bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active labour market policy in East Germany
Authors: Lechner Michael , Wunsch Conny
Published: August 2009

We investigate the effects of the most important East German active labour market programmes on the labour market outcomes of their participants. The analysis is based on a large and informative individual database derived from administrative data sources. Using matching methods, we find that over a horizon of 2.5 years after the start of the programmes, they fail to increase the employment chances of their participants in the regular labour market. However, the programmes may have other effects for their participants that may be considered important in the especially difficult situation experienced in the East German labour market.
Who stays, who goes, who returns?
Authors: Fuchs‐Schündeln Nicola , Schündeln Matthias
Published: August 2009

We study the determinants of East–West migration within Germany during the period 1990–2006, using administrative data, the German Microcensus and the German Socio‐Economic Panel. We find that in addition to income prospects and employment status, two well‐known determinants of migration, psychological and social factors play an important role in determining the migration decision. Men and women move from East to West in proportionate numbers, but among individuals who lived in the East in 1989 women are more likely to migrate. The migrant body in the second wave of migration, starting in the late 1990s, is increasingly composed of young, educated people. By focusing on differences between temporary and permanent migrants, we find that older and single individuals are more likely to return East than stay permanently in the West, compared with younger and married individuals. Finally, the life satisfaction of permanent migrants increases significantly after a move, while that of temporary migrants remains essentially flat.
Making Monetary Policy by Committee*
Authors: Blinder Alan S.
Published: August 2009

This paper considers a number of design features of monetary policy committees (MPCs), including their size and composition, the degree of consensus for which they strive, the role of the committee chair, voting procedures, methods of appointment and communication techniques. Real‐world MPCs vary substantially in all these respects and more. Based on the theoretical and empirical research to date, most of which is of very recent vintage, a tentative set of ‘best practices’ is proposed.
Inflation Targeting: What Have We Learned?*
Authors: Walsh Carl E.
Published: August 2009

Inflation targeting has been widely adopted in both developed and emerging economies. In this essay, I survey the evidence on the effects of inflation targeting on macroeconomic performance and assess what lessons this evidence provides for inflation targeting and the design of monetary policy. While macroeconomic experiences among both inflation targeting and non‐targeting developed economies have been similar, inflation targeting has improved macroeconomic performance among developing economies. Importantly, inflation targeting has not been associated with greater real economic instability among either developed or developing economics. While cost shocks, such as the large rise in commodity prices that occurred in 2007 and early 2008, force central banks to make difficult short‐run trade‐offs, the ability to deal with demand shocks and financial crises can be enhanced by a commitment to an explicit target.
Capital Asset Pricing Model and the Risk Appetite Index: Theoretical Differences, Empirical Similarities and Implementation Problems*
Authors: Pericoli Marcello , Sbracia Massimo
Published: August 2009

We perform a thorough analysis of the Risk Appetite Index (RAI), a measure of changes in risk aversion proposed by Kumar and Persaud (2002). Building on Misina's study (2003), we first argue that the theoretical assumptions granting that the RAI correctly distinguishes between changes in risk and changes in risk aversion are very restrictive. Then, by comparing the RAI with a measure of risk aversion obtained from the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), we find that the estimates are surprisingly similar. We prove that if the variance of returns is sufficiently smaller than the variance of asset riskiness, then RAI and CAPM provide essentially the same information about risk aversion. We also show, however, that RAI and CAPM suffer from exactly the same implementation problems – the main one being the difficulty in measuring ex‐ante returns. At high and medium frequencies, the standard method of measuring ex‐ante with ex‐post returns may generate negative risk aversion and other inconsistencies. Hence, future research is needed to address this problem.
Gradualism, Transparency and the Improved Operational Framework: A Look at Overnight Volatility Transmission*
Authors: Colarossi Silvio , Zaghini Andrea
Published: August 2009

This paper proposes a possible way of assessing the effect on interest rate dynamics of changes in the decision‐making method, in the communication strategy and in the operational framework of a central bank. Through a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) specification, we show that the United States and the euro area displayed a limited but significant spillover of volatility from money market to longer‐term rates. We then checked the stability of this phenomenon in the most recent period of improved policy‐making and found empirical evidence to show that the transmission of overnight volatility along the yield curve had entirely disappeared.
Nitrous oxide fluxes and denitrification sensitivity to temperature in Irish pasture soils
Authors: Abdalla M. , Jones M. , Smith P. , Williams M.
Published: August 2009

