bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Urban Ecological Security’: A New Urban Paradigm?
Authors: HODSON MIKE , MARVIN SIMON
Published: March 2009

The term ‘ecological security’ is usually used in relation to attempts to safeguard flows of ecological resources, infrastructure and services at the national scale. But increasing concerns over ‘urban ecological security’ (UES) are now giving rise to strategies to reconfigure cities and their infrastructures in ways that help to secure their ecological and material reproduction. Yet cities have differing capacities and capabilities for developing strategic responses to the opportunities and constraints of key UES concerns. These include resource constraints and climate change, and consequently these newly emerging strategies may selectively privilege particular urban areas and particular social interests over others. In this article, we focus on world cities and outline the challenges posed by the growing concern for UES. We review the emerging responses that may increasingly form a new dominant ‘logic’ of infrastructure provision, which we characterize as Secure Urbanism and Resilient Infrastructure (SURI). We conclude by addressing the extent to which this new dominant ‘logic’ underpins a new strategy of accumulation or more ‘progressive’ politics by outlining alternatives to SURI, possibilities for shaping SURI more ‘progressively’ and developing an agenda for future research.

L'expression ‘sécuritéécologique’ s'applique généralement à des efforts visant à préserver les flux de ressources écologiques, infrastructures et services à l'échelon national. Toutefois, la multiplication des préoccupations en matière de ‘sécuritéécologique urbaine’ (SEU) donne lieu désormais à des stratégies de reconfiguration des villes et de leurs infrastructures dans le but d'assurer leur reproduction écologique et matérielle. Cependant, les villes ont des capacités et des moyens différents d'élaborer des réponses stratégiques aux opportunités et contraintes liées aux grandes questions de SEU. Celles‐ci englobant les pénuries de ressources et le changement climatique, les stratégies émergentes peuvent choisir de privilégier telles ou telles zones urbaines et tels ou tels intérêts sociaux. En s'intéressant aux villes mondiales, l'article présente les enjeux que suscite l'attention croissante pour la SEU. Sont étudiées les premières réponses apportées, susceptibles de constituer progressivement une nouvelle ‘logique’ dominante dans la fourniture d'infrastructures : ce que nous appelons la SURI (sécurité de l'urbanisme et résistance des infrastructures). La conclusion s'interroge sur la mesure dans laquelle cette nouvelle ‘logique’ dominante sous‐tend une nouvelle stratégie d'accumulation ou bien des politiques plus ‘progressistes’ en exposant des alternatives à la SURI, des possibilités de conformer la SURI de manière plus ‘progressiste’ et de concevoir un programme de recherches.
Synthesis of hyaluronan in oesophageal cancer cells is uncoupled from the prostaglandin–cAMP pathway
Authors: Twarock S , Röck K , Sarbia M , Weber AA , Jänicke RU , Fischer JW
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are common in tumours and both independently promote tumour progression. Furthermore, COX2‐dependent synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) stimulates HA synthase‐1 (HAS1) and HAS2 mRNA expression, together with HA synthesis via the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to elucidate whether COX2‐mediated PGs induce transcription of HAS isoforms in cancer cells as well.

Experimental approach:  Human oesophageal squamous cell (OSC) carcinoma specimens were characterized with respect to HA, COX2 and CD44 expression by immunohistochemistry. OSC cell lines (OSC1, OSC2) and HeLa cell lines (D98, H21) were exposed to exogenous PG analoques (100 nmol·L−1), etoricoxib (10 µmol·L−1) and forskolin (10 µmol·L−1). Subsequently, cAMP levels, HA secretion and HAS isoform expression were determined by elisa and real‐time RT‐PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) respectively.

Key results:  COX2, HA and CD44 were detected immunohistochemically in >90% of human oesophageal tumour samples. Under basal conditions, OSC1 and OSC2 cells express HAS2 and HAS3, COX2 and Gαs‐coupled EP2 and EP4 PG receptors. Neither stimulation with the PGI2 analogue, iloprost, addition of exogenous PGE2 nor forskolin induced HAS1 or HAS2 mRNA expression in OSC1 and OSC2 cells. Furthermore, in HeLa cells after induction of COX2 by tumour necrosis factor α and subsequent PGE2 release, inhibition of COX2 by etoricoxib did not affect HAS expression or HA secretion.

Conclusions and implications:  We conclude that in oesophageal and HeLa cancer cells, HAS1/2 expression was not responsive to the PG/cAMP pathway.
Serotonin Effects on Sleep and Emotional Disorders in Adolescent Migraine
Authors: Pakalnis Ann , Splaingard Mark , Splaingard Deborah , Kring Donna , Colvin Andrew
Published: March 2009

Objective.— To determine frequency of emotional disorders and sleep disturbances in adolescent migraineurs with episodic and chronic headaches. To determine the relationship of whole blood serotonin, caffeine consumption, and frequency of sleep and mood disorders.

Background.— The neurotransmitter serotonin has been implicated to play a role in the initiation and maintenance of sleep and in modulating mood. A putative role in migraine pathophysiology is also known.

