bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minority Matters:12 Angry Menas a Case Study of a Successful Negotiation against the Odds
Authors: Flouri Eirini , Fitsakis Yiannis
Published: October 2007

In his famous book,Social Influence and Social Change, celebrated social psychologist Serge Moscovici contended that minorities influence change by creating conflict. Because people wish to avoid conflict, they will often dismiss the minority position. But when the minority refuses to be dismissed by remaining committed to its position and maintaining a well‐defined and coherent point of view, then the minority can make the majority reconsider its beliefs and consider the minority's position as a viable alternative. Moscovici identified five key aspects of the minority's influential behavior: consistency, investment, autonomy, rigidity, and fairness.

In this article we analyze the negotiation process depicted in the 1957 film12 Angry Men. This critically acclaimed film powerfully illustrates the dynamics of bargaining and the use of informal authority with a focus on the role of personality. The film illustrates how, by adopting the five behavioral strategies described by Moscovici, the minority — in this case a lone dissenting juror — is able to successfully negotiate and, against the odds, influence the overwhelming majority comprising the other eleven jurors.
One Reasonable and Inquiring Man: 12 Angry Men as a Negotiation‐Teaching Tool
Authors: Hackley Susan
Published: October 2007

The film 12 Angry Men is often shown in law school and business school to teach lessons about negotiation, group process, communication, decision making, team building, leadership, and critical thinking. It effectively and powerfully depicts the ways in which a successful negotiator can make critical moves and capitalize on turning points in a negotiation. It also illustrates vividly such key negotiation concepts as the difference between positions and interests and the role of such skills as coalition building, framing, and active listening. For these reasons, 12 Angry Men can be a powerful negotiation teaching tool.
Serum transferrin receptor, ferritin, and reticulocyte maturity indices during the first year of life in ‘large’ preterm infants
Authors: Schiza Vassiliki , Giapros Vasileios , Pantou Konstantina , Theocharis Paraskevi , Challa Anna , Andronikou Styliani
Published: October 2007

Background: Preterm infants are at risk of developing iron deficiency; among the iron status and hemopoiesis indices the serum transferrin receptor (sTfr) has been shown to be a useful indicator in assessing iron status, while immature reticulocyte production is regarded as an estimator of erythropoiesis.

Objective: To investigate age‐related changes in iron status infants born ‘moderately’ preterm, with a gestational age (GA) of 32–36 wk, and identify associations between sTfr and other hematological and biochemical iron indices.

Design: Hospital‐based prospective, longitudinal study in preterm infants.

Methods: Iron and erythropoiesis parameters were evaluated in 181 formula‐fed preterm infants at 2 and 6 wk and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months chronological age. Hemoglobulin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), reticulocytes, serum iron (sFe), serum ferritin (sFer), sTfr, and reticulocyte subpopulations were measured.

Results: A total of 756 measurements were performed. After an initial decline, Hb rose from month 3 to 12 of life. SFe and sFer and immature reticulocyte count decreased from the second week to the third month and remained stable thereafter. STfr was lower up to 6 wk and stable from month 3 to 12. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was found in 5.5% of infants. In 76 measurements sFer was <12 μg/L, implying storage iron deficiency (SID). A negative correlation was observed between sTfr and other indices of iron status such as Hb, Hct, MCV, sFe, and sFer. Infants with sFer <12 μg/L had lower sTfr than those with sFer >12 μg/L. Reticulocyte production was positively associated with STfr, but this association was dependent on the chronological age of the infant.

Conclusion: Iron depletion is common in formula‐fed preterm (32–36 wk GA) infants between month 3 and 12 of life. STfr appears to be an indicator of iron status in preterm infants during the first year of life.
A post‐transcriptional process contributes to efficient γ‐globin gene silencing in definitive erythroid cells
Authors: Russell J. Eric
Published: October 2007

Objectives:  The expression of human γ globin is developmentally regulated through mechanisms that affect the transcriptional activity of its encoding gene. The current manuscript investigates whether the efficiency of this process might be enhanced though an unrecognized post‐transcriptional event that defines the stability of γ‐globin mRNA.

Methods:  Experiments were conducted in vivo in transgenic mice expressing human γ globin in their adult erythroid cells. The expression of γ‐globin protein was manipulated by breeding the transgene into animals producing different levels of endogenous mouse β‐globin. Changes in the expression of γ globin were then correlated to measures of γ‐globin mRNA stability in vivo.

Results:  Human γ globin was expressed at higher levels in thalassemic than in than non‐thalassemic control transgenics, paralleling a highly significant increase in the stability of γ‐globin mRNA. Other molecular events–including possible transcriptional induction of the transgene, or an increase in the stability of the γ‐globin protein–did not appear to contribute to the observed increase in transgene expression. As anticipated, the stability of γ‐globin mRNA also fell in bitransgenic animals that co‐expressed human β‐globin mRNA.

