bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encounter data in resource management and ecology: pitfalls and possibilities
Authors: Keane Aidan , Jones Julia P. G. , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: June 2011

1. Simple indices based on the number of encounters with a study object are used throughout ecology, conservation and natural resource management (e.g. indices of abundance used in animal surveys or catch per unit effort (CPUE) data in fisheries management). All forms of encounter data arise through the interaction of two sets of behaviours: those of the data generators and those of the data collectors. Analyses of encounter data are prone to bias when these behaviours do not conform to the assumptions used to model them.

2. We review the use of CPUE indices derived from patrol data, which have been promoted for the study of rule‐breaking in conservation, highlighting potential sources of bias and noting how similar problems have been tackled for other forms of encounter data.

3. We identify several issues that must be addressed for analyses of patrol data to provide useful information, including the definition of suitable measures of catch and effort, the choice of appropriate temporal and spatial scales, the provision of suitable incentives for ranger patrols and the recording of sufficient information to describe the spatial pattern of sampling. The same issues are also relevant to encounter data more generally.

4. Synthesis and applications.This review describes a common conceptual framework for understanding encounter data, based on the interactions that produce them. We anticipate that an appreciation of these commonalities will lead to improvements in the analysis of encounter data in several fields, by highlighting the existence of methodological approaches that could be more widely applied, and important characteristics of these data that have so far been neglected.
Comparison of nutrient acquisition in exotic plant species and congeneric natives
Authors: Meisner Annelein , de Boer Wietse , Verhoeven Koen J. F. , Boschker Henricus T.S. , van der Putten Wim H.
Published: June 2011

1. The ability of exotic plant species to establish and expand in new areas may be enhanced by a relatively high ability to acquire soil nutrients. To test this hypothesis, we predicted that the capacity for nutrient acquisition would be higher in seedlings of exotic species than in seedlings of native congeners.

2. We selected the five exotic species that had recently increased in abundance in a riverine habitat in the Netherlands and that had a native congener that was common in the same habitat. We grew seedlings of each of these ten species singly in pots of soil from this habitat in a glasshouse. After two months, we measured the final dry mass and N and P content of each plant and components of microbial biomass and nutrient mineralization in the soil. We also measured these soil characteristics in pots that had been left unplanted.

3. Exotic and native congeners did not differ consistently in the uptake of N or P or in effects on components of soil mineralization. Within a genus, values of these measurements were sometimes higher, sometimes lower and sometimes similar to the exotic when compared with the native species.

4. Depending upon the statistical analysis used, biomarker‐based biomass of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was generally higher in soil planted with exotic than with native species. Most measures of microbial biomass and soil mineralization were higher in pots that had been planted with plants than in pots with no plant.

5. Synthesis. Our results do not suggest that invasive, exotic plant species generally possess greater capacity for nutrient acquisition during the early establishment than native species do.
Developmental changes in the sleep electroencephalogram of adolescent boys and girls
Authors: BAKER FIONA C. , TURLINGTON SHARON R. , COLRAIN IAN
Published: June 2011

The sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) changes across adolescence; however, there are conflicting data as to whether EEG changes are regionally specific, are evident in non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and whether there are sex differences. The present study seeks to resolve some of these issues in a combined cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis of sleep EEG in adolescents. Thirty‐three healthy adolescents (18 boys, 15 girls; 11–14 years) were studied on two occasions 6–8 months apart. Cross‐sectional analysis of data from the initial visit revealed significantly less slow‐wave sleep, delta (0.3 to <4 Hz) and theta (4 to <8 Hz) power in both NREM and REM sleep with advancing age. The age–delta power relationship was significant at the occipital site, with age accounting for 26% of the variance. Longitudinal analysis revealed that NREM delta power declined significantly from the initial to follow‐up visit, in association with declining delta amplitude and incidence (P < 0.01), with the effect being greatest at the occipital site. REM delta power also declined over time in association with reduced amplitude (P < 0.01). There were longitudinal reductions in theta, alpha and sigma power in NREM and REM sleep evident at the occipital site at follow‐up (P < 0.01). No sex differences were apparent in the pattern of change with age for NREM or REM sleep. Declines in sleep EEG spectral power occur across adolescence in both boys and girls, particularly in the occipital derivation, and are not state‐specific, occurring in both NREM and REM sleep.
Development of a polyvalent RT‐PCR detection assay covering the genetic diversity of Cherry capillovirus A
Authors: Marais A. , Svanella‐Dumas L. , Barone M. , Gentit P. , Faure C. , Charlot G. , Ragozzino A. , Candresse T.
Published: June 2011

