bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proinflammatory/Profibrotic Effects of Interleukin-17A on Human Proximal Tubule Epithelium
Authors: Dudas Paul L. , Sague Sarah L. , Elloso M. Merle , Farrell Francis X.
Published: October 2010

Background/Aims: Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a T cell-derived inflammatory cytokine that is upregulated during renal allograft rejection. The present study sought to further describe the IL-17A-mediated proinflammatory/profibrotic activity of proximal tubule epithelium that may contribute to allograft rejection. Methods: Immortalized (HK-2) and primary (HRPTEpiC) human proximal tubule epithelial cells were utilized for this study. Profibrotic gene alterations were examined by real-time quantitative PCR. Inflammatory mediator secretion was examined by multiplex bead-based detection of secreted proteins. Immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting were utilized to examine alterations in junctional protein expression and cell morphology. Results: In HK-2 cells IL-17A significantly downregulated the expression of the proepithelial gene CDH1 (E-cadherin) while the proinflammatory/profibrotic genes CTGF, CD44 and TGFBR1 were significantly increased. IL-17A also increased the secretion of fractalkine, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF, IL-6 and IL-8. In HRPTEpiC 100 ng/ml IL-17A upregulated the proinflammatory/profibrotic genes ACTA2, CCL2, CHMP1A, CTGF, FN1, IL6, FSP1, SMAD1, SMAD5, TGFB1 and TGFBR2 while treatment with a reduced concentration of IL-17A (0.1 ng/ml) decreased SMAD5, TGFB1 and PDGFRB expression. Changes in ZO-1 and E-cadherin protein expression and cell morphology were examined following IL-17A treatment as indicators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. IL-17A decreased ZO-1 expression in HK-2 and HRPTEpiC; however, E-cadherin was only reduced in HK-2 cells. Neither HK-2 nor HRPTEpiC assumed an elongated, fibroblast-like morphology following IL-17A treatment. Conclusions: IL-17A directly mediates proximal tubule epithelial cell proinflammatory/profibrotic activity as demonstrated by the alteration in genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling and cell-cell interaction, and stimulation of inflammatory mediator and immune cell chemoattractant secretion. Additionally, IL-17A may have a negative impact on barrier integrity as indicated by ZO-1 downregulation.
Cutaneous Malassezia Microbiota in Atopic Dermatitis Patients Differ by Gender and Body Part
Authors: Akaza Narifumi , Akamatsu Hirohiko , Sasaki Yasuyuki , Takeoka Shiori , Kishi Masataka , Mizutani Hiroshi , Sano Akiyo , Hirokawa Keiko , Nakata Satoru , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: October 2010

Background:Malassezia is a particularly important factor in the occurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD).Aim: The aim of this study was to quantitatively clarify the Malassezia species isolated from AD patients by gender, body part and analytical method in detail. Methods: The subjects were 20 AD males and 47 AD females. Samples were collected from lesion and nonlesion areas on the face and upper trunk of AD patients. Malassezia DNA was analyzed using a real-time PCR system. Results: The cutaneous Malassezia microbiota in AD patients differed by gender, body part and analytical method. Conclusions: The present results indicate the possibility that the influence of Malassezia antigens is different according to gender and body part.
Effect of Mycophenolate Mofetil on Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Tasdogan B. , Kucuk H.F. , Kurt N. , Kaptanoglu L. , Uzun H. , Eser M.
Published: October 2010

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on acute pancreatitis with evaluation of biochemical and histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: Cerulein was administered to induce acute pancreatitis in rats. Three groups of 10 rats each were formed. Animals in group 1 received physiologic saline solution. In group 2 animals received MMF at a dose of 14 mg/kg and group 3 had double doses of MMF. Alanine aminostransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), amylase and bilirubin levels were assessed. Pancreatic tissues were evaluated under light microscopy for the presence of edema, acinar necrosis, hemorrhage, inflammation and perivascular infiltration. Results: Amylase, serum AST, edema and inflammatory infiltration levels differed between groups (amylase: p = 0.0001, serum AST: p = 0.001, edema: p = 0.0001 and inflammatory infiltration: p = 0.002), group 1 showing the highest amylase, serum AST and edema levels. The lowest levels of edema were found in group 3. Conclusion: In an experimental pancreatitis model in rats, MMF proved to exert a beneficial effect on biochemical and histopathological parameters.
Transoral Robotic Surgery for Parapharyngeal Space Tumors
Authors: O’Malley Jr. Bert W. , Quon Harry , Leonhardt Fernando D. , Chalian Ara A. , Weinstein Gregory S.
Published: October 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors treated with a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled well-defined benign PPS tumors accessible from the oropharynx with no carotid encasement or bone erosion. We designated outcome measures that included technical feasibility of the approach, local tumor control and complication rates. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the outcome data. Results: With a mean follow-up of 29.9 months (range 12–40 months), a total of 10 patients have been enrolled. TORS was completed in 9 of 10 patients with acceptable operative time and blood loss and no significant complications including hemorrhage, infection, trismus or tumor spillage. Local control has been 100% for 7 patients with pleomorphic adenomas. Conclusions: We confirm the safety and feasibility of the TORS approach for PPS tumors that achieves a high local control and low surgical complication rate. TORS is a viable approach for removing benign tumors and lesions of the PPS.
On the Phonetics of Intensifying Emphasis in German
Authors: Niebuhr Oliver
Published: October 2010