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from grazed pastures constitute approximately 28% of total global anthropogenic N2O emissions. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of inorganic N fertilizer application on fluxes of N2O, quantify the emission factors (EFs) for a sandy loam soil which is typical of large areas in Ireland and to investigate denitrification sensitivity to temperature. Nitrous oxide flux measurements from a cut and grazed pasture field for 1 year and denitrification laboratory incubation were carried out. The soil pH was 7.3 and had a mean organic C and N content at 0–20 cm of 44.1 and 4.4 g/kg dry weight, respectively. The highest observed peaks of N2O fluxes of 67 and 38.7 g N2O‐N per hectare per day were associated with times of application of inorganic N fertilizer. Annual fluxes of N2O from control and fertilized treatments were 1 and 2.4 kg N2O‐N per hectare, respectively. Approximately 63% of the annual flux was associated with N fertilizer application. Multiple regression analysis revealed that soil nitrate and the interaction between soil nitrate and soil water content were the main factors controlling N2O flux from the soil. The derived EF of 0.83% was approximately 66% of the IPCC default EF value of 1.25% as used by the Irish EPA to estimate greenhouse gases (GHGs) in Ireland. The IPCC‐revised EF value is 0.9%. A highly significant exponential regression (r2 = 0.98) was found between denitrification and incubation temperature. The calculatedQ10ranged from 4.4 to 6.2 for a temperature range of 10–25 °C and the activation energy was 47 kJ/mol. Our results show that denitrification is very sensitive to increasing temperature, suggesting that future global warming could lead to a significant increase in soil denitrification and consequently N2O fluxes from soils.
Treatment of transfusional iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or severe anemia: data from multicenter clinical practices
Authors: Raptis Anastasios , Duh Mei Sheng , Wang Si‐Tien , Dial Ellison , Fanourgiakis Ilias , Fortner Barry , Paley Carole , Mody‐Patel Nikita , Corral Mitra , Scott Jeffrey
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or severe anemia requiring repeated red blood cell (RBC) transfusions risk developing transfusional iron overload, which can reduce survival. Iron chelation therapy (ICT) has been shown to improve survival and quality of life in patients; however, ICT utilization in clinical practices is not well understood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Medical records of patients diagnosed with MDS or severe anemia at least 6 months before data extraction, aged at least 21 years at diagnosis, and who received at least one RBC transfusion were reviewed. ICT eligibility was defined as at least 20 units of RBCs transfused or at least two serum ferritin levels exceeding 1000 µg/L. Study endpoint was ICT treatment rate among ICT‐eligible patients with lower‐risk MDS (International Prognostic Scoring System [low or intermediate‐1]; World Health Organization [refractory anemia {RA}, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts {RARS}, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia {RCMD}, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ringed sideroblasts, or 5q]; French‐American‐British [RA/RARS]).

RESULTS: Among 78 ICT‐eligible patients with lower‐risk MDS, 32 (41%) received ICT. At ICT initiation, treated patients received on average 13.3 transfusions (27.6 units) and mean first post‐ICT initiation serum ferritin was twice the MDS Foundation recommendation at 1949 µg/L. Median overall survival for all ICT‐eligible patients was significantly longer for those ICT‐treated patients than untreated patients (8.7 years vs. 4.7 years, log‐rank p = 0.02; multivariate hazard ratio 0.372, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION: This study finds only 41% of ICT‐eligible patients with lower‐risk MDS received ICT in clinical practice, and treatment was initiated later than recommended. Receipt of ICT was associated with significantly longer survival.
Landslide Risk Models for Decision Making
Authors: Bonachea Jaime , Remondo Juan , De Terán José Ramón Díaz , González‐Díez Alberto , Cendrero Antonio
Published: August 2009

This contribution presents a quantitative procedure for landslide risk analysis and zoning considering hazard, exposure (or value of elements at risk), and vulnerability. The method provides the means to obtain landslide risk models (expressing expected damage due to landslides on material elements and economic activities in monetary terms, according to different scenarios and periods) useful to identify areas where mitigation efforts will be most cost effective. It allows identifying priority areas for the implementation of actions to reduce vulnerability (elements) or hazard (processes). The procedure proposed can also be used as a preventive tool, through its application to strategic environmental impact analysis (SEIA) of land‐use plans. The underlying hypothesis is that reliable predictions about hazard and risk can be made using models based on a detailed analysis of past landslide occurrences in connection with conditioning factors and data on past damage. The results show that the approach proposed and the hypothesis formulated are essentially correct, providing estimates of the order of magnitude of expected losses for a given time period. Uncertainties, strengths, and shortcomings of the procedure and results obtained are discussed and potential lines of research to improve the models are indicated. Finally, comments and suggestions are provided to generalize this type of analysis.
Modeling the Public Health System Response to a Terrorist Event in the Food Supply
Authors: Hartnett Emma , Paoli Gregory M. , Schaffner Donald W.
Published: August 2009

We have developed a simulation model to quantify and characterize the response of the public health system and the impact of public health advisories in the event of an intentional contamination of the food supply. The model has three components: (1) definition of individual exposure over time and the outcomes of exposure, (2) definition of the geographical dispersal of exposures, and (3) response of the public health authorities to symptomatic individuals. The model explicitly considers the variation in the multiple interrelated facets of the response system, including differences among individuals' responses to exposure, variation between health care providers, and the subsequent processing of samples and confirmation of cases. To illustrate use of the model, case studies with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in three categories of food vehicle were compared. The level of detail required to run the public health component of the model is not trivial. While some data may not be available for hazards of particular interest in potential bioterrorism events, the application of expert judgment permits comparisons between different agents, different system reactions, and other assumptions within the system. The model provides the capacity to study the impact of system changes, to compare scenarios and to quantify the benefits of improvement in terms of averted exposures and risk reduction, and constitutes a significant aid to understanding and managing these threats. Essentially, the model provides an explicit valuation of time saved in the identification and intervention in terrorist events in the food supply.
Exercise Echocardiography in Cryopreserved Aortic Homografts: Comparison of a Prototype Stentless, a Stented Bioprosthesis, and Native Aortic Valves
Authors: Cordovil Adriana , Filho Orlando Campos , De Andrade José Lázaro , Rodrigues Ana Clara Tude , Gerola Luis Antonio , Moises Valdir , Buffolo Enio , De Camargo Carvalho Antonio Carlos
Published: August 2009