The variability of Cherry capillovirus A (CVA) was analysed using a short, 275‐bp region of the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase gene amplified by a polyvalent RT‐PCR assay. As for other members of the family Betaflexiviridae, CVA appears to show significant diversity, with an average pairwise nucleotide divergence of 9·4% between isolates in the analysed region. Phylogenetic analyses provide evidence for the existence of at least five clusters of CVA isolates, one of which is associated with noncherry hosts of the virus, providing evidence that transmission of CVA isolates between cherry and noncherry hosts is probably rare. Comparison of existing detection techniques using a panel of CVA isolates representative of the various phylogenetic groups indicated that dot‐blot hybridization assays show high polyvalence but may lack the sensitivity to detect CVA in some samples. On the other hand, available detection primers failed to amplify a wide range of CVA isolates. Partial genome sequencing of two divergent isolates allowed the identification of conserved genomic regions and the design of new primer pairs with improved polyvalence. These new primer pairs were used to develop PCR assays allowing the reliable detection of CVA isolates belonging to all phylogenetic clusters.
Life history of Cornularia cornucopiae (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) on the Conero Promontory (North Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Betti Federico , Bo Marzia , Di Camillo Cristina G. , Bavestrello Giorgio
Published: June 2011

The life cycle of the stoloniferan Cornularia cornucopiae (Pallas, 1766) (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) was studied from March 2009 to October 2010 on the rocky cliff of the Conero Promontory (North Adriatic Sea, 43°34.865′ N, 13°34.320′ E). In this area the species showed unusual high densities never recorded in other sites of the Mediterranean Sea. The density trend of the species showed a marked seasonal cycle, with a winter minimum of about 1000 polyps m−2 and a summer maximum of about 30,000 polyps m−2. In accordance with other Mediterranean literature data, polyps were fertile during spring–summer, from March to August, but the number of eggs per polyp continuously decreased during this span of time. Variations of polyp density were strongly correlated to water temperature, which can be considered the main environmental factor triggering this seasonal behaviour. The possibility, for C. cornucopiae, to face adverse winter conditions is probably related to the presence of a characteristic perisarcal envelope covering the stolon and the calyx of each polyp, which isolates the living tissues from the exterior. During winter, polyps degenerate but the stolons remain dormant inside their envelopes. The perisarc covering represents a morphological convergence of C. cornucopiae with benthic hydrozoans. As the latter, the studied stoloniferans are able to live in habitats characterized by periodic favourable conditions thanks to a seasonal life strategy. A similar trend is shared also by other important components (cnidarians and some sponges) of the filter‐feeding community of the North Adriatic Sea. Differently to the Western Mediterranean basin, this area is characterized by high food availability all year around, so benthic organisms are strongly constrained by the very low winter temperatures.
Invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit: a multicentre, prospective, observational study in Italy (2006–2008)
Authors: Tortorano Anna Maria , Dho Giovanna , Prigitano Anna , Breda Giuseppe , Grancini Anna , Emmi Vincenzo , Cavanna Caterina , Marino Giovanni , Morero Silvia , Ossi Cristina , Delvecchio Giacomo , Passera Marco , Cusumano Vitaliano , David Antonio , Bonaccorso Giuseppina , Corona Alberto , Favaro Myriam , Vismara Chiara , Garau Maria Graziella , Falchi Susanna , Tejada Milvana R. ,   for the ECMM‐FIMUA Study Group
Published: June 2011

Critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) are highly susceptible to healthcare‐associated infections caused by fungi. A prospective sequential survey of invasive fungal infections was conducted from May 2006 to April 2008 in 38 ICUs of 27 Italian hospitals. A total of 384 fungal infections (318 invasive Candida infections, three cryptococcosis and 63 mould infections) were notified. The median rate of candidaemia was 10.08 per 1000 admissions. In 15% of cases, the infection was already present at the time of admission to ICU. Seventy‐seven percent of Candida infections were diagnosed in surgical patients. Candida albicans was isolated in 60% of cases, Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis in 13%, each. Candida glabrata had the highest crude mortality rate (60%). Aspergillus infection was diagnosed in 32 medical and 25 surgical patients. The median rate was 6.31 per 1000 admissions. Corticosteroid treatment was the major host factor. Aspergillosis was demonstrated to be more severe than candidiasis as the crude mortality rate was significantly higher (63% vs. 46%), given an equal index of severity, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS‐II). The present large nationwide survey points out the considerable morbidity and mortality of invasive fungal infections in surgical as well as medical patients in ICU.
Addition of DNase improves the in vitro activity of antifungal drugs against Candida albicans biofilms
Authors: Martins Margarida , Henriques Mariana , Lopez‐Ribot José L. , Oliveira Rosário
Published: June 2011

