bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Level of Aspiration by Matching Construal Level and Temporal Distance
Authors: Fessel Florian
Published: August 2010

The current research demonstrates that construal level has opposing effects on level of aspiration depending on the goal’s temporal distance: A concrete goal leads to a higher level of aspiration in the proximate future, but an abstract goal leads to a higher level of aspiration in the distant future. Two reasons are proposed for this interactive effect. First, these combinations of abstraction and distance afford functional advantages in goal pursuit. Second, given prior demonstrations of the relationship between concreteness and proximity on one hand and abstraction and distance on the other hand, these combinations provide value from fit in that goal pursuit subjectively seems appropriate and important. Taken together, this line of research points to one reason why prior research on the motivating effects of construal level has led to equivocal results by implicating the moderating role of temporal distance.
A novel orally active proteasome inhibitor ONX 0912 triggers in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma
Authors: Chauhan Dharminder , Singh Ajita V. , Aujay Monette , Kirk Christopher J. , Bandi Madhavi , Ciccarelli Bryan , Raje Noopur , Richardson Paul , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: August 2010

Bortezomib therapy has proven successful for the treatment of relapsed, relapsed/refractory, and newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). At present, bortezomib is available as an intravenous injection, and its prolonged treatment is associated with toxicity and development of drug resistance. Here we show that the novel proteasome inhibitor ONX 0912, a tripeptide epoxyketone, inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in MM cells resistant to conventional and bortezomib therapies. The anti-MM activity of ONX-0912 is associated with activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly(ADP) ribose polymerase, as well as inhibition of migration of MM cells and angiogenesis. ONX 0912, like bortezomib, predominantly inhibits chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome and is distinct from bortezomib in its chemical structure. Importantly, ONX 0912 is orally bioactive. In animal tumor model studies, ONX 0912 significantly reduced tumor progression and prolonged survival. Immununostaining of MM tumors from ONX 0912–treated mice showed growth inhibition, apoptosis, and a decrease in associated angiogenesis. Finally, ONX 0912 enhances anti-MM activity of bortezomib, lenalidomide dexamethasone, or pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor. Taken together, our study provides the rationale for clinical protocols evaluating ONX 0912, either alone or in combination, to improve patient outcome in MM.
The novel mouse mutant, chuzhoi, has disruption of Ptk7 protein and exhibits defects in neural tube, heart and lung development and abnormal planar cell polarity in the ear
Authors: Paudyal Anju , Damrau Christine , Patterson Victoria L , Ermakov Alexander , Formstone Caroline , Lalanne Zuzanna , Wells Sara , Lu Xiaowei , Norris Dominic P , Dean Charlotte H , Henderson Deborah J , Murdoch Jennifer N
Published: August 2010

Background

The planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling pathway is fundamental to a number of key developmental events, including initiation of neural tube closure. Disruption of the PCP pathway causes the severe neural tube defect of craniorachischisis, in which almost the entire brain and spinal cord fails to close. Identification of mouse mutants with craniorachischisis has proven a powerful way of identifying molecules that are components or regulators of the PCP pathway. In addition, identification of an allelic series of mutants, including hypomorphs and neomorphs in addition to complete nulls, can provide novel genetic tools to help elucidate the function of the PCP proteins.

Results

We report the identification of a new N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutant with craniorachischisis, which we have named chuzhoi (chz). We demonstrate that chuzhoi mutant embryos fail to undergo initiation of neural tube closure, and have characteristics consistent with defective convergent extension. These characteristics include a broadened midline and reduced rate of increase of their length-to-width ratio. In addition, we demonstrate disruption in the orientation of outer hair cells in the inner ear, and defects in heart and lung development in chuzhoi mutants. We demonstrate a genetic interaction between chuzhoi mutants and both Vangl2

Lp
and Celsr1

Crsh
mutants, strengthening the hypothesis that chuzhoi is involved in regulating the PCP pathway. We demonstrate that chuzhoi maps to Chromosome 17 and carries a splice site mutation in Ptk7. This mutation results in the insertion of three amino acids into the Ptk7 protein and causes disruption of Ptk7 protein expression in chuzhoi mutants.

Conclusions

The chuzhoi mutant provides an additional genetic resource to help investigate the developmental basis of several congenital abnormalities including neural tube, heart and lung defects and their relationship to disruption of PCP. The chuzhoi mutation differentially affects the expression levels of the two Ptk7 protein isoforms and, while some Ptk7 protein can still be detected at the membrane, chuzhoi mutants demonstrate a significant reduction in membrane localization of Ptk7 protein. This mutant provides a useful tool to allow future studies aimed at understanding the molecular function of Ptk7.
Wallerian-like axonal degeneration in the optic nerve after excitotoxic retinal insult: an ultrastructural study
Authors: Saggu Sarabjit K , Chotaliya Hiren P , Blumbergs Peter C , Casson Robert J
Published: August 2010

Background

Excitotoxicity is involved in the pathogenesis of a number neurodegenerative diseases, and axonopathy is an early feature in several of these disorders. In models of excitotoxicity-associated neurological disease, an excitotoxin delivered to the central nervous system (CNS), could trigger neuronal death not only in the somatodendritic region, but also in the axonal region, via oligodendrocyte N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The retina and optic nerve, as approachable regions of the brain, provide a unique anatomical substrate to investigate the "downstream" effect of isolated excitotoxic perikaryal injury on central nervous system (CNS) axons, potentially providing information about the pathogenesis of the axonopathy in clinical neurological disorders.

