bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress‐induced activation of ovarian heat shock protein 90 in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Park Eunkuk , Cockrem John F. , Han Kyung‐Hoon , Kim Doh‐Hee , Jung Min‐Hyung , Chu Jong‐Phil
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder affecting infertile women of reproductive age. This study evaluated the activation of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp 90) during the formation of stress‐induced polycystic ovaries.

Material & Methods:  Female Sprague–Dawley rats (180–200 g) were subjected to one of two stress‐inducing conditions; animals were either treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone daily for 18 days or were exposed to daily cold stress for three weeks. Non‐treated rats sampled during proestrus or diestrous served as controls. Blood samples were collected from the left ventricles of anesthetized rats and concentrations of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone and corticosterone were measured in all rats. The expression of messenger RNA for androgen receptor, estrogen receptor‐α and ‐β, nerve growth factor receptor, and glucocorticoid receptor, and protein expression for Hsp 90 was also assessed in the rat ovaries.

Results:  Stress increased glucocorticoid receptor and androgen receptor expression, and decreased estrogen expression. Nerve growth factor receptor expression was greater in treated than diestrous rats and less in treated than proestrous rats. Ovarian Hsp 90 protein expression was increased in rats treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone or cold stress. Serum follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were reduced and testosterone and corticosterone levels increased by stress, whilst luteinizing hormone and estradiol levels were similar to levels in diestrous and proestrus control rats respectively.

Conclusions:  The results indicate that stress, via the activation of ovarian Hsp 90 and changes in steroid hormone receptor expression and serum reproductive hormone levels, may be involved in the induction of polycystic ovaries in rats.
Fetal heart rate parameters and perinatal outcomes in fetuses with nuchal cords
Authors: Hoh Jeong‐Kyu , Sung Young‐Mo , Park Moon‐Il
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to compare and analyze differences in antepartal fetal heart rate (FHR) parameters during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in normal fetuses and fetuses with nuchal cord (NC).

Material and Methods:  We surveyed all non‐stress test (NST) data acquired using a computerized FHR analysis system at Hanyang University Hospital between 2005 and 2008, and selected 150 cases that had NC. NSTs were performed between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. Subjects were divided into three groups by the number of NCs: no NC and normal (n = 300), single (n = 124) and multiple NCs (n = 26). Neonatal outcomes were compared, and FHR parameters analyzed using computerized fetal monitoring system.

Results:  FHR variability, with respect to amplitude (AMP) and mean minute range (MMR), was lower in the multiple NCs group than in the normal group (18.04 ± 0.38 vs 14.54 ± 1.10 bpm, P = 0.0207; 55.69 ± 1.22 vs 44.35 ± 3.41 ms, P = 0.0145, respectively). There were no other statistically significant differences of FHR parameters between the three groups. Baby weight was significantly lower in the multiple NCs group than in the normal group (3317 ± 24 vs 3054 ± 55; P = 0.0008), and there were no other significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion:  Computerized analysis of FHR would be helpful to assess fetal status, especially in cases of multiple NCs. Multiple NCs may be a subliminal risk factor for the babies even though they present no complications at delivery.
First trimester diagnosis of parapagus diprosopus dibrachius dipus twins with cranirachischisis totalis by three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Ülker Kahraman , Akyer Şahika P. , Temur İsmail , Tan Temel , Karaca Mehmet , Adıgüzel Esat , Gül Abdülaziz
Published: December 2011

Parapagus (laterally fused), diprosopus (two faces), dibrachius (two upper extremities), dipus (two lower extremities) conjoined twinning is extremely rare. The coexistence of anencephaly with a contiguous spinal defect (craniorachischisis totalis) makes the present case one of the rarest of the published cases. In our case, it was difficult to make the final diagnosis by two‐dimensional abdominal and vaginal ultrasound. Three‐dimensional ultrasound was helpful for final diagnosis and post‐abortal examination confirmed the prenatal ultrasound diagnosis. The heart, diaphragm, liver and perineum were all united. Fine dissection of the heart showed four vessels arising from the ventricles and a membranous type ventricular septal defect.
Clinical performance assessment of five human papillomavirus DNA tests using liquid‐based cytology samples
Authors: Song Seung Hun , Hong Jin Hwa , Kwak San Ha , Lee Jae Kwan , Kim Mi Kyung
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To evaluate the performance of five HPV tests (Hybrid Capture 2, Linear Array [LA], DNA chip, type‐specific polymerase chain reaction [PCR], and sequencing) in detecting high‐risk (HR) HPV DNA and high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer.

Material and Methods:  A total of 137 women with abnormal cytologies were prospectively enrolled. The diagnostic accuracy of five HPV DNA tests in detecting high‐grade CIN and cancer was assessed, and the concordance among HPV genotyping tests was evaluated. All specimens were obtained from cervical swab samples preserved in residual PreservCyt solution that were originally collected for ThinPrep Pap test.