This paper presents an exploratory study in the field of emphasis in German. It provides a comprehensive acoustic analysis for a type of emphasis that intensifies lexical meanings either positively or negatively. A speech corpus was recorded using an elicitation method adapted to yield natural-sounding, conversational, expressive speech under controlled conditions. Supporting the distinction between positive and negative intensification, two clearly different phonetic profiles emerged. These phonetic profiles of positive and negative intensification involve voice quality as well as the dynamics of the speech signal across its segmental and prosodic layers. By means of these profiles, the intensifying emphases were correctly classified by a discriminant analysis as positive or negative in around 90% of the cases. Moreover, indications were found for a third type of intensifying emphasis, which was called ‘reinforcement’. Its multidimensional phonetic profile falls in between the ones of positive and negative intensification.
Detecting the Ratio of Rain and Cloud Water in Low-Latitude Shallow Marine Clouds
Authors: Lebsock Matthew D. , L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Stephens Graeme L.
Published: October 2010

Satellite observations are used to deduce the relationship between cloud water and precipitation water for low-latitude shallow marine clouds. The specific sensors that facilitate the analysis are the collocated CloudSat profiling radar and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The separation of the cloud water and precipitation water signals relies on the relative insensitivity of MODIS to the presence of precipitation water in conjunction with estimates of the path-integrated attenuation of the CloudSat radar beam while explicitly accounting for the effect of precipitation water on the observed MODIS optical depth. Variations in the precipitation water path are shown to be associated with both the cloud water path and the cloud effective radius, suggesting both macrophysical and microphysical controls on the production of precipitation water. The method outlined here is used to place broad bounds on the mean relationship between the precipitation water path and the cloud water path in shallow marine clouds, given certain clearly stated assumptions. The ratio of precipitation water to cloud water is shown to increase from zero at low cloud water path values to roughly 0.5 at 500 g m−2 of cloud water. The retrieval results further show that the median influence of precipitation on the observed optical depth increases monotonically with optical depth varying between 1% and 5% at 500 g m−2 of cloud water with the source of the uncertainty deriving from the assumption of the nature of the precipitation drop size distribution.
On the Effective Number of Climate Models
Authors: Pennell Christopher , Reichler Thomas
Published: October 2010

Projections of future climate change are increasingly based on the output of many different models. Typically, the mean over all model simulations is considered as the optimal prediction, with the underlying assumption that different models provide statistically independent information evenly distributed around the true state. However, there is reason to believe that this is not the best assumption. Coupled models are of comparable complexity and are constructed in similar ways. Some models share parts of the same code and some models are even developed at the same center. Therefore, the limitations of these models tend to be fairly similar, contributing to the well-known problem of common model biases and possibly to an unrealistically small spread in the outcomes of model predictions.

This study attempts to quantify the extent of this problem by asking how many models there effectively are and how to best determine this number. Quantifying the effective number of models is achieved by evaluating 24 state-of-the-art models and their ability to simulate broad aspects of twentieth-century climate. Using two different approaches, the amount of unique information in the ensemble is calculated and the effective ensemble size is found to be much smaller than the actual number of models. As more models are included in an ensemble, the amount of new information diminishes in proportion. Furthermore, this reduction is found to go beyond the problem of “same center” models and systemic similarities are seen to exist across all models. The results suggest that current methodologies for the interpretation of multimodel ensembles may lead to overly confident climate predictions.
Measurements of Detailed Temperature Profiles within the Radar Range Gate Using the Range Imaging Technique
Authors: Furumoto Jun-ichi , Shinoda Tomonori , Matsugatani Atsushi , Tsuda Toshitaka
Published: October 2010

The present study applies the range imaging (RIM) technique to radio acoustic sounding system (RASS) measurements in an attempt to improve the vertical resolution of temperature profiles obtained by RASS measurements.

When an FM-chirped acoustic wave is used for RASS observations, the transmitted radio wave is backscattered from the section of the FM-chirped acoustic pulse where the Bragg condition between the radar and acoustic wavelengths is satisfied. The Bragg resonance region propagates upward with the upward movement of the acoustic pulse. To improve the height resolution of the RIM results, complex time series are extracted for an adequate period corresponding to the effective scattering length of the RASS echo.

In the RIM analysis for RASS echo, a model temperature profile is required to compensate the Doppler shift bias due to the shape of range-gate weighting. To remove this bias, an iteration algorithm was developed so that the temperature profiles of the previous RIM results could be used for the bias correction of the next RIM step.