Herein, we provide ultrastructural information about the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somata and their axons, both unmyelinated and myelinated, after NMDA-induced retinal injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were killed at 0 h, 24 h, 72 h and 7 days after injecting 20 nM NMDA into the vitreous chamber of the left eye (n = 8 in each group). Saline-injected right eyes served as controls. After perfusion fixation, dissection, resin-embedding and staining, ultrathin sections of eyes and proximal (intraorbital) and distal (intracranial) optic nerve segments were evaluated by transmission electron tomography (TEM).

Results

TEM demonstrated features of necrosis in RGCs: mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum swelling, disintegration of polyribosomes, rupture of membranous organelle and formation of myelin bodies. Ultrastructural damage in the optic nerve mimicked the changes of Wallerian degeneration; early nodal/paranodal disturbances were followed by the appearance of three major morphological variants: dark degeneration, watery degeneration and demyelination.

Conclusion

NMDA-induced excitotoxic retinal injury causes mainly necrotic RGC somal death with Wallerian-like degeneration of the optic nerve. Since axonal degeneration associated with perikaryal excitotoxic injury is an active, regulated process, it may be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Metabolic syndrome predicts vascular changes in whole body magnetic resonance imaging in patients with long standing diabetes mellitus
Authors: Findeisen Hannes M , Weckbach Sabine , Stark Renée G , Reiser Maximilian F , Schoenberg Stefan O , Parhofer Klaus G
Published: August 2010

Background

Although diabetic patients have an increased rate of cardio-vascular events, there is considerable heterogeneity with respect to cardiovascular risk, requiring new approaches to individual cardiovascular risk factor assessment. In this study we used whole body-MR-angiography (WB-MRA) to assess the degree of atherosclerosis in patients with long-standing diabetes and to determine the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and atherosclerotic burden.

Methods

Long standing (≥10 years) type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients (n = 59; 31 males; 63.3 ± 1.7 years) were examined by WB-MRA. Based on the findings in each vessel, we developed an overall score representing the patient's vascular atherosclerotic burden (MRI-score). The score's association with components of the MetS was assessed.

Results

The median MRI-score was 1.18 [range: 1.00-2.41] and MetS was present in 58% of the cohort (type 2 diabetics: 73%; type 1 diabetics: 26%). Age (p = 0.0002), HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.016), hypertension (p = 0.0008), nephropathy (p = 0.0093), CHD (p = 0.001) and MetS (p = 0.0011) were significantly associated with the score. Adjusted for age and sex, the score was significantly (p = 0.02) higher in diabetics with MetS (1.450 [1.328-1.572]) compared to those without MetS (1.108 [0.966-1.50]). The number of MetS components was associated with a linear increase in the MRI-score (increase in score: 0.09/MetS component; r2 = 0.24, p = 0.038). Finally, using an established risk algorithm, we found a significant association between MRI-score and 10-year risk for CHD, fatal CHD and stroke.

Conclusion

In this high-risk diabetic population, WB-MRA revealed large heterogeneity in the degree of systemic atherosclerosis. Presence and number of traits of the MetS are associated with the extent of atherosclerotic burden. These results support the perspective that diabetic patients are a heterogeneous population with increased but varying prevalence of atherosclerosis and risk.
The impact of maternal protein restriction during rat pregnancy upon renal expression of angiotensin receptors and vasopressin-related aquaporins
Authors: Cornock Ruth , Langley-Evans Simon C , Mobasheri Ali , McMullen Sarah
Published: August 2010

Background

Maternal protein restriction during rat pregnancy is known to impact upon fetal development, growth and risk of disease in later life. It is of interest to understand how protein undernutrition influences the normal maternal adaptation to pregnancy. Here we investigated the mechanisms regulating renal haemodynamics and plasma volume during pregnancy, in the context of both normal and reduced plasma volume expansion. The study focused on expression of renal angiotensin receptors (ATR) and vasopressin-related aquaporins (AQP), hypothesising that an alteration in the balance of these proteins would be associated with pregnancy per se and with compromised plasma volume expansion in rats fed a low-protein diet.