Methods.— Adolescents from 13 to 17 years of age were identified from our headache clinic with episodic or chronic migraine (according to International Classification of Headache Disorders‐Second Edition criteria) and healthy controls enrolled. Psychological rating scales were completed, including Adolescent Symptom Inventory (4th Edition) and Child Depression Inventory. Sleep questionnaires (Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire) were completed by the teenager's parents/guardian. Whole blood serotonin levels were drawn and analyzed and caffeine consumption obtained by history.

Results.— A total of 18 controls (8 girls) and 15 patients each with episodic migraines (9 girls) and chronic migraine (10 girls) were studied.

Patients with headache had significantly more sleep problems than controls. Patients with chronic migraines had increased daytime sleepiness and dysthymia compared with teenagers with episodic migraines. Serotonin levels were not significantly different, and no association was noted between serotonin levels and sleep abnormalities or emotional rating scales. Increased caffeine intake was related to sleep and depressive complaints.

Conclusions.— Sleep and emotional disorders were common in adolescents with migraine. Sleep disorders and dysthymia were more prevalent with increased headache frequency. No correlation was noted with whole blood serotonin levels.
OTC Analgesics in Headache Treatment: Open‐Label Phase vs Randomized Double‐Blind Phase of a Large Clinical Trial
Authors: Pfaffenrath Volker , Diener Hans‐Christoph , Pageler Lutz , Peil Hubertus , Aicher Bernhard
Published: March 2009

Objective.— To compare the superior efficacy of the fixed combination of acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and caffeine over the single substances, which was observed in the randomized, double‐blind phase of the clinical trial, with the efficacy of the respective usual nonprescription medication taken by the patients in the open‐label pre‐phase of the same study.

Background.— The “Thomapyrin Study” showed significant superiority of the fixed combination containing acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and caffeine over the combination without caffeine, the single preparations, and placebo in the treatment of headache.

Methods.— Prior to the randomized treatment phase, a headache episode treated with the patient's usual nonprescription medication was recorded (open‐label pre‐phase). Patients assessed their pain intensity on a 100‐mm visual analog scale. For the 1734 patients included in the efficacy analysis, we compared the time course of the pain intensity difference (PID) to baseline after the patients took their usual medication with the time course of the PID after intake of the randomized study medication.

Results.— Time course of PID after intake of the patient's usual medication was very similar to the time course of PID after intake of the randomized study medication. After 2 hours, pain reduction was on average 43.0, 38.2, 38.1, and 37.7 mm as assessed on the visual analog scale in the group of patients who took their usual triple combination containing acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and caffeine, the single agents acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, respectively, in the open‐label phase. The corresponding mean pain reduction was 44.7, 40.7, and 39.5 mm in patients allocated to the triple combination containing acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and caffeine, the single agents acetylsalicylic acid, and paracetamol, respectively, in the randomized, double‐blind phase.

Conclusions.— The efficacy results from double‐blind, randomized clinical trials with nonprescription analgesics can be generalized and applied to everyday conditions provided patients and study design are selected carefully.
EFFECT OF LATRUNCULIN B AND BREFELDIN A ON CYTOKINESIS IN THE BROWN ALGA SCYTOSIPHON LOMENTARIA (SCYTOSIPHONALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Nagasato Chikako , Motomura Taizo
Published: March 2009

In zygotes of the brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lyngb.) Link, cytokinesis proceeds by growth of membranous sacs, which are formed by fusion of Golgi vesicles and flat cisternae accumulated at the future cytokinetic plane. It has been reported that depolymerization of actin filaments by latrunculin B does not inhibit mitosis. However, this molecule prevents the formation of the actin plate, which appears at the region of intermingled microtubules from each centrosome just before and during cytokinesis. In this study, zygotes treated with latrunculin B were observed using EM. Remarkably, this reagent inhibited the formation of flat cisternae. Golgi vesicles gathered around the midzone between the two daughter nuclei and fused with the plasma membrane there. As a result, the plasma membrane invaginated, in a complicated manner, into the cytoplasm. However, these invaginations of the plasma membrane never produced a continuous partition membrane. The ultrastructure of zygotes treated with brefeldin A, which prevents Golgi‐mediated secretion, was also examined. Flat cisternae appeared at the future cytokinetic plane, and a new cell partition membrane was formed. However, the partition membrane became thick, because it was filled with amorphous material rather than the normal rigid fibrous material. These results suggested that actin is involved in the formation of flat cisternae, where it is necessary for completion of the new cell partition membrane, and that Golgi vesicles may play an important role in the deposition of cell wall material.
GENETIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF THE SOUTHERN BULL KELP DURVILLAEA ANTARCTICA (PHAEOPHYCEAE: DURVILLAEALES) IN NEW ZEALAND REVEAL CRYPTIC SPECIES1
Authors: Fraser Ceridwen I. , Hay Cameron H. , Spencer Hamish G. , Waters Jonathan M.
Published: March 2009