Background: Aortic valve replacement with a cryopreserved aortic homograft (CH) is an attractive alternative to bioprosthesis implantation. The aim of the study was to compare the hemodynamic performance of CH implanted with aortic root inclusion compared to prototype stentless (SS) bioprosthesis, standard stented (SD) bioprosthesis, and a native aortic valve. Methods: Hemodynamics and Doppler echocardiographic measurements such as left ventricular ejection fraction, aortic valve orifice area index (AVOAI), mean and maximal transvalvular gradients, were obtained at rest and immediately after exercise in 28 patients after aortic valve replacement with CH (n = 10), SS (n = 9), or SD (n = 9), and in a control group (CG) of 15 normal volunteers. Results: Rest and peak exercise heart rate and workload achieved were not different among the groups. Baseline AVOAI was larger for CH and CG compared to SS and SD groups (P < 0.05). Maximal and mean transvalvular pressure gradients at rest were lower for CH compared to SS and SD groups (P < 0.05), but higher than CG (P < 0,05). Conclusion: Implanted aortic CH had better hemodynamic performance than SS and SD bioprosthesis and similar to native normal aortic valves, both at rest and immediately after exercise. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)
Feasibility of Two‐Dimensional Global Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate Imaging for the Assessment of Left Atrial Function: A Study in Subjects with a Low Probability of Cardiovascular Disease and Normal Exercise Capacity
Authors: Kim Dong Gyu , Lee Kyung Jin , Lee Sahng , Jeong So‐Yeon , Lee Young Sook , Choi Yu Jeong , Yoon Hyeon Soo , Kim Jeong Hee , Jeong Kyung Tae , Park Soon Chang , Park Mira
Published: August 2009

Background: Two‐dimensional (2D) speckle imaging has shown that it could evaluate not only regional but also global strain (ɛ) and strain rate (SR) of the left and right ventricles. There are no data for global ɛ/SR imaging for left atrial (LA) function evaluation. Methods: A total of 54 subjects (37 men; mean age, 44 ± 10 years) with normal treadmill exercise stress echocardiography and no coronary risk factors were enrolled. Global longitudinal LA ɛ/SR data obtained by 2D speckle imaging with automated software (EchoPAC, GE Medical) were compared with LA volumetric parameters. Results: LA ɛ/SR imaging was acceptable in all patients. Bland‐Altman analysis for these parameters showed no evidence of any systematic difference regarding inter‐ and intraobserver variabilities. Global longitudinal LA strain during systole and peak systolic global longitudinal LA SR were correlated with LA total emptying fraction (EF) (r = 0.399, P = 0.004; r = 0.366, P = 0.008). Global longitudinal LA strain during early diastole and peak early diastolic global longitudinal LA SR were correlated significantly with LA passive EF (r = 0.476, P < 0.001; r = 0.507, P < 0.001). Global longitudinal LA strain during late diastole and peak late diastolic global longitudinal LA SR were not correlated with LA active EF (r = 0.198, P = 0.163; r = 0.265, P = 0.060). Conclusions: Global longitudinal LA ɛ/SR parameters determined by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography are feasible and reproducible indices for the evaluation of LA function. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)
Barriers and Facilitators to Electronic Documentation in a Rural Hospital
Authors: Whittaker Alice A. , Aufdenkamp Marilee , Tinley Susan
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore nurses’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to adoption of an electronic health record (EHR) in a rural Midwestern hospital.

Design: This study was a qualitative, descriptive design. The Staggers and Parks Nurse‐Computer Interaction Framework was used to guide directed content analysis.

Methods: Eleven registered nurses from oncology and medical‐surgical units were interviewed using three semistructured interview questions. Predetermined codes and operational definitions were developed from the Staggers and Parks framework. Narrative data were analyzed by each member of the research team and group consensus on coding was reached through group discussions.

Findings: Participants were able to identify computer‐related, nurse‐related, and contextual barriers and facilitators to implementation of EHR. In addition, two distinct patterns of perceptions and acceptance were identified.

Conclusions: The Staggers and Parks Nurse‐Computer Interaction framework was found to be useful in identifying computer, nurse, and contextual characteristics that act as facilitators or barriers to adoption of an EHR system. Acceptance and use of an EHR are enhanced when barriers are managed and facilitators are supported.