Results:  The sensitivities of all five HPV tests did not differ significantly among the five HPV tests. The overall concordance level was excellent between LA and sequencing (98.2%, Kappa = 0.9) and was substantial between DNA chip and sequencing (96.4%, Kappa = 0.8). The concordance levels for detecting vaccine‐type (HPV 16 and 18) of LA in comparison with DNA chip, type‐specific PCR, and sequencing were substantial (Kappa = 0.67, 0.64, and 0.65, respectively). The sensitivities for all five HPV tests were >90% for the detection of CIN2 or higher. No statistically significant differences in sensitivity occurred between any of the tests.

Conclusion:  All five HPV tests showed reliable results in detecting HR HPVs, high‐grade CIN, and cancer. Both LA and DNA chip tests may be useful in identifying HR HPV, especially when multiple genotypes are present.
Successful treatment of adult‐type granulosa cell tumor of the ovary by palliative radiotherapy
Authors: Taira Yuusuke , Hirakawa Makoto , Nagayama Chiaki , Ikemiyagi Kozue , Touma Takashi , Tokashiki Midori
Published: December 2011

A 76‐year‐old woman underwent laparotomy at another hospital because of acute abdomen. Owing to strong attachment and dissemination of the tumor, it was unresectable. Adult‐type granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) was diagnosed based on pathological examination. Considering her poor condition, she was advised to receive total supportive care. However, she was lost to follow‐up after a few months. Subsequently, she visited our hospital with abdominal distension. A large abdominal tumor and liver metastasis was observed on abdominal computed tomography (CT). We selected palliative radiotherapy to relieve her of the symptoms. External beam radiotherapy was delivered to the affected data. No acute adverse effects were observed. We observed reduction in tumor size on postoperative abdominal CT. She is still alive with no signs of tumor progression for 30 months. Palliative radiotherapy is effective for patients with advanced‐stage AGCT and abdominal complaints.
Ammonia‐oxidizing archaea as main drivers of nitrification in cold‐water sponges
Authors: Radax Regina , Hoffmann Friederike , Rapp Hans Tore , Leininger Sven , Schleper Christa
Published: December 2011

The association of archaea with marine sponges was first described 15 years ago and their role in the nitrification process in Mediterranean and tropical sponges has been suggested. Here we explore the occurrence and abundance of potential ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) in four morphologically different cold‐water sponges (Phakellia ventilabrum, Geodia barretti, Antho dichotoma and Tentorium semisuberites) from the sublittoral and upper bathyal zone [Correction added on 30 December 2011, after first online publication on 19 December 2011: The term ‘mesopelagic zone’ has been replaced.] of the Norwegian coast, and relate them to nitrification rates determined in laboratory incubations. Net nitrification rates, calculated from the sum of nitrite and nitrate release during 24 h, were up to 1880 nmol N cm−3 day−1; i.e. comparable with those measured in Mediterranean sponges. Furthermore, a high abundance of archaeal cells was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridizations (CARD‐FISH) and quantitative PCR, targeting archaeal amoA genes (encoding the alpha subunit of ammonia monooxygenase). AmoA genes as well as amoA transcripts were either exclusively detectable from archaea or were orders of magnitudes higher in abundance than their bacterial counterparts. Phylogenetic analyses of AOA and bacterial nitrite oxidizers (genus Nitrospira) confirmed the presence of specific populations of nitrifying microorganisms in the sponge mesohyl, which either were affiliated with groups detected earlier in marine sponges or were typical inhabitants of cold‐ and deep‐water environments. Estimated cell‐specific nitrification rates for P. ventilabrum were 0.6 to 6 fmol N archaeal cell−1 day−1, thus comparable with planktonic organisms. Our results identify AOA as the major drivers of nitrification in four cold‐water sponges, and indicate that these archaea may be considered as a relevant factor in nitrogen cycling in ocean regions with high sponge biomass.
A periplasmic arsenite‐binding protein involved in regulating arsenite oxidation
Authors: Liu Guanghui , Liu Mengyao , Kim Eun‐Hae , Maaty Walid S. , Bothner Brian , Lei Benfang , Rensing Christopher , Wang Gejiao , McDermott Timothy R.
Published: December 2011