Conclusions:  Our results are consistent with a model for dynamic post‐transcriptional control of γ‐globin gene expression, through modulation of the stability of its encoding mRNA. Moreover, the stability of γ‐globin mRNA appears to be inversely related to ambient levels of co‐expressed β‐globin mRNA. This data suggests that therapeutic gene‐reactivation and/or gene‐replacement therapies may be particularly effective in individuals with severe forms of β‐thalassemia.
High prevalence of inherited thrombophilia in ‘presumed peri‐neonatal’ ischemic stroke
Authors: Suppiej Agnese , Franzoi Malida , Gentilomo Chiara , Battistella Pier Antonio , Drigo Paola , Gavasso Sabrina , Laverda Anna Maria , Simioni Paolo
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of inherited thrombophilia in ‘peri‐neonatal arterial ischemic stroke’ (AIS), and its possible correlation with type of stroke and long‐term neurological outcome. A cohort of twenty‐four infants affected by AIS were analysed for risk factors, clinical and neuroradiological features, coagulation and thrombophilia profile and outcome. Two subgroups were considered, based on clinical presentation: infants symptomatic in the neonatal period, acute AIS (aAIS) and those with a delayed presentation (presumed peri‐neonatal onset, pAIS). The mean follow‐up on patients was 3 yr and 1 month (range 1–15 yr). Inherited thrombophilia, consisting of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutations, protein C and/or protein S deficiencies, was detected in 28.6%. A significantly higher prevalence of inherited thrombophilia was observed in infants with pAIS compared with aAIS (Fisher’s exact test,P = 0.011). Infants with pAIS had a significantly worse neurological outcome with respect to aAIS (Fisher’s exact test,P = 0.014). Inherited thrombophilia was significantly higher in patients with a poor neurological outcome (Fisher’s exact testP = 0.002). Although the clinical presentation (aAIS vs. pAIS) was associated with future neurological disabilities, it is the thrombophilia but not the clinical presentation, which remains the only significant prognostic factor in the logistic regression analysis. Although preliminary, these data suggest an association of unfavourable neurological outcome and inherited prothrombotic defects in neonatal AIS. The higher prevalence of inherited thrombophilia identified in pAIS and the worse neurological outcome encourage further investigations in population‐based studies.
Comparative analysis of extra‐nodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma: significant differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis
Authors: Lim Soon Thye , Hee Siew Wan , Quek Richard , Lim Lay Cheng , Yap Swee Peng , Loong Er‐Li , Sng Ivy , Tan Leonard Hwan‐Cheong , Ang Mei‐Kim , Ngeow Joanne , Tham Chee‐Kian , Ngo Lynette , Tan Min Han , Tao Miriam
Published: October 2007

Aim: We aimed to compare the frequencies, clinical characteristics, and prognostic factors of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) vs. extra‐nodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma and to characterize the subtypes of extra‐nodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma. Methods: We reviewed 97 consecutive patients with PTCL and extra‐nodal NKT lymphoma from 2000 to 2006. During this period, a total of 780 patients with malignant lymphomas were treated in our center. The diagnostic criteria used were based on the WHO classification system of malignant lymphomas. Results: Extra‐nodal‐NK/T‐cell lymphoma and PTCL comprised 5.0% (39/780) and 7.4% (58/780) of all cases. Of the PTCL cases, histology was PTCL‐NOS in 25, anaplastic large cell in 11, angioimmunoblastic T cell in 18 and other subtypes in four patients. Compared with PTCL, extra‐nodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma was associated with a significantly inferior rates of complete remission (33% vs. 53%, P = 0.05) and 3 yr overall survival (29.5% vs. 47.5%, P = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, extra‐nodal NK/T‐cell histology was independently associated with decreased survival. Further analysis into this subtype showed the nasal variant (n = 25) differed significantly from extra‐nasal variant (n = 14) in terms of stage at presentation (stages III/IV, 36% vs. 79%), international prognostic index scores (high intermediate or high IPI scores, 24% vs. 64%), complete remission rates (48% vs. 7%), and median survival (10 months vs. 1 month, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Extra‐nodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma was associated with a poorer prognosis compared with PTCL and is likely to comprise two distinct variants with different clinical behavior and prognosis.
Genetic and epigenetic alterations of the reduced folate carrier in untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Kastrup Ingelise Bjerring , Worm Jesper , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Hokland Peter , Guldberg Per , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: October 2007

The reduced folate carrier (RFC) is a transmembrane protein that mediates cellular uptake of reduced folates and antifolate drugs, including methotrexate (MTX). Acquired alterations of the RFC gene have been associated with resistance to MTX in cancer cell lines and primary osteosarcomas. Here, we examined RFC for mutations and promoter hypermethylation in (i) the inherently MTX‐resistant lymphoma cell line (RL); (ii) 30 paired cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) obtained at diagnosis and at relapse after treatment with MTX; and (iii) 25 cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) at diagnosis, none of which had been previously exposed to MTX. Aberrant hypermethylation of the RFC promoter occurred in RL cells and two of the primary DLBCLs. In one additional DLBCL, a single‐base substitution in RFC was identified, leading to the introduction of a premature termination codon (c.1396C>T; p.Q466X). A missense mutation affecting the 11th transmembrane domain of RFC (c.1250T>C; p.I417T) was found in one case of ALL at diagnosis. In ALL, RFC promoter hypermethylation was found neither at diagnosis nor at relapse and thus is not a common cause of low levels of RFC expression associated with adverse outcome. In DLBCL, genetic and epigenetic alterations of RFC were detected at diagnosis in the absence of a selective MTX pressure, suggesting that these alterations may possibly contribute to the development of lymphoma.
Effects of the mean daily doses of imatinib during the first year on survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in Japan: a study of the Hokkaido Hematology Study Group
Authors: Sugita Junichi , Tanaka Junji , Kurosawa Mitsutoshi , Fukuhara Takashi , Hashino Satoshi , Torimoto Etsuhiro , Koizumi Kazuki , Masauji Nobuo , Nishimura Susumu , Koda Kyuhei , Imamura Masahiro , Kasai Masaharu
Published: October 2007