Clinical Relevance: Understanding and management of facilitators and barriers to EHR adoption may impact nurses’ ability to provide and document nursing care.
Living With Genetic Test Results for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hamilton Rebekah , Williams Janet K. , Skirton Heather , Bowers Barbara J.
Published: August 2009

Purpose: To examine adaptation by nonsymptomatic individuals who knew the results of a genetic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) for at least 4 years.

Design: Longitudinal grounded theory study.

Methods: Follow‐up interviews after a 3‐ to 4‐year interval were conducted by telephone or e‐mail with seven asymptomatic participants originally recruited for an earlier study of genetic testing experiences. A total of 14 interviews, 2 for each participant were conducted. Conceptual analysis on these 14 interviews focused on impact on daily life and health behavior decisions made in the intervening years.

Findings: Participants described the impact of the result and adaptations made in relationships, sexuality, outlook, and plans for the future. Participants accepted recommended surveillance and preventative measures to maximize a healthy lifestyle and reported both the benefits of knowing their mutation status as well as challenges they had encountered since testing.

Conclusions: Adaptation to living with genetic test results indicating a disease‐related mutation is an ongoing process of balancing the knowledge of risk with living a normal life. Over time, awareness of genetic risk does not appear to diminish.

Clinical Relevance: Positive and negative long‐term consequences of genetic testing for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer may influence many aspects of the personal lives and health care decisions of those tested.
Postoperative Pain Assessment With Three Intensity Scales in Chinese Elders
Authors: Li Li , Herr Keela , Chen Pingyan
Published: August 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Faces Pain Scale Revised (FPS‐R), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the Iowa Pain Thermometer (IPT) for pain assessment in Chinese elders who have had surgery.

Design: A descriptive correlational design with repeated measures was used. A convenience sample of 180 Chinese elders (age range 65 to 95 years) undergoing scheduled surgery at a university‐affiliated hospital was recruited.

Methods: On the day before surgery, recalled pain and anticipated postoperative pain intensity were rated by patients with three scales presented in randomized order, and then cognitive function was measured. On the first 3 postoperative days, participants completed the three scales in random order to assess current, worst, and least pain on each day. On the 3rd postoperative day, single retrospective ratings on worst, least, and average pain over the 3 days for each scale were also obtained and scale preferences were investigated.

Findings: The failure rates for all three scales were extremely low. The intraclass correlation coefficients across current, worst, and least pain on each postoperative day were consistently high (0.949 to 0.965), and all scales at each rating were strongly correlated (r=.833 to .962). Pain scores significantly decreased during the 3 postoperative days and all three scales were found to be sensitive in evaluating patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) efficacy. The scale mostly preferred was the IPT (54.7%), followed by the FPS‐R (28.5%) and the NRS (15.6%). No significant differences were noted in participant preference by age and cognitive status, but preference for the IPT and the FPS‐R were significantly related to gender and education level.

Conclusions: Although all three scales show good reliability, validity, and sensitivity for assessing postoperative pain intensity in Chinese elders, the IPT appears to be a better choice based on patient preference.

Clinical Relevance: The FPS‐R, the NRS, and the IPT can be used confidently to assess postoperative pain in Chinese surgical elders.
Defining Clinical Assessment Standards for Bachelor's‐Prepared Nurses in Switzerland
Authors: Lindpaintner Lyn S. , Bischofberger Iren , Brenner Andrea , Knüppel Susanne , Scherer Theresa , Schmid Andreas , Schäfer Monika , Stoll Hans Rudolf , Stolz‐Baskett Petra , Weyermann‐Etter Suzanne , Hengartner‐Kopp Beatrice
Published: August 2009

Purpose: A rigorous process of collaboration among multilingual and multicultural nursing faculties throughout Switzerland to define optimized learning goals for clinical assessment education at the bachelor's level is described in the context of wider European academic harmonization. Formation of a consensus‐seeking panel proved a useful strategy for disseminating knowledge among academic nursing faculties in the early years of tertiary nursing education. The process enabled representatives of competing institutions to share scarce resources and articulate the added value of a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Conclusions: A consensus‐building strategy has applicability for nursing faculties wishing to increase collaboration, efficiency, and effectiveness early in the process of academic nursing development. Lack of availability of learning materials written in the languages of the local clinical setting is a barrier to teaching advanced assessment skills.

Clinical Relevance: Clinical assessment education that teaches a systematic approach to data collection, analysis, and reporting is central to producing excellent clinical professionals.
Family Presence During Resuscitation: Canadian Critical Care Nurses’ Perspectives
Authors: McClement Susan E. , Fallis Wendy M. , Pereira Asha
Published: August 2009

Purpose: As part of a larger online survey examining the practices and preferences of Canadian critical care nurses regarding family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) of adult family members, the purpose of the study was to explicate salient issues about the practice of FPDR identified by nurses who responded to the qualitative portion of the survey.

Design: Descriptive, qualitative.

Methods: As part of an online survey, participants were given the opportunity to provide qualitative comments about their personal or professional experiences with FPDR. Data analysis was completed using content analysis and constant comparison techniques.

