bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follicular lymphoma with marked infiltration of eosinophils
Authors: Shiraishi Junichi , Nakagawa Yasunori , Kurata Morito , Yamamoto Kohei , Abe Yu , Toyoda Yukitoshi , Suzuki Kenshi , Kitagawa Masanobu , Takemura Tamiko
Published: October 2008

Eosinophilia and tissue infiltration by eosinophils are frequent findings in Hodgkin lymphoma, but they are extremely rare in B‐cell lymphoma. Reported herein is a case of follicular lymphoma with extensive lymph node infiltration by eosinophils. The patient was a 71‐year‐old woman who had a mass in the vicinity of the pancreas found on routine ultrasonography. Subsequent CT indicated several enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, although superficial lymph nodes were not palpable. Two swollen mesenteric lymph nodes were excised to determine the cause of the lymphadenopathy. Histology indicated extensive infiltration of numerous eosinophils to the interfollicular area, especially in the dilated sinuses. The lymphoid follicles were relatively small, had inconspicuous germinal centers, and were scattered between dilated sinuses. Based on the histology, immunohistochemistry, and chromosomal abnormality, a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma was made. Expression of interleukin‐3 (IL‐3), IL‐5, eotaxin, eotaxin‐2, and eotaxin‐3 was investigated on reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction of the lymph node tissue, but none of the mRNA expression levels were elevated. This was a unique case of follicular lymphoma with extensive eosinophil infiltration, and to the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first such case ever reported.
Eleven consecutive years of respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks in Croatia
Authors: Mlinaric‐Galinovic Gordana , Vilibic‐Cavlek Tatjana , Ljubin‐Sternak Suncanica , Drazenovic Vladimir , Galinovic Ivana , Tomic Vlatka , Welliver Robert C.
Published: October 2008

Background:  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants. The aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of RSV outbreaks in Croatian children.

Methods:  Over a period of 11 consecutive years (1994–2005), 3435 inpatients with acute respiratory infections (ARI) aged from birth to 10 years and were residing in Zagreb County were tested for infection with RSV and other respiratory viruses at the Virology Department, Croatian National Institute of Public Health. RSV was identified in nasopharyngeal secretions by isolation on cell culture and/or detection with monoclonal antibodies using a direct fluorescence assay.

Results:  RSV was the most common causative agent of ARI (42.2%; 658/1559) for the infants 0–6 months of age. It was also the etiologic agent of LRTI in 49% (495/1010) of infants of similar age. RSV was demonstrated in 56.5% (382/676) of infants with bronchiolitis, and in 36.5% (49/134) of those with pneumonia in this age group.

Conclusion:  The overall prevalence of RSV infection in Croatian children with acute respiratory illness, and its occurrence in various age groups, has remained stable over the past decade. RSV was found to be the most common cause of bronchiolitis occurring throughout childhood (52.7%; 482/913).
Efficacy of micafungin in treating four premature infants with candidiasis
Authors: Kawaguchi Chiharu , Arai Ikuyo , Yasuhara Hajime , Sano Reiko , Nishikubo Toshiya , Takahashi Yukihiro
Published: October 2008

Background:  Although clinical experience in neonates with candidiasis exists for amphotericin B and fluconazole, these standard treatments are often hindered by drug‐associated toxicity or development of resistant strains. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a new antifungal agent, micafungin (MCFG), for treating Candida infections in premature infants.

Methods:  This was a retrospective cohort study. Premature infants diagnosed with Candida infections from October 2003 to July 2004 were brought to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Center of Perinatal Medicine, Nara Medical University Hospital. Four newborns were given 0.5–1.0 mg/kg per day micafungin.

Results:  Four premature infants (mean ± SD gestational age, 24.1 ± 0.9 weeks; mean ± SD birthweight, 579.3 ± 80.5 g) experienced complications from Candida infection; two cases of the fungal infection were caused by Candida glabrata and two cases were caused by Candida albicans. MCFG was administered at 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg per day (mean dosage days, 9.8 ± 3.1 days) and it decreased β‐d‐glucan levels while improving clinical symptoms in all cases. Additionally, there were no apparent side‐effects.

Conclusion:  MCFG is both effective and tolerable for use in premature infants suffering from Candida infections.
Role of exercise in the prevention of obesity and hemodynamic abnormalities in adolescents
Authors: Baba Reizo , Koketsu Masaaki , Nagashima Masami , Inasaka Hiroshi
Published: October 2008

Background:  Poor physical activity plays a key role in the development of obesity. Little is known, however, about how much or the level of intensity of exercise that is needed to prevent obesity and hemodynamic abnormalities in adolescents.

Methods and results:  Height, bodyweight, resting heart rate (HR), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured in 17 523 male and 16 906 female high school students. Self‐reported exercise intensity was related to percentage of overweight (POW), diastolic blood pressure, and resting HR in boys, and to bodyweight and resting HR in girls. Self‐reported exercise amount was associated with POW, diastolic blood pressure, and resting HR in both boys and girls. Also, high intensity or adequate amount of exercise was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity and resting tachycardia in both sexes, and slightly associated with the prevalence of systolic high blood pressure in boys.

