bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of mortality in non‐trauma exsanguinating patients that require damage control laparotomy
Authors: Zhang Wen‐bo , Wang Wei‐ya , Wang Ge‐fei , Li Ning , Li Jie‐shou
Published: November 2009

Background:  Since introduction of damage control (DC) approach to non‐trauma setting is relatively late, the risk factors associated with this procedure remain undefined. This study was aimed at identifying factors responsible for the mortality.

Methods:  Over a 5‐year period (from February 2002 to February 2007), consecutive non‐trauma patients who required DC laparotomy (DCL) with gauze packing for control of indomitable abdominal haemorrhage in our institute were included. Clinical, laboratorial and operative factors influencing in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality were analysed.

Results:  A total of 26 patients underwent DCL with packing in an attempt to control severe abdominal haemorrhage. There were seven (26.9%) deaths in hospital or within 30 days of DCL. Increase in age, higher initial physiological score and operative severity score assessed by the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity scoring system, lower initial body temperature, lower initial platelet (PLT) counts, greater intra‐operative blood loss, presence of perioperative multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were all associated with increased risk of mortality on univariate analysis (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, only decrease in PLT counts (P= 0.042, OR = 0.969, 95% CI = 0.940∼0.999) and increase in age (P= 0.035, OR = 1.152, 95% CI = 1.010∼1.313) were significant independent factors affecting mortality.

Conclusions:  Decrease in PLT counts and increase in age are the independent risk factors related to death in non‐trauma series that require DCL with packing. DCL should be performed early as for patients with these risk factors.
Laparoscopic revision of gastric band surgery
Authors: Bardsley Stephanie , Hopkins George
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To identify the outcome of laparoscopic revision of gastric band surgery with respect to percentage of excess weight lost (%EWL).

Methods:  Analysis of a prospective database was then performed and %EWL was plotted with respect to time from initial procedure and also time from revision procedure.

Results:  All revision operations were performed laparoscopically. There were no patient deaths, but two serious complications. Percentage excess weight loss after replacement of the band because of prosthetic failure or dysphagia was 57% at an average follow‐up of 19 months. For repositioning of the band due to slippage, the %EWL was 72% at an average of 15 months follow‐up for those who had the existing band repositioned, and 42% at an average of 23 months follow‐up for those who had a new band repositioned.

Conclusion:  Revision laparoscopic gastric band surgery is a safe option for patients, and results in good %EWL at an average follow‐up period of 19 months.
Gyrus PlasmaKinetic bipolar coagulation device for liver resection
Authors: Tan Jeremy , Hunt Andrew , Wijesuriya Ruwan , Delriviere Luc , Mitchell Andrew
Published: November 2009

Background:  Liver parenchymal transection can be associated with significant blood loss and morbidity. We present our initial experience with the Gyrus PlasmaKinetic coagulation device in liver parenchymal resection in both cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic patients.

Methods:  Liver resections were performed in 51 consecutive patients, from 20 July 2005 to 31 August 2007, using the Gyrus PlasmaKinetic coagulator. Requirement for blood transfusions, operating time, duration of hospital stay and major complications were evaluated initially for the group as a whole. Subsequently, the 11 patients with histologically confirmed cirrhosis (nine men, two women, median age 54 years, range 24–74 years) were compared with 40 patients without cirrhosis (25 men, 15 women, median age 57 years, range 24–87 years).

Results:  There were 34 men and 17 women. The median age was 56 (range 24–87 years). There were 48 open procedures and 3 laparoscopic procedures. There were 30 major resections (>2 segments) and 21 minor resections (one to two segments). The overall median operating time was 260 min (range 90–690). Length of stay had a median of 9 days, range 4–50 days. Twenty‐one patients (41%) required a blood transfusion. Two biliary leaks were observed in non‐cirrhotic patients initially before the settings of the Gyrus device were optimized.

Conclusions:  The Gyrus PlasmaKinetic coagulation device is a novel instrument for hepatic parenchymal transection in liver resection, which can be safely used in cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic patients.
Single‐port laparoscopic right colonic resection
Authors: Keshava Anil , Mackenzie Scott , Al‐Kubati Waheeb
Published: November 2009

Background:  The laparoscopic approach is a recognized treatment option for colonic resection. We present the first single‐port operation for colonic resection using standard laparoscopic equipment and techniques.

Methods:  A single‐port laparoscopic right colonic resection was successfully performed using GelPort (Applied Medical, Orange County, CA, USA) and a standard laparoscopic approach.

Results:  The procedure was completed in 105 min through a single periumbilical incision. There was minimal blood loss and no post‐operative problems.

