bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenological growth stages of Brachypodium distachyon: codification and description
Authors: HONG S‐Y , PARK J‐H , CHO S‐H , YANG M‐S , PARK C‐M
Published: July 2011

Hong S‐Y, Park J‐H, Cho S‐H, Yang M‐S & Park C‐M (2011). Phenological growth stages of Brachypodium distachyon: codification and description. Weed Research51, 612–620.

Brachypodium distachyon is being used as a new model monocotyledon for grass crop research and bioenergy grass biotechnology. With the recent completion of the full genome sequencing project, one of the next major challenges is to determine the functional activities of many genes. In an attempt to aid the rapid determination of gene function in crop plants, a high throughput phenotypic analysis system has been established through phenological analyses of a series of defined growth stages. The codification follows the BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie) scale, a numerical system that differentiates between principal and secondary growth stages from seed germination to flower head emergence and seed ripening. We present here analyses of the phenological development stages of B. distachyon to illustrate a methodological framework that can be used to identify and interpret phenotypic differences derived from genetic variations and environmental stress responses in this plant species. This scale may greatly contribute to the B. distachyon research in the future, particularly to functional determination of genes that mediate biomass productivity. It may also serve as a suitable tool for defining the growth stages of other grass species.
Attenuation of cocaine‐induced locomotor sensitization in rats sustaining genetic or pharmacologic antagonism of ghrelin receptors
Authors: Clifford P. Shane , Rodriguez Juan , Schul Destri , Hughes Samuel , Kniffin Tracey , Hart Nigel , Eitan Shoshana , Brunel Luc , Fehrentz Jean‐Alain , Martinez Jean , Wellman Paul J.
Published: July 2011

Systemic infusions of the orexigenic peptide ghrelin (GHR) increase dopamine levels within the nucleus accumbens and augment cocaine‐stimulated locomotion and conditioned place preference in rats; observations that suggest an important role for GHR and GHR receptors (GHR‐Rs) in drug reinforcement. In the present studies, we examined the development of cocaine locomotor sensitization in rats, sustaining either pharmacologic antagonism or genetic ablation of GHR‐Rs. In a pharmacologic study, adult male rats were injected (i.p.) with either 0, 3 or 6 mg/kg JMV 2959 (a GHR‐R1 receptor antagonist), and 20 minutes later, with either vehicle or 10 mg/kg cocaine HCl on each of 7 consecutive days. Rats pretreated with JMV 2959 showed significantly attenuated cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion. In a second study, adult wild‐type (WT) or mutant rats sustaining ENU‐induced knockout of GHR‐R [GHR‐R (−/−)] received daily injections (i.p.) of vehicle (0.9% saline) or 10.0 mg/kg cocaine HCl for 14 successive days. GHR‐R null rats treated repeatedly with cocaine showed diminished development of cocaine locomotor sensitization relative to WT rats treated with cocaine. To verify the lack of GHR‐R function in the GHR‐R (−/−) rats, a separate feeding experiment was conducted in which WT rats, but not GHR‐R (−/−) rats, were noted to eat more after a systemic injection of 15 nmol GHR than after vehicle. These results suggest that GHR‐R activity is required for the induction of locomotor sensitization to cocaine and complement an emerging literature implicating central GHR systems in drug reward. GHR is an orexigenic gut peptide that is transported across the blood–brain barrier and interacts with GHR‐Rs located on ventral tegmental dopamine neurons.
Addictive potential of modafinil and cross‐sensitization with cocaine: a pre‐clinical study
Authors: Wuo‐Silva Raphael , Fukushiro Daniela F. , Borçoi Aline R. , Fernandes Helaine A. , Procópio‐Souza Roberta , Hollais André W. , Santos Renan , Ribeiro Luciana T. C. , Corrêa Jussara M. R. M. , Talhati Fernanda , Saito Luis P. , Aramini Tatiana C. F. , Kameda Sonia R. , Bittencourt Lia R. A. , Tufik Sergio , Frussa‐Filho Roberto
Published: July 2011

Repeated or even a single exposure to drugs of abuse can lead to persistent locomotor sensitization, which is the result of an abundance of neuroplastic changes occurring within the circuitry involved in motivational behavior and is thought to play a key role in certain aspects of drug addiction. There is substantial controversy about the addictive potential of modafinil, a wake‐promoting drug used to treat narcolepsy that is increasingly being used as a cognitive enhancer and has been proposed as a pharmacotherapy for cocaine dependence. Male mice were used to investigate the ability of modafinil to induce locomotor sensitization after repeated or single administration in mice. Bidirectional cross‐sensitization with cocaine and modafinil‐induced conditioned place preference were also evaluated. Both repeated and single exposure to moderate and high doses of modafinil produced a pronounced locomotor sensitization that cross‐sensitized in a bidirectional way with cocaine. Remarkably, when cocaine and modafinil were repeatedly administered sequentially, their behavioral sensitization was additive. Supporting these behavioral sensitization data, modafinil produced a pronounced conditioned place preference in the mouse. Taken together, the present findings provide pre‐clinical evidence for the addictive potential of modafinil. Our data also strongly suggest that similar neural substrates are involved in the psychomotor/rewarding effects of modafinil and cocaine.
The mGluR5 antagonist MPEP elevates accumbal dopamine and glycine levels; interaction with strychnine‐sensitive glycine receptors
Authors: Chau PeiPei , Söderpalm Bo , Ericson Mia
Published: July 2011