Findings: Of the 944 nurses contacted electronically, 450 completed the survey, for a response rate of 48%. Of these, 242 opted to share qualitative comments regarding their experiences with FPDR. Four major themes emerged from the data: (a) perceived benefits for family members; (b) perceived risks for family members; (c) perceived benefits for healthcare providers; and (d) perceived risks for healthcare providers.

Conclusions: The practice of FPDR impacts both family members and members of the resuscitation team. Nurses weigh these impacts when considering whether or not to bring family members to the bedside.

Clinical Relevance: The results of this study provide information for practicing clinicians, educators, and administrators regarding the decision‐making processes nurses use when considerations of bringing family members to the bedside during resuscitative events are evoked.
When East Meets West: Intensive Care Unit Experiences Among First‐Generation Chinese American Parents
Authors: Lee Shih‐Yu , Weiss Sandra J.
Published: August 2009

Purpose: To explore the experiences of first‐generation Chinese American parents while their infants are cared for in intensive care units (ICUs).

Design: Because the study focus was on understanding the experiences of parents, a phenomenological approach was used, with open‐ended questions that encouraged participants to describe events they perceived to be important. The data analysis procedure suggested by van Manen was used for the qualitative data analysis.

Participants/Setting: A convenience sample of 25 first‐generation Chinese American families, with infants hospitalized in the intensive care units of three teaching hospitals in the San Francisco area.

Results: Seven themes were identified: perceived incompetence, self‐blame, blame from others, filial piety, lack of support in the US, communication issues, and cultural differences.

Conclusions: Both fathers and mothers experienced stress related to all identified themes. Findings suggest the need for more resources to educate and support families as well as culturally competent care within pediatric ICUs. Further study is critical to understand how the Chinese American's personal and family characteristics may influence stress perceptions when coping with their children's hospitalization.

Clinical Relevance: This study can help healthcare providers to understand Chinese American parents’ perceptions while their infants are hospitalized in the ICU, which can enhance cultural competence care services.
Recognition of Skeletal Fractures in Infants: An Autopsy Technique
Authors: Love Jennifer C. , Sanchez Luis A.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Complete recognition and documentation of injury pattern is crucial in the diagnosis of child abuse. Skeletal fractures regarded as highly specific to nonaccidental injury in infants include posterior rib, scapular, metaphyseal, and spinous process fractures. These injuries are often occult, especially when acute, to standard radiologic and autopsy procedures. The presented autopsy technique requires incising and reflecting skeletal muscles to expose the bones and costal osseous joints in situ, increasing the opportunity to recognize skeletal injury. Fractured or atypical appearing bones are removed and processed for complete evaluation. The bones are processed by macerating the soft tissue in a water soap bath at an elevated temperature. To aid in reconstruction of the decedent, long bones are replaced with wooden dowels and the chest cavity is packed with the organ bag. The technique is invasive and recommended for cases in which the pathologist has reasonable suspicion of acute or remote trauma.
Illegal Route Estimation of the Seized Illicit Drug, Methamphetamine, by the Comparison of Striation Marks on Plastic Packaging Films
Authors: Sugita Ritsuko , Sasagawa Kaoru , Suzuki Shinichi
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  In Japan, the most common illicit drug is methamphetamine. It is possible to trace the origin of this drug by analyzing its organic and inorganic impurities and/or byproducts using several methods, such as GC, GC/MS, and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). As reported here, one other method includes comparison of the striation lines of polymer sheet layers from packaging using a polarized light method. Other alternative methods include analyzing the heat sealer pattern, layer thickness surface characteristics, and/or components of polymer sheet layers using infrared spectroscopy. Several of these alternative methods were used to analyze the origins of 29 packages confiscated from three regions over a 1000 km distance in Japan. Results indicated that packages seized from different regions had some polymer sheet layers which contained striation lines and heat sealer patterns that were similar.
Xeroderma pigmentosum skin: an immune privilege site for tumor development
Authors: Abid Kalthoum , El Mezni Faouzi , Kamoun Mohamed Ridha , Fazaa Becima , Zermani Rachida , Hadouchi Chokri , Hamzaoui Kamel
Published: August 2009

A unique feature of the skin immune system is its proximity to cells continuously exposed to sun rays, as it is located in the interface between the body and the environment.

In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of DNA damaged keratinocytes on the expression of apoptotic‐related molecules, in T‐cells of the inflammatory component of the tumor environment. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue sections derived from skin biopsies of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients, non‐XP patients and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) patients, using antibodies against B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia‐2 (Bcl‐2), Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax), CD95, CD3, CD8 and CD56.

Our results showed significantly lower levels of expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 molecule, in XP, in comparison with non‐XP and NBCCS T‐lymphocytes, leading to the highest Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio for XP T‐cells. For the CD95 receptor expression levels, there were significant differences among T‐cells of the three patient subgroups as well.

The higher propensity of XP T‐cells to undergo apoptosis may have evolved in individual XP patients, apparently during the course of their disease, to maintain a special skin as an immune privilege site for tumors' development.