Conclusion:  Single‐port laparoscopic techniques can be applied to colonic surgery. It negates morbidity associated with trochar insertion and port sites. It should be performed by surgeons familiar with laparoscopic colorectal techniques.
Molecular neuroimaging in rodents: assessing receptor expression and function
Authors: Mueggler Thomas , Baltes Christof , Rudin Markus
Published: November 2009

Multimodal non‐invasive neuroimaging in rodents constitutes an attractive tool for studying neurobiological processes in vivo. At present, imaging studies of brain anatomy and function as well as the investigation of structure–function relationships belong to the standard repertoire of neuroscientists. Molecular imaging adds a new perspective. The mapping of the receptor distribution and receptor occupancy can nowadays be complemented by specific readouts of receptor function either by visualizing the activity of signaling pathways or mapping the physiological consequences of receptor stimulation. Molecular information is obtained through the use of imaging probes that combine a target‐specific ligand with a reporter moiety that generates a signal that can be detected from outside the body. For imaging probes targeting the central nervous system, penetration of the intact blood–brain barrier constitutes a major hurdle. Molecular imaging generates specific information and therefore has a large potential for disease phenotyping (diagnostics), therapy development and monitoring of treatment response. Molecular imaging is still in its infancy and major developments in imaging technology, probe design and data analysis are required in order to make an impact. Rodent molecular neuroimaging will play an important role in the development of these tools.
A Fellowship programme in reconstructive urological surgery: what is it and what is it for?
Authors: Andrich Daniela E. , Mundy Anthony R.
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of a 3‐year Fellowship in reconstructive urology for its content and duration, with particular reference to what can be achieved each year.

METHODS

Over the 3‐year period October 2004 to October 2007 the Fellow worked full‐time in a specialist reconstructive urological centre as principal assistant to the trainer in the care of outpatients and inpatients, and in the performance of the various surgical procedures. Using a prospectively constructed logbook it was possible to compare the developing surgical experience of the Fellow in terms of both the frequency and complexity of the cases undertaken and the surgical outcomes, compared with similar data for the trainer.

RESULTS

Over the 3‐year period the Fellow progressively took on more cases and of increasing complexity, and the trainer progressively adopted the role of assistant, except for particularly complex cases. Throughout this period the complication rate of the trainer and the Fellow remained the same.

CONCLUSIONS

Even at the end of 3 years the Fellow was still limited in what she could deal with as an independent practitioner. Fellowship training should be goal directed in content and duration, and based around hands‐on experience.
Purification of human muscle‐derived cells using an immunoselective method for potential use in urological regeneration
Authors: Lu Shing‐Hwa , Yang An‐Hang , Chen Kuang‐Kuo , Chiang Han‐Sun , Chang Luke S.
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE

To purify human muscle‐derived cells (hMDCs) that could be used for managing urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and for bladder reconstitution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

hMDCs isolated by a modified preplate technique (MPT) from skeletal muscles of limbs were purified by CD34 antibody and magnetic Dynabeads cell selection system (MDCSS). The growth‐doubling time of the hMDCs and purified hMDCs was measured. The purified hMDCs were characterized by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

The growth‐doubling time of hMDCs was ≈24 h, which increased to 35 h after purifying using the MDCSS. There were scanty fibroblasts after purification and the MDCSS‐purified hMDCs were identified by high expression of stem cell markers and myoblast markers. The expression proportion of the stem cell marker CD34 and myoblast marker CD56 in the hMDCs was higher after purification (MDCSS) than before (MPT), at 32.13% vs 4.12% and 21.56% vs 8.60%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The purification of hMDCs showing high expression of stem cell and myoblast markers is feasible. These purified hMDCs could potentially be used for urological regeneration.
Patient‐reported reasons for discontinuing overactive bladder medication
Authors: Benner Joshua S. , Nichol Michael B. , Rovner Eric S. , Jumadilova Zhanna , Alvir Jose , Hussein Mohamed , Fanning Kristina , Trocio Jeffrey N. , Brubaker Linda
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patient‐reported reasons for discontinuing antimuscarinic prescription medications for overactive bladder (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A phase 1 screening survey was sent to a representative sample of 260 000 households in the USA to identify patients using antimuscarinic agents for OAB. A detailed phase‐2 follow‐up survey was sent to 6577 respondents with one or more antimuscarinic prescriptions for OAB in the 12 months before the phase 1 survey. The follow‐up survey included questions about demographics, clinical characteristics, antimuscarinic use, beliefs about OAB, treatment expectations, OAB symptom bother, and pre‐coded reasons for discontinuation. Patients who reported discontinuing one or more OAB medication during the 12 months before phase 2 were grouped by reason, using latent class analysis (LCA); the Lo‐Mendell‐Rubin likelihood statistical test was used to determine the number of classes. Conditional probabilities of reasons for discontinuation were calculated for each class. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the influence of demographic and clinical characteristics on class assignment.

RESULTS

In all, 162 906 (63%) and 5392 (82%) useable responses were returned in phases 1 and 2, respectively; the demographics were similar in respondents and nonrespondents in both phases. In all, 1322 phase 2 respondents (24.5%) reported discontinuing one or more antimuscarinic drugs during the 12 months before phase 2. LCA identified two classes (Lo‐Mendell‐Rubin statistic, P = 0.01) based on reasons for discontinuation. Most respondents (89%) reported discontinuing OAB medication primarily due to unmet treatment expectations and/or tolerability; many respondents in this class switched to a new antimuscarinic agent. A smaller group (11%) indicated a general aversion to taking medication. Age, sex, race, income, and history of incontinence were not predictive of class assignment.