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 213 Japanese patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with imatinib mesylate. In 150 evaluable patients, mean daily doses were 400 mg or more in 42 patients, 300–400 mg in 42 patients, 200–300 mg in 44 patients and <200 mg in 22 patients. Complete hematologic response was observed in all the 84 patients treated with mean daily doses of 300 mg or more and complete cytogenetic response was achieved in 94.8% of those patients. In comparison with the effects of 300 mg or more, mean daily doses of 200–300 mg led to less complete cytogenetic response (78.6% vs. 94.8%, P < 0.01), shorter complete cytogenetic remission duration (81.3% vs. 95.6% at 24 months, P = 0.01), and lower overall survival (90.0% vs. 98.8% at 36 months, P = 0.03). This study suggests that the mean daily doses of 300 mg (roughly equivalent to 100,000 mg/yr) or more may improve overall survival and that mean daily doses of imatinib during the first year may be one of the prognostic factors for CML in Japan.
Cytosol to Lysosome Transport of Intracellular Antigens During Immune Surveillance
Authors: Crotzer Victoria L. , Blum Janice S.
Published: October 2007

The delivery of intracellular substrates such as misfolded proteins and damaged organelles from the cytosol to the lysosome for degradation is crucial for cell survival. Multiple transport pathways including bulk autophagy (microautophagy and macroautophagy) and chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) have been identified to efficiently facilitate this transit of macromolecules from the cytoplasm to acidic vacuolar organelles. While autophagy plays a role in the general housekeeping of cells, it also functions in more specialized processes such as development and differentiation, responses to physiological stress and immunity. The presentation of both exogenous and endogenous antigens (Ag) by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules to CD4+ T lymphocytes is critical for the induction of tolerance to self Ag as well as the development of immunity against intracellular pathogens and tumors. Here, we discuss the class II‐mediated presentation of several endogenous Ag, dependent on either macroautophagy or CMA for their transport from the cytosol to endosomal/lysosomal compartments. Thus, the various pathways of autophagy as routes of cytoplasmic Ag delivery to lysosomes have significant implications for the MHC class II‐mediated immune response to intracellular pathogens and cancer.
The isolation and characterization of temperature‐dependent ricin A chain molecules in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Allen Stuart C. H. , Moore Katherine A. H. , Marsden Catherine J. , Fülöp Vilmos , Moffat Kevin G. , Lord J. Michael , Ladds Graham , Roberts Lynne M.
Published: October 2007

Ricin is a heterodimeric plant protein that is potently toxic to mammalian cells. Toxicity results from the catalytic depurination of eukaryotic ribosomes by ricin toxin A chain (RTA) that follows toxin endocytosis to, and translocation across, the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. To ultimately identify proteins required for these later steps in the entry process, it will be useful to express the catalytic subunit within the endoplasmic reticulum of yeast cells in a manner that initially permits cell growth. A subsequent switch in conditions to provoke innate toxin action would permit only those strains containing defects in genes normally essential for toxin retro‐translocation, refolding or degradation to survive. As a route to such a screen, several RTA mutants with reduced catalytic activity have previously been isolated. Here we report the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to isolate temperature‐dependent mutants of endoplasmic reticulum‐targeted RTA. Two such toxin mutants with opposing phenotypes were isolated. One mutant RTA (RTAF108L/L151P) allowed the yeast cells that express it to grow at 37 °C, whereas the same cells did not grow at 23 °C. Both mutations were required for temperature‐dependent growth. The second toxin mutant (RTAE177D) allowed cells to grow at 23 °C but not at 37 °C. Interestingly, RTAE177D has been previously reported to have reduced catalytic activity, but this is the first demonstration of a temperature‐sensitive phenotype. To provide a more detailed characterization of these mutants we have investigated their N‐glycosylation, stability, catalytic activity and, where appropriate, a three‐dimensional structure. The potential utility of these mutants is discussed.
Lignocaine is a better analgesic than either ethyl chloride or nitrous oxide for peripheral intravenous cannulation
Authors: Robinson P Aaron , Carr Sarah , Pearson Scott , Frampton Chris
Published: October 2007

Background:  Peripheral intravenous (i.v.) cannulation is a painful, frequently performed ED procedure. It is common practice in other medical settings to offer analgesia prior to cannulation.

Objective:  The present trial aims to reproduce in the ED studies that found a reduction in the pain of i.v. cannulation after intradermal lignocaine, ethyl chloride topical spray and entonox (50:50 oxygen : nitrous oxide). It also intends to determine which is analgesic most effective and explore the role of entonox for cannulation analgesia.

Methods:  Three hundred subjects were randomized into four groups: i.v. cannula inserted with (i) no anaesthesia; (ii) entonox; (iii) ethyl chloride; and (iv) 0.1 mL intradermal 1% lignocaine. Pain was recorded on 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS) after lignocaine injection or ethyl chloride spray and following i.v. cannulation. A clinically significant reduction in VAS pain score was determined to be 13 mm.