Abid K, El Mezni F, Kamoun MR, Fazaa B, Zermani R, Hadouchi C, Hamzaoui K. Xeroderma pigmentosum skin: an immune privilege site for tumor development.
Penile Rehabilitation Following Radical Prostatectomy: Predicting Success
Authors: Müller Alexander , Parker Marilyn , Waters Bedford W. , Flanigan Robert C. , Mulhall John P.
Published: August 2009

Introduction

It has been suggested that the institution of a pharmacologically based penile rehabilitation program in the early stages after radical prostatectomy (RP) may benefit some patients.

Aim

This analysis was conducted to define if predictors of successful outcome with pharmacological penile rehabilitation following RP could be identified.

Methods

Retrospective statistical analysis was performed on a large database of patients who had participated in a post-RP rehabilitation program. Inclusion criteria included: presence of functional erections permitting sexual intercourse pre-RP and commencement of rehabilitation within 12 months of RP. Patients were instructed to obtain a penetration-rigidity erection on at least three occasions per week and to continue this regimen until at least 18 months after RP using either sildenafil or intracavernosal injection therapy (if oral therapy failed).

Main Outcome Measure

International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and visual analog scale erectile rigidity assessment. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to generate predictors of erectile function (EF) outcomes with penile rehabilitation.

Results

Ninety-two patients constituted the study population. Mean patient age and duration post-RP at commencement of the rehabilitation program were 59 ± 10 years and 7 ± 3 months, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of operations were bilateral nerve sparing (BNS), 11% unilateral nerve sparing (NS), and 22% non-NS. Comorbidities included hypertension 22%, dyslipidemia 30%, coronary artery disease 7%, and diabetes 2%. Preoperative mean self-reported, partner-corroborated erectile rigidity during relations was 90 ± 20%. At 18 months post-RP, 57% patients had partner-corroborated functional erections without phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors with a mean erectile rigidity during relations of 72 ± 16% compared with 45 ± 22% for those who denied functional erections postoperatively (P > 0.01). The IIEF-EF domain scores in these two cohorts were 21 ± 7.5 and 13 ± 9, respectively (P > 0.01). On multivariate analysis, factors that predicted failure of return of natural erections after RP having followed a rehabilitation program were age >60 years (relative risk [RR] = 1.3), non-BNS surgery (RR = 1.6), presence of >1 vascular comorbidity (RR = 2.1), commencement of rehabilitation >6 months post-RP (RR = 2.8), unsuccessful response to sildenafil at 12 months post-RP (RR = 4.5), and the use of trimix dose >50 units (RR = 8.1).

Conclusions

More than half of the patients committing to a pharmacological rehabilitation program had return of functional natural erections. Predictors of successful outcome included NS surgery, early post-RP presentation, young age, and absence of vascular comorbidities.
New Insights into Restless Genital Syndrome: Static Mechanical Hyperesthesia and Neuropathy of the Nervus Dorsalis Clitoridis
Authors: Waldinger Marcel D. , Venema Pieter L. , Van Gils Ad P.G. , Schweitzer Dave H.
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Systematic study of dysesthetic and paresthetic regions contributing to persistent genital arousal in women with restless genital syndrome (ReGS) is needed for its clinical management.

Aim

To investigate distinct localizations of ReGS.

Methods

Twenty-three women, fulfilling all five criteria of persistent genital arousal disorder were included into the study. In-depth interviews, routine and hormonal investigations, electroencephalographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain and pelvis were performed in all women. The localizations of genital sensations were investigated by physical examination of the ramus inferior of the pubic bone (RIPB) and by sensory testing of the skin of the genital area with a cotton swab (genital tactile mapping test or GTM test).

Main Outcome Measures

Sensitivity of RIPB, GTM test.

Results

Of 23 women included in the study, 18(78%), 16(69%), and 12(52%) reported restless legs syndrome, overactive bladder syndrome, and urethra hypersensitivity. Intolerance of tight clothes and underwear (allodynia or hyperpathia) was reported by 19 (83%) women. All women were diagnosed with ReGS. Sitting aggravated ReGS in 20(87%) women. In all women, MRI showed pelvic varices of different degree in the vagina (91%), labia minora and/or majora (35%), and uterus (30%). Finger touch investigation of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris (DNC) along the RIPB provoked ReGS in all women. Sensory testing showed unilateral and bilateral static mechanical Hyperesthesia on various trigger points in the dermatome of the pudendal nerve, particularly in the part innervated by DNC, including pelvic bone. In three women, sensory testing induced an uninhibited orgasm during physical examination.