CONCLUSIONS

Expectations about treatment efficacy and side‐effects are the most important considerations in discontinuing OAB medications for most patients. Interventions to promote realistic expectations about treatment efficacy and side‐effects might enhance adherence.
Differences and associations between nocturnal voiding/nocturia and sleep disorders
Authors: Yoshimura Koji , Oka Yasunori , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Yoshimura Kenichi , Ogawa Osamu
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To determine the differences and associations between nocturnal voiding (NV)/nocturia and sleep disorders.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using an epidemiological survey, we compared residents with non‐bothersome NV (NNV) and bothersome NV (BNV) to those with sleep disorders, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), restless leg syndrome (RLS), and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), for patient background, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), sleep status, and general health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Furthermore, we investigated associations between BNV and sleep disorders using multivariate analyses. In all 2271 (38%) answers were available, of which 729 (32%), 966 (43%) and 546 (24%) subjects had no NV, NNV and BNV, respectively, and 348 (15%), 52 (2%), 172 (8%) and 62 (3%) were determined as having insomnia, OSAS, RLS and PLMD, respectively.

RESULTS

For LUTS, subjects with BNV were significantly worse than those with OSAS, but better than those with RLS and PLMD. Total sleep status in the BNV group was better than that in the insomnia group, but worse than that in the OSAS and RLS groups. General HRQL in the BNV group was worse than that in the OSAS group, and better than that in the RLS and PLMD groups for physical aspects. In mental aspects, subjects with BNV were better than those with insomnia. Insomnia and OSAS had a close correlation with NNV/BNV (P < 0.001–0.022), and PLMD had a significant correlation with BNV (P = 0.031). However, RLS was not associated with NV (P = 0.42) nor with BNV (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

NV/nocturia is closely related to sleep disorders, but obviously different from them in several aspects.
Urinary urgency outcomes after propiverine treatment for an overactive bladder: the ‘Propiverine study on overactive bladder including urgency data’
Authors: Lee Kyu‐Sung , Lee Hye Won , Choo Myung‐Soo , Paick Jae‐Seung , Lee Jeong Gu , Seo Ju Tae , Lee Jeong Zoo , Lee Young‐Suk , Yoon Hana , Park Choal Hee , Na Yong‐Gil , Jeong Young Beom , Lee Jong Bouk , Park Won Hee
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a daily regimen of propiverine 20 mg in patients with an overactive bladder (OAB), focused on improving urgency, as the clinical efficacy of treatment for OAB should be measured in terms of urgency, the cornerstone symptom of OAB.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients aged ≥18 years with symptoms of OAB were enrolled in this multicentre, prospective, parallel, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Of 264 patients (mean age 52.2 years), 221 who had efficacy data available from baseline and at least one on‐treatment visit with >75% compliance with medication were analysed (142 in the propiverine group and 79 in the placebo group). All patients were randomized to receive a placebo or 20 mg propiverine once daily in a 12‐week study. They completed a 3‐day voiding diary before visits during the study period, including the severity of urgency associated with every voiding, using the Indevus Urgency Severity Scale and the Urgency Perception Score. The patients’ overall self‐evaluation of treatment benefits at the end of the study, and safety data, were also collected.

RESULTS

The daily urgency episodes reduced significantly from baseline to 12 weeks on propiverine treatment, compared with placebo (−46.0% vs −31.3%, P = 0.005). Secondary endpoints, including sum of urgency severity per 24 h, urgency severity per void, and daytime voiding frequency, were also improved significantly in the propiverine group. Overall, of those patients treated with propiverine, 38.7% rated their treatment as providing ‘much benefit’, compared with 15.2% of the placebo group (P = 0.025). Adverse events reported by 32 (22.5%) and 10 (12.7%) patients in the propiverine and placebo group were all tolerable. However, this is a short‐term study using only one fixed regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Propiverine 20 mg once‐daily could be an effective treatment for patients with OAB, by improving urgency.
How Law Changes the Environmental Mind: An Experimental Study of the Effect of Legal Norms on Moral Perceptions and Civic Enforcement
Authors: Feldman Yuval , Perez Oren
Published: November 2009

This paper examines how different legal instruments affect people's moral intuitions and willingness to engage in social enforcement in the field of environmental law. These instruments vary in terms of their governance technique, the process through which they were enacted, and their allocation of enforcement responsibilities. Their effect on citizens' moral evaluation and emotional reaction to corporate polluting behaviour are examined, based on an experimental survey of a representative sample of 1400 individuals in Israel.