Studies have indicated that the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist 6‐methyl‐2‐(phenylethynyl)‐pyridine (MPEP) decreases ethanol self‐administration, and the same receptor type was also suggested to be involved in the mechanism of action of the anti‐craving substance acamprosate. Our previous research suggested that glycine receptors (GlyRs) in the nucleus accumbens (nAc) play a major part in mediating the dopamine‐elevating properties of ethanol and are highly involved in the ethanol intake‐reducing effect of acamprosate. The aim of this study was to examine if modulation of nAc dopamine via mGluR5 antagonism or GlyR agonism is a linked or separated phenomena. The extracellular levels of dopamine as well as of the GlyR ligands, glycine, taurine and β‐alanine were measured in the nAc by means of microdialysis after local perfusion of MPEP (100 or 500 µM) with or without pre‐treatment with strychnine. MPEP increased dopamine levels, an effect that was blocked by pre‐treatment with strychnine. In addition, the higher MPEP concentration increased glycine output, whereas no alterations of taurine or β‐alanine were observed. These results indicate a relationship between the glutamatergic and glycinergic transmitter systems in regulating dopamine output, possibly via alteration of extracellular glycine levels. Taken together with our previous data demonstrating the importance of accumbal GlyRs both in ethanol‐induced elevation of nAc dopamine and in ethanol consumption, it is plausible that the effects of MPEP treatment, on dopamine output and on ethanol intake, may be mediated via interaction with the same neuronal circuitry that previously has been demonstrated for ethanol, taurine and acamprosate.
Validating incentive salience with functional magnetic resonance imaging: association between mesolimbic cue reactivity and attentional bias in alcohol‐dependent patients
Authors: Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Loeber Sabine , Richter Anne , Kirsch Martina , Bach Patrick , von der Goltz Christoph , Hermann Derik , Mann Karl , Kiefer Falk
Published: July 2011

Alcohol‐associated cues are able to elicit brain activations in mesocorticolimbic networks that are related to the rewarding properties of the drug. Some authors hypothesize that the activation of the mesocorticolimbic reward system triggers an attention allocation to alcohol‐associated cues. Yet, no functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining this proposition are available. In this fMRI study we investigate the association between attentional bias and neural cue reactivity. Thirty‐eight recently abstinent alcohol‐dependent patients were examined. fMRI was used to study cue reactivity during the presentation of alcohol‐related pictures. A modified visual dot‐probe task was used to assess attentional bias. Alcohol‐dependent patients showed an attentional bias to alcohol‐associated cues as well as cue‐induced fMRI activation in response to alcohol‐related stimuli in limbic and reward‐related brain regions and visual areas. We found a positive correlation between cue‐induced brain activation and attentional bias score in a network including frontal, temporal and subcortical regions. This study is the first demonstrating that, in line with previous suggestions, cue induced activation of the mesocorticolimbic reward system triggers focusing attention to substance‐associated cues. However, this association could also be bidirectional with the attentional bias enhancing cue‐induced neural activity.
Pharmacoeconomic analysis of voriconazole vs. caspofungin in the empirical antifungal therapy of febrile neutropenia in Australia
Authors: Al‐Badriyeh Daoud , Liew Danny , Stewart Kay , Kong David C. M.
Published: July 2011

In two major clinical trials, voriconazole and caspofungin were recommended as alternatives to liposomal amphotericin B for empirical use in febrile neutropenia. This study investigated the health economic impact of using voriconazole vs. caspofungin in patients with febrile neutropenia. A decision analytic model was developed to measure downstream consequences of empirical antifungal therapy. Clinical outcomes measured were success, breakthrough infection, persistent base‐line infection, persistent fever, premature discontinuation and death. Treatment transition probabilities and patterns were directly derived from data in two relevant randomised controlled trials. Resource use was estimated using an expert clinical panel. Cost inputs were obtained from latest Australian sources. The analysis adopted the perspective of the Australian hospital system. The use of caspofungin led to a lower expected mean cost per patient than voriconazole (AU$40 558 vs. AU$41 356), with a net cost saving of AU$798 (1.9%) per patient. Results were most sensitive to the duration of therapy and the alternative therapy used post‐discontinuation. In uncertainty analysis, the cost associated with caspofungin is less than that with voriconazole in 65.5% of cases. This is the first economic evaluation of voriconazole vs. caspofungin for empirical therapy. Caspofungin appears to have a higher probability of having cost‐savings than voriconazole for empirical therapy. The difference between the two medications does not seem to be statistically significant however.
Heritability Estimate and Genetic Correlations of Reproductive Features in Nellore Bulls, Offspring of Super Precocious, Precocious and Normal Cows Under Extensive Farming Conditions
Authors: Siqueira JB , Oba E , Pinho RO , Quintino HP , Eler JP , Miranda Neto T , Guimarães SEF , Guimarães JD
Published: July 2011