Arsenic (As) is the most common toxic element in the environment, ranking first on the Superfund List of Hazardous Substances. Microbial redox transformations are the principal drivers of As chemical speciation, which in turn dictates As mobility and toxicity. Consequently, in order to manage or remediate environmental As, land managers need to understand how and why microorganisms react to As. Studies have demonstrated a two‐component signal transduction system comprised of AioS (sensor kinase) and AioR (response regulator) is involved in regulating microbial AsIII oxidation, with the AsIII oxidase structural genes aioB and aioA being upregulated by AsIII. However, it is not known whether AsIII is first detected directly by AioS or by an intermediate. Herein we demonstrate the essential role of a periplasmic AsIII‐binding protein encoded by aioX, which is upregulated by AsIII. An ΔaioX mutant is defective for upregulation of the aioBA genes and consequently AsIII oxidation. Purified AioX expressed without its TAT‐type signal peptide behaves as a monomer (MW 32 kDa), and Western blots show AioX to be exclusively associated with the cytoplasmic membrane. AioX binds AsIII with a KD of 2.4 µM AsIII; however, mutating a conserved Cys108 to either alanine or serine resulted in lack of AsIII binding, lack of aioBA induction, and correlated with a negative AsIII oxidation phenotype. The discovery and characterization of AioX illustrates a novel AsIII sensing mechanism that appears to be used in a range of bacteria and also provides one of the first examples of a bacterial signal anchor protein.
Mechanism of copper surface toxicity in Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella involves immediate membrane depolarization followed by slower rate of DNA destruction which differs from that observed for Gram‐positive bacteria
Authors: Warnes S. L. , Caves V. , Keevil C. W.
Published: December 2011

We have reported previously that copper I and II ionic species, and superoxide but not Fenton reaction generated hydroxyl radicals, are important in the killing mechanism of pathogenic enterococci on copper surfaces. In this new work we determined if the mechanism was the same in non‐pathogenic ancestral (K12) and laboratory (DH5α) strains, and a pathogenic strain (O157), of Escherichia coli. The pathogenic strain exhibited prolonged survival on stainless steel surfaces compared with the other E. coli strains but all died within 10 min on copper surfaces using a ‘dry’ inoculum protocol (with approximately 107 cfu cm−2) to mimic dry touch contamination. We observed immediate cytoplasmic membrane depolarization, not seen with enterococci or methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and loss of outer membrane integrity, inhibition of respiration and in situ generation of reactive oxygen species on copper and copper alloy surfaces that did not occur on stainless steel. Chelation of copper (I) and (II) ionic species still had the most significant impact on bacterial survival but protection by d‐mannitol suggests hydroxyl radicals are involved in the killing mechanism. We also observed a much slower rate of DNA destruction on copper surfaces compared with previous results for enterococci. This may be due to protection of the nucleic acid by the periplasm and the extensive cell aggregation that we observed on copper surfaces. Similar results were obtained for Salmonella species but partial quenching by d‐mannitol suggests radicals other than hydroxyl may be involved. The results indicate that copper biocidal surfaces are effective for Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria but bacterial morphology affects the mechanism of toxicity. These surfaces could not only help to prevent infection spread but also prevent horizontal gene transmission which is responsible for the evolution of virulent toxin producing and antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Is whole colonic imaging necessary for symptoms of change in bowel habit and/or rectal bleeding?
Authors: Badiani S. , Desai A. , Chapman M. A. S.
Published: December 2011

Aim  Following the introduction of a 2‐week‐wait (2ww) cancer pathway, many units are triaging patients with change in bowel habit (CIBH) and/or rectal bleeding (RB) straight to colonoscopy. Evidence suggests that right‐sided colonic cancer does not present with these symptoms, hence imaging the left colon only is satisfactory. If this were substantiated, patients could be offered a flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) alone. This study aimed to review presenting symptoms of patients diagnosed with a right‐sided colonic malignancy and assess whether their tumours would be missed based on this practice.

Method  This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent curative resection for a proximal colonic malignancy over a 4‐year period. Two‐week‐wait referral proforma and case notes were analysed for mode of presentation.

Results  Of 206 elective right hemicolectomies performed, 20/206 (9.7%) patients presented in the absence of either iron deficiency anaemia or palpable abdominal mass. Twelve patients had polyposis identified in the left colon and eight patients had no left‐sided colonic pathology. One patient had a strong family history of colon cancer (two first‐degree relatives) in the group absent of left‐sided pathology.

Conclusion  Twelve patients who had left‐sided polyposis and one patient with a strong family history would have undergone whole colonic imaging based on current colorectal cancer management guidelines. The remaining seven patients with right‐sided cancer would have been missed if FS were the only investigation used. Patients presenting on the 2ww with symptoms of a CIBH and/or RB can be adequately investigated with a FS with a 3% chance of missing a proximal cancer.
Short‐term results for laparoscopic ventral rectopexy using biological mesh for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Wahed S. , Ahmad M. , Mohiuddin K. , Katory M. , Mercer‐Jones M.
Published: December 2011

Aim There is growing evidence that laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) is an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and obstructive defaecation caused by rectocele. LVR is usually performed using synthetic mesh despite concerns about mesh erosion. We present our experience of using a porcine dermal collagen mesh (Permacol™) for LVR, which is the largest such case series to date.

Method Data on 65 patients were collected prospectively from May 2008 to October 2010. Outcome measures were complications, recurrence, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, Wexner constipation score and Wexner incontinence score. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared using the two‐tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results There were statistically significant improvements in the Wexner constipation scores at 6 months and 1 year (bothP < 0.0001) and in faecal incontinence scores at 6 months (P < 0.0001) and 1 year (P = 0.0002). There were no cases of mesh erosion or mesh‐related infection in our series. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in two patients (3.1%). Symptoms were rated as much better or better by 93% of patients at 6 months and this was sustained at 1 year (96%).