Our findings demonstrate that their design influences people's level of moral and emotional resentment when faced by environmentally problematic behaviour, as well as their motivation to engage in private enforcement. The design of the regulatory instrument could thus generate biases in social reactions to polluting behaviour, irrespective of its actual ecological adverse effect. We analyse the moral and psychological mechanisms which underlie these effects and explore their various policy implications.
SUBJECT, OBJECT, MIMESIS: THE AESTHETIC WORLD OF THE BECHERS' PHOTOGRAPHY
Authors: JAMES SARAH E.
Published: November 2009

This paper will examine the critical relationship between subjectivity and objecthood established in Bernd and Hilla Bechers' photography. Building upon existing readings by Blake Stimson and Michael Fried, I argue that Adorno's aesthetic thought, and especially his category of mimesis, offers a way in which both to frame the politics of the subject and object experiences in the Bechers' photography, and to situate these culturally, contextualizing their work within a critical juncture in German history. The Bechers' rejection of the subject and the pursuit of an objective photography are explored in relation to the ‘post‐Auschwitz taboo on beauty’ and the anti‐ideology that dominated West Germany of the 1950s. The Bechers' attempt to redeem expression by presenting the frail objectivity and historicity of things is examined in relation to the negative dialectical framework and desubjectifying model of aesthetics formulated by Adorno.
Contributions of Societal Modernity to Cognitive Development: A Comparison of Four Cultures
Authors: Gauvain Mary , Munroe Robert L.
Published: November 2009

This study examined how societal changes associated with modernization are related to cognitive development. Data were from 4 cultural communities that represented a broad range of traditional and modern elements: the Garifuna (Belize), Logoli (Kenya), Newars (Nepal), and Samoans (American Samoa). Naturalistic observations and the performances of 3‐, 5‐, 7‐, and 9‐year‐old children (N = 192) on 7 cognitive measures were examined. Results replicated age‐related improvement on all measures. Contributions of modernity were evident in children’s play behaviors and cognitive performances, especially in skills related to schooling. Modernization and schooling independently predicted differences on most of the measures. Results are discussed in relation to the Flynn effect, the worldwide increase in cognitive scores across generations, and the ways in which societal modernization may contribute to cognitive development.
The Effects of Changes in Racial Identity and Self‐Esteem on Changes in African American Adolescents’ Mental Health
Authors: Mandara Jelani , Gaylord‐Harden Noni K. , Richards Maryse H. , Ragsdale Brian L.
Published: November 2009

This study assessed the unique effects of racial identity and self‐esteem on 259 African American adolescents’ depressive and anxiety symptoms as they transitioned from the 7th to 8th grades (ages 12–14). Racial identity and self‐esteem were strongly correlated with each other for males but not for females. For both males and females, an increase in racial identity over the 1 year was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of depressive symptoms over the same period, even with self‐esteem controlled. It was concluded that racial identity may be as important as self‐esteem to the mental health of African American adolescents, and it explains variance in their mental health not associated with feelings of oneself as an individual.
Adolescents’ Interpretations of Parental Control: Differentiated by Domain and Types of Control
Authors: Kakihara Fumiko , Tilton‐Weaver Lauree
Published: November 2009

To determine whether adolescents interpret parental behavioral and psychological control differently, type, level, and domain of control were manipulated across 3 interpretations (adolescents’ competence, mattering to parents, and parental intrusiveness). As expected, adolescents (N = 67, M = 14.25 years) generally interpreted high levels of behavioral control more negatively than moderate behavioral control. At high levels, however, adolescents did not differentiate behavioral control and psychological control, interpreting both as indicating less mattering and more intrusiveness. Furthermore, high levels of control over personal domain issues, regardless of type, tended to be interpreted most negatively. In conclusion, adolescents construe control in ways that may have import for their adjustment and this should be accounted for in theoretical models of parental control.
Scaring the Monster Away: What Children Know About Managing Fears of Real and Imaginary Creatures
Authors: Sayfan Liat , Lagattuta Kristin Hansen
Published: November 2009

Children around 4, 5, and 7 years old (N = 48) listened to scenarios depicting a child alone or accompanied by another person (mother, father, friend) who encounters an entity that looks like a real or an imaginary fear‐inducing creature. Participants predicted and explained each protagonist’s fear intensity and suggested coping strategies. Results showed age‐related increases in judgments that different people will experience different intensities of fear in the same situation. With age, children also demonstrated increasing knowledge that people’s minds can both induce and reduce fear, especially in situations involving imaginary creatures. Suggestions of reality affirmation strategies (e.g., reminding oneself of what is real vs. not real) significantly increased with age, whereas positive pretense strategies (e.g., imagining it is a friendly ghost) significantly decreased.
Developmental Changes in Attention and Comprehension Among Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Bailey Ursula L. , Lorch Elizabeth P. , Milich Richard , Charnigo Richard
Published: November 2009

Changes in visual attention and story comprehension for children (N = 132) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comparison peers were examined. Between the ages of 7 and 9 (Phase 1) and approximately 21 months later (Phase 2), children viewed 2 televised stories: 1 in the presence of toys and 1 in their absence. Both groups of children showed developmental increases in visual attention and stable group differences over time. Deficits in comprehension among children with ADHD, however, increased over time. Whereas comparison children’s recall of factual and causal information increased over time in both viewing conditions, children with ADHD showed no developmental improvement in recall of factual information in the toys‐present condition and no improvement in recall of causal relations in either viewing condition.
Children’s Eyewitness Memory for Multiple Real‐Life Events
Authors: Odegard Timothy N. , Cooper Crystal M. , Lampinen James M. , Reyna Valerie F. , Brainerd Charles J.
Published: November 2009