Results:  Patients cannulated without analgesia reported the most pain. Those cannulated after lignocaine had the least pain (median VAS 20 mm, 95% CI 15–25, vs 1 mm 95% CI 0–6, P ≤ 0.001). Ethyl chloride (VAS 11 mm, 95% CI 7–15, P = 0.003) and entonox (VAS 13 mm, 95% CI 8–18, P = 0.047) reduced i.v. cannulation pain but did not reach clinical significance. Neither pain from presenting symptoms (P = 0.3), nor size of cannula (P = 0.8) affected pain scores. VAS scores were independent of sex and age (P = 0.1). Cannulation success was not affected by either the choice of analgesia or cannulation site.

Conclusions:  The present trial confirms the findings of Harris and colleagues that lignocaine reduces the pain of cannulation in the ED. Lignocaine reduced the pain of i.v. cannulation more effectively than entonox or ethyl chloride.
Optimization of propofol dose shortens procedural sedation time, prevents resedation and removes the requirement for post‐procedure physiologic monitoring
Authors: Bell Anthony , Treston Greg , Cardwell Robert , Schabort W Jacobus , Chand Dip
Published: October 2007

Objective:  To examine the effect of propofol dosing (total dose and number of doses) on patient sedation time and likelihood of resedation.

Methods:  This was a prospective, observational patient series in an urban district hospital ED with 42 000 attendances per annum. Patients undergoing an emergent procedure requiring procedural sedation were included. Titrated intravenous propofol was administered according to departmental procedure. Standardized consent and data collection forms were used. Time taken for the patient to become conversational after first administration was recorded and any resedation documented.

Results:  Four hundred patients, undergoing 404 procedures, were enrolled for the period commencing August 2004 until March 2006. The mean initial propofol bolus was 0.8 mg/kg (SD 0.6), and mean total propofol dose was 1.8 mg/kg (SD 1.0), comprising a mean of 2.3 (SD 2.1) doses of 15.8 mg (SD 11.4). Mean sedation time was 11.8 min (SD 6.9), and increased sedation times were associated with higher total propofol dose and number of boluses (P < 0.0001). Resedation occurred in two patients (0.5%, 95% CI 0–1.6%).

Conclusion:  Shorter sedation times are seen with lower doses of propofol. Patients do not need prolonged post‐procedure monitoring because the occurrence of spontaneous resedation associated with propofol use is a rare event. This has implications for patient flow and staff resource allocation in a busy ED.
Vertical differentiation with non‐uniform consumers' distribution
Authors: Bonnisseau Jean‐Marc , Lahmandi‐Ayed Rim
Published: October 2007

This note explores a vertical differentiation model with a continuous non‐uniform consumers' distribution. First, a result concerning the finiteness property obtained with uniform consumers' distribution is generalized. Second, we prove an existence result of price equilibrium when the distribution is concave. Finally, we exhibit a counter‐example to the existence of price equilibrium to show that the concavity assumption is not superfluous.
Increasing returns to scale from variable capacity utilization
Authors: Wang Susheng , Zhu Lijing
Published: October 2007

We propose a unique model in which the firm varies capacity utilization by a variable number of shifts when facing demand fluctuations. In the long run, the firm optimally chooses a capacity level based on expected demand conditions. In the short run, when facing excess demand, the firm can increase variable inputs and the number of shifts to intensify the use of existing capacity. By endogenizing cost, demand and variability of capacity utilization, we show that variable capacity utilization can lead to increasing returns to scale. Hence, we predict increasing returns to scale when an economy expands in a business cycle.
Liquidity provision and optimal bank regulation
Authors: Shy Oz , Stenbacka Rune
Published: October 2007

We extend the set of regulatory instruments for banks' liquidity provision by adding a policy instrument for controlling the fraction of perfectly‐liquid accounts. We demonstrate how this instrument induces self‐selection on behalf of depositors who are differentiated according to their probability of facing a liquidity shock. This self‐selection leads to a market segmentation, which can break the bundling of deposits with liquidity risk and, thereby, enhance welfare. The optimal regulatory policy is explicitly characterized as a function of banks' investment return, and of depositors' gain from early withdrawals to fund a realized investment opportunity.
CCL5/RANTES chemokine gene promoter polymorphisms are not associated with atopic and nonatopic asthma in a Spanish population
Authors: Muro M. , Marín L. , Torio A. , Pagan J. A. , Álvarez‐López M. R.
Published: October 2007

CCL5/RANTES, a member of the C–C chemokine family, is a potent eosinophil, monocyte, basophile and lymphocyte chemo‐attractant at the site of inflammation. Recent studies revealed that a functional mutation at the –403 position in the promoter may have significance for atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis and HIV infection, and others. Another polymorphism in the –28 position has been reported. Our objective was to investigate the possible influence of the CCL5/RANTES promoter polymorphisms in the different types of bronchial asthma. CCL5/RANTES genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment‐length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) in 306 asthmatic patients with non‐atopic (n = 145) and atopic (n = 161) asthma and 242 controls. The 81.9% of the atopic asthma patients for –403G/A had the G allele and the A allele frequency was 18%. Of the non‐atopic asthma patients, the G allele frequency was 79.7% and the A allele was 20.3%. Concerning the –28C/G polymorphism, the frequency of the CCL5/RANTES –28G allele in our patients is 2.8%, which is similar to Spanish adult population. After comparing patients with asthma, atopic patients, non‐atopic patients and control population, we found no significant deviation in the distribution of the alleles or genotypes of CCL5/RANTES promoter polymorphisms in any tested comparison. Therefore, human CCL5/RANTES gene promoter polymorphisms are not associated with the different types of bronchial asthma in Spanish population.
H i and OH absorption in the lensing galaxy of MG J0414+0534
Authors: Curran S. J. , Darling J. , Bolatto A. D. , Whiting M. T. , Bignell C. , Webb J. K.
Published: October 2007