Conclusion In the short term, LVR using biological mesh is safe and as effective as synthetic mesh, with high patient satisfaction. Constipation and faecal incontinence scores were both improved.
Length of stay after laparoscopic colonic surgery – an 11‐year nationwide Danish survey
Authors: Kehlet H. , Harling H.
Published: December 2011

Aim  The use of laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark was analysed with particular reference to the length of stay.

Method  Data were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry to assess duration of hospital stay after laparoscopic colonic surgery in Denmark within the 11‐year period from 2000 to 2010.

Results  There were 4582 laparoscopic colonic resections performed, reaching about 1000 operations/year in the last 2 years (2009–2010). Length of stay decreased from a median of 7 to 4 days, while mean length of stay only decreased from 9 to 7 days.

Conclusion  The use of laparoscopic colonic resection has increased in Denmark over the last 11 years and with a concomitant decrease in postoperative length of stay. However, there is a need for further improvement by combining the laparoscopic technique with fast‐track recovery.
The process and outcomes of a nurse‐led colorectal cancer follow‐up clinic
Authors: McFarlane K. , Dixon L. , Wakeman C. J. , Robertson G. M. , Eglinton T. W. , Frizelle F. A.
Published: December 2011

Aim  Evidence suggests that follow‐up after colorectal cancer improves survival. Colorectal cancer is so common that patient follow‐up can overwhelm a service, affecting the ability to see new referrals and reassess patients seen previously who have new symptoms. In order to cope with this demand a nurse‐led follow‐up service was started in 2004. We aimed to review the results of a nurse‐led colorectal cancer follow‐up clinic.

Method  Between 1 December 2004 and 31 January 2011, patients who underwent resection for colorectal cancer were followed up by a nurse specialist according to a protocol determined by the colorectal surgeons in the unit. All patient details were recorded prospectively in a purpose designed database.

Results  Nine hundred and fifty patients were followed up over 7 years. Some 368 patients were discharged from the follow‐up programme, 474 patients remain actively involved in the programme and 108 patients died. Of the patients discharged from the follow‐up scheme 269 (73%) were discharged to their general practitioner free of disease after 5 years. Of the 108 who patients died, 98 were as a result of colorectal cancer. Twenty patients (2.1%) were identified with local (peri‐anastomotic) disease recurrence and 93 patients (9.8%) were found to have developed distant metastatic disease. Of these, 65 patients (6.8%) were referred for palliative care and 28 (2.9%) had surgery for focal metastatic disease of whom 18 were still alive at the time of this analysis.

Conclusion  This paper shows that a nurse‐led clinic for colorectal cancer follow‐up can achieve satisfactory results with detection rates of recurrent or metastatic disease comparable to consultant follow‐up. A nurse‐led clinic provides the benefits of follow‐up without overwhelming the consultant colorectal surgical clinic practice.
Laparoscopic surgery for complicated diverticular disease: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Royds J. , O’Riordan J. M. , Eguare E. , O’Riordan D. , Neary P. C.
Published: December 2011

Aim  The role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of patients with diverticular disease is still not universally accepted. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease in a centre with a specialist interest in minimally invasive surgery.

Method  All diverticular resections carried out between 2006 and 2010 were reviewed. Data recorded included baseline demographics, indication for surgery, operative details, length of hospital stay and complications. Complicated diverticular disease was defined as diverticulitis with associated abscess, phlegmon, fistula, stricture, obstruction, bleeding or perforation.

Results  One hundred and two patients (58 men) who had surgery for diverticular disease were identified (median age 59 years, range 49–70 years). Sixty‐four patients (64%) had surgery for complicated diverticular disease. The indications were recurrent acute diverticulitis (37%), colovesical fistula (21%), stricture formation (17%) and colonic perforation (16%). Sixty‐nine cases (88%) were completed by elective laparoscopy. Postoperative mortality was 0%. For elective cases there was no difference in morbidity rates between patients with complicated and uncomplicated diverticular disease. The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 1% and the wound infection rate 7%. There was a nonsignificant trend to higher conversion to open surgery in the elective group in complicated (11.4%) compared with uncomplicated patients (5.2%) (P = 0.67). Electively, the rate of stoma formation was higher in the complicated (31.6%) than the uncomplicated group (5.2%) (P < 0.02).