Contents

The present work aimed to estimate heritability and genetic correlations of reproductive features of Nellore bulls, offspring of mothers classified as superprecocious (M1), precocious (M2) and normal (M3). Twenty one thousand hundred and eighty‐six animals with average age of 21.29 months were used, evaluated through the breeding soundness evaluation from 1999 to 2008. The breeding soundness features included physical semen evaluation (progressive sperm motility and sperm vigour), semen morphology (major, minor and total sperm defects), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular volume (TV) and SC at 18 months of age (SC18). The components of variance, heritability and genetic correlations for and between the features were estimated simultaneously by restricted maximum likelihood, with the use of the vce software system vs 6. The heritability estimates were high for SC18, SC and TV (0.43, 0.63 and 0.54; 0.45, 0.45 and 0.44; 0.42, 0.45 and 0.41, respectively for the categories of mothers M1, M2 and M3) and low for physical and morphological semen aspects. The genetic correlations between SC18 and SC were high, as well as between these variables with TV. High and positive genetic correlations were recorded among SC18, SC and TV with the physical aspects of the semen, although no favourable association was verified with the morphological aspects, for the three categories of mothers. It can be concluded that the mother’s sexual precocity did not affect the heritability of their offspring reproduction features.
Role of Ginger Against the Reproductive Toxicity of Aluminium Chloride in Albino Male Rats
Authors: Moselhy WA , Helmy NA , Abdel‐Halim BR , Nabil TM , Abdel‐Hamid MI
Published: July 2011

Contents

The aim of the current study was to evaluate reproductive disorders concomitant with aluminium chloride (AlCl3) toxicity in Albino male rats. Attention was also directed to study the protective influence of ginger against this toxicity. Forty‐five mature Albino Wistar male rats were equally divided into three groups; the first group was served as control group while those of the second group (AlCl3) were daily treated with 34 mg/kg bw. AlCl3 orally. The third group (AlCl3 + ginger) was treated daily with AlCl3 as in group 2 in combination with ginger (40 mg/kg bw), which started 2 weeks prior to AlCl3. Five animals from each group were sacrificed on days 30, 45 and 60 of treatment. AlCl3 administration significantly decreased serum testosterone levels, increased testicular homogenate malondialdehyde and deteriorated semen picture with increased testicular DNA fragmentation. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes of the seminiferous tubules with focal areas of necrosed spermatogenic cells, marked degeneration and desquamation of the lining epithelial cells of epididymis as well as multiple calcified material in prostate gland following 60 days of aluminium treatment. Ginger treatment started to improve significantly all studied parameters after 60 days as compared with AlCl3‐treated group. In the current study, it was concluded that AlCl3 had a destructive effect on all the studied reproductive parameters. Treatment with ginger has an ameliorating effect against AlCl3 toxicity after 60 days post‐treatment.
Initiating allopurinol therapy: do we need to know the patient's human leucocyte antigen status?
Authors: Lee M. H. , Stocker S. L. , Anderson J. , Phillips E. J. , Nolan D. , Williams K. M. , Graham G. G. , Sullivan J. R. , Day R. O.
Published: July 2011

Aims:  Allopurinol hypersensitivity (AH) can rarely be manifest as Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) that have high mortality rates. Less serious, but still significant, skin and systemic hypersensitivity reactions form part of the AH spectrum. One hundred per cent of Han Chinese with SJS/TEN due to allopurinol have been found to be at least heterozygous for HLA‐B*5801, the carriage rate for this allele in the Han Chinese population being about 15%. The association has been found to be weaker in Caucasians whose HLA‐B*5801 carriage rate is less than 6%. We examined the relationship between the different skin hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol and the HLA‐B locus in Australian patients.

Methods:  We examined 23 patients referred with AH.

Results:  Five of six Australian SJS/TEN patients were heterozygous for HLA‐B*5801 and four were of South‐East Asian origin. Five AH patients without SJS/TEN were all Caucasian and only one of these was positive for HLA‐B*5801. Twelve patients with allopurinol‐induced maculopapular exanthema were negative for HLA‐B*5801, including one South‐East Asian.

Conclusions:  Cases of AH manifesting as SJS/TENS in Australians are more likely to be in those of Asian heritage. The place of routine testing for HLA‐B*5801 prior to commencing allopurinol therapy requires further investigation. However, Han Chinese origin patients commencing allopurinol might be informed of the test and may elect to have it performed as there are alternative hypouricaemic medicines, such as probenecid thereby reducing the risk of a catastrophic reaction to allopurinol.
Use of biological disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs in patients with concurrent rheumatic disease and hepatitis B
Authors: King L. K. , Lee A. , Anandacoomarasamy A.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Biological disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are effective in the management of inflammatory arthritides. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potential adverse outcome in patients treated with bDMARDs. There is currently no consensus on the approach to identifying and treating these patients with underlying HBV infection.

Aim:  The aims of this study were to assess the risk of HBV reactivation in patients treated with bDMARDs, and to determine whether HBV screening should be carried out in all patients prior to commencing bDMARDs.

