bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models and the Semantic View
Authors: Thomson-Jones Martin
Published: August 2007

I begin by distinguishing two notions of model, the notion of a truth-making structure and the notion of a mathematical model (in one specific sense). I then argue that although the models of the semantic view have often been taken to be both truth-making structures and mathematical models, this is in part due to a failure to distinguish between two ways of truth-making; in fact, the talk of truth-making is best excised from the view altogether. The result is a version of the semantic view which is better supported by the direct evidence offered for it, better equipped to achieve its avowed aims, and, I think, closer to the intentions of the original proponents of the view in many ways, despite some of their own declarations to the contrary.
The Elusive Higgs Mechanism
Authors: Smeenk Chris
Published: August 2007

The Higgs mechanism is an essential but elusive component of the Standard Model of particle physics. Without it Yang-Mills gauge theories would have been little more than a warm-up exercise in the attempt to quantize gravity rather than serving as the basis for the Standard Model. This article focuses on two problems related to the Higgs mechanism clearly posed in Earman's recent papers (Earman 2003, 2004a, 2004b): what is the gauge-invariant content of the Higgs mechanism, and what does it mean to break a local gauge symmetry?
Chance Variation: Darwin on Orchids
Authors: Beatty John
Published: August 2007

How, according to Darwin, does chance variation affect evolutionary outcomes? In his 1866 book, On the Various Contrivances by which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilised by Insects, Darwin developed an argument that played an important role in his overall case for evolution by natural selection, as articulated in later editions of the Origin. This argument also figured significantly in Darwin's reflections on the theological dimensions of evolution by natural selection.
Chance and the Patterns of Drift: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Richardson Robert C.
Published: August 2007

Evolutionary models can explain the dynamics of populations, how genetic, genotypic, or phenotypic frequencies change with time. Models incorporating chance, or drift, predict specific patterns of change. These are illustrated using classic work on blood types by Cavalli-Sforza and his collaborators in the Parma Valley of Italy, in which the theoretically predicted patterns are exhibited in human populations. These data and the models display properties of ensembles of populations. The explanatory problem needs to be understood in terms of how likely an observed change, in either a population or an ensemble, would be under drift alone; this is fundamentally a matter of chance. Understood in this way, issues of drift and chance undercut most recent philosophical, but not biological, discussions of the role of “genetic drift.”
Three Perspectives on Neutrality and Drift in Molecular Evolution
Authors: Dietrich Michael R.
Published: August 2007

This article offers three contrasting cases of the use of neutrality and drift in molecular evolution. In the first, neutrality is assumed as a simplest case for modeling. In the second and third, concepts of drift and neutrality are developed within the context of population genetics testing and the development and application of the molecular clock.
Discussion of “Four Case Studies on Chance in Evolution”: Philosophical Themes and Questions
Authors: Millstein Roberta L.
Published: August 2007

The four case studies on chance in evolution provide a rich source for further philosophical analysis. Among the issues raised are the following: Are there different conceptions of chance at work, or is there a common underlying conception? How can a given concept of chance be distinguished from other chance concepts and from nonchance concepts? How can the occurrence of a given chance process be distinguished empirically from nonchance processes or other chance processes? What role does chance play in evolutionary theory? I argue that in order to answer these questions, a careful distinction between process and outcome must be made; however, the purpose of this essay is not to answer these questions definitively, but rather to elaborate on them and to provide a starting point for further discussion.
Visual Cognition: Where Cognition and Culture Meet
Authors: Gooding David C.
Published: August 2007

Case studies of diverse scientific fields show how scientists use a range of resources to generate new interpretative models and to establish their plausibility as explanations of a domain. They accomplish this by manipulating imagistic representations in particular ways. I show that scientists in different domains use the same basic transformations. Common features of these transformations indicate that general cognitive strategies of interpretation, simplification, elaboration, and argumentation are at work. Social and historical studies of science emphasize the diversity of local contexts of practice. However, the existence of common strategies shows that this diversity masks an important repertoire of cognitive strategies. Scientists use this repertoire to adapt their representations to meet the cognitive demands of different contexts of practice. This paper considers the implications of this finding for the notion of scientists as cognitive agents in distributed knowledge-producing systems.
Robustness Analysis
Authors: Weisberg Michael
Published: August 2007