Conclusion  Laparoscopic surgery for both complicated and uncomplicated diverticular disease is associated with low rates of postoperative morbidity and relatively low conversion rates. Laparoscopic surgery is now the standard of care for complicated and uncomplicated diverticular disease in our institution.
Autophagy as the cell survival in response to a microsporidian infection of the midgut epithelium of Isohypsibius granulifer granulifer (Eutardigrada: Hypsibiidae)
Authors: Rost‐Roszkowska Magdalena M. , Poprawa Izabela , Kaczmarek Łukasz
Published: December 2011

The midgut epithelial cells of many invertebrates may possess microorganisms which act as symbionts or pathogens (bacteria, microsporidia, viruses). During our previous studies on Isohypsibius granulifer granulifer Thulin, 1928 (Tardigrada, Eutardigrada), which examined alterations of the midgut epithelium during oogenesis, we found that some of the specimens were infected with microsporidia. All stages of pathogens occurred in the cytoplasm of the digestive cells in the midgut epithelium of I. g. granulifer that were infected with microsporidia: meronts, sporonts, sporoblasts, and spores. The cytoplasm of the digestive cells was rich in mitochondria, cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and Golgi complexes. Autophagy in the digestive cells of the dorsal midgut was much more intensive in comparison with noninfected specimens. Membranes of phagophores surrounded the pathogens forming autophagosomes. These latter structures fused with lysosomes forming autolysosomes and residual bodies appeared. Neither glycogen granules nor droplets of varying electron density, which accumulated in digestive cells during vitellogenesis and choriogenesis, appeared in individuals with microsporidia. While the midgut epithelium in noninfected specimens takes part in vitellogenesis and choriogenesis, in infected specimens, midgut cells are involved in the process of autophagy as a survival strategy.
Predicting erectile function outcome in men after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer
Authors: Kilminster Shaun , Müller Stig , Menon Mani , Joseph Jean V. , Ralph David J. , Patel Hiten R.H.
Published: December 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Over the last decade, the surgical treatment of prostate cancer has evolved towards minimal access surgery, particularly via a robot‐assisted technique. However, there is still debate regarding the true benefit for patients with respect to a functional outcome such as erectile function.

The present prediction model provides a reliable estimation of the likelihood of regaining erectile function after prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the reported rates of potency after prostatectomy in the recent literature for men without preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) and to develop a statistical model for predicting the expected potency after prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Medline search was conducted with the keywords ‘potency’ and ‘prostatectomy’ from 2003 to 2009.

In total, 33 studies in the English language reporting pre‐ and postoperative erectile function were identified.

Data from studies reporting outcome after open, laparoscopic and robot‐assisted prostatectomy were analyzed separately.

Only data obtained from potent men before surgery were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

In potent men before surgery, the main predictors of post‐treatment erectile function are age and time after treatment.

The cumulative range of potency rates at 48 months for all ages (45–75 years) was 49–74% for open, 58–74% for laparoscopic and 60–100% for robotic prostatectomy.

The predicted outcome differs by type of operation and patient age.

CONCLUSIONS

Men aged <60 years have a significant likelihood of regaining erectile function after radical prostatectomy.

The reported statistical model provides a reliable estimation of erectile function outcome after prostatectomy for men with localized prostate cancer and intact erectile function.
Neurocognitive parameters should be incorporated in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 assessment of patients with alcohol use disorders
Authors: WALVOORT SERGE J. W. , WESTER ARIE J. , EGGER JOS I. M.
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. Treatment planning for alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients is often preceded by the assessment of psychopathology and personality with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 (MMPI‐2). However, during periods of abstinence, cognitive impairments (e.g. attention, memory and executive dysfunctions) related to neurological and somatic pathology may affect level and pattern of MMPI‐2 scale scores, resulting in clinical misinterpretation.

Design and Methods. A re‐analysis of the data of the Egger et al. study is conducted in order to examine the clinical significance of the MMPI‐2 profiles of 222 AUD patients (mean age 42.2 ± 9.6 years; 76.6% men) by using neurologically relevant item correction procedures. Hierarchical cluster analyses of neurologically relevant item‐corrected solutions were compared to the original MMPI‐2 profile.

Results. Impulsiveness and psychopathic deviation were identified as a common denominator.

Discussion and Conclusions. Uncorrected MMPI‐2 assessment in AUD tends to overstress psychopathology and to overlook disinhibitory traits in early abstinence, caused by chronic alcoholism.[Walvoort SJW, Wester AJ, Egger JIM. Neurocognitive parameters should be incorporated in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2 assessment of patients with alcohol use disorders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:550–557]
Just caring
Authors: Hussey Trevor
Published: December 2011

Social justice is concerned with fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of living together in society. Regarding nursing care, social justice is concerned with who should receive its benefits, how much they should receive, and who should take up the burden of providing and paying for it. A specific thesis is offered: ‘Health care, including nursing care, should be distributed on the basis of need, free at the point of use, the cost being born by the community involved.’ This thesis is shown to be incompatible with consequentialist (utilitarian) and libertarian approaches to social justice, but reasons are given for rejecting these theories. It is shown that it may be compatible with Rawl's liberal theory of justice and definitely compatible with a version of the teleological (Aristotelian) theory. The thesis is then defended against criticisms concerned with desert and responsibility: that the provident ought not to pay for the improvident, and that those who are responsible for their health do not deserve free care. There are answered by an epistemological argument concerning what we need to know before we can decide what people deserve, and an argument about social cohesion. The conclusion is that the thesis can be offered as a moral principle for a fair society.
Slaves immersed in a liberal ideology
Authors: Daly Leslie Kim
Published: December 2011