Methods:  A literature search was undertaken to identify all reports of patients with inflammatory arthritides and concurrent HBV infection being treated with bDMARDs.

Results:  Forty‐three patients with HBV infection were identified, of whom eight patients developed HBV reactivation after exposure to bDMARDs. Of the patients who experienced reactivation, two had unknown infection that surfaced during bDMARD therapy. Patients who experienced reactivation were promptly treated with antiviral therapy and saw clinical improvement. There are no long‐term data on these patients.

Conclusions:  HBV reactivation may result in serious consequences, including death. Tuberculosis screening prior to bDMARD treatment is already standard practice, as is HBV screening for patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Implementing HBV screening for all patients prior to bDMARD treatment can identify patients with chronic HBV who may require antiviral therapy.
Rare case of spina bifida in both twins with possible genetic basis
Authors: Lembet Arda , Uğurlu Evin Nil , Toprak Taner , Bastu Ercan
Published: July 2011

Neural tube defects (NTD) are a group of congenital malformations of the brain and spine, the etiology of which is still debated. Although presumed to be the consequence of interactions between genetic and environmental factors, so far, it is not known which genes are involved in the pathogenesis of these malformations. NTD affecting both fetuses in a twin gestation is a rare event. In view of this rarity, we present a case of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with spina bifida in both fetuses concordantly. This gestation was preceeded by another dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy that was complicated by placental abruption.
A framework for studying transient dynamics of population projection matrix models
Authors: Stott Iain , Townley Stuart , Hodgson David James
Published: July 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 959–970

Empirical models are central to effective conservation and population management, and should be predictive of real‐world dynamics. Available modelling methods are diverse, but analysis usually focuses on long‐term dynamics that are unable to describe the complicated short‐term time series that can arise even from simple models following ecological disturbances or perturbations. Recent interest in such transient dynamics has led to diverse methodologies for their quantification in density‐independent, time‐invariant population projection matrix (PPM) models, but the fragmented nature of this literature has stifled the widespread analysis of transients. We review the literature on transient analyses of linear PPM models and synthesise a coherent framework. We promote the use of standardised indices, and categorise indices according to their focus on either convergence times or transient population density, and on either transient bounds or case‐specific transient dynamics. We use a large database of empirical PPM models to explore relationships between indices of transient dynamics. This analysis promotes the use of population inertia as a simple, versatile and informative predictor of transient population density, but criticises the utility of established indices of convergence times. Our findings should guide further development of analyses of transient population dynamics using PPMs or other empirical modelling techniques.
The ecological causes of individual specialisation
Authors: Araújo Márcio S. , Bolnick Daniel I. , Layman Craig A.
Published: July 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 948–958

Many generalist populations are composed of specialised individuals, whose niches are small subsets of the population niche. This ‘individual specialisation’ is a widespread phenomenon in natural populations, but until recently few studies quantified the magnitude of individual specialisation and how this magnitude varies among populations or contexts. Such quantitative approaches are necessary for us to understand how ecological interactions influence the amount of among‐individual variation, and how the amount of variation might affect ecological dynamics. Herein, we review recent studies of individual specialisation, emphasising the novel insights arising from quantitative measures of diet variation. Experimental and comparative studies have confirmed long‐standing theoretical expectations that the magnitude of among‐individual diet variation depends on the level of intra and interspecific competition, ecological opportunity and predation. In contrast, there is little empirical information as to how individual specialisation affects community dynamics. We discuss some emerging methodological issues as guidelines for researchers studying individual specialisation, and make specific recommendations regarding avenues for future research.
Response to technical comment on `meta‐analysis reveals negative yet variable effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms'
Authors: Kroeker Kristy J. , Kordas Rebecca L. , Crim Ryan N. , Singh Gerald G.
Published: July 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: E1–E2

It has been proposed that crustaceans should be excluded from a comparison of biological responses to ocean acidification among organisms with different calcium carbonate (CaCO3) forms in their calcified structures. We re‐analysed our data without crustaceans and found high variation in organismal responses within CaCO3 categories. We conclude that the CaCO3 polymorph alone does not predict sensitivity, and a consideration of functional differences among organisms is necessary for predicting variation in response to acidification.
Evolution of acoustic communication in the Gomphocerinae (Orthoptera: Caelifera: Acrididae)
Authors: Nattier Romain , Robillard Tony , Amedegnato Christiane , Couloux Arnaud , Cruaud Corinne , Desutter‐Grandcolas Laure
Published: July 2011

Nattier, R., Robillard, T., Amedegnato, C., Couloux, A., Cruaud, C. & Desutter‐Grandcolas, L. (2011) Evolution of acoustic communication in the Gomphocerinae (Orthoptera: Caelifera: Acrididae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 479–497.