The RIM technique was applied to RASS imaging measurements performed using the middle and upper atmosphere (MU) radar on 29–31 October 2006 in an attempt to improve the height resolution to approximately 60 m from the nominal range gate width of 150 m. The temperature profiles inside the radar range volume with a temporal resolution of 26 min were successfully retrieved. The detailed temperature structure, which cannot be revealed by conventional RASS observations, was clarified in the RIM results. In particular, the small-scale inversion layers inside the radar range gate were clearly revealed by the MU radar–RASS imaging data. These detailed temperature variations within the radar range gate agreed well with the simultaneous rawinsonde results.
Depth Biases in XBT Data Diagnosed Using Bathymetry Data
Authors: Good Simon A.
Published: October 2010

Expendable bathythermograph (XBT) profiles are an important component of the historical record of subsurface ocean temperature. To correct for time-varying biases in these data, adjustments to XBT depths and/or temperatures have been proposed by a number of groups based on comparisons between XBT data and profiles recorded using other types of instruments. In this study, an alternative method for diagnosing biases has been developed that uses ocean depth information from the XBT profiles and from the General Bathymetry Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) 30-arc-sec gridded bathymetry. This isolates any depth biases from additional, unrelated temperature biases. Corrections to depths obtained with this method for the Sippican T4 XBT follow a time evolution similar to that found in other studies that derived time-varying adjustments, but are relatively large during the 1980s. Similarities in the evolution of Sippican T7 XBT biases were also observed, but with differences in recent years. Corrections from a study that proposed non-time-varying adjustments were found to broadly remove the biases in the T4 depths but overcorrected the T7 data, with temporal variations in the biases remaining. For the Sippican T10 XBT a more detailed time evolution of depth biases has been obtained than was previously possible. Although corrections have also been derived for approximately 50% of the XBTs for which type and manufacturer are unknown, these should only be used with caution as this study necessarily focuses on shallow water and proportions of different XBT types in use there are not typical of the wider ocean.
An Adaptive Multimoment Global Model on a Cubed Sphere
Authors: Chen Chungang , Xiao Feng , Li Xingliang
Published: October 2010

An adaptive global shallow-water model is proposed on cubed-sphere grid using the multimoment finite volume scheme and the Berger–Oliger adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) algorithm that was originally designed for a Cartesian grid. On each patch of the cubed-sphere grid, the curvilinear coordinates are constructed in a way that the Berger–Oliger algorithm can be applied directly. Moreover, an algorithm to transfer data across neighboring patches is proposed to establish a practical integrated framework for global AMR computation on the cubed-sphere grid.

The multimoment finite volume scheme is adopted as the fluid solver and is essentially beneficial to the implementation of AMR on the cubed-sphere grid. The multimoment interpolation based on both volume-integrated average (VIA) and point value (PV) provides the compact reconstruction that makes the present scheme very attractive not only in dealing with the artificial boundaries between different patches but also in the coarse–fine interpolations required in the AMR computations. The single-cell-based reconstruction avoids involving more than two nesting levels during interpolations. The reconstruction profile of constrained interpolation profile–conservative semi-Lagrangian scheme with third-order polynomial function (CIP-CSL3) is adopted where the slope parameter provides a flexible and convenient switching to get the desired numerical properties, such as high-order (fourth order) accuracy, monotonicity, and positive definiteness.

Numerical experiments with typical benchmark tests for both advection equation and shallow-water equations are carried out to evaluate the proposed model. The numerical errors and the corresponding CPU times of numerical experiments on uniform and adaptive meshes verify the performance of the proposed model. Compared to the uniformly refined grid, the AMR technique is able to achieve the similar numerical accuracy with less computational cost.
Seasonal Prediction of Thermal Stress Accumulation for Coral Bleaching in the Tropical Oceans
Authors: Spillman C. M. , Alves O. , Hudson D. A.
Published: October 2010

Mass coral bleaching, associated with anomalously warm ocean temperatures over large regions, poses a serious threat to the future health of the world coral reef systems. Seasonal forecasts from coupled ocean–atmosphere models can be a valuable resource for reef management, providing early warning of potential bleaching conditions, allowing for a proactive management response. Here, the ability of a dynamical seasonal forecast model (Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Model for Australia, POAMA) to forecast degree heating months (DHMs) in the tropical oceans is assessed, with particular focus on the 1997/98 El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and associated global bleaching events. The model exhibits useful skill in forecasting sea surface temperatures (SSTs) across the tropical oceans for 1982–2006 and reproduced both the magnitude and distribution of DHM values observed during the 1997/98 ENSO event. In general, observed teleconnections between ENSO indices and tropical SST at various lags are well captured by the model. In particular, strong observed correlations between peak ENSO indices and SST in the Caribbean in the following summer were reproduced. The model also shows skill in predicting ocean conditions conducive to bleaching in non-ENSO years, capturing the anomalously warm conditions in the Caribbean region in 2005. Probabilistic forecasts of DHM values above certain thresholds for the Caribbean show useful skill and could be valuable in the assessment of the likelihood of bleaching for the region.
A Life-course Perspective on the “Gateway Hypothesis”
Authors: Van Gundy Karen , Rebellon Cesar J.
Published: October 2010