The present research examined the influence of prior knowledge on children’s free recall, cued recall, recognition memory, and source memory judgments for a series of similar real‐life events. Forty children (5–12 years old) attended 4 thematic birthday parties and were later interviewed about the events that transpired during the parties using the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development protocol. Of the events, half were generic in that they could have occurred at any birthday party, and half were specific to the theme of the party. Older children demonstrated more evidence of using gist‐based information to guide their memory performance than did younger children. However, younger children were able to use global gist to inform their source memory judgments, qualifying past word‐learning research.
Does Age Have an Impact on Having Ideas? An Analysis of the Quantity and Quality of Ideas Submitted to a Suggestion System
Authors: Verworn Birgit
Published: November 2009

Demographic changes in recent years indicate that the personnel structure of the workforce will change considerably, as will typical career patterns. The need to innovate in order to guarantee the effective functioning and long‐term survival of firms will remain unchanged. Suggestion systems are one means to actively solicit voluntary constructive ideas from employees. Based on the deficit model and SOC theory, this paper explores the role of age in the quantity and quality of ideas submitted through suggestion systems. Data from the suggestions systems of two German locations of a large European company were analysed. A total of 633 submitted ideas led to a monetary reward between summer 2005 and February 2007. To test the hypotheses, linear regression analysis was used. The results of the current study do not support the deficit model as all hypotheses based on the deficit model were rejected. In one location, an increase in the quality of ideas with age was observed, in contrast to the hypothesized relationship. Consequently, managers should question assumptions of declining innovativeness with age when it comes to assessing their employees.
Parameterizations of the Chazy Equation
Authors: Chakravarty Sarbarish , Ablowitz Mark J.
Published: November 2009

The Chazy equation y‴= 2yy″− 3y′2 is derived from the automorphic properties of Schwarz triangle functions S(α, β, γ; z). It is shown that solutions y which are analytic in the fundamental domain of these triangle functions, only correspond to certain values of α, β, γ. The solutions are then systematically constructed. These analytic solutions provide all known and one new parameterization of the Eisenstein series P, Q, R introduced by Ramanujan in his modular theories of signature 2, 3, 4, and 6.
IS THERE A RIGHT TO PRIVACY?
Authors: DAVIS STEVEN
Published: November 2009

It is widely held that there is a legal right to privacy that plays such a central role in a number of important US Supreme Court decisions. There is however a great deal of dispute about whether there is a moral right to privacy and if there is, what grounds the right. Before this can be determined, we must be clear about the nature of privacy, something that is not clearly understood and that, as we shall see, is often confused with the right to privacy. I shall begin with a critical discussion of various views about the nature of privacy. I shall then present my own account, and show how it meets the objections that have been raised against other views. Lastly, I shall close with a discussion about whether privacy is a moral right.
‘Cultural Defence’ of Nations: Cultural Citizenship in France, Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: Orgad Liav
Published: November 2009

This article presents a new development in European immigration policy. Focusing on France, Germany and the Netherlands, I describe a process of ‘culturalisation’ of admission and citizenship rules in Europe intended to reinforce liberal values and national identity. I then suggest a two‐stage set of immigration‐regulation principles: in the first stage, immigrants would have to accept some structural liberal‐democratic principles as a prerequisite for admission. While Europe has criteria for state admission, anchored by the Copenhagen Criteria, Europe has not yet formalised definite criteria for immigrants' admission. In the second stage, as part of the naturalisation process, immigrants would be expected to recognise and respect constitutional principles essential for obtaining citizenship of a specific state. I call this concept ‘National Constitutionalism’.
Applicant Perspectives in Selection: Going beyond preference reactions
Authors: Hülsheger Ute R. , Anderson Neil
Published: November 2009

In the present special issue new theoretical and empirical insights on applicant perceptions of selection procedures are provided. In this introductory editorial we address four primary goals. First, we introduce the reader to the topic of applicant perceptions and highlight key theoretical perspectives and past empirical findings. Second, we review the state of the literature and argue that research on applicant reactions has been prospering in the last two decades. Third, we summarize the six papers that have been assembled in this special issue and that are reviewed in the final paper as a discussants' commentary. We close with acknowledging and thanking all of those who have contributed to the publication of this special issue.
Rejected But Still There: Shifting the focus in applicant reactions to the promotional context
Authors: Ford Deborah K. , Truxillo Donald M. , Bauer Talya N.
Published: November 2009

Applicant reactions continue to be an important area of research. Yet a unique category of individuals generally overlooked in applicant reactions research is internal candidates for promotion. This is unfortunate and surprising, as these candidates often possess greater awareness of the procedures used to create the selection process, have greater familiarity with other candidates for comparisons, and have greater investment in the process than external, entry‐level applicants. Understanding this situation is important because internal candidates who fail the process are retained as members of the organizational workforce. Consequently, applicant reactions within the promotional context could profoundly impact important organizational outcomes such as job satisfaction, morale, retention, contextual performance, and the effectiveness of the newly promoted staff. This paper highlights relevant theories and key candidate outcomes pertinent to applicant reactions in a promotional context. Theoretical propositions and suggestions for future research are developed to encourage further investigations related to reactions of internal candidates.
‘Faking’ From the Applicant's Perspective: A theory of self‐presentation in personnel selection settings
Authors: Marcus Bernd
Published: November 2009