Methods

Female Wistar rats were mated and fed a control (18% casein) or low-protein (9% casein) diet during pregnancy. Animals were anaesthetised on days 5, 10, 15 and 20 of gestation (n = 8/group/time-point) for determination of plasma volume using Evans Blue dye, prior to euthanasia and collection of tissues. Expression of the ATR subtypes and AQP2, 3 and 4 were assessed in maternal kidneys by PCR and western blotting. 24 non-pregnant Wistar rats underwent the same procedure at defined points of the oestrous cycle.

Results

As expected, pregnancy was associated with an increase in blood volume and haemodilution impacted upon red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentrations. Expression of angiotensin II receptors and aquaporins 2, 3 and 4 was stable across all stages of the oestrus cycle. Interesting patterns of intra-renal protein expression were observed in response to pregnancy, including a significant down-regulation of AQP2. In contrast to previous literature and despite an apparent delay in blood volume expansion in low-protein fed rats, blood volume did not differ significantly between groups of pregnant animals. However, a significant down-regulation of AT2R protein expression was observed in low-protein fed animals alongside a decrease in creatinine clearance.

Conclusion

Regulatory systems involved in the pregnancy-induced plasma volume expansion are susceptible to the effects of maternal protein restriction.
Dynamic analysis of CD127 expression on memory CD8 T cells from patients with chronic hepatitis B during telbivudine treatment
Authors: Lv Guocai , Ying Linjung , Ma Wen-Jiang , Jin Xi , Zheng Lin , Li Lanjuan , Yang Yida
Published: August 2010

Background

Accumulating evidence supports the theory that expression of CD127 on CD8 T cells during the process of antiviral immune response indicates a subset of effect CD8 T cells that successfully develop into fully protective memory. CD8 T cells expression of CD127 may be used as a predictor to evaluate disease status in chronic viral infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the CD127 expression level on different subsets of CD8 T cell and explore the relationship between CD127 expression on CD8 memory T cells and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We also aimed to investigate the CD127 expression pattern on CD8 memory T cells of CHB patients who were treated with Telbivudine.

Methods/Results

Twenty HBeAg-positive CHB patients were selected and treated with telbivudine 600 mg/day for 48 weeks. The memory CD8 T cells were characterized by expression of CD45RA and CD27 markers. CD127 expression on the CD8 T-cell surface was measured by four-colour flow cytometry. Our results showed that CD127 expression on memory CD8 T cells was reduced in CHB patients. There was a strong negative correlation between CD127 expression on memory CD8 T cells and serum HBV DNA and HBeAg levels in CHB patients. Moreover, successful antiviral therapy increased CD127 expression on CD8 memory T cells as well as on HBV-specific CD8 T cells in CHB patients.

Conclusion

These results suggest that diminished CD127 expression on CD8 memory T cells of CHB patients is a potential mechanism explaining cellular immune function impairment in CHB infection, and that CD127 expression on CD8 memory T cells is a useful indicator for evaluating the effects of anti-HBV therapy.
Ectopic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) syndrome from metastatic small cell carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Shahani Sadeka , Nudelman Rodolfo J , Nalini Ramaswami , Kim Han-Seob , Samson Susan L
Published: August 2010

Background

Cushing's Syndrome (CS) which is caused by isolated Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) production, rather than adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production, is extremely rare.

Methods

We describe the clinical presentation, course, laboratory values and pathologic findings of a patient with isolated ectopic CRH causing CS. We review the literature of the types of tumors associated with this unusual syndrome and the behavior of these tumors by endocrine testing.

Results

A 56 year old woman presented with clinical and laboratory features consistent with ACTH-dependent CS. Pituitary imaging was normal and cortisol did not suppress with a high dose dexamethasone test, consistent with a diagnosis of ectopic ACTH. CT imaging did not reveal any discrete lung lesions but there were mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy and multiple liver lesions suspicious for metastatic disease. Laboratory testing was positive for elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen and the neuroendocrine marker chromogranin A. Serum markers of carcinoid, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma were in the normal range. Because the primary tumor could not be identified by imaging, biopsy of the presumed metastatic liver lesions was performed. Immunohistochemistry was consistent with a neuroendocrine tumor, specifically small cell carcinoma. Immunostaining for ACTH was negative but was strongly positive for CRH and laboratory testing revealed a plasma CRH of 10 pg/ml (normal 0 to 10 pg/ml) which should have been suppressed in the presence of high cortisol.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the importance of considering the ectopic production of CRH in the differential diagnosis for presentations of ACTH-dependent Cushing's Syndrome.
The role of adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy in rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis: a retrospective study
Authors: Kim Jun Won , Kim Yong Bae , Kim Nam-Kyu , Min Byung-Soh , Shin Sang Joon , Ahn Joong Bae , Koom Woong Sub , Seong Jinsil , Keum Ki Chang
Published: August 2010

Background

Synchronous liver metastases are detected in approximately 25% of colorectal cancer patients at diagnosis. The rates of local failure and distant metastasis are substantial in these patients, even after undergoing aggressive treatments including resection of primary and metastatic liver tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy is beneficial for pelvic control and overall survival in rectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastasis after primary tumor resection.