Drawing on stress and life-course perspectives and using panel data from 1,286 south Florida young adults, we assess three critical questions regarding the role of marijuana in the “gateway hypothesis.” First, does teen marijuana use independently (causally) affect subsequent use of more dangerous substances? Second, if so, does that effect apply to the abuse of other illicit substances, as defined by the DSM-IV, or only to the use of such substances? Finally, does any causal effect of teen marijuana use survive beyond adolescence, or is it a short-term effect that subsides as adolescents transition to adulthood? Our results indicate a moderate relation between early teen marijuana use and young adult abuse of other illicit substances; however, this association fades from statistical significance with adjustments for stress and life-course variables. Likewise, our findings show that any causal influence of teen marijuana use on other illicit substance use is contingent upon employment status and is short-term, subsiding entirely by the age of 21. In light of these findings, we urge U.S. drug control policymakers to consider stress and life-course approaches in their pursuit of solutions to the “drug problem.”
The Effects of Childhood Neighborhood Conditions on Self-reports of Adult Health
Authors: Vartanian Thomas P. , Houser Linda
Published: October 2010

Studies have shown that neighborhood conditions and experiences may individually or collectively impact health. Using 38 years of longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), we clarify the relationship between child and adult neighborhood quality and self-reported adult health, using sibling fixed effects models. Overall, we find support for positive long-term health effects, both for growing up in affluent neighborhoods and for growing up in neighborhoods where one is surrounded by comparative advantage. Relative to childhood neighborhood factors, adult neighborhoods have little to no effect in almost every model specification. We find mixed evidence, as well, that these relationships are stronger for nonwhites than for whites. Our findings suggest that childhood is a critical point for intervention in the long-term health effects of residential conditions.
UK: the veil and the politics of racism
Authors: Williamson Milly , Khiabany Gholam
Published: October 2010

The veil has become an image of otherness, of a refusal to integrate and an example of the ‘failings’ of multiculturalism. As such, it has become an important symbol in the homogenisation and demonisation of Muslims in Britain. It is important to situate this ‘debate’ about the veil in the broader context of racism, immigration and imperialism, and neoliberal economic and political transformations. In the post-9/11 and 7/7 climate, public discussions of Muslims in Britain have centred on the twin issues of ‘integration’ and ‘terrorism’, at a time when racism is on the rise and poverty has increased for immigrant communities. How the veil is understood in this ‘debate’ is shaped by this wider context and, above all, by a history of colonialism and imperialism. This article examines the debate on the veil, showing that many garments and practices surrounding veiling are reduced in the British media to a threatening set of symbols of difference and otherness. It is argued that to detach gender issues and Islam from their wider social context leads to regressive, intolerant and overtly racist assumptions.
Africa: Dead Aid and the return of neoliberalism
Authors: Hilary John
Published: October 2010

Dambisa Moyo’s 2009 book Dead Aid sought to revive the neoliberal prescriptions for Africa’s development that were promoted by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund during the 1980s and 1990s. This article argues that implementing such prescriptions would repeat the catastrophic errors of Africa’s two ‘lost decades’ and that the real alternative to aid dependency lies not in the free market but in development that is genuinely accountable to local communities.
UK: the reality behind the ‘knife crime’ debate
Authors: Wood Rebecca
Published: October 2010

This study of teenage violent crime in Britain in 2008, extracted from a longer briefing paper published by the Institute of Race Relations, aims to provide a description of who was killed, by whom and in what circumstances — a factual description which has been largely missing from much media and political evaluation.
Nepalese Gurkhas and their battle for equal rights
Authors: Kochhar-George Ché Singh
Published: October 2010

For almost 200 years, Nepalese Gurkhas have played a key role within the British armed forces. The dynamics of this ongoing relationship are complex and in many ways characterised by enduring colonial constructs of race and identity. This article analyses this relationship, paying close attention to the discriminatory treatment afforded Gurkhas on matters such as pay and pensions, mobility within the chain of command and restrictions on their right to settle permanently in the UK. Initially it familiarises the reader with the origins of this relationship, exploring how colonial perceptions of the Gurkhas as a ‘martial race’ continue to occupy a powerful place in the public imagination. It goes on to examine the growing body of Gurkha litigation as a way of understanding why policies that institutionally discriminate against the Gurkhas have been allowed to persist. It contends that colonial constructs of difference continue to occupy the subtext of judicial reasoning and government law and policy vis à vis the Gurkhas. Finally, the article proposes some practical solutions to rectify some of the problems of discrimination Gurkhas continue to experience.
A liver enhancer in the fibrinogen gene cluster
Authors: Fort Alexandre , Fish Richard J. , Attanasio Catia , Dosch Roland , Visel Axel , Neerman-Arbez Marguerite
Published: October 2010