Paradigm debates have been featured in the nursing literature for over four decades. There are at least two opposing paradigms specific to nursing that have remained central in these debates. Advocates of the unitary perspective (or simultaneity paradigm) consider their theories to be more philosophically advanced and contemporary alternatives when compared to the older more traditional ideas characteristic of models they describe as originating from the totality paradigm. In the context of these debates, I focus on some theoretical positions embedded in the unitary perspective, noting their limitations with respect to integrating the individual and social mandates of nursing; nurses are responsible not only for individual health‐related needs, but also for the health of the collective. I explore two hypotheses that may explain the powers of endurance of the unitary perspective. Paley, who outlines the origins of nurses' ‘slave morality’, inspires the first hypothesis. The second hypothesis speaks to the location of nursing knowledge development in the context of liberal ideology. In this work, I outline key conceptualizations of the unitary perspective in order to clearly illustrate the limitations of the unitary perspective for nurses' social mandate. Then, I explore how slave morality and liberal ideological assumptions might both work to sustain the unitary perspective. A paradigm for nursing must have utility in addressing both the health‐related needs of individuals, and for addressing the health of the collective. To this end, I advance suggestions in three areas: first, to transform nurses' slave morality to more honest and noble aspirations; second, to examine liberal ideological premises; and third, to end paradigm debate by resituating elements of the unitary perspective to the level of mid‐range theory, where it could be most effective for research and practice with specific populations.
Responses by Australian auditors to the global financial crisis
Authors: Xu Yang , Carson Elizabeth , Fargher Neil , Jiang Liwei
Published: December 2011

We examine the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC) on auditor behaviour in Australia. Using a sample of listed companies, we examine whether the GFC impacted the propensity of auditors to issue going concern modifications and increased audit effort as reflected in audit fees and audit reporting lag. Controlling for client characteristics, we find an increase in the propensity to issue going concern opinions during the period 2008–2009 compared with the period 2005–2007 and that Big N auditors responded to the GFC earlier than non‐Big N auditors. In relation to audit effort, we find evidence of increased audit fees during the period 2008–2009 compared with the period 2005–2007. There is, however, no evidence of increased audit reporting lags during the GFC.
Spatial Price Discrimination with Heterogeneous Firms
Authors: Vogel Jonathan
Published: December 2011

In this paper we aim to explain intuitively heterogeneous firms’ optimal location decisions in a simple spatial market. To do so, we present and solve a four‐stage game of entry, location, pricing and consumption in a spatial price discrimination framework with arbitrarily many heterogeneous firms. We provide a unique equilibrium outcome without imposing restrictions on the distribution of marginal costs across firms.
Endogenous Network Formation in Patent Contests And Its Role as A Barrier to Entry
Authors: Marinucci Marco , Vergote Wouter
Published: December 2011

In a setting of R&D competition, we study how collaboration affects strategic decisions during a patent contest, and how the latter influences the collaboration network structures the firms can form. We use an all pay auction approach to endogenize both network formation and R&D intensities, and to take heterogeneous and private valuations for patents into account. We find that the complete network is not always the only pairwise stable one. The other stable networks have the realistic property that some firms drop out of the contest. Thus, ‘weak’ cooperation can serve as a barrier to entry on the market for innovation.
Airline Market Power and Intertemporal Price Dispersion
Authors: Gaggero Alberto A. , Piga Claudio A.
Published: December 2011

This paper analyzes the empirical relationship between market structure and price dispersion in the airline markets connecting the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. Price dispersion is measured by the Gini coefficient, calculated using fares posted on the Internet at specific days before takeoff. We control for passengers' heterogeneity in their purpose of travel, as well as for such peak periods as Christmas and Easter. Our finding of a negative correlation between competition and price dispersion suggests that competition is likely to hinder the airlines' ability to price discriminate, although this effect appears to be lessened in peak periods.
Upstream Competition between Vertically Integrated Firms
Authors: Bourreau Marc , Hombert Johan , Pouyet Jerome , Schutz Nicolas
Published: December 2011

We propose a model of two‐tier competition between vertically integrated firms and unintegrated downstream firms. We show that, even when integrated firms compete in prices to offer a homogeneous input, the Bertrand logic may collapse, and the input may be priced above marginal cost in equilibrium. These partial foreclosure equilibria are more likely to exist when downstream competition is fierce or when unintegrated downstream competitors are relatively inefficient. We discuss the impact of several regulatory tools on the competitiveness of the wholesale market.
The Economic Impact of Wireless Number Portability
Authors: Park Minjung
Published: December 2011