Cells within Candida albicans biofilms display decreased susceptibility to most clinically used antifungal agents. We recently demonstrated that extracellular DNA (eDNA) plays an important role in biofilm integrity, as a component of the biofilm matrix. This study aimed at gaining insights into the contributions of eDNA to C. albicans biofilms antifungal susceptibility by the investigation of the impact of the combined use of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase) and antifungals to treat biofilms. Candida albicans biofilms were formed using a simple and reproducible 96‐well plate‐based method. The activity of the combined use of 0.13 mg l−1 DNase and antifungals was estimated using the 2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐5‐[(phenylamino)carbonyl]‐2H‐tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction assay and total viable counts. Herein, we report the improved efficacy of amphotericin B when in combination with DNase against C. albicans biofilms, as assessed using XTT readings and viable counts. Furthermore, although DNase increased the efficacy of caspofungin in the reduction of mitochondrial activity, no changes were observed in terms of culturable cells. Deoxyribonuclease I did not affect biofilm cells susceptibility to fluconazole. This work suggests that agents that target processes affecting the biofilm structural integrity may have potential use as adjuvants of a catheter–lock therapy.
Online monitoring of phytoplankton light response curves using a novel delayed fluorescence device
Authors: Honti Mark , Istvanovics Vera
Published: June 2011

This study describes a novel delayed fluorescence (DF) device developed to automatically record photosynthetically active biomass and photosynthesis–irradiance (PI) curves of phytoplankton. The device was tested in shallow Lake Balaton, Hungary, and in moderately deep, dimictic Lake Erken, Sweden. We estimated the following: (i) saturation light intensity and maximum rate of photosynthesis from hourly PI curves; (ii) hourly vertical light profile using global radiation and vertical light attenuation data recorded simultaneously with the DF measurements; and (iii) daily integral of primary production. Estimated primary production was compared with gross community production derived from high‐frequency measurements of dissolved oxygen concentrations. Preliminary analysis indicated that online recording of PI curves might significantly reduce the uncertainty of primary production estimates. This suggestion is particularly obvious for shallow, turbid lakes, where underwater light climate changes rapidly as a function of wind‐induced sediment resuspension, and phytoplankton adapt to these changes at time scales ranging from minutes to season. The new method has a high potential for both facilitating understanding of the regulation of primary production and long‐term, high‐frequency monitoring of aquatic productivity.
Deep sclerectomy augmented with combination of absorbable biosynthetic sodium hyaluronate scleral implant and mitomycin C or with mitomycin C versus trabeculectomy: long‐term results
Authors: Mesci Cem , Erbil Hasan H , Karakurt Yücel , Akçakaya Aylin A
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  To evaluate the long‐term results following deep sclerectomy with mitomycin C‐SKgel implant (DSMMC‐SKgel), mitomycin C (DSMMC) and trabeculectomy.

Design:  Comparative case series, Goztepe Training and Educational Hospital.

Participants:  Ninety‐one open‐angle glaucoma patients.

Methods:  DSMMC‐SKgel, DSMMC and trabeculectomy operations were performed in 28, 30 and 33 eyes, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures:  Intraocular pressures (IOP) and distance corrected visual acuities (DCVA) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at days 1, 7 and months 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48.

Results:  At month 48, deep sclerectomy groups had better DCVAs, and in all groups mean IOPs and number of medications were significantly lower and DCVAs were worse than preoperative values. Mean IOPs in trabeculectomy group at week 1, months 1 and 3 were significantly lower than those in DSMMC group. Mean IOPs in DSMMC‐SKgel group at week 1 and month 1 were significantly lower than those in DSMMC group. Mean preoperative IOPs, postoperative IOPs following 3rd month, complete (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and ≤18 mmHg without medication) and qualified (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and ≤18 mmHg with or without medication) success rates of all groups were not statistically different. Rate of complications such as hyphema, hypotony, shallow anterior chamber, bleb leak, bleb fibrosis, cataract, choroidal detachment and macular oedema were found to be significantly higher in trabeculectomy group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the mean post‐laser goniopuncture IOPs was found between the two deep sclerectomy groups during the follow up.

Conclusions:  DSMMC, DSMMC‐SKgel and trabeculectomy operations were almost equally effective in lowering IOP at long‐term follow up, but complication rates were higher after trabeculectomy operations.
Regulation of cell‐mediated collagen gel contraction in human retinal pigment epithelium cells by vascular endothelial growth factor compared with transforming growth factor‐β2
Authors: Ma Jin , Zhang Qianru , Moe Morten C , Zhu Tiepei
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  To explore the potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor compared with transforming growth factor‐β2 in the regulation of human retinal pigment epithelium cell‐mediated collagen gel contraction.

Methods:  The retinal pigment epithelium cell mediated type I collagen gel contraction assay was performed to evaluate and compare the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β2. The number of viable retinal pigment epithelium cells in the gel and the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin were analysed.