Conclusion:  Both intensity and amount of exercise are associated with the prevalence of obesity and hemodynamic abnormalities in adolescents.
Experimental adaptation of the Enk oxygen flow modulator for potential pediatric use
Authors: BAKER PAUL A. , BROWN ALLAN J.
Published: October 2008

Aim: A bench study of the Enk oxygen flow modulator (Enk OFM) was conducted to test its performance and potential use in pediatric patients using the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) guidelines (Advanced Paediatric Life Support, 2005: 224).

Background: The Enk OFM is a preassembled emergency transtracheal ventilation device.

Methods: The Enk OFM was connected to two sources of oxygen: first, to a Precision Medical®flowmeter and second, to an Aestiva®anesthetic machine axillary flowmeter. Testing was performed on standard cannulae of 20, 18, and 16 gauge caliber and also a 7.5 cm 15G Emergency Transtracheal Airway Catheter (Cook®Medical). Serial hole occlusion of the Enk OFM was applied and the resulting flow rates were measured by a RespiCal™ Timeter®.

Results: Oxygen flow was best controlled by occluding all holes of the Enk OFM and incrementally increasing oxygen flow by the flowmeter with an initial setting of 1 l min−1year−1of age. Contrary to the original description of this device (Anesth Analg1998; 86: 203S), sequential occlusion of the five side holes does not lead to a significant exponential increase in gas flow. Incomplete occlusion of the Enk OFM provided insufficient and unpredictable flow.

Conclusions: The Enk OFM should be fully occluded for inspiration with flow rates set at 1 l min−1year−1of age and adjusted to effect. These flow rates are consistent with the APLS recommendations. Flows above 15 l min−1are potentially dangerous and the Enk OFM fails to perform as an on–off device. Flowmeter settings of <1 l min−1risk no flow. Cannulae of at least 18G should be used for optimal flow.
Detection, frequency and prediction of problems in the use of the proseal laryngeal mask airway in children
Authors: SANDERS JOHN C. , OLOMU PATRICK N. , FURMAN JOSEPH R.
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  Our objective was to assess the use of several tests of ProSeal LMA (PLMA) position and function that had been previously published but not studied in the pediatric population in a wide variety of clinical cases.

Background:  The PLMA is widely used in pediatric anesthesia practice but complication rates have only been studied in small series while tests of function suggested for adults have not been studied at all.

Methods:  We prospectively collected data, after placement of the PLMA by the digital method, on depth of insertion (DOI), ‘suprasternal notch’ test, ‘chest pressure test’, leak pressure, maximum minute ventilation (MMV), resting minute ventilation (RMV), success rate of insertion and success rate of passage of a gastric tube. Perioperative complication rates were recorded.

Results:  A total of 222 cases were analyzed, 47 were laparoscopic or open abdomen, 15 nonsupine. Ages were 2 months to 20 years and weight 5.4–116 kg. Two hundred seven (91%) were placed successfully at first attempt and 100% at third attempt. One hundred fifty‐four of 156 (99%) gastric tubes were placed successfully. Four patients had signs of inadequate ventilation. All of these had MMV/RMV ratios <2. A total of nine had MMV/RMV ratio <2. Eight had DOI score ≤2.

Conclusions:  The PLMA can be used in a large variety of cases with a high degree of success. Clinical tests described for adults, such as MMV/RMV ratio and DOI are also associated with complications in the pediatric population.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on propofol and remifentanil infusion rates during total intravenous anesthesia for spine surgery in adolescents
Authors: NGWENYAMA NKANYEZI E. , ANDERSON JOHN , HOERNSCHEMEYER DANIEL G. , TOBIAS JOSEPH D.
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and a synthetic opioid is a frequently chosen anesthetic technique for posterior spinal fusion. Despite its utility, adverse effects may occur with high or prolonged propofol dosing regimens including delayed awakening. The current study investigated the propofol‐sparing effects of the concomitant administration of the α2‐adrenergic agonist, dexmedetomidine, during spinal fusion surgery in adolescents.

Methods:  The surgical database of the department of orthopedic surgery was searched and patients (12–21 years of age) were identified who had undergone spinal fusion for either idiopathic or neuromuscular scoliosis during the past 24 months. Patients were assigned to two groups. Group 1 included patients anesthetized with propofol and remifentanil and group 2 included patients anesthetized with dexmedetomidine, propofol, and remifentanil. In the latter group, dexmedetomidine was administered as a continuous infusion of 0.5 μg·kg−1·h−1 started after the induction of anesthesia without a loading dose. Propofol was adjusted to maintain the bispectral index (BIS) number at 40–50 and remifentanil was adjusted to maintain the mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 50–65 mmHg. Labetolol or hydralazine was used if the MAP could not be maintained at 50–65 mmHg with remifentanil up to a maximum dose of 0.6 μg/kg/min. Statistical analysis included a nonpaired t‐test for parametric data (age, weight, remifentanil/propofol infusion requirements, and heart rate/blood pressure values). A nonparametric statistical analysis (Dunn) was used to compare BIS numbers. Parametric data are presented as the mean ± sd while nonparametric data are presented as the median and the 95th percentile confidence intervals.