Many macroalgae exhibit considerable intraspecific morphological variation, but whether such variation reflects phenotypic plasticity or underlying genetic differences is often poorly understood. We quantified both morphological and genetic variation of 96 plants from seven field sites across eastern South Island, New Zealand, to assess genetic differences between morphotypes of the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Cham.) Har. Consistent DNA sequence differentiation across mitochondrial, plastid, and nuclear loci was correlated with two broadly sympatric morphotypes: “cape” and “thonged.” These ecologically, morphologically, and genetically distinct bull‐kelp lineages were previously considered to be environmentally determined phenotypes with no underlying genetic basis. Interestingly, the sheltered “cape” lineage appears essentially genetically uniform across its South Island range, whereas the exposed “thonged” lineage exhibits marked phylogeographic structure across its range. Results suggest that D. antarctica in New Zealand comprises two reproductively isolated species.
Microhardness of a Resin Cement Polymerized by Light‐Emitting Diode and Halogen Lights through Ceramic
Authors: Hooshmand Tabassom , Mahmoodi Nasrin , Keshvad Alireza
Published: March 2009

Purpose: This study evaluated the curing efficiency of light‐emitting diode (LED) and halogen [quartz tungsten halogens (QTH)] lights through ceramic by determining the surface microhardness of a highly filled resin cement.

Materials and Methods: Resin cement specimens (Variolink Ultra; with and without catalyst) (5‐mm diameter, 1‐mm thick) were condensed in a Teflon mold. They were irradiated through a ceramic disc (IPS Empress 2, diameter 5 mm, thickness 2 mm) by high‐power light‐curing units as follows: (1) QTH for 40 seconds (continuous), (2) LED for 20 seconds, and (3) LED for 40 seconds (5‐second ramp mode). The specimens in control groups were cured under a Mylar strip. Vickers microhardness was measured on the top and bottom surfaces by a microhardness tester. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Bonferroni test at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The mean microhardness values of the top and bottom surfaces for the dual‐cured cement polymerized beneath the ceramic by QTH or LED (40 seconds) were significantly higher than that of light‐cured cement (p < 0.05). The top and bottom surface microhardness of dual‐cured cement polymerized beneath the ceramic did not show a statistically significant difference between the LED and QTH for 40 seconds (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The efficiency of high‐power LED light in polymerization of the resin cement used in this study was comparable to the high‐power QTH light only with a longer exposure time. A reduced curing time of 20 seconds with high‐power LED light for photopolymerizing the dual‐cured resin cement under ceramic restorations with a minimum 2‐mm thickness is not recommended.
Effect of Three Methods for Cleaning Dentures on Biofilms Formed In Vitro on Acrylic Resin
Authors: Oliveira Paranhos Helena F. , Silva‐Lovato Cláudia H. , De Souza Raphael F. , Cruz Patricia C. , De Freitas‐Pontes Karina M. , Watanabe Evandro , Ito Izabel Y.
Published: March 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three denture hygiene methods against different microbial biofilms formed on acrylic resin specimens.

Materials and methods: The set (sterile stainless steel basket and specimens) was contaminated (37°C for 48 hours) by a microbial inoculum with 106 colony‐forming units (CFU)/ml (standard strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis; field strains: S. mutans, C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis). After inoculation, specimens were cleansed by the following methods: (1) chemical: immersion in an alkaline peroxide solution (Bonyplus tablets) for 5 minutes; (2) mechanical: brushing with a dentifrice for removable prostheses (Dentu Creme) for 20 seconds; and (3) a combination of chemical and mechanical methods. Specimens were applied onto a Petri plate with appropriate culture medium for 10 minutes. Afterward, the specimens were removed and the plates incubated at 37°C for 48 hours.

Results: Chemical, mechanical, and combination methods showed no significant difference in the reduction of CFU for S. aureus, S. mutans (ATCC and field strain), and P. aeruginosa. Mechanical and combination methods were similar and more effective than the chemical method for E. faecalis, C. albicans (ATCC and field strain), and C. glabrata. The combination method was better than the chemical method for E. coli and C. tropicalis, and the mechanical method showed intermediate results.

Conclusion: The three denture hygiene methods showed different effects depending on the type of microbial biofilms formed on acrylic base resin specimens.
Effects of Intravenous Small Dose Ketamine and Midazolam on Postoperative Pain Following Knee Arthroscopy
Authors: Cagla Ozbakis Akkurt Buket , Inanoglu Kerem , Kalaci Aydiner , Turhanoglu Selim , Asfuroglu Zeynel , Tumkaya Feray
Published: March 2009

Background:  The aim of this randomized, double blind, controlled study was to assess the effect of intravenous coadministration of small dose midazolam with ketamine on postoperative pain and spinal block level.

Methods:  Sixty patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomized into three groups: Group I (saline control); group II (ketamine 0.15 mg/kg i.v.); and group III (ketamine 0.15 mg/kg +  midazolam 0.01 mg/kg i.v.). Sedation scores, visual analogue scores, time to first postoperative analgesic, total meperidine consumption, patient satisfaction, sensory and motor block levels, and two segments regression times were assessed.