Methods

Among rectal cancer patients who received total mesorectal excision (TME) between 1997 and 2006 at Yonsei University Health System, eighty-nine patients diagnosed with synchronous liver metastasis were reviewed. Twenty-seven patients received adjuvant pelvic RT (group S + R), and sixty-two patients were managed without RT (group S). Thirty-six patients (58%) in group S and twenty patients (74%) in group S+R received local treatment for liver metastasis. Failure patterns and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Pelvic failure was observed in twenty-five patients; twenty-one patients in group S (34%), and four patients in group S+R (15%) (p = 0.066). The two-year pelvic failure-free survival rates (PFFS) of group S and group S+R were 64.8% and 80.8% (p = 0.028), respectively, and the two-year overall survival rates (OS) were 49.1% and 70.4% (p = 0.116), respectively. In a subgroup analysis of fifty-six patients who received local treatment for liver metastasis, the two-year PFFS were 64.9% and 82.9% (p = 0.05), respectively; the two-year OS were 74.1% and 80.0% (p = 0.616) in group S (n = 36) and group S+R (n = 20), respectively.

Conclusions

Adjuvant pelvic RT significantly reduced the pelvic failure rate but its influence on overall survival was unclear. Rectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastasis may benefit from adjuvant pelvic RT through an increased pelvic control rate and improved quality of life.
Evaluation of NDRG2 gene expression in primary papillary thyroid carcinoma and in metastases of this neoplasm to regional lymph nodes
Authors: Mordalska Anna , Latek Joanna , Ferenc Tomasz , Pomorski Lech , Gałecka Elżbieta , Zygmunt Arkadiusz , Lewiński Andrzej
Published: August 2010

Background

At present, researchers' attention has been concentrating on NDRG2 (N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2) as a new gene candidate in the development and progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). NDRG2, together with NDRG1, NDRG3 and NDRG4 are members of the NDRG family, a new class of genes, inhibited by N-Myc oncogene.

Aim

The aim of our study was to evaluate NDRG2 mRNA expression in the primary PTC and its metastases to regional lymph nodes.

Materials and methods

Postoperative tissue and macroscopically changed lymph nodes of sixteen (16) patients with PTC constituted the studied material. In this group, metastases of the cancer to regional lymph nodes were confirmed histopathologically in 8 cases. Quantitative evaluation of NDRG2 mRNA expression was performed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method.

Results

The mean values of NDRG2 mRNA expression in the primary tumour tissues were statistically significantly lower vs. the levels of NDRG2 mRNA expression in macroscopically unchanged thyroid tissue (p < 0.0001). A comparison of the mean NDRG2 mRNA expression of primary tumours and that of their metastases to regional lymph nodes did not demonstrate any statistical differences (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between NDRG2 mRNA expression in primary tumour cells and in the cancer metastases to lymph nodes (Rs = 0.7857; p < 0.05). Factors, such as age, sex, tumour stage in TNM system, were of no significance for NDRG2 mRNA expression level (p > 0.1).

Conclusion

The results of our study demonstrated decreased NDRG2 mRNA expression levels in PTC, when compared to macroscopically unchanged thyroid tissue, which may point to the potential role of NDRG2 in the development and progression of cancer in question.
3D time-domain simulation of electromagnetic diffusion phenomena: A finite-element electric-field approach
Authors: Um Evan Schankee , Harris Jerry M. , Alumbaugh David L.
Published: August 2010

We present a finite-element time-domain (FETD) approach for the simulation of 3D electromagnetic (EM) diffusion phenomena. The finite-element algorithm efficiently simulates transient electric fields and the time derivatives of magnetic fields in general anisotropic earth media excited by multiple arbitrarily configured electric dipoles with various signal waveforms. To compute transient electromagnetic fields, the electric field diffusion equation is transformed into a system of differential equations via Galerkin’s method with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. To ensure numerical stability and an efficient time step, the system of the differential equations is discretized in time using an implicit backward Euler scheme. The resultant FETD matrix-vector equation is solved using a sparse direct solver along with a fill-in reduced ordering technique. When advancing the solution in time, the FETD algorithm adjusts the time step by examining whether or not the current step size can be doubled without unacceptably affecting the accuracy of the solution. To simulate a step-off source waveform, the 3D FETD algorithm also incorporates a 3D finite-element direct current (FEDC) algorithm that solves Poisson’s equation using a secondary potential method for a general anisotropic earth model. Examples of controlled-source FETD simulations are compared with analytic and/or 3D finite-difference time-domain solutions and are used to confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the 3D FETD algorithm.
Personality disorder and the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended)
Authors: Sen Piyal , Irons Ashley
Published: August 2010