Results:  Twelve patients received propofol–remifentanil–dexmedetomidine and 24 received propofol–remifentanil. There were no differences in the demographic data, BIS numbers or hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. There was a reduction in the propofol infusion requirements in patients who also received dexmedetomidine (71 ± 11 μg·kg−1·min−1) compared with those receiving only propofol–remifentanil (101 ± 33 μg·kg−1·min−1, P = 0.0045). No difference was noted in the remifentanil infusion requirements or the use of supplemental agents (hydralazine and labetolol) to maintain controlled hypotension.

Conclusion:  The concomitant use of dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing spinal fusion reduces propofol infusion requirements when compared with those patients receiving only propofol and remifentanil.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy mechanical cardiovascular support in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: SALVIN JOSHUA W. , LAUSSEN PETER C. , THIAGARAJAN RAVI R.
Published: October 2008

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to support postcardiotomy cardiorespiratory failure in children with congenital heart disease. We report on survival outcomes and factors associated with survival for postcardiotomy ECMO patients.
Postoperative hyperglycemia is associated with mediastinitis following pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: GHAFOORI A. FAWAD , TWITE MARK D. , FRIESEN ROBERT H.
Published: October 2008

Introduction:  Mediastinitis is an infrequent, but significant complication of median sternotomy. Perioperative hyperglycemia is associated with increased morbidity, including infection in pediatric and adult cardiac surgical patients. We hypothesized that perioperative blood glucose levels would be higher in patients who later developed mediastinitis.

Methods:  We examined the medical records of all infants and children diagnosed with poststernotomy mediastinitis (n = 24) from July 2001 to December 2005. Data recorded included postoperative blood glucose levels, age, diagnosis, operation, surgical complexity score, duration of operation and cardiopulmonary bypass, delayed sternal closure, perioperative use of steroids and total parenteral nutrition, and duration of postoperative inotropic and ventilatory support. Records of patients without mediastinitis matched for age, complexity score, and month of operation (control group, n = 32) were also reviewed. Data were analyzed with t‐tests and chi‐square tests. Variables with P < 0.21 on univariate tests were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results:  Initially, postoperative blood glucose levels were elevated, but similar in both mediastinitis and control groups. The number of subjects having peak blood glucose levels >7.2 mm (>130 mg·dl−1) during the first 24 h was greater in the mediastinitis group (P = 0.07). The significant multivariate predictor of mediastinitis was 24 h peak blood glucose >7.2 mm (>130 mg·dl−1) (P = 0.039).

Conclusion:  Our data support the hypothesis that postoperative hyperglycemia is a risk factor for the development of mediastinitis in infants and children following cardiac surgery.
Speciation accelerated and stabilized by pleiotropic major histocompatibility complex immunogenes
Authors: Eizaguirre Christophe , Lenz Tobias L. , Traulsen Arne , Milinski Manfred
Published: October 2008

Speciation and the maintenance of recently diverged species has been subject of intense research in evolutionary biology for decades. Although the concept of ecological speciation has been accepted, its mechanisms and genetic bases are still under investigation. Here, we present a mechanism for speciation that is orchestrated and strengthened by parasite communities acting on polymorphic genes of the immune system. In vertebrates, these genes have a pleiotropic role with regard to parasite resistance and mate choice. In contrasting niches, parasite communities differ and thus the pools of alleles of the adapted major histocompatibility complex (MHC) also differ between niches. Mate choice for the best‐adapted MHC genotype will favour local adaptations and will accelerate separation of both populations: thus immune genes act as pleiotropic speciation genes –‘magic traits’. This mechanism should operate not only in sympatric populations but also under allopatry or parapatry. Each individual has a small subset of the many MHC alleles present in the population. If all individuals could have all MHC alleles from the pool, MHC‐based adaptation is neither necessary nor possible. However, the typically small optimal individual number of MHC loci thus enables MHC‐based speciation. Furthermore, we propose a new mechanism selecting against species hybrids. Hybrids are expected to have super‐optimal individual MHC diversity and should therefore suffer more from parasites in all habitats.
Recognition between symbiotic Vibrio fischeri and the haemocytes of Euprymna scolopes
Authors: Nyholm Spencer V. , Stewart Jennifer J. , Ruby Edward G. , McFall‐Ngai Margaret J.
Published: October 2008

