma leptin concentration during the LF periods in weaned sheep could be due to change of digestible energy intake and changes in plasma insulin and glucose levels accompanying the changes in digestive processes and nutrient supply.
Behavioral indexes of piglet welfare: Comparison of indoor and outdoor housing systems
Authors: NAKAMURA Kouzo , TANAKA Toshio , NISHIDA Kouji , UETAKE Katsuji
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this experiment was to establish behavioral indexes of piglet welfare. Forty‐eight piglets were allocated to either four indoor pens or four outdoor pens (six piglets per pen). The indoor system was a commercial pen that consisted of a concrete floor and a slat floor. The outdoor system had a dirt paddock with a wooden hutch. Growth performance, salivary cortisol levels, skin lesions and behaviors of the piglets were monitored for 4 weeks. Sixteen types of behaviors were recorded by using 2‐min instantaneous scan sampling for 8 h/day. Growth performance and salivary cortisol levels did not significantly differ between the two housing systems. On the other hand, skin lesions and behaviors were significantly affected by the housing system. The number of skin lesions was higher in the indoor system. In addition, piglets in the outdoor system showed more investigative and social‐play behaviors than those in the indoor system. Piglets in the indoor system showed more resting, drinking, moving, fighting, and conflict behaviors than those in the outdoor system. We conclude that investigative, social‐play and conflict behaviors may be effective indexes of the welfare level of piglets, especially investigative and conflict behaviors.
Impressions and purchasing intentions of Japanese consumers regarding pork produced by ‘Ecofeed,’ a trademark of food‐waste or food co‐product animal feed certified by the Japanese government
Authors: SASAKI Keisuke , AIZAKI Hideo , MOTOYAMA Michiyo , OHMORI Hideyuki , KAWASHIMA Tomoyuki
Published: October 2010

Impressions and purchasing intentions of Japanese consumers regarding pork produced by ‘Ecofeed’, a trademark of food‐waste or co‐product animal feeds certified by the Japanese government, were investigated by a questionnaire on the Internet. ‘Ecofeed’ did not elicit specific impressions as compared to domestic, imported, Kurobuta (in Japan), and specific pathogen‐free (SPF) pork. Purchasing intent for ‘Ecofeed’ pork was the second lowest of the five pork products. Knowledge and purchasing experience regarding ‘Ecofeed’ pork was the lowest of the five pork products. Respondents were classified into four categories according to their impressions of ‘Ecofeed’ pork. The largest category of respondents did not have any specific impression of ‘Ecofeed’ pork and had little knowledge of pork farming. A category that had a positive impression for ‘Ecofeed’ pork had high knowledge of the pork farming system. In order to establish ‘Ecofeed’ pork in Japan, our results suggest that information disclosure and education about ‘Ecofeed’, its certification system, environmental benefits and the current self‐efficiency ratio of animal feed, are needed.
Structural characterization of N‐linked oligosaccharides of laminin from rat kidney: changes during diabetes and modulation by dietary fiber and butyric acid
Authors: Puneeth Kumar Adishesha , Nandini Chilkunda D. , Salimath Paramahans V.
Published: October 2010

Carbohydrates of laminin, a family of large multidomain glycoproteins, have been implicated in various cellular activities including maintaining the protein structure, its function and also basement membrane integrity. During the course of our investigation, we observed that purified laminin from kidneys of control, diabetic, and dietary fiber‐ and butyric acid‐treated diabetic rats showed differences in binding to extracellular matrix components. This prompted us to determine whether there are structural changes in laminin oligosaccharides. In this study, we have characterized a few major N‐linked oligosaccharides isolated from purified laminin in various experimental groups, viz. normal, diabetic and diabetic rats fed with dietary fiber and butyric acid. Sugar composition, as identified by GLC, revealed the presence of mannose, galactose and N‐acetylglucosamine. In order to study fine structures of the oligosaccharides, N‐linked oligosaccharides of laminin were released by Peptide‐N‐glycosidase F digestion, end‐labeled with 2‐anthranilic acid and fractionated by lectin affinity chromatography. Furthermore, structural elucidation carried out by MALDI‐TOF MS/MS analysis showed variations in the oligosaccharide sequence of laminin during diabetes which were altered by the feeding of dietary fiber and butyric acid.
Transcript profiling during the early development of the maize brace root via Solexa sequencing
Authors: Li Yan‐Jie , Fu Ya‐Ru , Huang Jin‐Guang , Wu Chang‐Ai , Zheng Cheng‐Chao
Published: October 2010