We used a phylogenetic analysis to study the communication behaviour in the Gomphocerinae (Insecta, Orthoptera, Acrididae), which are characterised by their stridulatory apparatus and a diversified acoustic repertoire. Song‐emitting behaviour, together with the general description, temporal dimension and amplitude of signals were used to describe the calling song of 34 species, resulting in a matrix of 39 acoustic characters. A phylogeny using 59 gomphocerine species and two outgroups was built based on four mitochondrial markers and the acoustic characters. Based on acoustic character optimisations, ancestral calling song was reconstructed and the evolution of calling song is discussed, with a comparison to courtship behaviours. Our results show a dynamic process of calling song evolution and underline a balance between calling and courtship diversity leading to two mating strategies corresponding to two major clades in the phylogeny.
The primacy of human capital and social capital in influencing landholders’ participation in programmes designed to improve environmental outcomes*
Authors: Morrison Mark , Oczkowski Eddie , Greig Jenni
Published: July 2011

Increasing landholder participation in environmental programmes is often essential for achieving desired levels of restoration and protection, as well as the economic goals of efficiency and equity. Previous literature has identified sociodemographic property and attitudinal variables that influence participation. Using qualitative research, we identify variables relating to human capital (business orientation and information seeking behaviour) and social capital (trust in those delivering programmes and connectedness with other landholders) that have been seldom or never identified as influencing participation. New scales are developed and existing scales refined for measuring these constructs, and their influence on past and future participation is examined together with a range of other constructs. The effect of these variables is examined using a survey of Australian landholders, and the results demonstrate the primacy of variables relating to human and social capital in influencing past and future participation.
MAPPING OUT STRUCTURAL FEATURES IN CLINICAL CARE CALLING FOR ETHICAL SENSITIVITY: A THEORETICAL APPROACH TO PROMOTE ETHICAL COMPETENCE IN HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL AND CLINICAL ETHICAL SUPPORT SERVICES (CESS)
Authors: BÆRØE KRISTINE , NORHEIM OLE FRITHJOF
Published: July 2011

Clinical ethical support services (CESS) represent a multifaceted field of aims, consultancy models, and methodologies. Nevertheless, the overall aim of CESS can be summed up as contributing to healthcare of high ethical standards by improving ethically competent decision‐making in clinical healthcare. In order to support clinical care adequately, CESS must pay systematic attention to all real‐life ethical issues, including those which do not fall within the ‘favourite’ ethical issues of the day. In this paper we attempt to capture a comprehensive overview of categories of ethical tensions in clinical care. We present an analytical exposition of ethical structural features in judgement‐based clinical care predicated on the assumption of the moral equality of human beings and the assessment of where healthcare contexts pose a challenge to achieving moral equality. The account and the emerging overview is worked out so that it can be easily contextualized with regards to national healthcare systems and specific branches of healthcare, as well as local healthcare institutions. By considering how the account and the overview can be applied to i) improve the ethical competence of healthcare personnel and consultants by broadening their sensitivity to ethical tensions, ii) identify neglected areas for ethical research, and iii) clarify the ethical responsibility of healthcare institutions' leadership, as well as specifying required institutionalized administration, we conclude that the proposed account should be considered useful for CESS.
RESPONSIBILITY AFTER THE APPARENT END: ‘FOLLOWING‐UP’ IN CLINICAL ETHICS CONSULTATION
Authors: FINDER STUART G. , BLITON MARK J.
Published: July 2011

Clinical ethics literature typically presents ethics consultations as having clear beginnings and clear ends. Experience in actual clinical ethics practice, however, reflects a different characterization, particularly when the moral experiences of ethics consultants are included in the discussion. In response, this article emphasizes listening and learning about moral experience as core activities associated with clinical ethics consultation. This focus reveals that responsibility in actual clinical ethics practice is generated within the moral scope of an ethics consultant's activities as she or he encounters the unique and specific features that emerge from interactions with a specific patient, or family, or practitioner within a given situation and over time. A long‐form narrative about an ethics consultant's interactions is interwoven with a more didactic discussion to highlight the theme of responsibility and to probe questions that arise regarding follow‐up within the practice of clinical ethics consultation.
WHO ARE WE WHEN WE ARE DOING WHAT WE ARE DOING? THE CASE FOR MINDFUL EMBODIMENT IN ETHICS CASE CONSULTATION
Authors: FROLIC ANDREA
Published: July 2011

This paper explores the theory and practice of embodied epistemology or mindful embodiment in ethics case consultation. I argue that not only is this epistemology an ethical imperative to safeguard the integrity of this emerging profession, but that it has the potential to improve the quality of ethics consultation (EC). It also has implications for how ethics consultants are trained and how consultation services are organized. My viewpoint is informed by ethnographic research and by my experimental application of mindful embodiment to the development of an ethics consultation service. My argument proceeds in four phases. First I explore the notion of ‘situatedness’ in the bioethics literature, identifying gaps in the field's theories as they apply to EC. I then describe my theoretical approach to embodiment grounded in critical‐interpretive medical anthropology and autoethnography. I use embodiment to refer to a moral epistemology grounded in the body, comprised of the interplay of physical, symbolic, intersubjective and political elements. Third, I describe how mindful embodiment can inform the role of the ethics consultant and the development of effective training techniques, vocabularies and processes for EC. I also discuss the benefits of this orientation, and the potential harms of ignoring the embodied dimensions of EC. My goals are to expose the fallacy of the ‘theory‐practice gap’, to demonstrate how my own EC practice is deeply informed by this theoretical orientation, and to argue for a wider definition of what ‘counts’ as relevant theory for ethics consultation.
Wherein Lies Children’s Intergroup Bias? Egocentrism, Social Understanding, and Social Projection
Authors: Abrams Dominic
Published: July 2011