The light organ crypts of the squid Euprymna scolopes permit colonization exclusively by the luminous bacterium Vibrio fischeri. Because the crypt interior remains in contact with seawater, the squid must not only foster the specific symbiosis, but also continue to exclude other bacteria. Investigation of the role of the innate immune system in these processes revealed that macrophage‐like haemocytes isolated from E. scolopes recognized and phagocytosed V. fischeri less than other closely related bacterial species common to the host's environment. Interestingly, phagocytes isolated from hosts that had been cured of their symbionts bound five times more V. fischeri cells than those from uncured hosts. No such change in the ability to bind other species of bacteria was observed, suggesting that the host adapts specifically to V. fischeri. Deletion of the gene encoding OmpU, the major outer membrane protein of V. fischeri, increased binding by haemocytes from uncured animals to the level observed for haemocytes from cured animals. Co‐incubation with wild‐type V. fischeri reduced this binding, suggesting that they produce a factor that complements the mutant's defect. Analyses of the phagocytosis of bound cells by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting indicated that once binding to haemocytes had occurred, V. fischeri cells are phagocytosed as effectively as other bacteria. Thus, discrimination by this component of the squid immune system occurs at the level of haemocyte binding, and this response: (i) is modified by previous exposure to the symbiont and (ii) relies on outer membrane and/or secreted components of the symbionts. These data suggest that regulation of host haemocyte binding by the symbiont may be one of many factors that contribute to specificity in this association.
Metabolic diversification of cells during the development of yeast colonies
Authors: Váchová Libuše , Kučerová Helena , Devaux Frederic , Úlehlová Miroslava , Palková Zdena
Published: October 2008

Microorganisms in nature form organized multicellular structures (colonies, biofilms) possessing properties absent in individual cells. These are often related to the better ability of communities to survive long‐lasting starvation and stress and include mechanisms of adaptation and cell specialization. Thus, yeast colonies pass through distinct developmental phases characterized by changes in pH and the production of ammonia‐signalling molecules. Here, we show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae colony transition between major developmental phases (first acidic, alkali, second acidic) is accompanied by striking transcription changes, while the development within each particular phase is guided mostly at the post‐transcriptional level. First‐ and second‐acidic‐phase colonies markedly differ. Second‐acidic‐phase colonies maintain the adaptive metabolism activated in the ammonia‐producing period, supplemented by additional changes, which begin after colonies enter the second acidic phase. Cells with particular properties are not homogenously dispersed throughout the colony population, but localize to specific colony regions. Thus, cells located at the colony margin are able to export higher amounts of ammonium than central cells and to activate an adaptive metabolism. In contrast, central chronologically aged cells are unable to undergo these changes but they maintain higher levels of various stress‐defence enzymes. These divergent properties of both cell types determine their consequent dissimilar fate.
Haematoma of the sigmoid colon secondary to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome presenting as a colonic tumour
Authors: Dunn J. J. , Fallaize R. , Pullyblank A. M.
Published: October 2008

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a collective term for a number of connective tissue disorders. Vascular rupture and dissection are well‐documented sequelae as is gastrointestinal perforation. We present a rare presentation where dissection of the bowel wall presented as a suspected sigmoid colon tumour.
Volume‐induced responses in the isolated bladder: evidence for excitatory and inhibitory elements
Authors: Finney Steven M. , Stewart Laurence H. , Gillespie James I.
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE

To quantify changes in autonomous activity in response to alterations in intravesical volume, to explore the possible underlying regulatory mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were conducted using whole isolated bladders from six female guinea pigs (280–400 g). A cannula was inserted into the urethra to monitor intravesical pressure and the bladder was suspended in a heated chamber containing carboxygenated physiological solution at 33–36 °C. All drugs were added to the solution on the ablumenal bladder surface.

RESULTS

An increase in intravesical volume followed by a rapid reduction lead to a complex series of activity comprising of several distinct phases. After a volume increase there was an initial ‘burst’ of frequency which gradually declined to a ‘steady state’. After a volume reduction there was a period of quiescence with spontaneous activity gradually returning to levels seen before the increase, termed the ‘inhibitory phase’. The frequency of transient contractions, both immediately after a volume increase and at steady state, increased both with increasing intravesical volume and dose of arecaidine. The length of the inhibitory phase increased both with the duration and magnitude of volume increase. However, the inhibitory phase was not entirely dependent n the magnitude of volume change, as the inhibitory phase was shorter when the volume was not returned to baseline levels. Increasing doses of arecaidine shortened the inhibitory phase.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest that the regulation of volume‐induced spontaneous activity relies on complex excitatory and inhibitory inputs. The rapid burst of activity resulting from a rise in volume suggests the presence of a rapidly adapting mechanism. Rapid reduction in intravesical volume leads to a quiescent period, i.e. the inhibitory phase. This is related to both the duration of intravesical volume increase and its magnitude. However, similar volume changes are more effective when the volume is reduced back to baseline, as opposed to the bladder being incompletely emptied. Furthermore, the frequency of transient contractions remained constant once a steady state was reached, with no evidence of inhibition before volume reduction. This suggests that mechanisms involved in the generation of the inhibitory phase initiated during bladder filling require >30 s to have a significant effect, but depend on a reduction in volume to be triggered, with the response dependent on the volume reduced. The mechanisms involved in generating and modulating the inhibitory phase seem to be regulated by a strong cholinergic input but the exact nature of these mechanisms is unknown. The potential importance of these results in terms of the general physiology and pharmacology of the bladder is discussed.
Targeting Urban Congestion: Equity and Second‐Best Issues
Authors: Clarke Harry
Published: October 2008