Results:  Both vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β2 caused a time dependent gel contraction, associated with over expression of α‐smooth muscle actin in retinal pigment epithelium cells undergoing a fibroblast like transformation. The decrease in volume of the collagen gel and increase in α‐smooth muscle actin expression were more significant in the transforming growth factor‐β2‐treated group than in vascular endothelial growth factor‐treated group beginning at day 2, and the growth of retinal pigment epithelium cells was significantly more inhibited in the transforming growth factor‐β2‐treated group compared with the vascular endothelial growth factor‐treated group after day 1 (P < 0.05). Transforming growth factor‐β2 stimulation increased both vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression and secretion. The α‐smooth muscle actin expression and the change in volume of collagen gel were significantly positively correlated in both experimental groups.

Conclusions:  Both vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β2 can cause induction of retinal pigment epithelium cell‐mediated collagen gel contraction in vitro via partial upregulation of α‐smooth muscle actin expression.
Filtering blue light reduces light‐induced oxidative stress, senescence and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in human retinal pigment epithelium cells
Authors: Kernt Marcus , Walch Axel , Neubauer Aljoscha S , Hirneiss Christoph , Haritoglou MD Christos , Ulbig Michael W , Kampik Anselm
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background:  Cumulative light exposure is significantly associated with ageing and the progression of age‐related macular degeneration. To prevent the retina from blue‐light damage in pseudophakia, blue light‐absorbing intraocular lenses have been developed. This study compares the possible protective effects of a blue light‐absorbing intraocular lens to an untinted ultraviolet‐absorbing intraocular lens with regard to light‐induced oxidative stress and senescence of human retinal pigment epithelium.

Methods:  As primary human retinal pigment epithelium cells were exposed to white light, either an ultraviolet‐ and blue light‐absorbing intraocular lens or ultraviolet‐absorbing intraocular lens was placed in the light beam. After 60 min of irradiation, cells were investigated by electron microscopy for viability, induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity. Expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 and their mRNA were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  Light exposure induced structural damage, decreased retinal pigment epithelium cell viability, and increased reactive oxygen species, senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 expression and secretion. Although both types of intraocular lens significantly reduced these effects, the protective effects of the ultraviolet‐ and blue light‐absorbing intraocular lens were significantly stronger than those of the ultraviolet‐absorbing intraocular lens.

Conclusions:  The ultraviolet‐ and blue light‐absorbing intraocular lens demonstrated significantly better protection against light‐induced oxidative stress, senescence and structural damage than the ultraviolet‐absorbing intraocular lens. These in vitro findings support the hypothesis that the ultraviolet‐ and blue light‐absorbing intraocular lens may prevent retinal damage in clinical use.
Consensus at last? The International Diabetes Federation statement on bariatric surgery in the treatment of obese Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pinkney J.
Published: June 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 884–885 (2011)
Diabetes in pregnancy may differentially affect neonatal outcomes for twins and singletons
Authors: Luo Z. C. , Simonet F. , Wei S. Q. , Xu H. , Rey E. , Fraser W. D.
Published: June 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1068–1073 (2011)

Aim  We tested the hypothesis that diabetes in pregnancy may differentially affect neonatal outcomes in twin vs. singleton pregnancies.

Methods  In a retrospective cohort analysis of twins (n = 422 068) and singletons (n = 14 298 367) born in the USA from 1998 to 2001, we evaluated the adjusted odds ratios of adverse neonatal outcomes comparing diabetic vs. non‐diabetic pregnancies, controlling for maternal characteristics. Primary outcomes include macrosomia (birthweight for gestational age > 90th percentile), congenital anomalies, low 5‐min Apgar score (< 4) and neonatal death.

Results  Diabetes in pregnancy was associated with a similarly increased risk of congenital anomalies (adjusted odds ratios 1.52 vs. 1.59) and smaller increased risks of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratios 1.27 vs. 1.49) and macrosomia (adjusted odds ratios 1.38 vs. 2.03) in twins vs. singletons, but reduced risks of low 5‐min Apgar score (adjusted odds ratio 0.74) and neonatal death (adjusted odds ratio 0.76) in twins but not singletons.

Conclusions  Diabetes in pregnancy may differentially affect neonatal outcomes in twins and singletons, indicating a need for further studies to differentiate the effects by clinical subtypes of diabetes in pregnancy, and to consider/evaluate differential clinical management protocols of diabetes in multiple vs. singleton pregnancies.
Engineering virus resistance using a modified potato gene
Authors: Cavatorta Jason , Perez Kari W. , Gray Stewart M. , Van Eck Joyce , Yeam Inhwa , Jahn Molly
Published: June 2011