Conclusions

ReGS is highly associated with pelvic varices and with sensory neuropathy of the pudendal nerve and DNC, whose symptoms are suggestive for small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Physical examination for static mechanical Hyperesthesia is a diagnostic test for ReGS and is recommended for all individuals with complaints of persistent restless genital arousal in absence of sexual desire.
Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci for Yield and Drought Tolerance Traits in Soybean Using a Recombinant Inbred Line Population
Authors: Du Weijun , Yu Deyue , Fu Sanxiong
Published: August 2009

To investigate the genetic basis of drought tolerance in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) a recombinant inbred population with 184 F2:7:11 lines developed from a cross between Kefeng1 (drought tolerant) and Nannong1138‐2 (drought sensitive) were tested under water‐stressed and well‐watered conditions in field and greenhouse trials. Traits measured included leaf wilting coefficient, excised leaf water loss and relative water content as indicators of plant water status and seed yield. A total of 40 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified: 17 for leaf water status traits under drought stress and 23 for seed yield under well‐watered and drought‐stressed conditions in both field and greenhouse trials. Two seed yield QTLs were detected under both well‐watered and drought‐stressed conditions in the field on molecular linkage group H and D1b, while two seed yield QTLs on molecular linkage group C2 were found under greenhouse conditions. Several QTLs for traits associated with plant water status were identified in both field and greenhouse trials, including two leaf wilting coefficient QTLs on molecular linkage group A2 and one excised leaf water loss QTL on molecular linkage group H. Phenotypic correlations of traits suggested several QTLs had pleiotropic or location‐linked associations. These results will help to elucidate the genetic basis of drought tolerance in soybean, and could be incorporated into a marker‐assisted selection breeding program to develop high‐yielding soybean cultivars with improved tolerance to drought stress.
Phylogenetic Origin of Phyllolobium with a Further Implication for Diversification of Astragalus in China
Authors: Zhang Mingli , Kang Yun , Zhou Lihua , Podlech Dietrich
Published: August 2009

Astragalus is a species‐rich genus occurring in the western arid habitats in China and its diversification and infrageneric relationships in this region remain unclear. In the present study, based on molecular data, we aim to (i) test whether Phyllolobium (previously treated as a subgenus Pogonophace in Astragalus) should be warranted; and (ii) date the origin of Phyllolobium and probable diversification of Astragalus sensu stricto (s.s.). We sequenced five species from Phyllolobium first and collected all related sequences from the genus, Astragalus s.s and their close relatives (Oxytropis and Caragana etc.). Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that all species of Phyllolobium comprise a monophyletic sister‐group to genera of the subtribe Coluteinae. Molecular dating suggested that Phyllolobium and Astragalus s.s. originated around 8 and 10 million years ago. These two estimates are highly consistent with the intense uplifts of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau inferred from geological evidence. In addition, one section of Pogonophace (Sect. Robusti) was estimated to originate 2.5 million years ago and this section with a tendency for dry habitats seems to be evidence of Asian intensified aridity resulting from the intense uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
Relativistically broadened iron line in the Suzaku observation of the neutron star X-ray binary 4U 1705–44
Authors: Reis R. C. , Fabian A. C. , Young A. J.
Published: August 2009

The X-ray spectra of accreting compact objects often exhibit discrete emission features associated with fluorescent emission in the accretion disc, the strongest of which is the Fe Kα fluorescence line at 6.4–6.97keV. These reflection features are amongst the best tools in the study of the inner region of accretion flow around a compact object. Here, we report on three Suzaku observations of the neutron star X-ray binary 4U 1705−44 where a broad, skewed Fe Kα emission line is clearly visible above the continuum. By using a relativistically blurred reflection model, we find that in 4U 1705−44 the inner disc radius extends down to rin= 10.5+1.0−1.7GM/c2 and is at an angle of 29.8+1.1−1.0 deg to the line of sight. Furthermore, we find that the level of ionization in the surface layers of the accretion disc changes by two orders of magnitude between the three observations, however the inner radius obtained from the line profile remains stable.
Influence of AGN jets on the magnetized ICM
Authors: Dubois Yohan , Devriendt Julien , Slyz Adrianne , Silk Joseph
Published: August 2009

Galaxy clusters are the largest structures for which there is observational evidence of a magnetized medium. Central cores seem to host strong magnetic fields ranging from a few 0.1 μG up to several 10 μG in cooling flow clusters. Numerous clusters harbour central powerful active galactic nuclei (AGN), which are thought to prevent cooling flows in some clusters. The influence of such feedback on the magnetic field remains unclear: does the AGN-induced turbulence compensate for the loss of magnetic amplification within a cool core? And how is this turbulence sustained over several Gyr? Using high-resolution magnetohydrodynamical simulations of the self-regulation of a radiative cooling cluster, we study for the first time the evolution of the magnetic field within the central core in the presence of a powerful AGN jet. It appears that the jet-induced turbulence strongly amplifies the magnetic amplitude in the core beyond the degree to which it would be amplified by pure compression in the gravitational field of the cluster. The AGN produces a non-cooling core and increases the magnetic field amplitude in good agreement with μG field observations.
The radii of M-dwarfs in the young open cluster NGC 2516
Authors: Jackson R. J. , Jeffries R. D. , Maxted P. F. L.
Published: August 2009