The plasma concentration of fibrinogen varies in the healthy human population between 1.5 and 3.5 g/L. Understanding the basis of this variability has clinical importance because elevated fibrinogen levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. To identify novel regulatory elements involved in the control of fibrinogen expression, we used sequence conservation and in silico–predicted regulatory potential to select 14 conserved noncoding sequences (CNCs) within the conserved block of synteny containing the fibrinogen locus. The regulatory potential of each CNC was tested in vitro using a luciferase reporter gene assay in fibrinogen-expressing hepatoma cell lines (HuH7 and HepG2). 4 potential enhancers were tested for their ability to direct enhanced green fluorescent protein expression in zebrafish embryos. CNC12, a sequence equidistant from the human fibrinogen alpha and beta chain genes, activates strong liver enhanced green fluorescent protein expression in injected embryos and their transgenic progeny. A transgenic assay in embryonic day 14.5 mouse embryos confirmed the ability of CNC12 to activate transcription in the liver. While additional experiments are necessary to prove the role of CNC12 in the regulation of fibrinogen, our study reveals a novel regulatory element in the fibrinogen locus that is active in the liver and may contribute to variable fibrinogen expression in humans.
The Origin of Citizen Genet's Projected Attack on Spanish Louisiana: A Case Study in Girondin Politics
Authors: Campbell Wesley J.
Published: October 2010

In 1792 the Girondin ministry decided to send Edmond Genet to the United States with plans to recruit western frontiersmen and invade Spanish Louisiana. The episode is well known in American history, but the literature on its French origin is sparse and overemphasizes the contribution of revolutionary leader Jacques-Pierre Brissot. This essay contextualizes the French decision within the debate between Brissot, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Lebrun, and General Charles-François Dumouriez over whether France should send troops against Spanish colonies in South America. The essay argues that Lebrun promoted the western scheme in order to attack Spanish interests without straining French resources. Rather than merely embodying a spirit of universal freedom, Lebrun's plan was grounded in the geopolitical advantages the mission might afford France in its European wars.

En 1792 le ministère girondin a décidé à envoyer Edmond Genet aux Etats-Unis en mission pour embaucher des frontaliers de l'Ouest et envahir la Louisiane espagnole. Cet événement est célèbre dans l'histoire américaine mais très peu de littérature existe à propos de ses origines françaises et celle-ci surestime la contribution du leader révolutionnaire Jacques-Pierre Brissot. Cet essai place la décision française dans le contexte du débat entre Brissot, le ministre des affaires étrangères Pierre Lebrun et le général Charles-François Dumouriez sur l'engagement potentiel de troupes contre les colonies espagnoles en Amérique du Sud. L'essai défend la thèse selon laquelle Lebrun aurait favorisé le projet d'attaquer les intérêts espagnols sans faire appel aux ressources françaises. Plutôt que d'incarner simplement l'esprit de la liberté universelle, le plan de Lebrun était fondé sur les avantages géopolitiques que la mission pourrait rapporter à la France dans ses guerres européennes.
Parents' attitudes to neonatal research involving venepuncture
Authors: Berrington Janet E , Snowdon Claire , Fenton Alan C
Published: October 2010

The objective of the study was to explore parental experiences of being offered participation in a previous neonatal research study involving venepuncture. The method employed was a questionnaire-based exploration of parents' attitudes in those approached to participate in a study of term and preterm immunization responses (Preterm Immunisation Study [PREMIS]). We explored experience of the initial approach, knowledge of study, venepuncture and views on research ‘in general’. In all, 59% of families responded. Highest response rates were for those participating in PREMIS (87% term/69% preterm) and lowest in decliners (34% and 35%). Responding parents participating in PREMIS were well informed, positive about research and did not find the venepuncture problematic. Sixty percent of responding parents who declined PREMIS attributed their declining to the need for venepuncture. In conclusion, parents participating or declining a neonatal study involving venepuncture are different, but participating parents were well informed and seemed able to judge that participation was right for them such that in consenting families venepuncture itself is not problematic.
Gaining and maintaining consent when capacity can be an issue: a research study with people with Huntington's disease
Authors: Wilson Eleanor , Pollock Kristian , Aubeeluck Aimee
Published: October 2010

This paper recognizes the complexity of the debate on informed consent and discusses the importance of the ongoing process of consent for people affected by Huntington's disease (HD). Although written information may not be the most appropriate form of obtaining informed consent in qualitative research, it remains an important part of the ethical approval process for health research in the UK. This paper draws on a study in which the information sheet and consent form were specifically designed to help obtain consent from people who may be impaired by the cognitive and physical effects of HD. The forms were developed by drawing on expert opinion and relevant literature and fall in line with recommendations from the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to encourage people to make their own decisions. The paper describes the feasibility of a method for obtaining consent as an ongoing process with patients affected by HD using information sheets and consent forms specifically designed for people with potential cognitive and/or physical impairments. In conclusion, this paper adds a pragmatic approach to the debate on informed consent by describing the development of a written information sheet and consent form being used in a current social research study. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of written information being adapted according to the needs of potential participants.
A comment on the Director of Public Prosecution's Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Encouraging or Assisting Suicide
Authors: East Harry
Published: October 2010