Distributional and second‐best problems of implementing efficiency based demand management of road use in Australian cities are addressed. Both road use pricing and parking policies are considered. Failure to price roads and parking spots efficiently contributes to excessive travel and to excessive urban expansion. A key policy concern is to promote demand management acceptability by offering transportation alternatives and by making explicit the sources of efficiency gain from revenue neutral road charging policies with double‐dividend advantages. Second‐best policies of restricting land releases on city boundaries to encourage more compact city development may be inferior to policies of pricing major roads, cordon pricing and demand based parking policies.
EGG FREEZING: A BREAKTHROUGH FOR REPRODUCTIVE AUTONOMY?
Authors: HARWOOD KAREY
Published: October 2008

This article describes the relatively new technology of freezing human eggs and examines whether egg freezing, specifically when it is used by healthy women as ‘insurance’ against age‐related infertility, is a legitimate exercise of reproductive autonomy. Although egg freezing has the potential to expand women's reproductive options and thus may represent a breakthrough for reproductive autonomy, I argue that without adequate information about likely outcomes and risks, women may be choosing to freeze their eggs in a commercially exploitative context, thus undermining rather than expanding reproductive autonomy.
Geometry Textures and Applications†
Authors: De Toledo Rodrigo , Wang Bin , Lévy Bruno
Published: October 2008

Geometry textures are a novel geometric representation for surfaces based on height maps. The visualization is done through a graphics processing unit (GPU) ray casting algorithm applied to the whole object. At rendering time, the fine‐scale details (mesostructures) are reconstructed preserving original quality. Visualizing surfaces with geometry textures allows a natural level‐of‐detail (LOD) behaviour. There are numerous applications that can benefit from the use of geometry textures. In this paper, besides a mesostructure visualization survey, we present geometry textures with three possible applications: rendering of solid models, geological surfaces visualization and surface smoothing.
Cold and Lonely
Authors: Zhong Chen-Bo , Leonardelli Geoffrey J.
Published: October 2008

Metaphors such as icy stare depict social exclusion using cold-related concepts; they are not to be taken literally and certainly do not imply reduced temperature. Two experiments, however, revealed that social exclusion literally feels cold. Experiment 1 found that participants who recalled a social exclusion experience gave lower estimates of room temperature than did participants who recalled an inclusion experience. In Experiment 2, social exclusion was directly induced through an on-line virtual interaction, and participants who were excluded reported greater desire for warm food and drink than did participants who were included. These findings are consistent with the embodied view of cognition and support the notion that social perception involves physical and perceptual content. The psychological experience of coldness not only aids understanding of social interaction, but also is an integral part of the experience of social exclusion.
Intelligence Correlations Between Brothers Decrease With Increasing Age Difference
Authors: Sundet Jon Martin , Eriksen Willy , Tambs Kristian
Published: October 2008

Research on twins and unrelated persons living together indicates that, although differences in intelligence between persons are caused by both genetic and environmental factors, similarities—and especially those between adults—are mostly or exclusively due to shared genes. However, twin and adoption designs have been criticized for incorrectly estimating the effects of the environment on the similarity between relatives, and studies of environmental effects in other family constellations may be enlightening. In a sample comprising more than 334,000 pairs of brothers (ages 18–21 years) who were tested at the mandatory conscription for military service in Norway, correlations between brothers' intelligence-test scores decreased with increasing age difference between the brothers. This result indicates that family environmental factors have an impact on the intelligence of young adults. Analyses of subgroups defined by family size and parental education demonstrated that the effects of age difference are essentially independent of these factors.
Sex Differences in the Emergence of Leadership During Competitions Within and Between Groups
Authors: Van Vugt Mark , Spisak Brian R.
Published: October 2008

This experiment investigated potential gender biases in the emergence of leadership in groups. Teams played a public-goods game under conditions of intra- or intergroup competition. We predicted and found a strong preference for female leaders during intragroup competition and male leaders during intergroup competition. Furthermore, during intragroup competition, a female leader was more instrumental than a male leader in raising group investments, but this pattern was reversed during intergroup competition. These findings suggest that particular group threats elicit specific gender-biased leader prototypes. We speculate about the evolutionary and cultural origins of these sex differences in the emergence of leadership.
The Merits of Unconscious Thought in Creativity
Authors: Zhong Chen-Bo , Dijksterhuis Ap , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: October 2008