The Mental Health Act 1983 now incorporates amendments introduced in 2007. This article explores features of the amended Act that affect the treatment of patients with personality disorder in England and Wales. It discusses issues such as the broad definition of mental disorder, treatability and professional roles, with specific reference to how they might, or might not, affect usual practice concerning patients with personality disorder. It also comments on elements within the Act that could positively affect people with personality disorder, such as community treatment orders, provision to change their ‘nearest relative’ and statutory advocacy services. The political climate in which the Act has been amended is commented on, as well as how this might potentially compromise some of the positives within the Act.
Parental history of depression or anxiety and the cortisol awakening response
Authors: Vreeburg Sophie A. , Hartman Catharina A. , Hoogendijk Witte J. G. , Dyck Richard van , Zitman Frans G. , Ormel Johan , Penninx Brenda W. J. H.
Published: August 2010

Background

It is unclear whether altered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis regulation, which frequently accompanies depression and anxiety disorders, represents a trait rather than a state factor.

Aims

To examine whether HPA axis dysregulation represents a biological vulnerability for these disorders, we compared cortisol levels in unaffected people with and without a parental history of depressive or anxiety disorders. We additionally examined whether possible HPA axis dysregulations resemble those observed in participants with depression or anxiety disorders.

Method

Data were from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. Within the participants without a lifetime diagnoses of depression or anxiety disorders, three groups were distinguished: 180 people without parental history, 114 with self-reported parental history and 74 with CIDI-diagnosed parental history. These groups were additionally compared with people with major depressive disorder or panic disorder with agoraphobia (n = 1262). Salivary cortisol samples were obtained upon awakening, and 30, 45 and 60 min later.

Results

As compared with unaffected participants without parental history, unaffected individuals with diagnosed parental history of depression or anxiety showed a significantly higher cortisol awakening curve (effect size (d) = 0.50), which was similar to that observed in the participants with depression or anxiety disorders. Unaffected people with self-reported parental history did not differ in awakening cortisol levels from unaffected people without parental history.

Conclusions

Unaffected individuals with parental history of depression or anxiety showed a higher cortisol awakening curve, similar to that of the participants with depression or anxiety disorders. This suggests that a higher cortisol awakening curve reflects a trait marker, indicating an underlying biological vulnerability for the development of depressive and anxiety disorders.
Personality pathology recorded by severity: national survey
Authors: Yang Min , Coid Jeremy , Tyrer Peter
Published: August 2010

Background

Current classifications of personality disorders do not classify severity despite clinical practice favouring such descriptions.

Aims

To assess whether an existing measure of severity of personality disorder predicted clinical pathology and societal dysfunction in a community sample.

Method

UK national epidemiological study in which personality status was measured using the screening version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV Personality Disorders (SCID–II) and reclassified to five levels using a modified severity index. Associations between levels of severity of personality pathology and social, demographic and clinical variables were measured.

Results

Of 8391 individuals interviewed and their personality status assessed, only a minority (n = 1933, 23%) had no personality pathology. The results supported the hypothesis. More severe personality pathology was associated incrementally with younger age, childhood institutional care, expulsion from school, contacts with the criminal justice system, economic inactivity, more Axis I pathology and greater service contact (primary care and secondary care, allP<0.001). Significant handicap was noted among people with even low levels of personality pathology. No differences contradicted the main hypothesis.

Conclusions

A simple reconstruction of the existing classification of personality disorder is a good predictor of social dysfunction and supports the development of severity measures as a critical requirement in both DSM–V and ICD–11 classifications.
Facilities for carers of in-patients in forensic psychiatric services in England and Wales
Authors: Cormac Irene , Lindon Drew , Jones Hannah , Gedeon Trevor , Ferriter Michael
Published: August 2010

Aims and method

A postal survey of forensic psychiatric facilities in England and Wales was undertaken to obtain information about the services provided for carers of in-patients within these services.

Results

Forensic psychiatric services vary in the support and facilities provided for carers. Many do not comply with current legislation for carers. Most units informed carers of their rights to have an assessment, but only a minority provided facilities for carers from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Clinical implications

Forensic psychiatric services should meet standards for the involvement and support of carers in mental health settings, and comply with legislation for carers.
Information and readability issues for psychiatric patients: e-learning for users
Authors: Gralton Ernest , Sher Marilyn , Lopez Coro Drew
Published: August 2010

Aims and method

The level of reading ability required to understand written information about key mental health issues designed for service users is examined. Information was taken from four reputable internet sources and analysed for readability. The relevant literature in relation to psychiatric patients and literacy is reviewed and potential solutions are proposed.

Results

A considerable proportion of the available information has a reading age at or above 14 years. Some organisations appear better than others in providing information at a more appropriate level of reading ability.