Natural mutations in translation initiation factor eIF4E confer resistance to potyviruses in many plant species. Potato is a staple food crop plagued by several potyviruses, yet to date no known eIF4E‐mediated resistance genes have been identified. In this study, we demonstrate that transgenic expression of the pvr12 gene from pepper confers resistance to Potato virus Y (PVY) in potato. We then use this information to convert the susceptible potato ortholog of this allele into a de novo allele for resistance to PVY using site‐directed mutagenesis. Potato plants overexpressing the mutated potato allele are resistant to virus infection. Resistant lines expressed high levels of eIF4E mRNA and protein. The resistant plants showed growth similar to untransformed controls and produced phenotypically similar tubers. This technique disrupts a key step in the viral infection process and may potentially be used to engineer virus resistance in a number of economically important plant–viral pathosystems. Furthermore, the general public may be more amenable to the ‘intragenic’ nature of this approach because the transferred coding region is modified from a gene in the target crop rather than from a distant species.
Reciprocal influences between stress and internalizing problems in Korean adolescents: A cross‐lagged, longitudinal study
Authors: Lee Julie
Published: June 2011

In the current four‐wave, longitudinal study, adolescent stress, internalizing problems, and the reciprocal influences of these variables were examined. Data were obtained from the Korea Youth Panel Study, which included 3188 (1594 male and 1594 female) middle‐ and high‐school students who enrolled in the study from 2004 to 2007. The mean participant age was 14.79 years in 2004. By using a cross‐lagged, autoregressive model, it was shown that stress levels and internalizing problems had reciprocal influences on one another over time (all four time points). At each of the time points, the effect sizes of stress on internalizing problems were significantly greater than those of internalizing problems on stress.
Water markets in Australia: an experimental analysis of alternative market mechanisms
Authors: Tisdell John G.
Published: June 2011

Formal water markets in Australia began as uniform price open call markets. As water markets in Australia continue to expand and mature, water managers are introducing double auction water markets, believing that such markets will produce more efficient outcomes. It is therefore timely and policy relevant to explore the relative merits of the two auction mechanisms in context. To date, experimental comparisons of these auction mechanisms have been based on balanced, single unit designs with defined buyers and sellers. However, many resource markets involve trade in multiple unit, often thin, double auction markets. This paper questions whether a multiple unit double auction performs as well as the more traditional open multiple unit call auction in a series of thin water market experiments.
UK LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: USING CONJECTURES TO EXPLAIN THE RELATIONSHIP
Authors: MCKENNA DAVE
Published: June 2011

The relationship between local government and public participation is a problematic one. Taking the UK as an example, it is evident that, despite 40 years of experimentation with public participation initiatives, there has been little impact on local policy processes. While a range of plausible explanations can be found for this state of affairs, no overarching theoretical framework is available to organize them. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to offer just such a framework of analysis by utilizing and developing the conjectures approach originally used by Klijn and Skelcher (2007). Four conjectures, developed from the UK experience, are presented. These are the transitional, incompatibility, instrumental and resistivity conjectures. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for research and for policy.
Home‐ownership, housing regimes and income inequalities in Western Europe
Authors: Norris Michelle , Winston Nessa
Published: June 2011

Norris M, Winston N. Home‐ownership, housing regimes and income inequalities in Western Europe

This article compares the structural features of home‐ownership systems in European Union 15 (EU15) countries (home‐ownership rates, mortgages and public subsidisation of this tenure) with data on inequalities in outcomes (variations in home‐ownership access, risks and standards between income groups). Its purpose was to assess the relevance of the debate on the convergence and divergence of housing systems, which has dominated the comparative housing literature. The article concludes that, depending on the level of analysis adopted and the particular variables selected for examination, elements of both convergence and divergence are evident in Western European home‐ownership systems. The comparative housing literature has also largely failed to capture the key inter‐country cleavages in home‐ownership systems that are between the Northern and Southern EU15 countries. These shortcomings are related to methodological and conceptual problems in the literature.
Systematic reviews of the effects of preparatory courses on university entrance examinations in high school‐age students
Authors: Montgomery Paul , Lilly Jane
Published: June 2011

Montgomery P, Lilly J. Systematic reviews of the effects of preparatory courses on university entrance examinations in high school‐age students