Research has yielded weak empirical support for the idea that creative solutions may be discovered through unconscious thought, despite anecdotes to this effect. To understand this gap, we examined the effect of unconscious thought on two outcomes of a remote-association test (RAT): implicit accessibility and conscious reporting of answers. In Experiment 1, which used very difficult RAT items, a short period of unconscious thought (i.e., participants were distracted while holding the goal of solving the RAT items) increased the accessibility of RAT answers, but did not increase the number of correct answers compared with an equal duration of conscious thought or mere distraction. In Experiment 2, which used moderately difficult RAT items, unconscious thought led to a similar level of accessibility, but fewer correct answers, compared with conscious thought. These findings confirm and extend unconscious-thought theory by demonstrating that processes that increase the mental activation of correct solutions do not necessarily lead them into consciousness.
How Does Negative Emotion Cause False Memories?
Authors: Brainerd C.J. , Stein L.M. , Silveira R.A. , Rohenkohl G. , Reyna V.F.
Published: October 2008

Remembering negative events can stimulate high levels of false memory, relative to remembering neutral events. In experiments in which the emotional valence of encoded materials was manipulated with their arousal levels controlled, valence produced a continuum of memory falsification. Falsification was highest for negative materials, intermediate for neutral materials, and lowest for positive materials. Conjoint-recognition analysis produced a simple process-level explanation: As one progresses from positive to neutral to negative valence, false memory increases because (a) the perceived meaning resemblance between false and true items increases and (b) subjects are less able to use verbatim memories of true items to suppress errors.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CO‐OPERATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Cloke Paul J. , Laycock Michael P.
Published: October 2008

The need for a new raison‐d'être for rural settlements has long been recognized, and has been traditionally answered by attempts to introduce manufacturing industry into centralised factory premises, usually on industrial estates. The poor performance of this response has led to support for alternative policies of promoting small‐scale workshop employment in a wider spread of rural settlements. One such scheme in the small village of Llanaelhaearn in North Wales has been run on a co‐operative basis, and has survived over the last six years of economic depression. The experience of this experiment in Llanaelhaearn offers valuable evidence concerning both the internal economic and social structures of a village work co‐operative and the wider implications for developing small‐scale employment at village level as a widespread response to the problems of small rural settlements.

Ce n'est pas d'aujourd'hui que date le besoin de trouver de nouvelles raisons d'être aux collectivités rurales. La réponse traditionnelle a consisté à promouvoir l'introduction d'industries manufacturières au moyen d'équipements pour l'industrie (zonings, bâtiments industriels).

La maigreur des résultats obtenus a conduit à soutenir des politiques alternatives de promotion de l'emploi dans des ateliers de petite dimension.

Ce schéma a donné lieu, dans le cas du petit village de Llanaelhaearn ‐ Nord du Pays de Galles ‐ à une forme de coopérative qui a survécu aux six dernières années de crise économique. L'analyse de cette expérience permet des constatations intéressantes tant à propos de l'organisation sociale et économique d'une coopérative villageoise de travail qu'à propos des implications plus générales d'un développement de l'emploi à petite échelle et au niveau local comme réponse ‐ si souvent admise ‐ aus problèmes des petites collectivités rurales.

Die Notwendigkeit, ländlichen Siedlungen eine neue Daseinsberechtigung zu geben, ist schon lange erkannt worden. Traditionell wird dies durch Ansiedlung von verarbeitender Industrie an zentralen Gewerbestandorten, gewöhnlich auf besonders dafür ausgewiesenem Industriegelände, versucht. Der geringe Erfolg dieser Bemühungen hat zur Unterstützung alternativer politischer Maßnahmen geführt, die zum Ziel haben, die Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten auch in einzelnen, verstreut liegenden Orten durch Förderung von kleineren Handwerksbetrieben zu verbessern. Ein solches Modell wird in dem kieinen Dorf Llanaelhaearn in Nord‐Wales auf kooperativer Basis durchgeführt und hat die letzten sechs Jahre wirtschaftlicher Depression überlebt. Die Erfahrungen mit diesem Experiment in Llanaelhaearn erlauben einen wertvollen Einblick sowohl in die internen ökonomischen und sozialen Strukturen einer dörflichen Arbeitsgenossenschaft wie in die weiteren Implikationen der Entwicklung kleinbetrieblicher Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten auf dörflicher Ebene als eine umfassende Antwort auf die Probleme kleiner ländlicher Siedlungen.
Approaches to methadone treatment: harm reduction in theory and practice
Authors: Järvinen Margaretha
Published: October 2008

The paper analyses methadone treatment in Copenhagen – as it is described by methadone users and staff at different outpatient centres. The starting point is a theoretical model distinguishing between two different approaches to methadone treatment: ‘palliative’ and ‘curative’. Included in the model are three dimensions (1) treatment goals at the methadone centres (abstinence vs. stabilisation) (2) treatment focus (focus on addiction vs. focus on the consequences of addiction) and (3) conceptualisation of methadone (methadone as similar to or different from heroin). The paper shows that there is a discrepancy between the attitudes of the staff and those of the users. While the staff favour an almost clear‐cut palliative approach to methadone treatment, defining curative goals as both unrealistic and as belonging to the past, the users prefer an approach that does not exclude the goal of abstinence and does not focus on the consequences of drug use alone but also on their problematic relationship to drugs (legal as well as illegal). Furthermore, the users’ attitudes towards methadone are far more ambivalent than the staff's. For the users, methadone is not just medicine; it is also a dependence‐producing and ‘dangerous’ drug.
Men, masculine identities, and health care utilisation
Authors: Noone Jack H. , Stephens Christine
Published: October 2008