This paper examines the price response of wireless carriers to the introduction of number portability in the U.S. I find that wireless prices decreased in response to number portability, but not uniformly across plans. Average prices for the plans with the fewest minutes decreased by only $0.19/month (0.97%), but average prices for medium and high‐volume plans decreased by $3.64/month (4.84%) and $10.29/month (6.81%), respectively. The results suggest that higher‐volume users in the wireless market benefited more from the policy‐induced reduction in switching costs.
TransgenicPm3multilines of wheat show increased powdery mildew resistance in the field
Authors: Brunner Susanne , Stirnweis Daniel , Diaz Quijano Carolina , Buesing Gabriele , Herren Gerhard , Parlange Francis , Barret Pierre , Tassy Caroline , Sautter Christof , Winzeler Michael , Keller Beat
Published: December 2011

Resistance (R) genes protect plants very effectively from disease, but many of them are rapidly overcome when present in widely grown cultivars. To overcome this lack of durability, strategies that increase host resistance diversity have been proposed. Among them is the use of multilines composed of near‐isogenic lines (NILs) containing different disease resistance genes. In contrast to classicalR‐gene introgression by recurrent backcrossing, a transgenic approach allows the development of lines with identical genetic background, differing only in a singleRgene. We have used alleles of the resistance locusPm3in wheat, conferring race‐specific resistance to wheat powdery mildew (Blumeria graminisf. sp.tritici), to develop transgenic wheat lines overexpressingPm3a,Pm3c,Pm3d,Pm3forPm3g.In field experiments, all tested transgenic lines were significantly more resistant than their respective nontransformed sister lines. The resistance level of the transgenicPm3lines was determined mainly by the frequency of virulence to the particularPm3allele in the powdery mildew population,Pm3expression levels and most likely also allele‐specific properties. We created six two‐way multilines by mixing seeds of the parental line Bobwhite and transgenicPm3a,Pm3bandPm3dlines. ThePm3multilines were more resistant than their components when tested in the field. This demonstrates that the difference in a singleRgene is sufficient to cause host‐diversity effects and that multilines of transgenicPm3wheat lines represent a promising strategy for an effective and sustainable use ofPm3alleles.
Forbidden Friends as Forbidden Fruit: Parental Supervision of Friendships, Contact With Deviant Peers, and Adolescent Delinquency
Authors: Keijsers Loes , Branje Susan , Hawk Skyler T. , Schwartz Seth J. , Frijns Tom , Koot Hans M. , van Lier Pol , Meeus Wim
Published: December 2011

Spending leisure time with deviant peers may have strong influences on adolescents’ delinquency. The current 3‐wave multi‐informant study examined how parental control and parental prohibition of friendships relate to these undesirable peer influences. To this end, annual questionnaires were administered to 497 Dutch youths (283 boys, mean age = 13 years at baseline), their best friends, and both parents. Cross‐lagged panel analyses revealed strong longitudinal links from contacts with deviant peers to adolescent delinquency, but not vice versa. Parent‐reported prohibition of friendships positively predicted contacts with deviant peers and indirectly predicted higher adolescent delinquency. Similar indirect effects were not found for parental control. The results suggest that forbidden friends may become “forbidden fruit,” leading to unintended increases in adolescents’ own delinquency.
Infants Make Quantity Discriminations for Substances
Authors: Hespos Susan J. , Dora Begum , Rips Lance J. , Christie Stella
Published: December 2011

Infants can track small groups of solid objects, and infants can respond when these quantities change. But earlier work is equivocal about whether infants can track continuous substances, such as piles of sand. Experiment 1 (N = 88) used a habituation paradigm to show infants can register changes in the size of piles of sand that they see poured from a container when there is a 1‐to‐4 ratio. Experiment 2 (N = 82) tested whether infants could discriminate a 1‐to‐2 ratio. The results demonstrate that females could discriminate the difference but males could not. These findings constitute the youngest evidence of successful quantity discriminations for a noncohesive substance and begin to characterize the nature of the representation for noncohesive entities.
Narrative as a Root Metaphor for Political Psychology
Authors: Hammack Phillip L. , Pilecki Andrew
Published: December 2011

The idea of narrative has become increasingly appropriated in empirical research in both psychology and politics, yet there is a notable absence of integrative frameworks that specify a conceptual and methodological approach to narrative research in political psychology. An integrative conceptual framework is proposed and anchored in four principles of a narrative approach: (1) the mutual constitution of language and thought, (2) the need for personal coherence through narrative identity development, (3) the need for collective solidarity through shared meaning, and (4) the mediational property of narrative in social activity and practice. Theory and empirical research related to these principles are reviewed. We argue that a narrative framework has the potential to enhance the relevance and amplify the voice of political psychology within and beyond the academy and to offer new knowledge on the complex and dynamic relationship between context and mind.
HOW POLITICIANS AND BUREAUCRATS NETWORK: A COMPARISON ACROSS GOVERNMENTS
Authors: ALEXANDER DAMON , LEWIS JENNY M. , CONSIDINE MARK
Published: December 2011