Using a novel technique, which combines previously determined rotation periods with new spectroscopic determinations of projected rotation velocity, we have determined radii for fast-rotating, low-mass (0.2–0.7 M⊙) M-dwarfs in the young, solar-metallicity open cluster, NGC 2516. The mean radii are larger than model predictions at a given absolute I or K magnitude and also larger than the measured radii of magnetically inactive M-dwarfs; the difference increases from a few per cent to 50 per cent for the lowest luminosity stars in our sample. We show that a simple two-temperature starspot model is broadly capable of explaining these observations, but requires spot coverage fractions of about 50 per cent in rapidly rotating M-dwarfs.
First lensing measurements of SZ-detected clusters
Authors: McInnes Rachel N. , Menanteau Felipe , Heavens Alan F. , Hughes John P. , Jimenez Raul , Massey Richard , Simon Patrick , Taylor Andy
Published: August 2009

We present the first lensing mass measurements of Sunyaev–Zel'dovich (SZ) selected clusters. Using optical imaging from the Southern Cosmology Survey (SCS), we present weak lensing masses for three clusters selected by their SZ emission in the South Pole Telescope (SPT) survey. We confirm that the SZ selection procedure is successful in detecting mass concentrations. We also study the weak lensing signals from 38 optically-selected clusters in ≃8 deg2 of the SCS survey. We fit Navarro, Frenk and White (NFW) profiles and find that the SZ clusters have amongst the largest masses, as high as 5 × 1014 M⊙. Using the best-fitting masses for all the clusters, we analytically calculate the expected SZ integrated Y parameter, which we find to be consistent with the SPT observations.
Ruling out Kozai resonance in highly eccentric galactic binary millisecond pulsar PSR J1903+0327
Authors: Gopakumar Achamveedu , Bagchi Manjari , Ray Alak
Published: August 2009

We investigate the observational signatures associated with one of the proposed formation scenario for the recently discovered highly eccentric binary millisecond pulsar (MSP) PSR J1903+0327 in the galactic plane. The scenario requires that the MSP to be part of a hierarchical triple (HT), consisting of inner and outer binaries, experiencing the Kozai resonance. Numerical modelling of a bound point-mass HT, while incorporating the effects due to the quadrupolar interactions between the binary orbits and dominant contributions to the general relativistic periastron precession in the inner binary, reveals that, at the present epoch, the orbital eccentricity of the binary MSP should decrease for reasonable ranges in the HT parameters. The estimated decrements in the orbital eccentricity of the inner binary are few parts in 105, substantially higher than the reported accuracies in the estimation of the orbital eccentricity of the binary MSP, while employing various general relativistic timing models for isolated binary pulsars. For wide ranges in the allowed orbital parameters, the estimated rate of change in the eccentricity of the inner binary is orders of magnitude higher than the value recently measured by the pulsar timing analysis. Therefore, we rule out the scenario that the MSP is part of an HT undergoing the Kozai oscillations. The origin of this system in a typical globular cluster is also shown to be less likely than inferred in the discovery paper.
Interactions of orexins/hypocretins with adrenocortical functions
Authors: Kagerer S. M. , Jöhren O.
Published: August 2009

The neuropeptides orexin A and B (hypocretin‐1 and ‐2) are involved in numerous central regulation processes such as energy homeostasis, sleeping behaviour and addiction. The expression of orexins and orexin receptors in a variety of tissues outside the brain and the presence of orexin A in the circulation indicate the existence of an additional peripheral orexin system. Furthermore, it is well established that orexins exert an influence on the regulation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, acting both on its central and peripheral branch. In rat and human adrenal cortices the expression of both orexin receptors has been verified with a predominance of OX2R. The local expression of orexin receptors was observed to be gender specific and to be modified by plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, nutritional status as well as gonadal steroids. Various studies consistently demonstrated orexin A to enhance glucocorticoid secretion of rat and human adrenal cortices, while orexin B was found to be either less potent or ineffective. On the contrary, the influence of orexins on adrenocortical aldosterone production and cell proliferation is still more controversial. Recent findings indicate that orexins stimulate adrenocortical steroidogenesis by augmenting transcription of selective steroidogenic enzymes and proteins such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Both, Gqand Gs, signalling pathways with a downstream activation of MAP kinases appear to be involved in this regulation.
Orexins/hypocretins and orexin receptors in apoptosis: a mini‐review
Authors: Laburthe M. , Voisin T. , El Firar A.
Published: August 2009

An unexpected and fascinating aspect of the neuropeptides orexins has recently emerged when it was shown that orexins acting at orexin receptors OX1R or OX2R induce dramatic apoptosis resulting in massive reduction in cell growth in various cancer cell lines. This mini‐review will provide the reader with recent findings related to the proapoptotic actions of orexins and the entirely novel mechanism whereby the seven membrane‐spanning G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) OX1R triggers apoptosis. Recent data show that orexins induce tyrosine phosphorylation of the tyrosine‐based motifs – immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif and immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based switch motif – in OX1R. These phosphorylations result in the recruitment and activation of the phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP‐2 and subsequent cytochrome c‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. Finally, this mini‐review will also speculate on: (1) the potential importance of tyrosine‐based motifs in the large family of GPCRs; (2) the interest of orexin receptors as therapeutic targets in cancer therapy; (3) the possible role of orexin receptor‐mediated apoptosis in physiology and pathophysiology in the brain (neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative diseases) and in the periphery.