Seeking medical help early is critical for recovery, yet evidence indicates that men do not utilise general practitioner services as often as women. This paper draws on Connell's (1995) theory of hegemonic masculinity to critically examine how men's under‐utilisation of medical services may be influenced by the social construction of masculine identities. Interviews with seven older rural men about their help‐seeking behaviour, used a movie extract and hypothetical scenarios to stimulate discussion. Transcribed data were analysed using discourse analysis, which showed that in this particular social context, the men faced a dilemma when identifying with two conflicting subject positions: the virtuous regular health care user, and the masculine infrequent user of health care services. They solved this dilemma by positioning women as frequent and trivial users of health care and themselves as legitimate users of health care. By using biomedical and morality discourses in this way the men could maintain a masculine identity whilst also identifying as virtuous users of health care services. These results support the utility of hegemonic masculinity as a theoretical basis for examining the construction and maintenance of gendered identities by highlighting the complexity of multiple masculine identities.
Developing public sociology through health impact assessment
Authors: Elliott Eva , Williams Gareth
Published: October 2008

The renewed interest in ‘public sociology’ has sparked debate and discussion about forms of sociological work and their relationship to the State and civil society. Medical sociologists are accustomed to engaging with a range of publics and audiences inside and outside universities and are in a position to make an informed contribution to this debate. This paper describes how some of the debates about sociological work are played out through a ‘health impact assessment’ of a proposed housing renewal in a former coal mining community. We explore the dynamics of the health impact assessment process and relate it to wider debates, current in the social sciences, on the ‘new knowledge spaces’ within which contentious public issues are now being discussed, and the nature of different forms of expertise. The role of the ‘public sociologist’ in mediating the relationships between the accounts and interpretations of lay participants and the published ‘evidence’ is described as a process of mutual learning between publics, professionals and social scientists. It is argued that the continued existence and development of any meaningful ‘professional sociology’ requires an openness to a ‘public sociology’ which recognises and responds to new spaces of knowledge production.
New reproductive technologies, genetic counselling and the standing of the fetus: views from Germany and Israel
Authors: Hashiloni‐Dolev Yael , Weiner Noga
Published: October 2008

This paper reports findings from a comparative study of Israeli and German genetic counsellors’ perceptions of the moral standing of the fetus. Data collected through in‐depth interviews with counsellors in both countries (N=32) are presented, and their moral practices are analysed. The paper's findings suggest that while German counsellors perceive the fetus as an autonomous being and debate the particular biological stages through which this autonomy is acquired; Israeli counsellors do not consider the moral status of the fetus independently of its relations with its family hence, deploying a ‘relational ethics’. It is suggested that these differences are influenced by historical, political, legal, and religious traditions in Germany and Israel regarding abortions and the fetus. It is concluded that the deployment of a ‘biological ethics’ by German counsellors reproduces the model of fetal developmental stages (in itself a construction), and hence goes hand in hand with perceptions of the fetus as a ‘life’, and thus as the bearer of autonomous rights which are understood to contradict those of its mother. On the other hand, the rejection of ‘biological ethics’ by Israeli counsellors enables a perception of fetuses that is first and foremost defined by their relationships with others.
Dividends and Market Signalling: an Analysis of Corporate Insider Trading
Authors: Del Brio Esther B. , De Miguel Alberto
Published: October 2008

This study tests the multiple‐signal theory of dividends of

John and Lang (1991)

in the context of a European market. Our evidence shows that investors are more sensitive to insider trading signals than to signalled changes in existing dividends. In effect, the insider sales signal is universally understood as bad news. After controlling for the quality of a firm's investment opportunities, investors are found to penalise dividend outflows by mature firms that exhibit more informed insider sales activity. Finally, we offer an innovative exploration of the role of earnings announcements in market reaction to the dividend signal.
A Dynamic Approach to Accounts Receivable: a Study of Spanish SMEs
Authors: García‐Teruel Pedro J. , Martínez‐Solano Pedro
Published: October 2008

The main objective of this paper is to extend the literature on the granting of trade credit. The focus is to test whether the accounts receivable decisions follow a model of partial adjustment. To do that, we use a sample of 2,922 Spanish SMEs. Using a dynamic panel data model and employing the GMM method of estimation we control for unobservable heterogeneity and for potential endogeneity problems. The results reveal that firms have a target level of accounts receivable and take decisions in order to achieve that level. In addition, we find that sales growth (if positive), the size of the firms, their capacity to generate internal funds and get short term financing, and economic growth are important in determining trade credit granted by firms.
A New Approach for Using Lévy Processes for Determining High‐Frequency Value‐at‐Risk Predictions
Authors: Sun Wei , Rachev Svetlozar , Fabozzi Frank J.
Published: October 2008