We report the detection of H i 21-cm absorption in the z= 0.96 early-type lensing galaxy towards MG J0414+0534 with the Green Bank Telescope. The absorption, with total NH i= 1.6 × 1018 (Ts/f) cm−2, is resolved into two strong components, probably due to the two strongest lens components, which are separated by 0.4 arcsec. Unlike the other three lenses that have been detected in H i, J0414+0534 does not exhibit strong OH absorption, giving an OH/H i column density ratio of NOH/NH i≲ 10−6 (for Ts= 100 K, Tx= 10 K and fH i=fOH= 1). This underabundance of molecular gas may indicate that the extreme optical–near-infrared colour (V−K= 10.26) along the line of sight is not due to the lens. We therefore suggest that despite the strong upper limits on molecular absorption at the quasar redshift, as traced by millimetre lines, the extinction occurs primarily in the quasar host galaxy.
British Muslim Minorities Today: Challenges and Opportunities to Europeanism, Multiculturalism and Islamism
Authors: Abbas Tahir
Published: October 2007

This essay explores the issues of multiculturalism, Islamism and the experiences of Muslim minorities in Western Europe and in Britain in the light of the events of 9/11 and 7 July London bombings. First, the experience of immigrants and minorities and the key historical and cultural debates in which the idea of Europe has emerged is contextualised. Second, the debate in relation to how multiculturalism in Western Europe is conceived and problematised is focused upon. Third, a detailed discussion of the British experience of multiculturalism is elaborated upon, exploring the various shifts in discourse and policy‐maker thinking. Finally, suggestions for moving ahead are discussed, and how it might provide impetus to academic, governmental, civil society and practitioner action. In conclusion, it is argued that the challenges that Muslim minority youth face in Western Europe are many but not insurmountable if one takes into consideration the needs and aspirations of a society that is inclusive and forward looking but also aware of the historical and contemporaneous factors involved in the alienation and the marginalisation of variously incorporated Muslim minorities.
Characterization of melanin in human iridal and choroidal melanocytes from eyes with various colored irides
Authors: Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Hu Dan‐Ning , McCormick Steven A. , Ito Shosuke
Published: October 2007

Variance in iris color is related to the incidence of several important ocular diseases, including uveal melanoma and age‐related macular degeneration. The purposes of this study were to determine the quantity and the types of melanin in cultured human uveal melanocytes in relation to the iris color. Sixty‐one cell cultures of pure uveal melanocytes were isolated from donor eyes with various iris colors. The amount of eumelanin (EM) and pheomelanin (PM) of these cells was measured by chemical degradation and microanalytical high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The total amount of melanin was measured by both microanalytical methods and spectrophotometry. Total melanin content, measured by HPLC and spectrophotometry, correlated well with r = 0.872 (P < 0.0001). The quantity and type of melanin in iridal and choroidal melanocytes showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). When cells became senescent, the levels of EM, PM and total melanin were significantly increased. In both growing and senescent melanocytes, the quantity and type of melanin were closely correlated to the iris color. In cells from eyes with dark‐colored irides (dark brown and brown), the amount of EM, the ratio of EM/PM and total melanin were significantly greater than that from eyes with light‐colored irides (hazel, green, yellow‐brown and blue) (P < 0.0001). The quantity of PM in uveal melanocytes from eyes with light‐colored irides was slightly greater than that from dark‐colored irides, although not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The present study shows that iris color is determined by both the quantity and the type of melanin in uveal melanocytes. These results suggest a possibility that uveal melanin in eyes with dark‐colored irides is eumelanic at the surface and acts as an antioxidant while that in eyes with light‐colored irides exposes pheomelanic core and behaves as a pro‐oxidant.
Aquinas and Weakness of Will
Authors: KENT BONNIE
Published: October 2007

Aquinas’s admirers, reacting against Donald Davidson’s criticisms of him, commonly argue (a) that the will does play a role in Aquinas’s account of incontinence, and (b) that his explanation of incontinent action turns on the weakness of the will. The first part of this paper argues that they are correct about (a) but wholly mistaken about (b). Aquinas rarely even mentions the weakness of the will, and he never invokes it to explain why someone acts counter to her own better judgment. In his view, such a person has the capacity for self‐control but fails to exercise it.