Currently, the molecular regulation mechanisms involved in the early development of maize brace root are poorly known. To gain insight into the transcriptome dynamics that are associated with its development, genome‐wide gene expression profiling was conducted by Solexa sequencing (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). More than five million tags were generated from the stem node tissues without and with just‐emerged brace roots, including 149 524 and 178 131 clean tags in the two libraries, respectively. Of these, 82 864 (55.4%) and 91 678 (51.5%) tags were matched to the reference genes. The most differentially expressed tags with a log2 ratio > 2 or < −2 (P < 0.001) were analyzed further, representing 143 up‐regulated and 152 down‐regulated genes, except for unknown transcripts, which were classified into 11 functional categories. The most enriched categories were those of metabolism, signal transduction and cellular transport. Many genes or biological pathways were found to be commonly shared between brace root and lateral or adventitious root development, such as genes participating in cell wall degradation and synthesis, auxin transport and signaling, ethylene signaling, etc. Next, the expression patterns of 20 genes were assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the results obtained showed general agreement with the Solexa analysis. Furthermore, a comparison of the brace root transcriptome with that of maize primary root revealed substantial differences in the categories and abundances of expressed transcripts. In conclusion, we first reveal the complex changes in the transcriptome during the early development of maize brace root and provide a comprehensive set of data that are essential for understanding its molecular regulation.
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Relationships of Transdermal Buprenorphine and Fentanyl in Experimental Human Pain Models
Authors: Andresen Trine , Upton Richard N. , Foster David J.R. , Christrup Lona L. , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Drewes Asbjørn M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract: Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling can be used to characterize the relationship between dose regimen of opioids, plasma concentration and effect of opioids, which in turn can lead to more rational treatment regimens of pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration–effect relationship for transdermal buprenorphine and fentanyl in experimentally induced pain. Twenty‐two healthy volunteers were randomized to receive transdermal patches with fentanyl (25 μg/hr, 72 hr), buprenorphine (20 μg/hr, 144 hr) or placebo. The experimental pain tests were pressure at the tibial bone, cutaneous thermal stimulation, cold pressor test (conditioning stimulus (3 ± 0.3°C cold water), nerve growth factor–induced muscle soreness and intradermal capsaicin‐induced hyperalgesia and allodynia. Experiments were carried out at baseline, 24, 48, 72 and 144 hr after application of patches. Time‐course of placebo was described first and was afterwards added to the description of the time‐courses of buprenorphine and fentanyl. This was either described by zero (no drug effect), linear orEmaxmodel concentration–effect relationships. Time‐dependent changes in pain measures in the placebo arm were described by linear or quadratic functions. The time‐course of fentanyl and buprenorphine plasma concentrations was complex but could be represented by cubic spline interpolation in the models. Buprenorphine significantly attenuated bone‐associated pain, heat pain, nerve growth factor–induced soreness and cold pressor pain. Fentanyl significantly attenuated cold pressor pain for the administered dose regimens. Although the PK/PD relationship for both drugs could be described with similar models, tissue‐differentiated analgesic effects between buprenorphine and fentanyl was shown.