Results:  Sedation scores were significantly lower in group I when compared with groups II and III at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after administration of the spinal anesthetic (P = 0.001). Sensory block was significantly higher in group III (P = 0.001) in comparison with group II. Two segment regression time was significantly longer in group II than group I, whereas no difference was found between groups II and III. Total meperidine consumption was significantly higher in group I (P = 0,001). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in group III compared with group I (P = 0.001), but no difference was found between groups II and III (P = 0.3).

Conclusion:  Ketamine improved the postoperative pain patient satisfaction, increased the maximal sensory level, and was associated with lower sedation scores in the first 15 minutes after administration. Group I was also associated with decreased total meperidine consumption and delayed the time to first recue analgesic administration. Coadministration of ketamine and midazolam did not provide any further benefit over ketamine alone.
Evaluation of Epidurographic Contrast Patterns with Fluoroscopic‐Guided Lumbar Interlaminar Ventral Epidural Injection
Authors: Choi Young K. , Barbella Joseph D.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Targeted ventral epidural steroid injection with a transforaminal approach has been widely used for the treatment of nerve root inflammation and pain. Lumbar interlaminar approach is also commonly used; however, ventral epidural injection may not be obtained properly. Lumbar interlaminar ventral epidural (LIVE) injection can be achieved as the epidural catheter is placed at the ventrolateral side of the nerve root. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the contrast dispersal pattern with LIVE injection.

Methods:  Forty patients with lower back and L5 radicular pain were studied. LIVE injection was performed with an epidural catheter inserted toward the 9 o'clock position (for the right side) or 3 o'clock position (for the left side) of the pedicle, where the catheter tip was placed at the ventrolateral side of the nerve root. A total of 2 mL of contrast was injected to determine the epidurographic pattern.

Results:  With 1‐mL injection, all patients showed excellent filling in the ventral epidural space of L5 nerve root. After a total of 2 mL injection, it showed rostral spread in 26/40 (65%) patients, and caudal spread in 34/40 (85%) patients. None of the patients showed intravascular injection, and no neural complications were reported.

Conclusions:  The data showed excellent spread of contrast into the nerve root and the ventral epidural space in all patients. There were no inadvertent vascular or neural complications. LIVE approach can be an alternative way to achieve targeted ventral epidural injection.
Human Health Risk Assessment of Penicillin/Aminopenicillin Resistance in Enterococci Due to Penicillin Use in Food Animals
Authors: Cox, Jr. Louis Anthony (Tony) , Popken Douglas A. , Mathers Jeremy J.
Published: March 2009

Penicillin and ampicillin drugs are approved for use in food animals in the United States to treat, control, and prevent diseases, and penicillin is approved for use to improve growth rates in pigs and poultry. This article considers the possibility that such uses might increase the incidence of ampicillin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium (AREF) of animal origin in human infections, leading to increased hospitalization and mortality due to reduced response to ampicillin or penicillin. We assess the risks from continued use of penicillin‐based drugs in food animals in the United States, using several assumptions to overcome current scientific uncertainties and data gaps. Multiplying the total at‐risk population of intensive care unit (ICU) patients by a series of estimated factors suggests that not more than 0.04 excess mortalities per year (under conservative assumptions) to 0.14 excess mortalities per year (under very conservative assumptions) might be prevented in the whole U.S. population if current use of penicillin drugs in food animals were discontinued and if this successfully reduced the prevalence of AREF infections among ICU patients. These calculations suggest that current penicillin usage in food animals in the United States presents very low (possibly zero) human health risks.
A Bayesian hierarchical trend analysis finds strong evidence for large‐scale temporal declines in stream ecological condition around Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Angus Webb J. , King Elise L.
Published: April 2009

Knowledge of temporal change in ecological condition is important for the understanding and management of ecosystems. However, analyses of trends in biological condition have been rare, as there are usually too few data points at any single site to use many trend analysis techniques. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to analyse temporal trends in stream ecological condition (as measured by the invertebrate‐based index SIGNAL) across Melbourne, Australia. The Bayesian hierarchical approach assumes dependency amongst the sampling sites. Results for each site “borrow strength” from the other data because model parameter values are assumed to be drawn from a larger common distribution. This leads to robust inference despite the few data that exist at each site. Utilising the flexibility of the Bayesian approach, we also modelled change over time as a function of catchment urbanisation, allowed for potential temporal and spatial autocorrelation of the data and trend estimates, and used prior information to improve the estimate of data uncertainty. We found strong evidence of a widespread decline in SIGNAL scores for edge habitats (areas of little or no flow). The rate of decline was positively associated with catchment urbanisation. There was no evidence of such declines for riffle habitats (areas with rapid and turbulent flow). Melbourne has experienced a decline in rainfall, indicative of either drought and/or longer‐term climate change. The results are consistent with the expected coupled effects of these rainfall changes and increasing urbanisation, but more research is needed to isolate a causal mechanism. More immediately, however, the Bayesian hierarchical approach has allowed us to identify a pattern in a biological monitoring data set that might otherwise have gone un‐noticed, and to demonstrate a large‐scale temporal decline in biological condition.
The Influence of Maternal History of Abuse on Parenting Knowledge and Behavior
Authors: Bert Shannon Carothers , Guner Bella Mironovna , Lanzi Robin Gaines ,   Centersfor Preventionof Child Neglect
Published: March 2009