  The second part of the paper considers Gary Watson’s account of incontinence, including and especially his objections to analyzing it as the failure to exercise one’s capacity for self‐control. Here I argue that Aquinas’s account better serves the purposes of moral discourse and that it should not be expected to provide the kind of causal explanation Watson seeks.
Earman and Roberts on Empiricism about Laws
Authors: SKOW BRADFORD
Published: October 2007

Earman and Roberts (2005) argue that a standard definition of “empiricism about laws of nature’’ is inadequate, and propose an alternative definition they think is better. But their argument against the standard definition fails, and their alternative is defective.
Reply to Skow
Authors: ROBERTS JOHN T.
Published: October 2007

We have argued against a standard way of defining Humean supervenience about laws, and in favor of an alternative definition. Skow says that our argument against the standard definition makes a big mistake. He is right about this. But that mistake is correctable. Skow also argues that our alternative definition is seriously flawed. We think he is wrong about this.
Intraspecific competition drives multiple species resource polymorphism in fish communities
Authors: Svanbäck Richard , Eklöv Peter , Fransson Rebecka , Holmgren Kerstin
Published: October 2007

It has been hypothesized that inter‐specific competition will reduce species niche utilization and drive morphological evolution in character displacement. In the absence of a competitor, intra‐specific competition may favor an expansion of the species niche and drive morphological evolution in character release. Despite of this theoretical framework, we sometimes find potential competitor species using the same niche range without any partitioning in niche. We used a database on test fishing in Sweden to evaluate the factors (inter‐ and intraspecific competition, predation, and abiotic factors) that could influence habitat choice of two competitor species. The pattern from the database shows that the occurrence of perch and roach occupying both littoral and pelagic habitats of lakes in Sweden is a general phenomenon. Furthermore, the results from the database suggest that this pattern is due to intra‐specific competition rather than inter‐specific competition or predation. In a field study, we estimated the morphological variation in perch and roach and found that, individuals of both species caught in the littoral zone were more deeper bodied compared to individuals caught in the pelagic zone. Pelagic perch fed more on zooplankton compared to littoral perch, independent of size, whereas the littoral perch had more macroinvertebrates and fish in their diet. Pelagic roach fed more on zooplankton compared to littoral roach, whereas littoral individuals fed more on plant material. Furthermore, we sampled littoral and pelagic fish from another lake to evaluate the generality of our first results and found the same habitat associated morphology in both perch and roach. The results show a consistent multi‐species morphological separation in the littoral and pelagic habitats. This study suggests that intra‐specific competition is possibly more important than inter‐specific competition for the morphological pattern in the perch‐roach system.
A General Strategy to Extend Turbulence Models to Rough Surfaces: Application to Smith’s k-L Model
Authors: Aupoix B.
Published: October 2007

A general procedure to extend turbulence models to account for wall roughness, in the framework of the equivalent sand grain approach, is proposed. It is based on the prescription of the turbulent quantities at the wall to reproduce the shift of the logarithmic profile and hence provide the right increase in wall friction. This approach was previously applied to Spalart and Allmaras one equation (1992, “A One-Equation Turbulence Model for Aerodynamic. Flows,” 30th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV, AIAA paper No. 92-0439;1994, ibid, Rech. Aerosp. 1, pp. 5–21). Here, the strategy is detailed and applied to Smith’s two-equation k-L model (1995, “Prediction of Hypersonic Shock Wave Turbulent Boundary Layer Interactions With The k-l Two Equaton Turbulence Model,” 33rd Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV, Paper No. 95-0232). The final model form is given. The so-modified Spalart and Allmaras and Smith models were tested on a large variety of test cases, covering a wide range of roughness and boundary layer Reynolds numbers and compared with other models. These tests confirm the validity of the approach to extend any turbulence model to account for wall roughness. They also point out the deficiency of some models to cope with small roughness levels as well as the drawbacks of present correlations to estimate the equivalent sand grain roughness.
Velocity and Pressure Measurements Along a Row of Confined Cylinders
Authors: Smith Barton L. , Stepan Jack J. , McEligot Donald M.
Published: October 2007

The results of flow experiments performed in a row of confined cylinders designed to mimic a model of a prismatic gas-cooled reactor lower plenum design are presented. Pressure measurements between the cylinders were made. Additionally, the flow field was measured using particle image velocimetry at two different resolutions (one at high resolution and a second with wide angle that includes three cylinders). Based on these measurements, five regimes of flow behavior are identified that are found to depend on Reynolds number. It is found that the recirculation region behind the cylinders is shorter than that of half-cylinders placed on the wall representing the symmetry plane. Unlike a single cylinder, the separation point is always found to be on the rear of the cylinders, even at very low Reynolds number.
Ultrastrong and Stiff Layered Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Podsiadlo Paul , Kaushik Amit K. , Arruda Ellen M. , Waas Anthony M. , Shim Bong Sup , Xu Jiadi , Nandivada Himabindu , Pumplin Benjamin G. , Lahann Joerg , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: October 2007

Nanoscale building blocks are individually exceptionally strong because they are close to ideal, defect-free materials. It is, however, difficult to retain the ideal properties in macroscale composites. Bottom-up assembly of a clay/polymer nanocomposite allowed for the preparation of a homogeneous, optically transparent material with planar orientation of the alumosilicate nanosheets. The stiffness and tensile strength of these multilayer composites are one order of magnitude greater than those of analogous nanocomposites at a processing temperature that is much lower than those of ceramic or polymer materials with similar characteristics. A high level of ordering of the nanoscale building blocks, combined with dense covalent and hydrogen bonding and stiffening of the polymer chains, leads to highly effective load transfer between nanosheets and the polymer.
Glia Promote Local Synaptogenesis Through UNC-6 (Netrin) Signaling in
C. elegans
Authors: Colón-Ramos Daniel A. , Margeta Milica A. , Shen Kang
Published: October 2007