Modelers often rely on robustness analysis, the search for predictions common to several independent models. Robustness analysis has been characterized and championed by Richard Levins and William Wimsatt, who see it as central to modern theoretical practice. The practice has also been severely criticized by Steven Orzack and Elliott Sober, who claim that it is a nonempirical form of confirmation, effective only under unusual circumstances. This paper addresses Orzack and Sober's criticisms by giving a new account of robustness analysis and showing how the practice can identify robust theorems. Once the structure of robust theorems is clearly articulated, it can be shown that such theorems have a degree of confirmation, despite the lack of direct empirical evidence for their truth.
Getting More with Less: Experimental Constraints and Stringent Tests of Model Mechanisms of Chemical Oscillators
Authors: Stemwedel Janet D.
Published: August 2007

Initially, models of chemical systems displaying oscillatory behavior were judged successful if they could show how such behavior was even possible. Recently, however, reaction mechanisms for chemical oscillators have been subjected to more stringent experimental tests. I examine strategies for model testing that flow from theoretical considerations, in particular, the types of feedback relations between chemical species required to produce oscillatory behavior in mechanistic models. These theoretical considerations allow chemists to work around important practical considerations such as an inability to measure certain species in the experimental system. These sorts of testing strategies illuminate chemists’ desiderata for a “good model.”
Strategies of Model Building in Population Genetics
Authors: Plutynski Anya
Published: August 2007

In 1966, Richard Levins argued that there are different strategies in model building in population biology. In this paper, I reply to Orzack and Sober's (1993) critiques of Levins and argue that his views on modeling strategies apply also in the context of evolutionary genetics. In particular, I argue that there are different ways in which models are used to ask and answer questions about the dynamics of evolutionary change, prospectively and retrospectively, in classical versus molecular evolutionary genetics. Further, I argue that robustness analysis is a tool for, if not confirmation, then something near enough, in this discipline.
With ‘Genes’ Like That, Who Needs an Environment? Postgenomics's Argument for the ‘Ontogeny of Information’
Authors: Stotz Karola
Published: August 2007

The linear sequence specification of a gene product is not provided by the target DNA sequence alone but by the mechanisms of gene expressions. The main actors of these mechanisms, proteins and functional RNAs, relay environmental information to the genome with important consequences to sequence selection and processing. This ‘postgenomic’ reality has implications for our understandings of development not as predetermined by genes but as an epigenetic process. Critics of genetic determinism have long argued that the activity of ‘genes’ and hence their contribution to the phenotype depends on intra- and extraorganismal ‘environmental’ elements. As will be shown here, even the mere physical existence of a `gene' is dependent on its phenotypic context.
A comparison between mivacurium and suxamethonium in children
Authors: MANGAT P. S. , EVANS D. E. N. , HARMER M. , LUNN J. N.
Published: August 2007

The neuromuscular effects of mivacurium were compared with those of suxamethonium in 69 children (aged 2–12 years), during nitrous oxide, oxygen and halothane anaesthesia in a randomised open study. Neuromuscular block was monitored by measuring the acceleration of the thumb caused by contraction of the adductor pollicis muscle after supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist using an Accelograph. End‐tidal carbon dioxide was maintained at about 4 kPa in both groups. The mean times (95% confidence intervals) for T1: T0 ratio to decrease to 75%, 50%, 25% and 5% of control values were 50 (42–59), 62 (52–74), 83 (68–100) and 93 (46–108) s respectively for mivacurium and 18 (15–22), 26 (22–30), 32 (28–37) and 43 (38–49) s respectively for suxamethonium. The times for T1: T0 ratio to recover to 25%, 50% and 70% of control values were 615 (542–698), 769 (687–859) and 901 (820–993) s respectively for mivacurium and 196 (179–214), 216 (201–234) and 242 (216–259) s respectively for suxamethonium. The range of maximum block was similar for both drugs. The average time to reach maximum block was 143 s for mivacurium and 56 s for suxamethonium. Intubating conditions were similar in the two groups.
Comparison of intubation following propofol and alfentanil with intubation following thiopentone and suxamethonium
Authors: BECK G. N. , MASTERSON G. R. , RICHARDS J. , BUNTING P.
Published: August 2007