This systematic review examines the effects of coaching on Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores and, ultimately, university entrance. We show a significant effect in score improvement for coached students over their uncoached peers in both the Math and Verbal subtests of the examination. This review's findings indicate treatment group gains over control group of 23.5 points on the Verbal subtest and 32.7 points on the Math subtest, for a combined score of nearly triple that which was previously assumed. As long as coaching remains inaccessible to some students, we urge universities to reconsider the weight given to SAT scores in the undergraduate admissions process. We challenge the designers of the SAT to redesign the examination to eliminate the possibility of score gains from coaching. Finally, we call for researchers to increase the production of high‐quality data in this field to ensure accurate estimates of coaching's effects are made available to all.
John Beebe in conversation with Beverley Zabriskie
Authors: Beebe John , Zabriskie Beverley
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  John Beebe speaks with Beverley Zabriskie about the central motifs of his life and depth psychological experience, and how these informed his choice of vocation as psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, educator and author. Dr. Beebe narrates how he moved beyond the fate assigned the son of a needy mother and abandoning father. He illustrates how the role his family expected him to fill constellated archetypal motifs—the magical or divine curative child, the whiz kid—from which he had then to disidentify for the sake of becoming an individual with a personal voice and capacity to express his own true values. He tells of his differentiation and search for completion through the perspective of Jung's psychological types theory. He also reflects on the evolution of Jungian analytic theory and practice generally, his editorship of the JAP and the San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal, his confrontation with analytic homophobia, and the emerging quality of professional and personal relationships in relation to ethics and to love. He assesses Jung's courage and integrity as displayed through the release of Jung's Red Book, and his own quest for an organic and psychological moral stance expressed in his benchmark book, Integrity in Depth.
Methamphetamine neurotoxicity decreases phasic, but not tonic, dopaminergic signaling in the rat striatum
Authors: Howard Christopher D. , Keefe Kristen A. , Garris Paul A. , Daberkow David P.
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 668–676.

Neurotoxic doses of methamphetamine (METH) are known to cause depletions in striatal dopamine (DA) tissue content. However, the effects of METH‐induced insults on dopaminergic neurotransmission are not fully understood. Here, we employed fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry at a carbon‐fiber microelectrode in the anesthetized rat striatum to assess the effects of a neurotoxic regimen of METH on phasic and tonic modes of dopaminergic signaling and underlying mechanisms of DA release and uptake. Extracellular DA was electrically evoked by stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle mimicking tonic and phasic firing patterns for dopaminergic cells and was monitored simultaneously in both the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum. Kinetic analysis of evoked recordings determined parameters describing DA release and uptake. Striatal DA tissue content was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. METH‐pretreatment (four doses of 7.5 or 10.0 mg/kg s.c.) induced DA depletions of ∼ 40% on average, which are reported in both striatal subregions. METH pre‐treatment significantly decreased the amplitude of signals evoked by phasic, but not tonic, stimulation. Parameters for DA release and uptake were also similarly reduced by ∼ 40%, consistent with effects on evoked phasic‐like responses and DA tissue content. Taken together, these results suggest that METH‐pretreatment selectively diminishes phasic, but not tonic, dopaminergic signaling in the dorsal striatum.
Glutathione‐S‐transferase P1 is a critical regulator of Cdk5 kinase activity
Authors: Sun Kai‐Hui , Chang Kuei‐Hua , Clawson Sara , Ghosh Soumitra , Mirzaei Hamid , Regnier Fred , Shah Kavita
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 902–914.

Cyclin dependent kinase‐5 (Cdk5) activity is deregulated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and contributes to all three hallmarks: neurotoxic β‐amyloid formation, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal death. However, the mechanism leading to Cdk5 deregulation remains controversial. Cdk5 deregulation in AD is usually linked to the formation of p25, a proteolysis product of Cdk5 activator p35, which leads to Cdk5 mislocalization and hyperactivation. A few studies have indeed shown increased p25 levels in AD brains; however, others have refuted this observation. These contradictory findings suggest that additional factors contribute to Cdk5 deregulation. This study identified glutathione‐S‐transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) as a novel Cdk5 regulatory protein. We demonstrate that it is a critical determinant of Cdk5 activity in human AD brains and various cancer and neuronal cells. Increased GSTP1 levels were consistently associated with reduced Cdk5 activity. GSTP1 directly inhibits Cdk5 by dislodging p25/p35, and indirectly by eliminating oxidative stress. Cdk5 promotes and is activated by oxidative stress, thereby engaging a feedback loop which ultimately leads to cell death. Not surprisingly, GSTP1 transduction conferred a high degree of neuroprotection under neurotoxic conditions. Given the critical role of oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis, an increase in GSTP1 level may be an alternative way to modulate Cdk5 signaling, eliminate oxidative stress, and prevent neurodegeneration.
Internet addiction in the island of Hippocrates: the associations between internet abuse and adolescent off‐line behaviours
Authors: Fisoun Virginia , Floros Georgios , Geroukalis Dimitrios , Ioannidi Nikoleta , Farkonas Nikiforos , Sergentani Elena , Angelopoulos Nikiforos , Siomos Konstantinos
Published: June 2011

Background:  To investigate the phenomenon of internet addiction and concurrent social (off‐line) behaviours of an adolescent population a cross‐sectional survey of the entire adolescent student population (N = 1270, aged 14–18) of the island of Kos in Greece was conducted.

Method:  Completion by the survey participants of a demographic questionnaire, the 8‐question YDQ (Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction) and the 20‐question IAT (Internet Addiction Test), followed by comparative analysis between and within usage groups.