This study examined the intergenerational transmission of abuse among a sample of 681 teen, adult low‐resource, and adult high‐resource first‐time mothers. Participants ranged in age from 14 to 36 years, with a mean of 20 years. Exposure to childhood emotional and to physical abuse were associated with 6‐month parenting behavior but not with parenting knowledge. Teen mothers, as opposed to adult mothers, had higher mean scores for exposure to childhood emotional and physical abuse. Adult high‐resource mothers reported lower mean scores on each abuse outcome than both teen and adult low‐resource mothers. For the total sample of mothers, as past exposure to emotional and physical abuse increased, maternal responsivity decreased and opinions toward, and propensities for, abusive behavior increased.
Risk Factors of Normal Ankle–Brachial Index and Low Toe–Brachial Index in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Morimoto Satoshi , Nakajima Fumitaka , Yurugi Takatomi , Morita Tatsuyori , Jo Fusakazu , Nishikawa Mitsushige , Iwasaka Toshiji , Maki Kei
Published: March 2009

The prevalence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease is high in patients with terminal renal failure, and it is a major problem in those on dialysis. A low ankle–brachial index (ABI) suggests the presence of arterial stenotic lesions between the aorta and the ankle joint, while a low toe–brachial index (TBI) suggests stenotic lesions between the aorta and the toes. Therefore, a normal ABI (≥0.9) and a low TBI (<0.6) may indicate the presence of stenotic lesions located only on the peripheral side of the ankle joint. In the present study, risk factors of normal ABI/low TBI were investigated. In 115 patients on maintenance dialysis, the ABI and TBI were simultaneously measured, and the background factors and laboratory data of patients with normal ABI/low TBI (L group) and those with normal ABI/normal TBI (≥0.6) (N group) were compared. Low ankle–brachial and toe–brachial indices were detected in 13% and 22% of the patients, respectively. Comparison of the background factors and laboratory data between the N and L groups showed that the ratio of diabetes mellitus, interdialytic body weight gain, and HbA1c values were significantly higher in the L group than in the N group. It was clarified that diabetes and excess body weight gain are involved as risk factors in dialysis patients with normal ABI/low TBI.
Malnutrition–Inflammation Complex Syndrome and Hepatitis C in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Vlatkovic Vlastimir , Trbojevic‐Stankovic Jasna , Stojimirovic Biljana
Published: March 2009

Protein‐energy malnutrition and inflammation are among the leading causes of poor outcome in hemodialysis patients. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is accompanied by elevated proinflammatory mediators, also found in dialysis patients with malnutrition–inflammation complex syndrome. We aimed to study the rate and characteristics of malnutrition–inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) in hemodialysis patients, especially those with hepatitis C. The study included 147 patients (mean age 55.1 ± 12.9 years), 24.5% of whom were HCV‐positive, undergoing adequate hemodialysis three times a week for the last 52.7 ± 52.5 months. Parameters of nutrition and inflammation were investigated to evaluate MICS. HCV‐positive vs. HCV‐negative patients had significantly higher hematocrit (29.6 ± 4.5 g/dL vs. 28.1 ± 4.3, P < 0.05), uric acid (345.8 ± 96.5 vs. 321.3 ± 118.8 µmol/mL, P < 0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT]) (23.3 ± 14.9 vs. 17.8 ± 9 U/L, P < 0.008), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, also known as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase [SGPT]) (41.2 ± 28.7 vs. 26.6 ± 17.1 U/L, P < 0.0003), serum creatinine (980.4 ± 219.1 vs. 888.4 ± 202.9 µmol/mL, P < 0.022), intact parathyroid hormone (329.7 ± 630.5 vs. 110.2 ± 145.3 pg/mL, P < 0.002), malnutrition–inflammation score (7.4 ± 5.2 vs. 5.6 ± 4.1, P < 0.038), and Charlson comorbidity index (4.5 ± 1.5 vs. 4 ± 1.4, P < 0.05). MICS had a prevalence of 20–40% in our study. HCV‐positive patients had a significantly higher prevalence of MICS than HCV‐negative patients (30–40% vs. 20–30%).
Case Reports of the Use of Immunoadsorption or Plasma Exchange in High‐risk Pregnancies of Women With Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Bortolati Maria , Marson Piero , Chiarelli Silvia , Tison Tiziana , Facchinetti Myriam , Gervasi Maria Teresa , De Silvestro Giustina , Ruffatti Amelia
Published: March 2009