Clinical implications

Written information aimed at users of psychiatric services may not take into account that they are more likely to have impaired reading ability, even though they might not have an identified intellectual disability. Professionals who develop written materials can use tools in word processing software to assist with the appropriate development of these materials. Information technology could in the future provide information directed at users of psychiatric services that does not rely so heavily on written material.
Trainees' perception of the Annual Review of Competence Progression: 2-year survey
Authors: Vasudev Akshya , Vasudev Kamini , Thakkar Pratish
Published: August 2010

Aims and method

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is a process of checking and evaluating evidence of competency attainment collected by a trainee over the preceding year. There has been no study evaluating trainees' perception of this new process. Two cross-sectional electronic surveys were conducted a year apart in the north of England. Out of 92 psychiatry trainees 58 (63%) completed the survey in 2008; 60 (63%) out of 96 trainees completed the second round in 2009.

Results

Over the year there was a significant improvement in trainees' perception of the new process: 75% of respondents highlighted non-availability of a list of acceptable evidence for the portfolio in 2008, which reduced to 22% in 2009 (P <0.001). The percentage of trainees facing difficulty in accessing the electronic portal reduced from 73 to 28% (P <0.001). The trainees continued to express the need for explicit feedback at ARCP and improved training of the assessors in addition to other parameters.

Clinical implications

The process of ARCP seems to have become robust over the year studied. There is scope for further refining of the process according to trainees' needs.
Prospective Evaluation of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation From Matched Related and Matched Unrelated Donors in Younger Adults With High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia: German-Austrian Trial AMLHD98A
Authors: Schlenk Richard F. , Döhner Konstanze , Mack Silja , Stoppel Michael , Király Franz , Götze Katharina , Hartmann Frank , Horst Heinz A. , Koller Elisabeth , Petzer Andreas , Grimminger Wolfgang , Kobbe Guido , Glasmacher Axel , Salwender Hans , Kirchen Heinz , Haase Detlef , Kremers Stephan , Matzdorff Axel , Benner Axel , Döhner Hartmut
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To assess the impact of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) from matched related donors (MRDs) and matched unrelated donors (MUDs) on outcome in high-risk patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) within a prospective multicenter treatment trial.

Patients and Methods

Between 1998 and 2004, 844 patients (median age, 48 years; range, 16 to 62 years) with AML were enrolled onto protocol AMLHD98A that included a risk-adapted treatment strategy. High risk was defined by the presence of unfavorable cytogenetics and/or by no response to induction therapy.

Results

Two hundred sixty-seven (32%) of 844 patients were assigned to the high-risk group. Of these 267 patients, 51 patients (19%) achieved complete remission but had adverse cytogenetics, and 216 patients (81%) had no response to induction therapy. Allogeneic HSCT was actually performed in 162 (61%) of 267 high-risk patients, after a median time of 147 days after diagnosis. Graft sources were as follows: MRD (n = 62), MUD (n = 89), haploidentical donor (n = 10), and cord blood (n = 1). The 5-year overall survival rates were 6.5% (95% CI, 3.1% to 13.6%) for patients (n = 105) not proceeding to HSCT and 25.1% (95% CI, 19.1% to 33.0%; from date of transplantation) for patients (n = 162) receiving HSCT. Multivariable analysis including allogeneic HSCT as a time-dependent covariable revealed that allogeneic HSCT significantly improved outcome; there was no difference in outcome between allogeneic HSCT from MRD and MUD.

Conclusion

Allogeneic HSCT in younger adults with high-risk AML has a significant beneficial impact on outcome, and allogeneic HSCT from MRD and MUD yields similar results.
Beyond statin therapy: a review of the management of residual risk in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Judge Eoin P , Phelan D , O'Shea Donal
Published: August 2010

Summary

Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol exhibit an independent, strong, continuous correlation with cardiovascular events. The effectiveness of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis is well-established. However, despite the lowering of LDL targets and the increased use of statins, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) continue to experience a higher proportion of adverse coronary artery disease events. This is as a result of an atherogenic dyslipidaemia, characterized by low levels of high-density lipoprotein and elevated plasma triglyceride concentrations, often with high levels of cholesterol-rich remnant particles. This article will review dyslipidaemia and its role in DM, and will discuss available treatment modalities that address residual cardiovascular risk in this disease.
Dynamic isomiR regulation in Drosophila development
Authors: Fernandez-Valverde Selene L. , Taft Ryan J. , Mattick John S.
Published: August 2010