Patients Newly Diagnosed with Clinical Type 2 Diabetes during Oral Glucocorticoid Treatment and Observed for 14 Years: All‐Cause Mortality and Clinical Developments
Authors: Olivarius Niels de Fine , Siersma Volkert , Dyring‐Andersen Beatrice , Drivsholm Thomas , Hansen Lars J. , Henriksen Jan Erik
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  Chronic exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) has many side effects including glucose intolerance and diabetes and may accelerate the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and increase mortality. We studied the 14‐year clinical development of diabetes in patients diagnosed with diabetes during GC treatment. A population‐based sample of 1369 people newly diagnosed with clinical type 2 diabetes underwent a clinical examination at diagnosis, and surviving patients were followed up 6 and 14 years later. Patients receiving oral GC treatment at diagnosis were compared with the other patients. Of 1369 patients, 35 (2.6%) were treated with oral GCs at diabetes diagnosis. At that point, patients on GC therapy were older (69.9 versus 65.3 years, p = 0.007, sex‐adjusted) and tended to have lower BMI (26.1 versus 29.1 kg/m2, p = 0.023), also 6 years after diagnosis (24.8 versus 28.4, p = 0.011), than patients not being treated with GCs. In a univariate Cox regression model, GC treatment at diagnosis increased all‐cause mortality with a hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.01 (1.39–2.89, p = 0.0002, n = 1369), while this decreased to 1.41 (0.98–2.04, p = 0.065, n = 1369) when adjusted for age and sex and to 1.39 (0.92–2.11, p = 0.12, n = 1086) when risk factors, complications and cancer were added to the model. Apart from differences in age and overweight, patients in this relatively small sample of those diagnosed with clinical type 2 diabetes during GC treatment were comparable at diagnosis and during 14 years of follow‐up with those not treated with GCs, including with regard to the adjusted mortality rate.
Summary of the Recommendations on Sexual Dysfunctions in Men
Authors: Montorsi Francesco , Adaikan Ganesan , Becher Edgardo , Giuliano Francois , Khoury Saad , Lue Tom F. , Sharlip Ira , Althof Stanley E. , Andersson Karl-Eric , Brock Gerald , Broderick Gregory , Burnett Arthur , Buvat Jacques , Dean John , Donatucci Craig , Eardley Ian , Fugl-Meyer Kerstin S. , Goldstein Irwin , Hackett Geoff , Hatzichristou Dimitris , Hellstrom Wayne , Incrocci Luca , Jackson Graham , Kadioglu Ates , Levine Laurence , Lewis Ronald W. , Maggi Mario , McCabe Marita , McMahon Chris G. , Montague Drogo , Montorsi Piero , Mulhall John , Pfaus Jim , Porst Hartmut , Ralph David , Rosen Raymond , Rowland David , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Shabsigh Ridwan , Stief Christian , Vardi Yoram , Wallen Kim , Wasserman Marlene
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Sexual health is an integral part of overall health. Sexual dysfunction can have a major impact on quality of life and psychosocial and emotional well-being.