Conventional treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) pregnancies with aspirin and/or heparin is sometimes unable to counteract maternal and/or fetal complications. In this article we report the cases of two patients who were unresponsive to conventional treatment for APS during their first pregnancy, and who were treated in the following pregnancy with plasma exchange and immunoadsorption respectively, in addition to conventional therapy. Both patients had a history of thrombotic events, a previous pregnancy loss at the 11th week of gestation and the same antiphospholipid antibody profile (lupus anticoagulant activity and high titers of immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti‐β2 glycoprotein I and IgG anticardiolipin antibodies). Patient 1 was treated from the fourth week of her second pregnancy with weekly plasma exchange. Due to fetal growth restriction and oligohydramnios in the 26th week she delivered, by cesarean section, a healthy female infant weighing 730 g who survived. Patient 2 was treated from the seventh week of her second pregnancy with twice a week protein A immunoadsorption. The pregnancy proceeded normally until the 36th week, when, due to slight intrauterine growth restriction, she delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 2375 g by cesarean section. Anti‐β2 glycoprotein I antibody trends were similar during both types of treatment. On the basis of our findings obtained from only two cases it is impossible to define the best aphaeretic treatment of APS high risk pregnancies. Nevertheless, as a whole these data suggest better disease control using the immunoadsorption technique as compared to plasma exchange, despite their apparently similar anti‐β2 glycoprotein I antibody removal capabilities.
KT3D_H2O: A Program for Kriging Water Level Data Using Hydrologic Drift Terms
Authors: Karanovic Marinko , Tonkin Matthew , Wilson David
Published: March 2009

It is often necessary to estimate the zone of contribution to, or the capture zone developed by, pumped wells: for example, when evaluating pump‐and‐treat remedies and when developing wellhead protection areas for supply wells. Tonkin and Larson (2002) and Brochu and Marcotte (2003) describe a mapping‐based method for estimating the capture zone of pumped wells, developed by combining universal kriging (kriging with a trend) with analytical expressions that describe the response of the potentiometric surface to certain applied stresses. This Methods Note describes (a) expansions to the techinque described by Tonkin and Larson (2002); (b) the concept of the capture frequency map (CFM), a technique that combines information from multiple capture zone maps into a single depiction of capture; (c) the development of a graphical user interface to facilitate the use of the methods described; and (d) the integration of these programs within the MapWindow geographic information system environment. An example application is presented that illustrates ground water level contours, capture zones, and a CFM prepared using the methods and software described.
The Venturesome Economy: How Innovation Sustains Prosperity in a More Connected World*
Authors: Bhidé Amar
Published: March 2009

Many observers have warned that the next stage of globalization—the offshoring of research and development to China and India—threatens the foundations of Western prosperity. But in this article, the author explains why the doomsayers are likely to be wrong.

Using extensive field studies on venture capital‐backed businesses to examine how technology is really used to create value in modern economies, this article explains how and why scientific advances abroad generally contribute to prosperity at home, and why trying to maintain the U.S. lead by subsidizing more research or training more scientists is likely to do more harm than good.

When breakthrough ideas have no borders, a nation's capacity to exploit cutting‐edge research regardless of where it originates is the key to its economic competitiveness. “Venturesome consumption”—that is, the willingness and ability of businesses and consumers to use products and technologies derived from scientific research in the most effective ways—is far more important than having a share of the research. And for this reason, well‐developed and “venturesome” economies like the U.S. benefit disproportionately from scientific innovations abroad. To cite just one example discussed at length in this article, the success of Apple's iPod owes much to technologies that were developed largely in Asia and Europe.

The proven ability of the United States to remain at the forefront of the global “innovation game” reflects the contributions of many players—not just a few brilliant scientists and engineers, but literally millions of U.S. entrepreneurs, managers, financiers, salespersons, and, to a very large degree, U.S. consumers. As long as their venturesome spirit remains alive and well, advances abroad should not be feared but welcomed.
Whither Capitalism?*
Authors: Roach Stephen S.
Published: March 2009

The global financial crisis and policy responses to it have led many to question their fundamental belief in market‐based capitalism. In the U.S., the epicenter of the crisis and poster child of capitalism, signs of creeping nationalization of the financial system have raised fears that the basic model is being turned inside out.

In this essay, the author argues that, with more than 90% of the U.S. private sector still operating “largely as a free‐enterprise system,” concerns about nationalization and government involvement in the marketplace are greatly exaggerated. More troubling are the diminishing prospects for a prompt post‐crisis normalization of fiscal and monetary policy, and for a decisive and transparent exit strategy from the present “policies of crisis containment.” In the absence of such decisiveness and transparency, the debate over the efficacy of market‐based capitalism will continue.

The longer‐run challenge is to learn from the crisis and take measures designed to limit risk‐taking to acceptable levels in today's global financial environment, with its continuous cross‐border flow of information, trade, and human as well as financial capital. Making Wall Street the villain is the path of least resistance in a politically charged environment, but any fix must be grounded in shared responsibility. As the author says in closing, “Governance, or the lack thereof—both within the private sector as well as by those charged with regulation and oversight—proved to be the weak link in the chain. Fix that, and capitalism will be just fine.”
Private Equity vs. PLC Boards in the U.K.: A Comparison of Practices and Effectiveness
Authors: Acharya Viral V. , Kehoe Conor , Reyner Michael
Published: March 2009

The consistently higher returns generated by the most successful private equity firms have been attributed in part to their willingness to take on high levels of debt and their ability to exit from their investments at attractive multiples. But recent research suggests that the largest contributor to the superior performance of the best PE firms has been their ability to improve the operating performance of the companies they buy. And as the authors of this article argue, a key source of such improvements are fundamental differences in the way boards function in the public and private realm.