The paper outlines an alternative theoretical perspective on what is most often discussed as ‘faking’ in the personnel selection literature. The basic premise of the present theory is that, from an applicant's perspective, self‐presentational behaviors in selection settings can be understood as attempts to adapt one's projected self‐image to situational demands of attracting prospective employers. Self‐presentation in selection settings is conceptualized as a process linking four distinguishable motivational and skills sets of individuals acting within context. As opposed to the faking perspective, the present self‐presentation perspective aims to (a) understand applicant behavior from the actor's perspective, (b) does not assume that self‐presentation is illegitimate, (c) broadens the scope of the discussion beyond personality testing and interviews, and (d) predicts effects on criterion‐related validity that range from negative, to neutral, to positive. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
Reacting to Applicant Perspectives Research: What's next?
Authors: Morgeson Frederick P. , Ryan Ann Marie
Published: November 2009

In this article, we discuss the six studies appearing in the ‘Applicant Perspectives in Selection’ special issue of International Journal of Selection and Assessment and identify three overarching themes. The first involves, how applicants work to control the impressions employers have of them, highlighting how applicants are active impression managers in selection contexts. The second involves, the broad theme of the kinds of information applicants get, how they get it, and how they react to it. The third involves, how context might shape applicant reactions. We highlight areas of future research consistent with these themes and close with some recommendations for practice.
Reevaluating suitable habitat for reintroductions: lessons learnt from the eastern barred bandicoot recovery program
Authors: Cook C. N. , Morgan D. G. , Marshall D. J.
Published: November 2009

Reintroduction and translocation programs are widely used conservation tools but their success rates are low. Poor success rates for reintroduction programs are commonly attributed to insufficient knowledge of species' habitat requirements, especially if they are critically endangered. Yet conservation managers are frequently required to make decisions about suitable reintroduction sites when information is incomplete or uncertain. A widely used strategy to assist the selection of reintroduction sites – habitat suitability models – may rely on assumptions and simplifications to fill gaps in existing data. It is essential that these models are then evaluated and refined as new evidence becomes available. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of a reintroduction program based on habitat suitability modelling: that for the critically endangered eastern barred bandicoot Perameles gunnii in Australia. After collecting a variety of data from the reintroduction sites, we found that habitat preferences for this species could be accurately predicted using a simple logistic regression model within two predictor variables rather than the five previously used to select reintroduction sites. This made it possible to better focus limited resources on the most suitable reintroduction sites. We believe that building such a process of review into a reintroduction program can contribute to improving its success, while ensuring that scarce conservation resources are used more effectively.
Identification of plasticity‐associated genes regulated by Pavlovian fear conditioning in the lateral amygdala
Authors: Ploski Jonathan E. , Park Kevin W. , Ping Junli , Monsey Melissa S. , Schafe Glenn E.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 636–650.

Most recent studies aimed at defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Pavlovian fear conditioning have focused on protein kinase signaling pathways and the transcription factor cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) that promote fear memory consolidation in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA). Despite this progress, there still remains a paucity of information regarding the genes downstream of CREB that are required for long‐term fear memory formation in the LA. We have adopted a strategy of using microarray technology to initially identify genes induced within the dentate gyrus following in vivo long‐term potentiation (LTP) followed by analysis of whether these same genes are also regulated by fear conditioning within the LA. In the present study, we first identified 34 plasticity‐associated genes that are induced within 30 min following LTP induction utilizing a combination of DNA microarray, qRT‐PCR, and in situ hybridization. To determine whether these genes are also induced in the LA following Pavlovian fear conditioning, we next exposed rats to an auditory fear conditioning protocol or to control conditions that do not support fear learning followed by qRT‐PCR on mRNA from microdissected LA samples. Finally, we asked whether identified genes induced by fear learning in the LA are downstream of the extracellular‐regulated kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling cascade. Collectively, our findings reveal a comprehensive list of genes that represent the first wave of transcription following both LTP induction and fear conditioning that largely belong to a class of genes referred to as ‘neuronal activity dependent genes’ that are likely calcium, extracellular‐regulated kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and CREB‐dependent.
COOKING WARES IN ANCIENT SYRIA (FIRST TO 10TH CENTURIES ad): RECONSTRUCTING THE PRODUCTION CONTEXTS FROM THE CONSUMPTION SITES
Authors: VOKAER A.
Published: November 2009