Aim

To provide evidence-based, expert-opinion consensus guidelines for clinical management of sexual dysfunction in men.

Methods

An international consultation collaborating with major urologic and sexual medicine societies convened in Paris, July 2009. More than 190 multidisciplinary experts from 33 countries were assembled into 25 consultation committees. Committee members established scope and objectives for each chapter. Following an exhaustive review of available data and publications, committees developed evidence-based guidelines in each area.

Main Outcome Measures

New algorithms and guidelines for assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunctions were developed based on work of previous consultations and evidence from scientific literature published from 2003 to 2009. The Oxford system of evidence-based review was systematically applied. Expert opinion was based on systematic grading of medical literature, and cultural and ethical considerations.

Results

Algorithms, recommendations, and guidelines for sexual dysfunction in men are presented. These guidelines were developed in an evidence-based, patient-centered, multidisciplinary manner. It was felt that all sexual dysfunctions should be evaluated and managed following a uniform strategy, thus the International Consultation of Sexual Medicine (ICSM-5) developed a stepwise diagnostic and treatment algorithm for sexual dysfunction. The main goal of ICSM-5 is to unmask the underlying etiology and/or indicate appropriate treatment options according to men’s and women’s individual needs (patient-centered medicine) using the best available data from population-based research (evidence-based medicine). Specific evaluation, treatment guidelines, and algorithms were developed for every sexual dysfunction in men, including erectile dysfunction; disorders of libido, orgasm, and ejaculation; Peyronie’s disease; and priapism.

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction in men represents a group of common medical conditions that need to be managed from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Korean nurses’ attitudes towards older people with dementia in acute care settings
Authors: Kang Yun , Moyle Wendy , Venturato Lorraine
Published: October 2010

Kang Y., Moyle W. & Venturato L. (2010) Korean nurses’ attitudes towards older people with dementia in acute care settings. International Journal of Older People Nursing6, 143–152 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00254.x

Aim.  To identify and describe Korean nurses’ attitudes towards older people with dementia in acute care settings and to examine the effect of selected socio‐demographics and nursing work characteristics on attitudes.

Background.  In Korea, older people receive health care services in acute care settings because long‐term care settings are not the norm. Culturally, it is considered shameful to place parents or relatives in a long‐term care facility.

Design.  A descriptive survey design.

Method.  Attitudes towards older people with dementia were measured in Korean registered nurses (n = 100) working in acute care settings of two hospitals in southern Korea in 2009. The Attitudes toward the Elderly with Dementia (AED) and the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) were administered to participants.

Results.  Moderately positive attitudes towards older people with dementia in the acute care setting were found. Two‐thirds of the nurse participants (n = 65, 65.7%) working in medical wards demonstrated significantly more positive attitudes than those working in surgical wards (n = 34, 34.3%). Demographics including years of experience in the current unit and in the service, and nurses’ position did not correlate significantly with their attitudes.

Conclusion.  The environment, work routine and technology may influence the likelihood of negative attitude towards people with dementia.

Implications for practice.  There may be conflict between nurses’ cultural values and care practices in acute care settings. Therefore, there is a need for ongoing education of nurses in dementia care that may reduce the potential of such conflicts.
“But a Step from College to the Judicial Bench”: College and Curriculum in New England's “Age of Improvement”
Authors: Nivison Kenneth
Published: October 2010

In 1827, two years after its incorporation as a college and six years removed from its founding as a “collegiate institution,” Amherst College revamped its curriculum into what it called a “parallel course of study.” In this new scheme, students were allowed to follow one of two tracks during their college years. Courses in mathematics, geography, logic, rhetoric, the natural sciences, philosophy, and theology were still required of all students, but they were permitted to substitute a variety of new offerings in place of instruction in ancient languages and literature—choices ranging from French or Spanish to drawing or civil engineering. The faculty of the college were clear in their rationale for such a change: echoing the sentiments of the nation's President John Quincy Adams, they argued that theirs was “emphatically an Age of Improvement,” one which necessitated altering the structure of the college course. They warned that if the college did not reform its course offerings it would witness the rise of new institutions better equipped to provide for the needs of young men, threatening the existence of Amherst and other colleges committed to liberal education. “Let our Colleges promptly lead on in the mighty march of improvement,” they stated, “and all will be well; but let them hesitate and linger a little longer, and many of their most efficient friends will go on without them.”
Anticommunism and Academic Freedom: Walter C. Eells and the “Red Purge” in Occupied Japan
Authors: Kumano Ruriko
Published: October 2010

In August 1945, Imperial Japan surrendered to the Allied Powers. From September 1945 to April 1952, the United States–the most dominant power among the victorious nations–occupied the defeated country.
Gastrointestinal hormones and the regulation of β‐cell mass
Authors: Lavine Jeremy A. , Attie Alan D.
Published: October 2010