Does children’s bias toward their own groups reflect egocentrism or social understanding? After being categorized as belonging to 1 of 2 fictitious groups, 157 six‐ to ten‐year‐olds evaluated group members and expressed preferences among neutral items. Children who expected the in‐group to share their item preferences (egocentric social projection) showed intergroup bias. However, most bias was expressed by children who expected their in‐group to share, but the out‐group to oppose, their own evaluations of members. These oppositional expectations were associated with better social perspective taking, and better understanding that groups expect loyalty from their members. Consistent with the developmental model of subjective group dynamics (D. Abrams, A. Rutland, J. Pelletier, & J. M. Ferrell, 2009), social understanding, rather than egocentrism, provides a more parsimonious explanation of children’s intergroup bias.
THE NEW EVANGELIZATION IN AN ECCLESIOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Authors: RYMARZ RICHARD
Published: July 2011

This paper will seek to explore some of the implications of the new evangelization from an ecclesiological perspective. A key question is, what is an appropriate ecclesiological context for the new evangelization? Any conclusions or recommendations about how to respond and contextualize the new evangelization need to be grounded in an appropriate ecclesiology; one that sits well with contemporary Catholic scholarship, especially in light of the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. Following Dulles, no single approach to ecclesiology can fully explain the complex nature of the Church. Taking the ecclesiology of Lumen Gentium as a departure point a number of perspectives will be addressed, but an argument will be made for understanding the new evangelization within an ecclesiology of communion and of discipleship.
WHO/WHAT IS/ARE THE CHURCH (ES)?
Authors: DADOSKY JOHN D.
Published: July 2011

This paper explores the essays of two prominent ecclesiologists, Joseph Komonchak and Hans Urs Von Balthasar, on their respective fundamental definitions of the Church. Gleaning insights from their different perspectives, the paper applies aspects of Lonergan's philosophy in order to clarify some methodological presuppositions and some ecclesial distortions to be corrected in light of those presuppositions. Additionally, it addresses two fundamental issues for consideration in a post‐conciliar theology of the Church.
A fistful of euros: Is the German one‐euro job workfare scheme effective for participants?
Authors: Hohmeyer Katrin , Wolff Joachim
Published: July 2011

Hohmeyer K, Wolff J. A fistful of euros: is the German one‐euro job workfare scheme effective for participants?

Welfare reforms have constituted a major policy issue in many OECD countries in recent decades. In Germany, a major reform in 2005 emphasised the activation of welfare recipients and introduced a workfare programme –‘One‐Euro Jobs’– on a large scale. In the present study, the impact of one‐euro jobs on the employment prospects of different groups of participants was estimated. The analysis was conducted on a large sample of welfare recipients using propensity score matching. The sample of one‐euro job participants and other welfare recipients was drawn from administrative records comprising all those who started their participation in the programme in early 2005. Our results showed that participation slightly improved the medium‐term employment prospects for women but not for men. Participation reduced the employment rate of participants younger than 25 years but raised it for some of the older participant groups. In conclusion, one‐euro jobs are effective for participants who have been jobless for several years but ineffective for participants who were recently employed.
NB‐UVB (311–312 nm)‐induced lentigines in patients with mycosis fungoides: a new adverse effect of phototherapy
Authors: Friedland R. , David M. , Feinmesser M. , Barzilai A. , Hodak E.
Published: July 2011

Background  Lentigines are a common pigmentary disorder in adults and in patients treated by psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) radiation. Their appearance following treatment with narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) radiation has been reported in only two patients.

Objective  To describe the clinical and histological features of NB‐UVB‐induced lentigines their relation to dosimetry and the course of the eruption in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF).

Methods  The files of all patients with MF treated in our department in 2003–2010 were searched to identify those in whom lentigines appeared following monotherapy with NB‐UVB radiation.

Results  Of the 73 patients with early stage MF identified, 10 met the study criteria. Lentigines were detected in skin previously involved by MF in seven patients, and in both involved and uninvolved skin in three patients. They appeared during therapy in three patients, after a mean of 56 exposures (range 50–61), and several months (mean 7.8) following completion of treatment in seven patients, after a mean of 69 exposures (range 32–157). Histopathological study of lesions from five patients revealed basal hyperpigmentation relative to adjacent normal‐looking skin. Two lesions had a slight increased number of normal‐looking melanocytes on immunohistochemical staining with melanoma cocktail. One lesion had elongated rete ridges. The lesions persisted throughout follow‐up (mean 26.7 months) in 8 patients.

Conclusions  Patients with MF treated with NB‐UVB may acquire lentigines. As opposed to PUVA‐induced lentigines which are a known common side‐effect of long‐term treatment, NB‐UVB‐induced lentigines are uncommon but appear earlier, even after a few months of treatment.
Substitutions of amino acids in the pore domain of homomeric α7 nicotinic receptors for analogous residues present in heteromeric receptors modify gating, rectification and binding properties
Authors: Criado Manuel , Svobodová Lucie , Mulet José , Sala Francisco , Sala Salvador
Published: July 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 40–49.