The Director of Public Prosecutions has recently released the Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Encouraging or Assisting Suicide. These guidelines provide information on the factors that shall be considered when contemplating whether to bring a prosecution in the public interest in cases concerning assisting and encouraging suicide. While intended to clarify the potential liability of those engaged in or considering such practices, the guidelines have also stumbled into controversial and murky areas of law. As such any potential positive outcomes the guidelines may produce must be weighed against the potential confusion they may also cause.
Teaching and learning medical ethics and law in UK medical schools
Authors: Stirrat Gordon M
Published: October 2010

Teaching and learning of medical ethics and law are at the heart of medical education because they are integral to all clinical encounters and public health interventions, and a foundation in medical ethics and law is essential for students to become virtuous doctors. The first model curriculum for medical ethics and law within medical education in the UK, published in 1998, has recently been reviewed and updated. Now called a core content of learning, it emphasizes that teaching and learning of medical ethics and law should be attuned to the students' needs appropriate both to their particular stage of training and to relevant specialty-specific ethical issues; is a shared obligation of all teachers throughout the course; and should be integrated vertically and horizontally throughout the whole medical curriculum. The General Medical Council and the British Medical Association have confirmed that the revised core content of learning is consistent with their guidance on undergraduate education.
‘We are the good guys but they are not bad’. In‐group positivity and cognitive performance in preschoolers
Authors: Enesco Ileana , Lago Oliva , Rodríguez Purificación , Guerrero Silvia
Published: October 2010

The general purpose of this study was to analyse the developmental relations between the early forms of ethnic attitudes, and the classification abilities of the young child. We designed new cognitive tasks within adetection paradigmadapted to preschoolers and attitudinal tasks that were presented as games in a computer screen. Participants were 75 majority‐group children of 3, 4, and 5 years of age. Children's preferences and positive/negative attitudes towards the in‐group (Spaniards) and three out‐groups (Latin‐Americans, Africans, and Asians) were measured. The results showed a remarkable preference and positivity for the in‐group, but not out‐group derogation. Children's cognitive performance, to a greater extent than their age, was positively associated with in‐group favouritism and positivity. On the other hand, we found some interesting differences and developmental changes in children's positive orientation to the out‐groups that are discussed in the last section.
On the existence of Stone-Čech compactification
Authors: Curi Giovanni
Published: October 2010

Introduction. In 1937 E. Čech and M.H. Stone, independently, introduced the maximal compactification of a completely regular topological space, thereafter called Stone-Čech compactification [8, 23]. In the introduction of [8] the non-constructive character of this result is so described: “It must be emphasized that β(S) [the Stone-Čech compactification of S] may be defined only formally (not constructively) since it exists only in virtue of Zermelo's theorem”.

By replacing topological spaces with locales, Banaschewski and Mulvey [4, 5, 6], and Johnstone [14] obtained choice-free intuitionistic proofs of Stone-Čech compactification. Although valid in any topos, these localic constructions rely—essentially, as is to be demonstrated—on highly impredicative principles, and thus cannot be considered as constructive in the sense of the main systems for constructive mathematics, such as Martin-Löf's constructive type theory and Aczel's constructive set theory.

In [10] I characterized the locales of which the Stone-Čech compactification can be defined in constructive type theory CTT, and in the formal system CZF+uREA+DC, a natural extension of Aczel's system for constructive set theory CZF by a strengthening of the Regular Extension Axiom REA and the principle of Dependent Choice.
PCF structures of height less thanω3
Authors: Er-rhaimini Karim , Veličković Boban
Published: October 2010

We show that it is relatively consistent with ZFC to have PCF structures of heightδ, for all ordinalsδ<ω3.
Dual Borel Conjecture and Cohen reals
Authors: Bartoszynski Tomek , Shelah Saharon
Published: October 2010

We construct a model of ZFC satisfying the Dual Borel Conjecture in which there is a set of size ℵ1 that does not have measure zero.
A high c.e. degree which is not the join of two minimal degrees
Authors: Giorgi Matthew B.
Published: October 2010

We construct a high c.e. degree which is not the join of two minimal degrees and so refute Posner's conjecture that every high c.e. degree is the join of two minimal degrees. Additionally, the proof shows that there is a high c.e. degree a such that for any splitting of a into degrees b and c one of these degrees bounds a 1-generic degree.
Infinite substructure lattices of models of Peano Arithmetic
Authors: Schmerl James H.
Published: October 2010