Type 2 diabetes occurs due to a relative deficit in β‐cell mass or function. Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1), glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), cholecystokinin (CCK), and gastrin are gastrointestinal hormones that are secreted in response to nutrient intake, regulating digestion, insulin secretion, satiety, and β‐cell mass. In this review, we focus upon β‐cell mass regulation. β‐cell mass expands through β‐cell proliferation and islet neogenesis; β‐cell mass is lost via apoptosis. GLP‐1 and GIP are well‐studied gastrointestinal hormones and influence β‐cell proliferation, apoptosis, and islet neogenesis. CCK regulates β‐cell apoptosis and mitogenesis, and gastrin stimulates islet neogenesis. GLP‐1 and GIP bind to G protein‐coupled receptors and regulate β‐cell mass via multiple signaling pathways. The protein kinase A pathway is central to this process because it directly regulates proliferative and anti‐apoptotic genes and transactivates several signaling cascades, including Akt and mitogen‐activated protein kinases. However, the signaling pathways downstream of G protein‐coupled CCK receptors that influence β‐cell mass remain unidentified. Gastrointestinal hormones integrate nutrient signals from the gut to the β‐cell, regulating insulin secretion and β‐cell mass adaptation.
Widespread Proliferation Impairment and Hypocellularity in the Cerebellum of Fetuses with Down Syndrome
Authors: Guidi Sandra , Ciani Elisabetta , Bonasoni Paola , Santini Donatella , Bartesaghi Renata
Published: October 2010

Evidence in mouse models for Down syndrome (DS) and human fetuses with DS clearly shows severe neurogenesis impairment in various telencephalic regions, suggesting that this defect may underlie the cognitive abnormalities of DS. As cerebellar hypotrophy and motor disturbances are part of the clinical features of DS, the goal of our study was to establish whether these defects may be related to neurogenesis impairment during cerebellar development. We found that in fetuses with DS (17–21 weeks of gestation) the cerebellum had an immature pattern, a reduced volume and notably fewer cells (−25%/−50%) in all cerebellar layers. Immunohistochemistry for Ki‐67, a marker of cycling cells, showed impaired proliferation (−17%/−50%) of precursors from both cerebellar neurogenic regions (external granular layer and ventricular zone). No differences in apoptotic cell death were found in DS vs. control fetuses. The current study provides novel evidence that in the cerebellum of DS fetuses there is a generalized hypocellularity and that this defect is due to proliferation impairment, rather than to an increased cell death. The reduced proliferation potency found in the DS fetal cerebellum, in conjunction with previous evidence, strengthens the idea that the trisomic brain is characterized by widespread neurogenesis disruption.
Spectroscopic and Photochemical Characterization of the Red‐Light Sensitive Photosensory Module of Cph2 from Synechocystis PCC 6803
Authors: Anders Katrin , von Stetten David , Mailliet Jo , Kiontke Stephan , Sineshchekov Vitaly A. , Hildebrandt Peter , Hughes Jon , Essen Lars‐Oliver
Published: October 2010

Cyanobacterial phytochromes are a diverse family of light receptors controlling various biological functions including phototaxis. In addition to canonical bona fide phytochromes of the well characterized Cph1/plant‐like clade, cyanobacteria also harbor phytochromes that absorb green, violet or blue light. The Synechocystis PCC 6803 Cph2 photoreceptor, a phototaxis inhibitor, is unconventional in bearing two distinct chromophore‐binding GAF domains. Whereas the C‐terminal GAF domain is most likely involved in blue‐light perception, the first two domains correspond to a Cph1‐like photosensory module lacking the PAS domain. Biochemical and spectroscopic studies show that this region switches between red (Pr) and far‐red (Pfr) absorbing states. Unlike Cph1, the Pfr state of Cph2 decays rapidly in darkness. Mutations close to the PCB chromophore further destabilize the Pfr state without drastically affecting the spectroscopic features such as the quantum efficiency of Pr→Pfr conversion, fluorescence, or the Resonance‐Raman signature of the chromophore. Overall, the PAS‐less photosensory module of Cph2 resembles Cph1 including its mode of isomerisation, but the Pfr state is unstable.
Photosensitization Reaction‐Induced Acute Electrophysiological Cell Response of Rat Myocardial Cells in Short Loading Periods of Talaporfin Sodium or Porfimer Sodium
Authors: Ito Arisa , Kimura Takehiro , Miyoshi Shunichiro , Ogawa Satoshi , Arai Tsunenori
Published: October 2010