We have studied the role of different amino acids in the M2 transmembrane domain of the α7 neuronal nicotinic receptor by mutating residues that differ from the ones located at the same positions in other α (α2–α10) or β (β2–β4) subunits. Our aim was to investigate the contribution of these amino acids to the peculiar kinetic and inward rectification properties that differentiate the homomeric α7 receptor from other nicotinic receptors. Mutations of several residues strongly modified receptor function. We found that Thr245 had the most profound effect when mutated to serine, an amino acid present in all heteromeric receptors composed of α and β subunits, by dramatically increasing the maximal current, decreasing the decaying rate of the currents and decreasing receptor rectification. Some mutants also showed altered agonist‐binding properties as revealed by shifts in the dose–response curves for acetylcholine. We conclude that residues in the M2 segment and flanking regions contribute to the unusual properties of the α7 receptor, especially to its characteristic fast kinetic behavior and strong inward rectification and furthermore to the potency of agonists.
The Relationship between Physician Compensation Strategies and the Intensity of Care Delivered to Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Landon Bruce E. , Reschovsky James D. , O'Malley A. James , Pham Hoangmai H. , Hadley Jack
Published: July 2011

Objective. To examine the relationship between primary care physicians' (PCPs) payment arrangements and the total costs and intensity of care for specific episodes of care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Data Sources/Study Setting. We combined data from the 2004 to 2005 Community Tracking Study Physician Survey on PCP compensation methods with administrative data from the Medicare program for beneficiaries to whom these physicians provided services over the time period 2004–2006.

Study Design. Cross‐sectional analysis of physician survey data linked to Medicare claims.

Principal Findings. The 2,211 PCP respondents included 937 internists and 1,274 family or general physicians who were linked to more than 250,000 Medicare enrollees. Most physicians (62 percent) had been in practice for 11 or more years and 87 percent were board certified. The total spending models show that for both employed physicians and owners, those in highly capitated practice environments had the lowest risk adjusted spending per beneficiary, whereas those receiving just productivity payments had the highest spending. These physicians also had lower intensity of care for episodes of care.

Conclusions. Physicians in highly capitated practices had the lowest total costs and intensity of care, suggesting that these physicians develop an overall approach to care that also applies to their FFS patients.
Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratios: Sensitivity Analyses on the Impact of Coding
Authors: Bottle Alex , Jarman Brian , Aylin Paul
Published: July 2011

Introduction. Hospital standardized mortality ratios (HSMRs) are derived from administrative databases and cover 80 percent of in‐hospital deaths with adjustment for available case mix variables. They have been criticized for being sensitive to issues such as clinical coding but on the basis of limited quantitative evidence.

Methods. In a set of sensitivity analyses, we compared regular HSMRs with HSMRs resulting from a variety of changes, such as a patient‐based measure, not adjusting for comorbidity, not adjusting for palliative care, excluding unplanned zero‐day stays ending in live discharge, and using more or fewer diagnoses.

Results. Overall, regular and variant HSMRs were highly correlated (ρ>0.8), but differences of up to 10 points were common. Two hospitals were particularly affected when palliative care was excluded from the risk models. Excluding unplanned stays ending in same‐day live discharge had the least impact despite their high frequency. The largest impacts were seen when capturing postdischarge deaths and using just five high‐mortality diagnosis groups.

Conclusions. HSMRs in most hospitals changed by only small amounts from the various adjustment methods tried here, though small‐to‐medium changes were not uncommon. However, the position relative to funnel plot control limits could move in a significant minority even with modest changes in the HSMR.
Abandonment of High‐Dose Chemotherapy/Hematopoietic Cell Transplants for Breast Cancer Following Negative Trial Results
Authors: Howard David H. , Kenline Carolyn , Lazarus Hillard M. , LeMaistre Charles F. , Maziarz Richard T. , McCarthy Jr. Philip L. , Parsons Susan K. , Szwajcer David , Douglas Rizzo James , Majhail Navneet S.
Published: July 2011

Objective.In 1999, three randomized controlled trials concluded that high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HDC/HCT) is no better than conventional chemotherapy for women with breast cancer. This study documents the impact of the trials on use of HDC/HCT and describes how hospitals reacted to the trials.

Data Source.We used patient‐level data on 15,847 HDC/HCTs reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 1994 and 2005.

Study Design.We report trends in total HDC/HCT procedure volume, compare the time to hospitals' exit from the HDC/HCT market between research and nonresearch hospitals, and document trends in hospital‐specific volumes in the 2 years before exit.

Principal Findings.HDC/HCT volume declined from 3,108 in 1998 to 1,363 the year after trial results were released. In 2002, only 76 procedures were performed. Teaching hospitals and the hospitals that participated in the trials were no slower to discontinue the procedure compared with nonteaching, nonparticipating hospitals. At the hospital level, volume declined steadily in the months before abandonment.