Using in‐depth interviews with 20 executives who have served on both PE and plc boards of relatively large U.K. companies, the authors provide a number of suggestive insights into such differences:

Perhaps the most visible of these differences is the “single‐minded” focus of PE boards on “value creation,” as contrasted with the focus of plc boards on issues of “governance” and “compliance.”

Whereas PE boards view their role as “leading” the strategy of the firm and overseeing its execution by top management, plc boards are described as “monitoring” or “accompanying” strategies that are proposed and executed by management.

Whereas PE boards report near‐complete alignment of objectives between executive and non‐executive directors, plc boards are described as having multiple commitments to and priorities that are divided among multiple stakeholders.

Finally, whereas PE board members undergo an intensive “due diligence” process when joining boards, have frequent ongoing contacts with management, and focus heavily on the cash‐generating capacity of the business, initiations of plc board members are much more formal and ceremonial, their dealings with operating management are few and limited, and the information provided them has an “accounting” orientation and covers a broad range of subjects and corporate “responsibilities.”
Corporate Governance and Labor Relations*
Authors: Kim E. Han
Published: March 2009

This article begins with the premise that since the corporation involves a symbiotic relationship between labor and capital, a single‐minded focus on shareholder value is likely to be shortsighted, and some degree of employee influence on corporate governance has the potential to increase an organization's efficiency and value. But the set of findings and implications that emerge from the author's analysis is a complicated one. On the one hand, “moderate” levels of employee ownership (for example, the 6% ownership of the average American ESOP) are associated with increases in corporate productivity and values as well as worker morale and productivity. On the other hand, majority employee ownership and corporate ownership and governance systems like “co‐determination” that give labor a major say on governance issues often lead to worker‐management alliances that end up hurting the firm's investors—and, in the longer run, the workers themselves— by reducing competitiveness. The author ends with a call for a balanced governance system that, while aiming to maximize the total value of the enterprise, seeks to encourage the participation and emotional allegiance of workers—and indeed all important corporate stakeholders.
Designing a U.S. Market for CO2
Authors: Parsons John E. , Ellerman A. Denny , Feilhauer Stephan
Published: March 2009

The United States may soon have a market for carbon. If so, that market will grow out of a cap‐and‐trade system like the EU's Emissions Trading System for CO2 or the U.S. Acid Rain Program for SO2.

This article reviews the historical performance of these two markets, with particular focus on how the flexibility afforded by, as well as restrictions on, the “banking” and borrowing of allowances has affected the evolution of prices. While both markets have generally functioned well, four episodes are used to illustrate the importance of designing the rules to encourage such flexibility.

The 2005 opening of the EU CO2 market was marked by a surprisingly high price, one that resulted from a delay in institutions with long positions in allowances (“longs”) bringing supply to the market.

The 2007 close of the first phase produced a sharp divergence between the spot price at the end of 2007 and the futures price for 2008, reflecting the restriction against carrying over (or “banking”) allowances from one phase to the next.

The U.S. SO2 market's transition to a tighter system in 2000 avoided such a divergence by allowing unlimited banking of allowances into the second phase.

In 2005‐2006, the U.S. SO2 market experienced a surprising price spike attributable to a combination of changing fundamentals and institutional features (notably, the tax treatment of “longs”) that undermined the flexibility of the bank.
Remaking the Anglophilic city: Visual spectacles in suburbia
Authors: Cupples Julie
Published: March 2009

Abstract:   In the late 1990s, the residents of the Christchurch suburb of Halswell began to extensively engage in the practice of adorning their homes with Christmas lights. While the lights attract many visitors from other parts of the city, many Christchurch people are highly critical of them on grounds of taste. An exploration of the diverse attitudes toward this cultural practice demonstrates the complex ways in which local urban identities are articulated. While the Christmas lights reproduce processes of suburban social conformity and normativity, they also constitute a more postmodern site in which the established heritage meanings of Christchurch based on notions of Englishness are disrupted.
Colonial transformations: Nature, progress and science in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Authors: Ginn Franklin
Published: March 2009

Abstract:   The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are popularly portrayed, both positively and negatively, as an icon of colonial heritage. This paper explores the cultural, social and scientific functions of the Gardens in the 19th century, and argues that they did not simply support colonization. Rather, the Gardens were a site of negotiation, conflict and contradictory meaning. The aim is to show the colonial project, embodied in the space of the Botanic Gardens, as fraught and vulnerable, rather than as the extension of panoptic European power.
Calmodulin kinase II initiates arrhythmogenicity during metabolic acidification in murine hearts
Authors: Pedersen T. H. , Gurung I. S. , Grace A. , Huang C. L.‐H.
Published: March 2009

Aim:  The multifunctional signal molecule calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) has been associated with cardiac arrhythmogenesis under conditions where its activity is chronically elevated. Recent studies report that its activity is also acutely elevated during acidosis. We test a hypothesis implicating CaMKII in the arrhythmogenesis accompanying metabolic acidification.