Results:  Results demonstrate that 7.2% of male and 5.1% of female internet users present addictive behaviours while using the internet.

Conclusions:  Anti‐social, aggressive behaviours were significantly correlated with an increase to the pattern of abusive internet use in both sexes. Boys and girls had distinct profiles of off‐line and online preferences. Boys tended to favour interest‐driven online activities as their levels of addictive behaviour increased while girls favoured communication‐driven online activities.
Representation as a median mandate: Taking cross‐national differences seriously
Authors: BEST ROBIN E. , BUDGE IAN , MCDONALD MICHAEL D.
Published: June 2011

The extent and ways in which popular preferences influence government policy are absolutely central to our understanding of modern democracy. Paul Warwick's discussion of these in theEuropean Journal of Political Researchin 2010 puts itself at the heart of the debate with its critique of the median mandate theory of McDonald and Budge, proposing an alternative ‘bilateralist’ concept of representation. This article questions whether this concept has much to add to our theoretical understanding of representational processes. However, Warwick's further conceptual points deserve serious consideration. These concern the time horizons within which representative processes work, and the status of the median position given multi‐motivated voting. At the evidential level, Warwick argues that survey‐based measures of voter and party left–right positions fail to produce the correspondence between median and government policy positions that median mandate theory would have us expect. However, survey‐based measures of median voter and party placements obscure important cross‐national variation. Using the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES 2007), as Warwick does, this article shows that survey respondents norm their own and their country's party positions to their national context. The consequence is to make the political centre in all nations appear similar. Allowing for the relevant cross‐national differences brings the relationship between the median voter and government position back in line with expectations.
Trends and projections of hepatitis C virus epidemiology in Latin America
Authors: Kershenobich David , Razavi Homie A. , Sánchez‐Avila Juan Francisco , Bessone Fernando , Coelho Henrique S. , Dagher Lucy , Gonçales Fernando L. , Quiroz Jorge F. , Rodriguez‐Perez Federico , Rosado Barbara , Wallace Carolyn , Negro Francesco , Silva Marcelo
Published: June 2011

Background and aim: The purpose of the present investigation is to provide an analysis of previous works on the epidemiology of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection from six countries throughout Latin America, to forecast the future HCV prevalence trends in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Puerto Rico, and to outline deficiencies in available data, highlighting the need for further research.

Methods: Data references were identified through indexed journals and non‐indexed sources. Overall, 1080 articles were reviewed and 150 were selected based on their relevance to this work. When multiple data sources were available for a key assumption, a systematic process using multi‐objective decision analysis (MODA) was used to select the most appropriate sources. When data were missing, analogues were used. Data from other countries with similar risk factors and/or population compositions were used as a proxy to help predict the future trends in prevalence.

Results: The review indicates that the dominant genotype is type 1. HCV prevalence in the analysed countries ranges from 1 to 2.3%. The Latin American countries have been very proactive in screening their blood supplies, thus minimizing the risk of transmission through transfusion. This suggests that other risk factors are set to play a major role in continued new infections. The number of diagnosed and treated patients is low, thereby increasing the burden of complications such as liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV prevalence, according to our modelling is steady or increasing and the number of infected individuals will increase.

Conclusions: The results herein reported should provide a foundation for informed planning efforts to tackle hepatitis.
Ultraviolet Protective Eyewear for Wood’s Light Use
Authors: Herro Elise M. , Cosan Therese , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  When interpreting delayed patch test reads for children suspected of having contact dermatitis, we use the Wood’s light to illuminate the highlighter outlines we made at the first read. Our pediatric patients wear single‐use ultraviolet protective goggles to shield their retinas, because children have a propensity to attempt to look into the Wood’s lamp.
26. Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Puylaert Martine , Kapural Leonardo , Van Zundert Jan , Peek Dirk , Lataster Arno , Mekhail Nagy , van Kleef Maarten , Keulemans Yolande C. A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Chronic pancreatitis is defined as a progressive inflammatory response of the pancreas that has lead to irreversible morphological changes of the parenchyma (fibrosis, loss of acini and islets of Langerhans, and formation of pancreatic stones) as well as of the pancreatic duct (stenosis and pancreatic stones). Pain is one of the most important symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. The pathogenesis of this pain can only partly be explained and it is therefore often difficult to treat this symptom.

The management of pain induced by chronic pancreatitis starts with lifestyle changes and analgesics.

For the pharmacological management, the three‐step ladder of the World Health Organization extended with the use of co‐analgesics is followed.

Interventional pain management may consist of radiofrequency treatment of the nervi splanchnici, spinal cord stimulation, endoscopic stenting or stone extraction possibly in combination with lithotripsy, and surgery.

To date, there are no randomized controlled trials supporting the efficacy of radiofrequency and spinal cord stimulation. The large published series reports justify a recommendation to consider these treatment options. Radiofrequency treatment, being less invasive than spinal cord stimulation, could be tested prior to considering spinal cord stimulation.