Bounded lattices (that is lattices that are both lower bounded and upper bounded) form a large class of lattices that include all distributive lattices, many nondistributive finite lattices such as the pentagon lattice N5. and all lattices in any variety generated by a finite bounded lattice. Extending a theorem of Paris for distributive lattices, we prove that if L is an ℵ0-algebraic bounded lattice, then every countable nonstandard model of Peano Arithmetic has a cofinal elementary extension such that the interstructure lattice Lt(/) is isomorphic to L.
Diagonal Prikry extensions
Authors: Cummings James , Foreman Matthew
Published: October 2010

§1. Introduction. It is a well-known phenomenon in set theory that problems in infinite combinatorics involving singular cardinals and their successors tend to be harder than the parallel problems for regular cardinals. Examples include the behaviour of cardinal exponentiation, the extent of the tree property, the extent of stationary reflection, and the existence of non-free almost-free abelian groups. The explanation for this phenomenon lies in inner model theory, in particular core models and covering lemmas. If W is an inner model of V then

1. W strongly covers V if every uncountable set of ordinals is covered by a set of the same V -cardinality lying in W.

2. W weakly covers V if W computes the successor of every V-singular cardinal correctly.

Strong covering implies weak covering.

In inner model theory there are many theorems of the general form “if there is no inner model of large cardinal hypothesis X then there is an L-like inner model Kx which Y covers V”. Here the L-like properties of Kx always include GCH and Global Square. Examples include

1. X is “0# exists”, Kx is L, Y is “strongly”.

2. X is “there is a measurable cardinal”, Kx is the Dodd-Jensen core model, Y is “strongly”.

3. X is “there is a Woodin cardinal”, Kx is the core model for a Woodin cardinal, Y is “weakly”.
Interactions of natural antioxidants with red grape pomace anthocyanins in a liquid model matrix: Stability and copigmentation effects
Authors: Sidani Badherdine , Makris Dimitris
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was an examination on the stability and colour
enhancement of red grape pomace anthocyanins in a juice model matrix, and the
effect of the addition of natural antioxidants. The approach was based on a
juice-like liquid medium (10.1?Brix, pH 3.48), which was used as the model
matrix to test the effect of the addition of natural antioxidants
(L-cysteine, ascorbic acid, catechin and quercetin) on the degradability of
anthocyanin pigments, extracted from grape pomace. It was found that
treatment of the model solutions at 80?C induced anthocyanin decomposition,
which obeyed first order kinetics. Addition of increasing amounts of
antioxidants, including L-cysteine, ascorbic acid, catechin and quercetin,
did not provoke a proportional impact, either positive or negative, with
regard to anthocyanin stability. The best stabilising effect was seen after
addition of ascorbic acid and catechin at concentrations of 4 and 2 mg L-1,
respectively (P < 0.001). Quercetin, however, was demonstrated a very
efficient co-pigment, inducing an increase in A520 by 63%, at pH 5.6 and a
copigment-to-pigment ratio of 10.
Comparison of iatrogenic transmission of Anaplasma marginale in Holstein steers via needle and needle-free injection techniques
Authors: Reinbold James B. , Coetzee Johann F. , Hollis Larry C. , Nickell Jason S. , Riegel Casey M. , Christopher Julia A. , Ganta Roman R.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To compare iatrogenic transmission of Anaplasma marginale during sham vaccination between needle and needle-free injection techniques.

Animals—26 Holstein steers confirmed negative for anaplasmosis by use of a competitive ELISA (cELISA) and an A marginale-specific reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay.

Procedures—An isolate of A marginale was propagated to a circulating parasitemia of 2.0% in a splenectomized steer. Sham vaccination was performed in the left cervical muscles of the splenectomized parasitemic steer with a hypodermic needle fitted to a multiple-dose syringe. The same needle and syringe were used to sham vaccinate a naïve steer. This 2-step procedure was repeated until 10 naïve steers (group ND) were injected. Similarly, sham vaccination of the left cervical muscles of the splenectomized parasitemic steer and another group of 10 naïve steers (group NF) was performed by use of a needle-free injection system. Five control steers were not injected. Disease status was evaluated twice weekly for 61 days by use of light microscopy, a cELISA, and an A marginale-specific RT-PCR assay.

Results—Iatrogenic transmission was detected in 6 of 10 steers in group ND. Disease status did not change in the NF or control steers. Sensitivity of light microscopy, cELISA, and RT-PCR assay was 100% on days 41, 41, and 20 after sham vaccination, respectively; however, only cELISA and RT-PCR assay sustained a sensitivity of 100% thereafter.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Needle-free injection was superior to needle injection for the control of iatrogenic transmission of A marginale. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71 1178-1188)
Evaluation of peptide- and recombinant protein-based assays for detection of anti-Ehrlichia ewingii antibodies in experimentally and naturally infected dogs
Authors: O'Connor Thomas P. , Saucier Jill M. , Daniluk Daryn , Stillman Brett A. , Krah Regis , Rikihisa Yasuko , Xiong Qingming , Yabsley Michael J. , Adams Dustin S. , Diniz Pedro Paulo V P , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Gaunt Stephen D. , Chandrashekar Ramaswamy
Published: October 2010

Objective—To evaluate microtiter-plate format ELISAs constructed by use of different diagnostic targets derived from the Ehrlichia ewingii p28 outer membrane protein for detection of E ewingii antibodies in experimentally and naturally infected dogs.