Several recent reports have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) can exhibit heterogeneous ends and post-transcriptional nontemplate 3′ end additions of uridines or adenosines. Using two small RNA deep-sequencing data sets, we show here that these miRNA isoforms (isomiRs) are differentially expressed across Drosophila melanogaster development and tissues. Specifically, we demonstrate that: (1) nontemplate nucleotide additions of adenosines to miRNA 3′ ends are highly abundant in early development; (2) a subset of miRNAs with nontemplate 3′ Us are expressed in adult tissues; and (3) the size of at least eight “mature” (unmodified) miRNAs varies in a life-cycle or tissue-specific manner. These results suggest that subtle variability in isomiR expression, which is widely thought to be the result of inexact Dicer processing, is regulated and biologically meaningful. Indeed, a subset of the miRNAs enriched for 3′ adenosine additions during early embryonic development, including miR-282 and miR-312, show enrichment for target sites in developmental genes that are expressed during late embryogenesis, suggesting that nontemplate additions increase miRNA stability or strengthen miRNA:target interactions. This work suggests that isomiR expression is an important aspect of miRNA biology, which warrants further investigation.
Book Reviews
Authors: Kholeif Omar , Harris Scott Jordan , B Sar Maty , Cromb Brenda
Published: August 2010

Derek Jarman's Angelic Conversations, Jim Ellis, (2009) Minneapolis and London: University of Minnesota Press, 328 pp., ISBN 978081665313 (pbk), $21.95

Jerry Lewis (Contemporary Film Directors), Chris Fujiwara, (2009) Champaign, IL: University of
Illinois Press, 158 pp., ISBN 9780252076794 (pbk), $19.95

Film Festival Yearbook 2: Film Festivals and Imagined Communities, Dina Iordanova with Ruby Cheung (eds.), (2010) St Andrews: St Andrews Film Studies, 286 pp., ISBN 9780956373014 (pbk), 17.99

Skyscraper
Cinema: Architecture and Gender in American Film, Merrill Schleier, (2009) Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, 392 pp., ISBN 9780816642823 (pbk), $28.50
The Topography of Jeanne Dielman's Kitchen
Authors: Grant Paul Douglas
Published: August 2010

An Interview with Javier Rebollo By Paul Douglas Grant
The player as hedonist: the problem of enjoyment
Authors: Mortensen Torill Elvira
Published: August 2010

This article discusses the potential for using old approaches in new ways in order to understand the pleasure of virtual worlds, particularly game-worlds. Discussing the common explanations of why we like games, the article attempts to show how these are mostly reductive and too simplistic
to open up a deeper understanding of not only the seductive power of games, but also the potential ethical philosophy of gaming. Viewing the player as a person who plays for pleasure is almost banal, but acknowledging that this makes the inhabitant of the game-world a person with a particular
ethical viewpoint activates the philosophy of hedonism, and perhaps most particularly the second-order desire. The debates around this philosophy are re-vitalized by the way people participate in constructed worlds from desire and not necessity and from the discussions around cheating and
exploits, at the same time as they bring to game-world research a wider understanding of the complexity of player pleasure.
Imaginary monsters: Game 3.0 and the rise of the transgressive player
Authors: Meades Alan
Published: August 2010

In promotional literature advertising Media Molecule's LittleBIGplanet (Media Molecule 2008) we are told that imagination becomes reality, that if you can think of it, you can create it; if you can create it, you can share it; if you can share it, you can play it (Media Molecule
2009). We are told that by purchasing the game we will gain access to the tools required to create and share our own imaginative game content. This is an example of how Game 3.0 releases, such as LittleBIGplanet, commercialize and commodify the imagination of the player. However, when
players intentionally or unintentionally engage in creative activities that fall outside of the scope of those sanctioned by the developer or other players, they rapidly become labelled as transgressives. Instead of presenting an environment of unbridled creativity, Game 3.0 releases have
invariably been tarnished as the result of the ambiguous nature of boundaries of acceptable behaviour and appropriate imaginative creation. This article explores the notion of imagination as it relates to creativity and transgression within Game 3.0 (Harrison 2007a, b). It explores the ways
in which imagination has been conceptualized as a marketable commodity in modern networked console videogames, and how as a result some players have engaged with a process of consumption and generation of subversive, transgressive content. In addition, this article offers a theoretical framework
to begin to understand the differences in imaginative transgressive play and its motivations.
The non-player agent in computer role-playing games
Authors: Parsler Justin
Published: August 2010

This article analyses the concept of agency in Computer Role-Playing Game narratives, with a focus on the characters ostensibly not under player control that populate these fictions. Specifically, there is a tendency for players to attribute agency to such characters, and this attribution is core to the imaginative process that brings such games to life.
Antecedents and Consequences of Firms’ Export Commitment: An Empirical Study
Authors: Navarro Antonio , Acedo Francisco J. , Robson Matthew J. , Ruzo Emilio , Losada Fernando
Published: August 2010