We have compared a rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia using propofol 2 mg.kg−1 and alfentanil 50 μg.kg−1, with a standard technique using thiopentone 5 mg.kg−1 and suxamethonium 1 mg.kg−1. The incidence of complications, and the quality of conditions for intubation, were similar in both groups. The patients receiving propofol and alfentanil showed a significant decrease in blood pressure and heart rate following induction (p < 0.01), whereas the group receiving thiopentone and suxamethonium showed a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate following induction (p < 0.01). The use of propofol and alfentanil provided a satisfactory alternative to thiopentone and suxamethonium for a rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia.
Addition of droperidol to patient‐controlled analgesia: effect on nausea and vomiting
Authors: WILLIAMS O. A. , CLARKE F. L. , HARRIS R. W. , SMITH P. , PEACOCK J. E.
Published: August 2007

A double‐blind trial of the effect of droperidol on the incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients using patient‐controlled analgesia was carried out in 60 healthy women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. After a standard anaesthetic including droperidol 2.5 mg as a prophylactic antiemetic, patients were randomly allocated to receive postoperative patient‐controlled analgesia with either morphine alone (2mg.ml−1) or morphine (2mg.ml−1) with droperidol (0.2 mg.ml−1) added to the syringe. Verbal scores and visual analogue scores for nausea, vomiting, pain and sedation were made at 4, 12 and 24 h postoperatively, and any requirement for intramuscular prochlorperazine noted. There was no difference between the groups at any time in the amount of morphine consumed or in pain scores. At 12 h, patients receiving droperidol experienced significantly less nausea, and over the first 24 h, 31% required prochlorperazine compared with 59.3% of patients not receiving droperidol. The number of patients with sedation at 24 h was significantly greater in the droperidol group. We conclude that the addition of droperidol to morphine both reduces nausea and the need for further antiemetic treatment.
Rhabdomyolysis following life‐threatening acute asthma attack
Authors: VISETTI E. , COSTA P.
Published: August 2007

The authors report a life‐threatening, acute asthmatic attack in a young man, which was followed by rhabdomyolysis and acute myoglobinuria. A discussion of the possible role of the pharmacological treatment of asthma in initiating muscle damage is included, based on a review of the current literature.
CS gas—implications for the anaesthetist
Authors: BHATTACHARYA S. T. , Hayward A. W.
Published: August 2007

Although the use of CS gas is illegal in the UK, an occasional patient exposed to its effects may be seen. We report the problems experienced with the anaesthetic management of such a patient.
Epidural catheters
Authors: DAVIES R. , VAUGHAN R. S. , RICHARDS J.
Published: August 2007

The forces required to break and to remove catheters from epidural spaces were investigated. Provided the patient's back is fully flexed and a slow steady pull is applied to the epidural catheter, the extraction forces required at both thoracic and lumbar levels are well below the minimum force required to break the same catheters.
Assessing the extraction and quantification of amorphous silica in soils of forest and grassland ecosystems
Authors: Saccone L. , Conley D. J. , Koning E. , Sauer D. , Sommer M. , Kaczorek D. , Blecker S. W. , Kelly E. F.
Published: August 2007