Sample Population—Serum samples from 87 kenneled dogs, 9 dogs experimentally infected with anti-E ewingii, and 180 potentially naturally exposed dogs from Missouri.

Procedures—The capacities of the synthetic peptide and truncated recombinant protein to function as detection reagents in ELISAs were compared by use of PCR assay, western blot analysis, and a full-length recombinant protein ELISA. Diagnostic targets included an E ewingii synthetic peptide (EESP) and 2 recombinant proteins: a full-length E ewingii outer membrane protein (EEp28) and a truncated E ewingii outer membrane protein (EETp28)

Results—A subset of Ehrlichia canis-positive samples cross-reacted in the EEp28 ELISA; none were reactive in the EESP and EETp28 ELISAs. The EESP- and EETp28-based ELISAs detected E ewingii seroconversion at approximately the same time after infection as the EEp28 ELISAs. In afield population, each of the ELISAs identified the same 35 samples as reactive and 27 samples as nonreactive. Anaplasma and E can is peptides used in a commercially available ELISA platform did not detect anti-E ewingii antibodies in experimentally infected dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The EESP and EETp28 ELISAs were suitable for specifically detecting anti-E ewingii antibodies in experimentally and naturally infected dogs. [Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1195-1200)
Evaluation of the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacities of equine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Braun Julian , Hack Anita , Weis-Klemm Michaela , Conrad Sabine , Treml Sabrina , Kohler Konrad , Walliser Ulrich , Skutella Thomas , Aicher Wilhelm K.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To evaluate the proliferative behavior, telomere length, immunophenotype, and differentiation capacity of equine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs).

Animals—6 adult racing horses treated for articular Injury but otherwise healthy

Procedures—AT-MSCs were Isolated from horses and expanded In Dulbecco modified Eagle medium enriched with fetal bovine serum and antimicrobials. Expression of cell surface antigens and telomere length were Investigated via flow cytometry Differentiation of MSCs Into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes was Induced In vitro by specific stimuli and was evaluated by analyzing marker genes with quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assays and immunocytochemical and cytologie evaluations.

Results—Equine MSCs could be cultured up to the fifth passage before signs of senescence, apoptosis, and detachment Indicated cellular exhaustion. However, the AT-MSCs from 2 of 6 horses survived to later passages with Increased doubling rates and telomere lengths. The cells had a typical phenotype, with expression of CD14, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD140b, and CD164 antigens and a lack of CD34 and CD45 antigens. The cells also had a strong potential to differentiate Into osteoblasts, as characterized by Intense von Kossa and alizarin red staining as well as high Induction of osteopontin. Chondrogenic differentiation was detected via Alelan blue staining and expression of aggrecan and type II collagen Adipogenesis was Induced in AT-MSCs by supplementation of differentiation media with rabbit serum.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Equine AT-MSCs representa suitable cellular source for regenerative treatment of bone or cartilage defects, particularly when expanded In vitro for only a few passages. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1228-1236)
Comparison of plasma cardiac troponin I concentrations among dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma, noncardiac hemangiosarcoma, other neoplasms, and pericardial effusion of nonhemangiosarcoma origin
Authors: Chun Ruthanne , Kellihan Heidi B. , Henik Rosemary A. , Stepien Rebecca L.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To determine whether plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnl) concentrations can be used to identify cardiac involvement in dogs with hemangiosarcoma, exclude cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with noncardiac hemangiosarcoma, and identify cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with pericardial effusion.

Design—Cohort study

Animals—57 dogs (18 with confirmed [5 dogs] or suspected [13] cardiac hemangiosarcoma, 14 with confirmed hemangiosarcoma involving sites other than the heart [noncardiac hemangiosarcoma], 10 with pericardial effusion not caused by hemangiosarcoma, and 15 with noncardiac nonhemangiosarcoma neoplasms).

Procedures—Plasma cTnl concentration was measured, and thoracic radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and echocardiography were performed in each dog. The cTnl concentration was compared among groups.

Results—Median plasma cTnl concentration in dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma was significantly higher than the concentration in each of the other groups. A plasma cTnl concentration > 0.25 ng/mL could be used to identify cardiac involvement in dogs with hemangiosarcoma at any site (sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 71 %). A plasma cTnl concentration > 0.25 ng/mL could be used to identify cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with pericardia effusion (sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 100%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The median plasma cTnl concentration was higher in dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma, compared with the median concentration in dogs with hemangiosarcoma at other sites, dogs with other neoplasms, and dogs with pericardial effusion not caused by hemangiosarcoma. The plasma cTnl concentration may be used to identify cardiac involvement in dogs with hemangiosarcoma and to identify cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with pericardial effusion. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;237:806–811)