A new approach for using Lévy processes to compute value‐at‐risk (VaR) using high‐frequency data is presented in this paper. The approach is a parametric model using an ARMA(1,1)‐GARCH(1,1) model where the tail events are modelled using fractional Lévy stable noise and Lévy stable distribution. Using high‐frequency data for the German DAX Index, the VaR estimates from this approach are compared to those of a standard nonparametric estimation method that captures the empirical distribution function, and with models where tail events are modelled using Gaussian distribution and fractional Gaussian noise. The results suggest that the proposed parametric approach yields superior predictive performance.
Surviving the EU? The future for national employment models in Europe
Authors: Rubery Jill , Bosch Gerhard , Lehndorff Steffen
Published: October 2008

The claim by the European Union (EU) to be both the moderniser and the effective saviour of distinctive European ways of doing things is challenged by this review of the multi‐tiered influence of the EU on change in national models. Competition and macroeconomic policy is argued to be more significant than soft law in reshaping national models and in constraining innovation and change to meet new conditions. Lip service is paid by the EU to different paths of development, but the contradictions and synergies across institutional and policy approaches that underpin the notion of varieties of capitalism go unrecognised. European employment models are seen as primarily contributing to social protection, but the potential role for distinctive models to promote comparative advantage, as under varieties of capitalism analysis, is not on the policy agenda.
European Works Council at General Motors Europe: bargaining efficiency in regime competition?
Authors: Banyuls Josep , Haipeter Thomas , Neumann László
Published: October 2008

The European Works Council (EWC) at General Motors Europe is frequently cited as one of the few examples of an efficient body of employee representation at a European level within a multinational company. Despite the increasing threat of social dumping in the enlarged Europe, the EWC was able to agree with management the terms of compulsory European minimum standards for defensive employment and competitiveness pacts, thereby restricting the effects of coercive comparisons between factories located in different countries. In this article, we focus on this experience and illuminate the tensions of ‘micro‐corporatism’ caught between international solidarity and regime competition.
Job quality in Europe
Authors: Smith Mark , Burchell Brendan , Fagan Colette , O'Brien Catherine
Published: October 2008

Promoting job quality and gender equality are objectives of the European Employment Strategy (EES) in spite of a downgrading of the attention given to both in the revised employment guidelines and the relaunch of the Lisbon Process. However, advances on both of these objectives may be important complements to the employment rate targets of the EES, as access to good quality jobs for both sexes is likely to help sustain higher employment rates. While the European Commission has a broad view of the concept of job quality in practice, it relies on a selection of labour market type indicators that say little about the quality of the actual jobs people do. Using data from the 2005 European Working Conditions survey, we analyse job quality along three dimensions: job content, autonomy and working conditions. We conclude that gender and occupational status, along with other job characteristics such as working time and sector, have more influence on an individual's job quality than the country or ‘national model’ they are situated in. Our results also demonstrate the value of developing indicators of job quality that are both gender sensitive and derived at the level of the job rather than the labour market in order to advance EU policy and academic debate on this topic.
The 2004 Enlargement Staff Policy of the European Commission: The Case for Representative Bureaucracy*
Authors: GRAVIER MAGALI
Published: October 2008

This article tests the theory of representative bureaucracy on the Commission's 2004 enlargement staff policy. It concludes that this policy matches the criteria of bureaucratic representativeness, which opens a reflection both on the political legitimacy and on the instruments of representation in the EU.
A deleted prion protein that is neurotoxic in vivo is localized normally in cultured cells
Authors: Christensen Heather M. , Harris David A.
Published: October 2008

The prion protein (PrP) possesses sequence‐specific domains that endow the molecule with neuroprotective and neurotoxic activities, and that may contribute to the pathogenesis of prion diseases. To further define critical neurotoxic determinants within PrP, we previously generated Tg(ΔCR) mice that express a form of PrP harboring a deletion of 21 amino acids within the central domain of the protein [Li et al., EMBO J. 26 (2007), 548]. These animals exhibit a neonatal lethal phenotype that is dose‐dependently rescued by co‐expression of wild‐type PrP. In this study, we examined the localization and cell biological properties of the PrP(ΔCR) protein in cultured cells to further understand the mechanism of PrP(ΔCR) neurotoxicity. We found that the distribution of PrP(ΔCR) was identical to that of wild‐type PrP in multiple cell lines of both neuronal and non‐neuronal origin, and that co‐expression of the two proteins did not alter the localization of either one. Both proteins were found in lipid rafts, and both were localized to the apical surface in polarized epithelial cells. Taken together, our results suggest that PrP(ΔCR) toxicity is not a result of mislocalization or aggregation of the protein, and more likely stems from altered binding interactions leading to the activation of deleterious signaling pathways.