Methods:  We obtained monophasic action potential recordings from Langendorff‐perfused whole heart preparations and single cell action potentials (AP) using whole‐cell patch‐clamped ventricular myocytes. Spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticular (SR) Ca2+release events during metabolic acidification were investigated using confocal microscope imaging of Fluo‐4‐loaded ventricular myocytes.

Results:  In Langendorff‐perfused murine hearts, introduction of lactic acid into the Krebs‐Henseleit perfusate resulted in abnormal electrical activity and ventricular tachycardia. The CaMKII inhibitor, KN‐93 (2 μm), reversibly suppressed this spontaneous arrhythmogenesis during intrinsic rhythm and regular 8 Hz pacing. However, it failed to suppress arrhythmia evoked by programmed electrical stimulation. These findings paralleled a CaMKII‐independent reduction in the transmural repolarization gradients during acidosis, which previously has been associated with the re‐entrant substrate under other conditions. Similar acidification produced spontaneous AP firing and membrane potential oscillations in patch‐clamped isolated ventricular myocytes when pipette solutions permitted cytosolic Ca2+ to increase following acidification. However, these were abolished by both KN‐93 and use of pipette solutions that held cytosolic Ca2+ constant during acidosis. Acidosis also induced spontaneous Ca2+ waves in isolated intact Fluo‐4‐loaded myocytes studied using confocal microscopy that were abolished by KN‐93.

Conclusion:  These findings together implicate CaMKII‐dependent SR Ca2+ waves in spontaneous arrhythmic events during metabolic acidification.
Determinants of Competitiveness: Observations in China's Textile and Apparel Industries
Authors: Lau Chi‐Keung , To Kin‐Man , Zhang Zhiming , Chen Jing
Published: March 2009

This paper attempts to explore key determinants of competitiveness in the textile and apparel industries, with special reference to Chinese Mainland. The authors conduct a survey that is designed to use productivity, supply‐side and demand‐side determinants to measure enterprises' competitiveness. The collected survey data is then analyzed using factor analysis to capture the related determining factors indicative of competitiveness at the enterprise level. The findings demonstrate that government policies and related industry infrastructure are the most important determinants of competitiveness in the textile and apparel industries, followed by domestic demand. This suggests that the improvement of industry infrastructure can foster industry performance, and that more resources should be endowed to enhance the domestic business competitiveness of local enterprises. The development of domestic demand will foster the competitiveness of the textile and apparel industries on a more sustainable basis.
Analysis of China's Renewable Energy Development under the Current Economic and Technical Circumstances
Authors: Shi Dan
Published: March 2009

At present, the development of renewable energy relies mainly on government support. The government invests in a considerable number of projects to improve public welfare and to assist in poverty relief. If China is to replace fossil fuels on a large scale with renewable energy sources, the production costs and prices of renewable energy must be brought down. All countries are facing the challenge of moving to a more secure and low‐carbon energy system without weakening economic and social development. In this regard, China is facing an even greater challenge in terms of economic cost, as cheap coal remains the main energy form. Technical innovation and industrialization in the area of renewable energy is an important means of lowering cost. China is in for a period of high‐speed development of its economy and the rising demand for energy is irreversible. If the technical progress and development speed of renewable energy lags behind the growth in demand, it will be difficult to realize the improvement of its energy structure.
New Spatial Logics in Global Cities Research: Networks, Flows and New Political Spaces
Authors: Lai Karen P. Y.
Published: March 2009

While world cities or global cities research has become an established interdisciplinary field over a few short decades, criticisms have been levelled at its narrow focus on selected leading cities and specific economic activities of corporate headquarters, finance and advanced producer services. This article identifies four recent strands of research from geographers and urban scholars seeking more nuanced and critical approaches to processes of globalisation and urban development. First, there has been a shift away from examining urban hierarchies to exploring networks and flows between global cities and the adoption of a relational perspective. Second, there has been a re‐scaling of analysis to examine global city‐regions and global city‐states. Third, researchers have turned to ‘alternative’ global cities to reveal new nodes and networks that were often written off conventional accounts of the global cities map. Fourth, there has been greater emphasis on social inequality and urban politics within global cities and challenges for positive social change. The concluding section draws together some common themes than run through these research trajectories and highlights some future research agendas that capitalise on geographers’ sensitivity to place in studying global cities. This place‐based perspective appreciates the very differences that enable global cities to perform particular roles in the global urban network. It also recognises global cities as inhabited by real people and communities and the impetus for positive social change in the face of intraurban and interurban inequalities.
Karl Pearson's Influence in the United States
Authors: Bellhouse David R.
Published: March 2009

Karl Pearson, the founder of mathematical statistics, was the leading statistical researcher from the 1890s up to about 1920. His interests were wide‐ranging and so his impact on statistics in the United States was also wide‐ranging. Many American researchers came to University College London to study with him. Others studied his work from afar. In the United States, Pearsonian statistics first penetrated the academic landscape in biology. This was soon followed by the fields of economics and psychology. It was not until relatively late in Pearson's career that several American mathematicians took up statistics as a serious research topic.