There are several other treatment possibilities such as endoscopic or surgical treatment, pancreatic enzyme supplementation and administration of octreotide and antioxidants. All may have a role in the management of pain induced by chronic pancreatitis.
High Doses of Topical Amitriptyline in Neuropathic Pain: Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Kopsky David J. , Keppel Hesselink Jan M.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Severe chronic neuropathic pain is a challenge to treat, and due to adverse effects of classical oral medication, optimal and effective dose levels are difficult to reach. Therefore, administration of topical analgesics might be an option, due to reduced adverse effects, and increased patient compliance.

The aim of this article is to describe two cases treated effectively with topical amitriptyline 5% and 10%, the highest dosage described to date. The first patient was a 39‐year‐old man, suffering from severe intractable neuropathic pain in feet and hands, due to diabetes mellitus type II (DM‐II). After application of amitriptyline 5% the patient experienced a complete relieve only in the hands, whereas after application of amitriptyline 10%, a total reduction of pain occurred within 20 minutes, lasting the whole day. The second patient was a 57‐year‐old man, suffering for 10 years from progressive sensory disturbances in both feet and increasing pain due to chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP). Amitriptyline 5% cream reduced pain in the toes nearly completely, but this was not the case in the heels. Amitriptyline 10% reduced pain in the feet, however, systemic adverse effects occurred, mainly drowsiness. The patient decided to stop topical treatment because of these adverse effects.

These two cases suggest an analgesic dose–response effect of topical amitriptyline in painful neuropathy. Systemic adverse effects should be taken into account.
Academic Performance of Business Students in Quantitative Courses: A Study in the Faculty of Business and Economics at the UAE University
Authors: Yousef Darwish Abdulrahman
Published: June 2011

This article aims to investigate the academic performance (measured by quality points) of the business students in quantitative courses. It also explores the impact of a number of factors on the academic performance of business students in these courses. A random sample of 750 third‐ and fourth‐level business students at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) was chosen. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, t test, and correlation. The results indicated that the academic performance of the business students in quantitative courses differs across the fields of study (Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Management Information Systems, Economics, and Statistics), the nationality (Emirati or non‐Emirati), the type of high school (private or public), the major track in high school (science or art), the gender (except for Business Stat 1 and Production and Operations Management courses), and the age (except for Quantitative Methods for Business and Operations Research courses). The study has a number of implications for both administrators and instructors. For administrators, it will make them aware of the impacts of the factors under investigation on business students’ performance in quantitative courses. Therefore, this will improve the administrators’ ability to design more effective plans to enhance students’ learning experience and in turn their performance in those courses and accordingly their overall performance. For instructors, this study will indicate which students might perform poorly in quantitative courses and in turn lead to taking the necessary actions to enhance their performance in these courses. Instructors should organize separate classes for management and marketing students on one hand, and students of other fields of study on the other. Different teaching strategies, course contents, assessment approaches could be used for different groups. Similarly, students could be classified according to grade point average and major track in the high school. Once again, different teaching strategies, course contents, assessment approaches could be used for different groups.
Using Paper Helicopters to Teach Statistical Process Control
Authors: Johnson Danny J.
Published: June 2011

This hands‐on project uses a paper helicopter to teach students how to distinguish between common and special causes of variability when developing and using statistical process control charts. It allows the student to experience a process that is out‐of‐control due to imprecise or incomplete product design specifications and to discover how the process can be brought into control through the use of standardized product specifications and associated construction procedures. It also allows the student to experience common causes of variability, to distinguish these from the special causes of variability resulting from the incomplete design specifications, and to discover how standardization reduces process variability. The project has been used in both undergraduate and MBA classes and demonstrates these concepts in a way that is easy for the student to understand and remember.
PART in Retrospect: An Examination of Legislators' Attitudes Toward PART
Authors: STALEBRINK ODD J. , FRISCO VELDA
Published: June 2011

This research adds insight into the congressional reaction to the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) by exploring the influence of individual legislators' personal experiences and ideological position on their attitude toward PART. Specifically, the factors explored include ideological position held by legislators, level of business experience, level of campaign financing received from political action committees (PACs), years spent in Congress, seniority, and congressional chamber. The results indicate that legislators with higher levels of business experience generally were more supportive of PART and that the length of time they had served in Congress and the amount of campaign contributions they had received from PACs were negatively related to PART support. The study also provides insights into legislators' overall exposure and sentiment toward PART. The data indicates that only a small proportion of legislators clearly expressed positive or negative opinions toward PART, despite widespread exposure to the tool. These findings are important in that they contribute toward a more comprehensive understanding of the congressional reaction to PART and offer further insights into the challenges of securing congressional buy‐in for executive performance budgeting initiatives.