Conclusion.The results suggest that comparative effectiveness research studies that report negative results can reduce spending, but specialists may be reluctant to relinquish cutting‐edge technologies.
Molecular and functional characterization of the human platelet Na+/Ca2+ exchangers
Authors: Roberts Diane E , Matsuda Toshio , Bose Ratna
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger is a bi‐directional transporter that plays an important role in maintaining the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) of quiescent platelets and increasing it during activation with some, but not all, agonists. There are two classes of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers: K+‐independent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and K+‐dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCKX). Platelets have previously been shown to express NCKX1. However, initial studies from our laboratory suggest that NCX may also play a role in platelet activation. The objective of this study was to determine if the human platelet expresses functional NCXs.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RT‐PCR, DNA sequencing and Western blot analysis were utilized to characterize the human platelet Na+/Ca2+ exchangers. Their function during quiescence and collagen‐induced activation was determined by measuring [Ca2+]i with calcium‐green/fura‐red in response to: changes in the Na+ and K+ gradient, NCX pharmacological inhibitors (CBDMB, KB‐R7943 and SEA0400) and antibodies specific to extracellular epitopes of the exchangers.

KEY RESULTS Human platelets express NCX1.3, NCX3.2 and NCX3.4. The NCXs operate in the Ca2+ efflux mode in resting platelets and also during their activation with thrombin but not collagen. Collagen‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i was reduced with the pharmacological inhibitors of NCX (CBDMB, KB‐R7943 or SEA0400), anti‐NCX1 and anti‐NCX3. In contrast, anti‐NCKX1 enhanced the collagen‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Human platelets express K+‐independent Na+/Ca2+ exchangers NCX1.3, NCX3.2 and NCX3.4. During collagen activation, NCX1 and NCX3 transiently reverse to promote Ca2+ influx, whereas NCKX1 continues to operate in the Ca2+ efflux mode to reduce [Ca2+]i.
Clinical outcome in 94 cases of dermal haemangiosarcoma in dogs treated with surgical excision: 1993–2007*
Authors: Szivek A. , Burns R. E. , Gericota B. , Affolter V. K. , Kent M. S. , Rodriguez C. O. , Skorupski K. A.
Published: July 2011

Canine dermal haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is believed to have a better prognosis compared to HSA in other organs, but outcome has only been reported in a small number of dogs. The purpose of this study was to assess outcome and prognostic factors in a larger cohort of dogs with dermal HSA. Clinical data was collected retrospectively for 94 dogs and histopathology was reviewed in 53 dogs. Median overall survival time was 987 days. Dogs of predisposed breed with ventral location and histologic solar changes had longer survivals. Loco‐regional recurrence occurred in 72/94 (77%) dogs. Predisposed breeds with ventral location and multiple masses were more likely to develop recurrence. Non‐predisposed breeds with invasive tumours were more likely to develop metastasis. Results suggest that dogs with solar‐induced dermal HSA may have high recurrence rates, but prolonged survivals. Dogs with non‐solar tumours may be at increased risk for metastasis and shorter survival.
Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus in Identical Twins, Showing Transient Bullous Lesions
Authors: Nakajima Kimiko , Wakiguchi Hiroshi , Kodama Hajime , Sano Shigetoshi
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  One of identical twin girls was born with ulcers on her leg, and shortly after birth developed a flaccid blister on the leg. Subepidermal blister with vacuolar degeneration of basal cell layer and the heavy infiltration of mononuclear cells in the upper dermis were observed in the blister lesion. She also had generalized livedo. Her identical twin sister did not exhibit ulcers or blisters, but was born with milia on her limbs. Their mother was found to have lupus erythematosus with positive anti‐Ro/SSA antibodies and developed Sjögren syndrome. We emphasize neonatal blistering and congenital milia unique manifestations of neonatal lupus erythematosus.
Should Forest Restoration with Natural Hybrids Be Allowed?
Authors: Frascaria‐Lacoste Nathalie , Henry Alexandre , Gérard Pierre R. , Bertolino Paola , Collin Eric , Fernández‐Manjarrés Juan
Published: July 2011

One of the greatest challenges of forest restoration is the choice of appropriate plant material that is adapted to local environments, provides the desired ecological services, and does not compromise the local biodiversity. Plant restoration programs use native seeds, a mixture of local and introduced seeds of the same species or allopatric species. However, restoration programs rarely use local hybrid individuals if a local species exhibits natural hybridization. Hybridization is an important evolutionary process that can result in new genotypic combinations that might be suited better to the target habitat than the parental species and allow adaptation to rapid environmental change. European forests are generally under strict legal regulations so that only certified seeds can be used for their restoration. The European certification procedure for seeds from forest trees has been devised to commercialize clearly identified species with known adaptation to a given area. Natural hybrids, for which taxonomic status is uncertain and fitness is generally unknown, are excluded, which is not the case of artificial hybrids because they have been previously tested in the field. Here we discuss the pressing need to include natural hybrid populations as a source of certified seeds for restoration purposes. Using the example of two ash species and their well‐adapted hybrids along the Loire River in France, we show why European forest guidelines must be made more flexible to allow the provision of stable ecosystem services.