Electrophysiological responses of rat myocardial cells to exogenous photosensitization reactions for a short period of incubation with two photosensitizers, talaporfin sodium or porfimer sodium, were measured in a subsecond time scale. The loading period of the photosensitizer when the photosensitizer might not be taken up by the cells was selected as 15 min, which was determined by the fluorescence microscopic observation. We measured the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]in) by using a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, Fluo‐4 AM, under a high‐speed confocal laser microscope to evaluate the acute electrophysiological cell response to the photosensitization reaction. The measured temporal change in Fluo‐4 fluorescence intensity indicated that the response to the photosensitization reaction might be divided into two phases in both photosensitizers. The first phase is acute response: disappearance of Ca2+ oscillation when irradiation starts, which might be caused by ion channel dysfunction. The second phase is slow response: [Ca2+]in elevation indicating influx of Ca2+ due to the concentration gradient. The continuous Ca2+ influx followed by changes in cell morphology suggested micropore formation on the surface of the cell membrane, resulting in necrotic cell death.
Competitive seedlings and inherited traits: a test of rapid evolution of Elymus multisetus (big squirreltail) in response to cheatgrass invasion
Authors: Rowe Courtney L. J. , Leger Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2010

Widespread invasion by Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) in the Intermountain West has drastically altered native plant communities. We investigated whether Elymus multisetus (big squirreltail) is evolving in response to invasion and what traits contribute to increased performance. Seedlings from invaded areas exhibited significantly greater tolerance to B. tectorum competition and a greater ability to suppress B. tectorum biomass than seedlings from adjacent uninvaded areas. To identify potentially adaptive traits, we examined which phenological and phenotypic traits were correlated with seedling performance within the uninvaded area, determined their genetic variation by measuring sibling resemblance, and asked whether trait distribution had shifted in invaded areas. Increased tolerance to competition was correlated with early seedling root to shoot ratio, root fork number, and fine root length. Root forks differed among families, but none of these traits differed significantly across invasion status. Additionally, we surveyed more broadly for traits that varied between invaded and uninvaded areas. Elymus multisetus plants collected from invaded areas were smaller, allocated more biomass to roots, and produced a higher percentage of fine roots than plants from uninvaded areas. The ability of native populations to evolve in response to invasion has significant implications for the management and restoration of B. tectorum‐invaded communities.
Plexin B1 inhibits integrin‐dependent pp125FAK and Rho activity in melanoma
Authors: McClelland Lindy , Chen YuLin , Soong Joanne , Kuo IHsin , Scott Glynis
Published: October 2010

Semaphorins are secreted and membrane bound proteins that regulate axon guidance through receptors Plexins and neuropilins. Plexin B1, the Semaphorin 4D receptor, is a recently described tumor suppressor protein for melanoma. We recently showed that Plexin B1 abrogates activation of the oncogenic receptor, c‐Met, by its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in melanoma. We have now investigated the effect of Plexin B1 on integrin‐dependent pp125FAK activation, and the small GTP‐binding protein Rho, in melanoma. Integrin receptors and Rho play critical roles in melanoma progression, through regulation of migration, proliferation and apoptosis. We engineered two human melanoma cell lines expressing Plexin B1 and analyzed integrin‐dependent migration, integrin‐dependent pp125FAK activation, and Rho activity. Results show that Plexin B1 abrogates integrin‐dependent migration and activation of pp125FAK. We also show that Rho activity is significantly reduced in cells expressing Plexin B1, and that Plexin B1 suppresses HGF‐dependent Rho activation.