This paper deals with Brittle Ware, a cooking ware product that appears to have been highly standardized and widely distributed in Syria during the Roman and the Byzantine periods. The study intends to determine the distribution of Brittle Ware through time and space, by combining typology and a thorough examination of the fabrics in the field, using binocular microscopy (n = 2807 diagnostic fragments). Based on the fabric groupings, petrological and chemical analyses were then undertaken. Resting on an archaeological background and several analytical methods, this paper aims at going beyond a limited provenance study, by characterizing the Brittle Ware production system and thus providing some insights into the economy of ancient Syria.
Effect of inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase on relaxations to β‐adrenoceptor agonists in porcine isolated blood vessels
Authors: Uhiara CO , Alexander SPH , Roberts RE
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Stimulation of vascular β‐adrenoceptors causes vasodilatation through activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and plasma membrane potassium channels, and β‐adrenoceptors have been linked to activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen‐activated protein kinase in various cell lines. However, how these findings relate to functional responses in intact tissues is largely unknown. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the role of ERK in β‐adrenoceptor‐induced vasodilatation.

Experimental approach: Segments of porcine coronary artery were mounted in a Mulvany wire myograph and bathed in Krebs–Henseleit buffer gassed with 95% O2/5% CO2and maintained at 37°C. Tissues were pre‐contracted with the thromboxane mimetic U46619, endothelin‐1 or KCl. Cumulative concentration–response curves to β‐adrenoceptor agonists or forskolin were then carried out in the absence or presence of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors PD98059 (10 or 50 µM) or U0126 (10 µM).

Key results: PD98059 caused a concentration‐dependent leftward shift in response to isoprenaline (pEC50control, 7.5 ± 0.1; 50 µM PD98059, 8.1 ± 0.1:P< 0.05). Inhibition of MEK also enhanced the maximum relaxation seen with salbutamol, but not the responses to the β1‐adrenoceptor selective agonist xamoterol or the AC activator forskolin. There was no enhancement of the relaxations to β‐adrenoceptor agonists after inhibition of ERK activation in tissues pre‐contracted with KCl or treated with the K+channel blocker tetraethylammonium.

Conclusions and implications: These data indicate that ERK inhibits β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasodilatation through a mechanism which may involve inactivation of plasma membrane potassium channels.
β2‐Adrenoceptors and non‐β‐adrenoceptors mediate effects of BRL37344 and clenbuterol on glucose uptake in soleus muscle: studies using knockout mice
Authors: Ngala Robert A. , O'Dowd Jacqueline , Wang Steven J. , Stocker Claire , Cawthorne Michael A. , Arch Jonathan R.S.
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: In previous work, 10 pM BRL37344 and 10 pM clenbuterol stimulated glucose uptake in mouse soleus muscle. Ten nM BRL37344 also stimulated uptake but 100 nM clenbuterol inhibited uptake. Antagonist studies suggested that the opposite effects of 10 nM BRL37344 and 100 nM clenbuterol are mediated by the β2‐adrenoceptor. BRL37344 and clenbuterol have been studied in muscles that lack β3‐, β2‐ or all three β‐adrenoceptors. Effects of β‐adrenoceptor antagonists on responses to the agonists have been studied further using muscles from wild‐type mice.

Experimental approach: Soleus muscles of wild‐type or β‐adrenoceptor knockout mice were incubated with 2‐deoxy[1‐14C]‐glucose, and β‐adrenoceptor ligands. Formation of 2‐deoxy[1‐14C]‐glucose‐6‐phosphate was measured.

Key results: Concentration–response relationships were similar for BRL37344 and clenbuterol in normal muscle and muscle lacking β3‐adrenoceptors. Ten pM BRL37344 and clenbuterol stimulated glucose uptake in muscle lacking β2‐adrenoceptors or all three β‐adrenoceptors, but 10 nM BRL37344 did not stimulate uptake in either case, and 100 nM clenbuterol stimulated, rather than inhibited, uptake in muscle lacking β2‐adrenoceptors. One hundred nM clenbuterol also stimulated glucose uptake in normal muscle when β2‐adrenoceptors were blocked with ICI118551, and this was not prevented by antagonism of β1‐ or β3‐adrenoceptors.

Conclusions and implications: Ten nM BRL37344 and 100 nM clenbuterol have opposite effects on glucose uptake but both effects are mediated by the β2‐adrenoceptor – apparently an example of agonist‐directed signalling. Ten pM BRL37344, 10 pM clenbuterol and 100 nM clenbuterol in the presence of ICI118551 stimulate glucose uptake via β‐adrenoceptor‐independent mechanisms, demonstrating unknown properties for the agonists.
Differential inhibitory effects of drugs acting at the noradrenaline and 5‐hydroxytryptamine transporters in rat and human neocortical synaptosomes*
Authors: Mantovani M , Dooley DJ , Weyerbrock A , Jackisch R , Feuerstein TJ
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: Although the amino acid sequences of rat and human 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and noradrenaline (NA) transporters (i.e. SERT and NET) are highly homologous, species differences exist in the inhibitory effects of drugs acting at these transporters. Therefore, comparison of the potencies of drugs acting at SERT and NET in native human and rat neocortex may serve to more accurately predict their clinical profile.