Neural circuits are assembled through the coordinated innervation of pre- and postsynaptic partners. We show that connectivity between two interneurons, AIY and RIA, in
Caenorhabditis elegans
is orchestrated by a pair of glial cells that express UNC-6 (netrin). In the postsynaptic neuron RIA, the netrin receptor UNC-40 (DCC, deleted in colorectal cancer) plays a conventional guidance role, directing outgrowth of the RIA process ventrally toward the glia. In the presynaptic neuron AIY, UNC-40 (DCC) plays an unexpected and previously uncharacterized role: It cell-autonomously promotes assembly of presynaptic terminals in the immediate vicinity of the glial cell endfeet. These results indicate that netrin can be used both for guidance and local synaptogenesis and suggest that glial cells can function as guideposts during the assembly of neural circuits in vivo.
Comment on "Top-Down Versus Bottom-Up Control of Attention in the Prefrontal and Posterior Parietal Cortices"
Authors: Schall Jeffrey D. , Paré Martin , Woodman Geoffrey F.
Published: October 2007

Buschman and Miller (Reports, 30 March 2007, p. 1860) described the activity of ensembles of neurons in parietal and frontal cortex of monkeys performing visual search for targets that were easy or hard to distinguish from distractors. However, their conclusions are called into question by discrepancies between their results and publications from other laboratories measuring the same neural process.
PI3Kγ Is a Key Regulator of Inflammatory Responses and Cardiovascular Homeostasis
Authors: Hawkins Phillip T. , Stephens Len R.
Published: October 2007

Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways regulate several important cellular functions, including cellular growth, division, survival, and movement. Class IB PI3K (also known as PI3Kγ) links heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein–coupled receptors to these pathways. Activation of class IB PI3K results in the rapid synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P
3
] and its dephosphorylation product PtdIns(3,4)P
2
in the plasma membrane. These two lipid messengers bind to pleckstrin homology domain–containing effectors that regulate a complex signaling web downstream of receptor activation. Characteristic features of this pathway are the regulation of protein kinases and the regulation of small guanosine triphosphatases that control cellular movement, adhesion, contraction, and secretion. Most of the ligands that activate class IB PI3K are involved in coordinating the body's response to injury and infection, and recent studies suggest that small molecule inhibitors of this enzyme may represent a novel class of anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents.
Genetic Effects of Captive Breeding Cause a Rapid, Cumulative Fitness Decline in the Wild
Authors: Araki Hitoshi , Cooper Becky , Blouin Michael S.
Published: October 2007

Captive breeding is used to supplement populations of many species that are declining in the wild. The suitability of and long-term species survival from such programs remain largely untested, however. We measured lifetime reproductive success of the first two generations of steelhead trout that were reared in captivity and bred in the wild after they were released. By reconstructing a three-generation pedigree with microsatellite markers, we show that genetic effects of domestication reduce subsequent reproductive capabilities by ∼40% per captive-reared generation when fish are moved to natural environments. These results suggest that even a few generations of domestication may have negative effects on natural reproduction in the wild and that the repeated use of captive-reared parents to supplement wild populations should be carefully reconsidered.
Chimpanzees Are Rational Maximizers in an Ultimatum Game
Authors: Jensen Keith , Call Josep , Tomasello Michael
Published: October 2007

Traditional models of economic decision-making assume that people are self-interested rational maximizers. Empirical research has demonstrated, however, that people will take into account the interests of others and are sensitive to norms of cooperation and fairness. In one of the most robust tests of this finding, the ultimatum game, individuals will reject a proposed division of a monetary windfall, at a cost to themselves, if they perceive it as unfair. Here we show that in an ultimatum game, humans' closest living relatives, chimpanzees (
Pan troglodytes
), are rational maximizers and are not sensitive to fairness. These results support the hypothesis that other-regarding preferences and aversion to inequitable outcomes, which play key roles in human social organization, distinguish us from our closest living relatives.
Widespread Role for the Flowering-Time Regulators FCA and FPA in RNA-Mediated Chromatin Silencing
Authors: Bäurle Isabel , Smith Lisa , Baulcombe David C. , Dean Caroline
Published: October 2007

The RRM-domain proteins FCA and FPA have previously been characterized as flowering-time regulators in
Arabidopsis
. We show that they are required for RNA-mediated chromatin silencing of a range of loci in the genome. At some target loci, FCA and FPA promote asymmetric DNA methylation, whereas at others they function in parallel to DNA methylation. Female gametophytic development and early embryonic development are particularly susceptible to malfunctions in FCA and FPA. We propose that
FCA
and
FPA
regulate chromatin silencing of single and low-copy genes and interact in a locus-dependent manner with the canonical small interfering RNA–directed DNA methylation pathway to regulate common targets.
Deconstructing the Hedgehog Pathway in Development and Disease
Authors: Jacob Leni , Lum Lawrence
Published: October 2007

The Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted signaling proteins is a master regulator of cell fate determination in metazoans, contributing to both pattern formation during embryonic development and postembryonic tissue homeostasis. In a universally used mode of action, graded distribution of Hh protein induces differential cell fate in a dose-dependent manner in cells that receive Hh. Though much of this pathway has been elucidated from genetically based studies in model organisms, such as
Drosophila
and mice, the importance of Hh-mediated signaling in humans is clearly evident from malformations and a broad range of cancers that arise when the pathway is corrupted.
A Cretaceous Scleractinian Coral with a Calcitic Skeleton
Authors: Stolarski Jarosław , Meibom Anders , Przeniosło Radosław , Mazur Maciej
Published: October 2007

It has been generally thought that scleractinian corals form purely aragonitic skeletons. We show that a well-preserved fossil coral,
Coelosmilia
sp. from the Upper Cretaceous (about 70 million years ago), has preserved skeletal structural features identical to those observed in present-day scleractinians. However, the skeleton of
Coelosmilia
sp. is entirely calcitic. Its fine-scale structure and chemistry indicate that the calcite is primary and did not form from the diagenetic alteration of aragonite. This result implies that corals, like other groups of marine, calcium carbonate–producing organisms, can form skeletons of different carbonate polymorphs.
Development and Evaluation of an Influenza Virus Subtype H7N2 Vaccine Candidate for Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Pappas Claudia , Matsuoka Yumiko , Swayne David E. , Donis Ruben O.
Published: October 2007

Influenza virus of the H7N2 subtype has been introduced into noncommercial poultry in the United States, and this probably resulted in incidents of transmission of H7N2 virus to humans, documented in 2002 and 2003. This virus could be considered a potential threat to public health if it acquired person-to-person transmissibility. A favored approach for global pandemic preparedness includes development of prepandemic vaccines for any potential pandemic virus. To this end, we created a high-growth reassortant virus (H7N2-PR8) containing the genes for the hemagglutinin and the neuraminidase from a low-pathogenicity (H7N2) virus strain and the remaining six genes from a human vaccine strain (H1N1). The reassortant strain was evaluated to assess its antigenicity, safety, and protective efficacy using a mouse model. Antigenicity studies using ferret antibodies raised against H7N2-PR8 indicated that this virus confers broad cross-reactivity with divergent H7 viruses of different years and lineages. Mice and chickens inoculated with high doses of H7N2-PR8 supported virus replication but survived, indicating that this virus is comparable to other avian viruses of low pathogenicity. To assess the protective efficacy of H7N2-PR8, mice were immunized with two doses of formalin-inactivated H7N2-PR8, alone or with alum. Vaccinated mice subsequently challenged with highly pathogenic viruses from homologous and heterologous lineages A/Canada/444/04 (H7N3) and A/Netherlands/219/03 (H7N7) showed pronounced reduction of wild-type virus replication. These studies indicate that H7N2-PR8 is immunogenic, safe, and protective in animal models; these are the essential attributes to qualify for phase I human clinical trials as a prepandemic vaccine.
Serological Survey of
Rickettsia japonica
Infection in Dogs and Cats in Japan
Authors: Tabuchi Masae , Jilintai  , Sakata Yoshimi , Miyazaki Naomi , Inokuma Hisashi
Published: October 2007

Antibodies against
Rickettsia japonica
in 20 of 1,207 dogs and 5 of 584 cats in Japan were detected using immunofluorescence. Some antibody-positive animals were detected in Niigata and Kagawa Prefectures, areas in which Japanese spotted fever in human patients has never been identified. Some animals were positive for antibodies against other new
Rickettsia
species.
Evolution of Primary and Compensatory Lamivudine Resistance Mutations in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Patients during Long-Term Lamivudine Treatment, Assessed by a Line Probe Assay
Authors: Libbrecht Evelien , Doutreloigne Joke , Van De Velde Hilde , Yuen Man-Fung , Lai Ching-Lung , Shapiro Fred , Sablon Erwin
Published: October 2007

With the availability of more potent nucleotide/nucleoside analogues, the early detection of drug-resistant mutants of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is important for the strategic treatment of chronic hepatitis B. We studied 336 serum samples from 80 patients chronically infected with HBV who were receiving lamivudine treatment for the presence of lamivudine resistance mutations at codons 80, 173, 180, and 204 of the HBV polymerase. The sequencing data were compared with the results generated with the INNO-LiPA HBV DR (drug resistance) v2 strip, a line probe assay (LiPA) covering wild-type and mutant motifs, for resistance mutations to lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil. This method provided at least the same information as sequencing for 99.1% of all codons analyzed. On the basis of the LiPA results, 20 of 80 patients developed a lamivudine resistance mutation after 1 year. In all 20 patients, the mutation occurred in the YMDD motif at reverse transcriptase position 204 (rt204; M204V/I) either with or without the compensatory mutation at position rt180 (L180M). A compensatory mutation at position rt80 (L80V/I) was detected in half of these patients. After 36 months, a compensatory mutation was seen at position rt173 (V173L) in 3/15 patients. Time-to-event survival analysis indicated a 2.8 times greater chance for LiPA to detect a given mutation than sequencing at any moment in time (hazard ratio, 2.8, 95% confidence interval, 1.79, 4.41;P< 0.0001). These results demonstrate that a highly sensitive and specific assay such as the INNO-LiPA HBV DR v2 can precociously detect and monitor the emergence of primary and compensatory lamivudine resistance mutations in patients chronically infected with HBV and is more sensitive than sequencing.