Effective public administration relies on the passage of information through interpersonal communication networks. While we have a vast research literature concerning formal structures and roles in organizations, including public agencies and government institutions, we know far less about the flow of information through semiformal, voluntary interactions. In this paper we use a large survey to explore the networking patterns of politicians and bureaucrats and to compare these with the more formal structural attributes of hierarchy and functional specialization. Social network analysis and standard quantitative measures are used to examine which actors are most central in advice and strategic information networks and how this varies across governments. The results suggest that the communication networks of politicians and bureaucrats differ substantially, with politicians being surprisingly peripheral in their patterns of interaction. Differences across governments are also observed with some municipalities being markedly more hierarchical, cross‐organizational, and externally focused in their networking behaviour.
Deception detection from written accounts
Authors: MASIP JAUME , BETHENCOURT MARÍA , LUCAS GUADALUPE , SEGUNDO MIRIAM SÁNCHEZ‐SAN , HERRERO CARMEN
Published: December 2011

Masip, J., Bethencourt, M., Lucas, G., Sánchez‐San Segundo, M. & Herrero, C. (2012). Deception detection from written accounts. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 103–111.

Most research into deception detection in written accounts has been conducted on transcripts instead of written messages, and has focused on identifying valid verbal deception correlates instead of also examining untrained readers’ spontaneous lie‐detection attempts (accuracy rates, the cues they use, and so on). Also, the question of whether good liars are also good detectors has not been examined using written accounts. In Study 1, 78 participants handwrote a story and then judged the veracity of another participant’s story. Accuracy was at chance level. Good liars were not better detectors than poor liars, but participants who thought they were good liars also thought they were good detectors. The higher the participants’ fluidity scores on a standardized test, the poorer liars they were and the better liars they thought they were. The cues participants said they used were related to their judgments but unrelated to actual veracity. In Study 2, some Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) categories (with the Spanish‐language dictionary) permitted a 68% classification rate of the written accounts of Study 1.
Climate, Trade and Water: A ‘Grand Coalition’?
Authors: Messerlin Patrick
Published: December 2011

The paper argues first that the climate, trade and water communities should leave aside their prejudices, and it provides clear evidence that the three communities confront the same vested interests when trying to solve their common problem of free riding. Then, it argues that such strong similarities speak in favour of ‘sister’ world regimes in these three domains. These sister regimes should first share the key principles of non‐discrimination (national treatment (NT) and most favoured nation) embodied in the WTO. Second, by contrast, the climate and water communities should review the other WTO rules to adapt them to their specific demands when needed. Interestingly, when doing so, these two communities may provide much needed inspiration for improving some rules of the current trade regime. Finally, the climate and water regimes may also adopt provisions on pricing that are not needed by the trade regime, which deals mostly with well functioning markets.
Rethinking Climate Change Governance and Its Relationship to the World Trading System
Authors: Barrett Scott
Published: December 2011

International climate negotiations have thus far eschewed efforts to incorporate trade restrictions, but they have also failed to achieve their objective of reducing global emissions. Because of this failure, some countries are now inclined to act unilaterally and minilaterally, in many cases by imposing trade restrictions against third parties. Such actions are likely to invite retaliation. They could even ignite an escalating trade war. The best way to avoid such conflicts is not to limit the use of trade restrictions, but to make international climate negotiations effective. Ironically, success in addressing climate change multilaterally may require incorporating trade restrictions in a new kind of climate agreement. Trade restrictions have been used successfully in other international agreements. But in these agreements, the primary purpose of the restrictions has been to encourage participation. That is, their primary purpose has been to enforce the agreement. This is the role trade restrictions ought to play in a new climate treaty. But for them to play this role, the design of climate treaties must change. If climate treaties are designed strategically, the threat to restrict trade will suffice to enforce the agreement; and if the threat to restrict trade is credible, and the punishment associated with the restriction severe, trade restrictions will not actually have to be used. By incorporating trade restrictions in this way, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced without putting at risk the gains from multilateral cooperation in trade.
What Role for Trade in a Post‐2012 Global Climate Policy Regime
Authors: Whalley John
Published: December 2011

This paper discusses the role that trade can potentially play in both negotiating and operating a post‐Kyoto/post‐2012 global climate policy regime. As an addition to the bargaining set for a global climate negotiation, trade in principle widens the range of jointly beneficial potential outcomes and can in this sense be a potential facilitator of an agreed global climate regime. The reverse is also true that in a linked climate–trade–finance global policy coordination structure that goes well beyond what was envisioned at Bretton Woods, climate now added to the global policy bargaining set also offers the prospect of potentially stronger trade disciplines (and even beyond WTO disciplines being negotiated). Trade policy can as well be an instrument for the implementation of a global climate regime, since trade provides a mechanism for achieving an internalisation outcome for the global externality that climate change represents and that provides a potentially more efficient outcome and also helps meet distributional objectives. In short, trade added to the emerging post‐2012 climate regime can both expand the bargaining set for both (effectively linked) negotiations and additionally provide an instrument for the implementation of an agreed outcome.