Experimental approach: Synaptosomes prepared from fresh human and rat neocortical tissues were used for [3H]‐5‐HT and [3H]‐NA saturation and competition uptake experiments. The drugs tested included NA reuptake inhibitors (desipramine, atomoxetine and (S,S)‐reboxetine), 5‐HT reuptake blockers (citalopram, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine) and dual 5‐HT/NA reuptake inhibitors (duloxetine and milnacipran).

Key results: In saturation experiments on synaptosomal [3H]‐5‐HT and [3H]‐NA uptake, the dissociation constants did not indicate species differences although a smaller density of both SERT and NET was observed in human tissues. In competition experiments with the various drugs, marked species differences in their potencies were observed, especially at SERT. The rank order of selectivity ratios (SERT/NET) in human neocortex was as follows: citalopram ≥ duloxetine = fluvoxamine ≥ fluoxetine > milnacipran > desipramine = atomoxetine > (S,S)‐reboxetine. Significant species differences in these ratios were observed for duloxetine, atomoxetine and desipramine.

Conclusions and implications: This study provides the first compilation of drug potency at native human neocortical SERT and NET. The significant species differences (viz., human vs. rat) in drug potency suggest that the general use of rodent data should be limited to predict clinical efficacy or profile.
Agency vs. Stewardship in Public Family Firms: A Social Embeddedness Reconciliation
Authors: Le Breton-Miller Isabelle , Miller Danny
Published: November 2009

Family businesses (FBs) play a key role in the world's economies. Unfortunately, the current literature surfaces disparate understandings and conclusions concerning their conduct and performance. Much of that literature falls under two insightful perspectives, agency theory and stewardship theory, that conflict quite directly. The agency view, based in economics, maintains that families will pursue utility for themselves to the detriment of their public shareholders. By contrast, stewardship proponents, arguing from a psychological perspective, suggest that family owners will invest deeply in their enterprise, to the benefit of all. This study synthesizes the literature on each of these perspectives to derive core motivational assumptions and expected organizational outcomes. Then, by employing a third sociological perspective, it proposes to reconcile these opposing views by considering the social embeddedness of firms and their key actors within the institution of the family for different types of public family enterprises. It will argue that there is a need for such integration in order to better understand and permit accurate, context–based predictions across various kinds of family businesses and family business situations.
Becoming the Boss: Discretion and Postsuccession Success in Family Firms
Authors: Mitchell J. Robert , Hart Timothy A. , Valcea Sorin , Townsend David M.
Published: November 2009

Family firms can enjoy substantial longevity. Ironically, however, they are often imperiled by the very process that is essential to this longevity. Using the concept of managerial discretion as a starting point, we use a human agency lens to introduce the construct of successor discretion as a factor that affects the family business succession process. While important in general, successor discretion is positioned as a particularly relevant factor for productively managing organizational renewal in family businesses. This study represents a foundation for future empirical research investigating the role of agency in entrepreneurial action in the family business context, which consequently can contribute to the larger research literature on succession and change.
High‐Density Mapping of the Sinus Node in Humans: Role of Preferential Pathways and the Effect of Remodeling
Authors: STILES MARTIN K. , BROOKS ANTHONY G. , ROBERTS‐THOMSON KURT C. , KUKLIK PAWEL , JOHN BOBBY , YOUNG GLENN D. , KALMAN JONATHAN M. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN
Published: November 2009

Sinus Node Mapping. Introduction: The area of the functional sinus node complex exceeds that of the anatomical sinus node; however, reasons for this discrepancy are unknown. We aimed to characterize the functional sinus node complex in health and disease with high‐density simultaneous mapping.

Methods and Results:
Sinus node activity was characterized in 15 reference patients after ablation for supraventricular tachycardia. A further 16 patients were studied following ablation of chronic atrial flutter to determine effects of atrial remodeling. High‐density simultaneous mapping of the sinus node complex was performed using a multi‐electrode array. In reference patients, distance from superior vena cava‐right atrial (SVC‐RA) junction to earliest activation (EA) was 4 ± 4 mm and sinus break‐out (SBO) 9 ± 6 mm. Preferential pathways of conduction were observed between EA and SBO. For patients with flutter, these distances were greater (EA: 15 ± 12 mm, P = 0.003; SBO: 23 ± 11 mm, P < 0.001). Conduction time along preferential pathways was 15 ± 5 ms for reference patients and 23 ± 8 ms for patients with flutter (P = 0.005). Following pacing, distance from SVC–RA junction to EA and SBO lengthened to 13 ± 8 mm (P = 0.006) and 16 ± 10 mm (P = 0.02), respectively, in reference patients, and 19 ± 12 mm (P = 0.045), 28 ± 9 mm (P = 0.02) in patients with flutter. This resulted in caudal shifts in EA and SBO of 10 ± 9 mm and 7 ± 8 mm in reference patients but diminished shifts in patients with flutter; 4 ± 7 mm and 4 ± 6 mm.

Conclusion:
The functional sinus node complex demonstrates dynamic changes in activation. There are preferential pathways of conduction from sinus node to atrial myocardium. The remodeled atria demonstrate longer conduction times along preferential pathways and a restricted functional sinus node complex. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 532‐539, May 2010)