Theory posits that export commitment is key to the effective implementation of resource-led strategy. The authors investigate the role of export commitment, considered a multidimensional construct, in linking export resources and capabilities to positional advantages achieved in foreign markets. They test their resource-based view assertions among a multi-industry sample of 150 Spanish exporters. The results show that experiential resources, specific export capabilities, and export market orientation (EMO) reinforce export commitment, which exerts a positive effect on perceived positional advantages. These perceptions also are likely to be positive if the firm adapts its marketing mix to the needs of its foreign markets. Moreover, the results show that EMO exerts a positive influence on marketing-mix adaptation. Resources linked to experience and informational knowledge about foreign markets foster the development of capabilities (i.e., specific export capabilities and/or EMO). Finally, the results indicate that specific export capabilities influence EMO. The authors conclude with a discussion of practical implications for facilitating export competitive strategy and success.
Extended Bayesian LASSO for Multiple Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping and Unobserved Phenotype Prediction
Authors: Mutshinda Crispin M , Sillanpää Mikko J
Published: August 2010

The Bayesian LASSO (BL) has been pointed out to be an effective approach to sparse model representation and successfully applied to quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and genomic breeding value (GBV) estimation using genome-wide dense sets of markers. However, the BL relies on a single parameter known as the regularization parameter to simultaneously control the overall model sparsity and the shrinkage of individual covariate effects. This may be idealistic when dealing with a large number of predictors whose effect sizes may differ by orders of magnitude. Here we propose the extended Bayesian LASSO (EBL) for QTL mapping and unobserved phenotype prediction, which introduces an additional level to the hierarchical specification of the BL to explicitly separate out these two model features. Compared to the adaptiveness of the BL, the EBL is “doubly adaptive” and thus, more robust to tuning. In simulations, the EBL outperformed the BL in regard to the accuracy of both effect size estimates and phenotypic value predictions, with comparable computational time. Moreover, the EBL proved to be less sensitive to tuning than the related Bayesian adaptive LASSO (BAL), which introduces locus-specific regularization parameters as well, but involves no mechanism for distinguishing between model sparsity and parameter shrinkage. Consequently, the EBL seems to point to a new direction for QTL mapping, phenotype prediction, and GBV estimation.
Mapping Environment-Specific Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhao Fuping , Xu Shizhong
Published: August 2010

Environment-specific quantitative trait loci (QTL) refer to QTL that express differently in different environments, a phenomenon called QTL-by-environment (Q × E) interaction. Q × E interaction is a difficult problem extended from traditional QTL mapping. The mixture model maximum-likelihood method is commonly adopted for interval mapping of QTL, but the method is not optimal in handling QTL interacting with environments. We partitioned QTL effects into main and interaction effects. The main effects are represented by the means of QTL effects in all environments and the interaction effects are represented by the variances of the QTL effects across environments. We used the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) implemented Bayesian method to estimate both the main and the interaction effects. The residual error covariance matrix was modeled using the factor analytic covariance structure. A simulation study showed that the factor analytic structure is robust and can handle other structures as special cases. The method was also applied to Q × E interaction mapping for the yield trait of barley. Eight markers showed significant main effects and 18 markers showed significant Q × E interaction. The 18 interacting markers were distributed across all seven chromosomes of the entire genome. Only 1 marker had both the main and the Q × E interaction effects. Each of the other markers had either a main effect or a Q × E interaction effect but not both.
Social Support and its Correlation with Loneliness: A Cross-Cultural Study of Nepalese Older Adults
Authors: Chalise Hom Nath , Kai Ichiro , Saito Tami
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to analyze the situation of social support exchange among elderly men and women and to study the cross-cultural validity of predictors of loneliness in two Nepalese castes/ethnicities of older adults. Data for this study were taken from a cross-sectional study of the elderly at least 60 years old living in one ward of Kathmandu City, conducted in 2005.

Loneliness was measured using a three-item loneliness scale based on the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Sources of social support were classified as spouse, children living with their elders, children living apart, and friends/neighbors. Study findings indicate that the main social support exchange for the elderly was with adult children living together, spouse, and friends/neighbors. Results also show gender difference in social support. Significant variables of loneliness were social support received from spouse, social support provided to spouse, and children living together with both elderly parents. This finding shows there is a high degree of cross-cultural invariance in the predictor sources of social support on loneliness among two Nepalese castes/ethnicities older adults.
Determinants of CEO Pay: A Comparison of ExecuComp and Non-ExecuComp Firms
Authors: Cadman Brian , Klasa Sandy , Matsunaga Steve
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: We document that firms included in the ExecuComp database tend to be larger, more complex, followed by more analysts, have greater stock liquidity levels, and have higher total, but less concentrated, institutional ownership than other firms. Based on these differences, we test and find support for three predictions. First, ExecuComp firms rely more heavily on earnings and stock returns in determining CEO cash compensation. Second, the weight on earnings is more sensitive to differences in the extent of growth opportunities for ExecuComp firms. Third, the positive relation between institutional ownership concentration and the value of stock option grants is stronger for ExecuComp firms. Overall, our results suggest that ExecuComp and non-ExecuComp firms operate in different contracting environments that lead to differences in the design of their executive compensation contracts. As a result, care should be taken in extending results based on ExecuComp samples to non-ExecuComp firms.