Many studies have highlighted the importance of the Amorphous Silica (ASi) pool to the overall mass balance in the biogeosphere. In order to advance our knowledge of measurements and quantification of this pool, it is necessary to compare the ability of different extractants to dissolve ASi in soils and to test methods developed in the aquatic sciences to soils systems. The methods used in this work included three acid extraction techniques (0.2 m NH4‐oxalate, 0.1 m NH4‐citrate and 0.5 m NH4‐acetate) and two alkaline extraction techniques (0.094 m Na2CO3 and 0.5 m NaOH), which are more commonly used for the measurement of ASi in aquatic sediments. Our results indicate that the amount of Si extracted from phytolith samples with the acid methods was two orders of magnitude less than the amount of extracted by alkaline extractions. When applied to natural soil samples, these extractions show that the acid techniques are only able to extract loosely‐bound components such as adsorbed Si and Si bound in amorphous matrices with Al and Fe. While Na2CO3 or NaOH extracted the same amount of ASi in Podzols, Na2CO3 was able to extract only part of the ASi extracted with NaOH in Chernozems. Pre‐treatment of the samples with 0.1 m HCl before the Na2CO3 extraction did not increase amounts of ASi extracted. The present work suggests that alkaline methods used commonly for ASi on aquatic sediment samples can be used on a wide variety of soils.
Analysing the preferential transport of lead in a vegetated roadside soil using lysimeter experiments and a dual‐porosity model
Authors: Roulier S. , Robinson B. , Kuster E. , Schulin R.
Published: August 2007

Lead (Pb) from the traffic accumulates in roadside soils, which are usually vegetated to control erosion. Plants release soluble organic substances that bind Pb. Root macropores also create preferential pathways through which water can flow. Both these processes may enhance Pb mobility. We used large lysimeters to investigate the transport of Pb in a contaminated (445 mg Pb kg−1) soil under vegetation (Phacelia tanacetifolia). Despite the high soil pH (7.2), Pb leached into the drainage water during the 5‐month experiment. The fast response of the system to intense rainfall events indicated the presence of preferential flow. By comparing Pb concentrations in filtered and unfiltered leachates, we found that Pb was leaching primarily on suspended material. An increase in Pb concentration in the leachate at the end of the experiment indicated the remobilization of Pb, possibly by decaying vegetation. We parameterized the dual‐porosity MACRO model using the experimental results. The simple parameterization of MACRO used to simulate the Pb concentrations in the drainage water produced an overall model efficiency of 0.81: MACRO simulated the Pb concentrations well, but it failed to predict the observed increase of Pb in the leachate at the end of the experiment. The model gave the best prediction of Pb concentrations with a small partition coefficient (kd= 150 cm3 g−1). Long‐term simulations of Pb mobility showed that for our specific conditions preferential flow was the main process determining the fate of Pb.
Genetic transduction in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: OGUNSEITAN OLADELE A.
Published: August 2007

1. Lateral genetic exchange is a profound consequence of the co‐existence of viruses (bacteriophages) and bacteria in freshwater ecosystems. Transduction is distinct from other mechanisms of genetic exchange because it is driven by potentially lethal agents external to the donor and recipient cells. Therefore, transduction is reputed to be a major driving force behind the diversity in natural populations and communities of bacteria.

2. Both generalized transduction (where every segment of the donor's genome has equal chance of being transferred to a recipient cell) and specialized transduction (where certain donor gene sequences are transferred at higher frequencies than others based on their proximity to the integration site of the transducing bacteriophage genome) have been demonstrated for various freshwater bacteria. However, these genetic exchange events occur at frequencies that vary widely, from 10−2 to 10−10 transductants per recipient, depending on the influence of various physical, chemical and biotic environmental factors on the outcome of phage–host encounters. Methodological constraints limit the interpretation of results from early studies of transduction in freshwaters because those studies introduced exogenous organisms in microcosms and excluded, to different extents, naturally occurring environmental conditions and their variability.

3. To assist the design and extrapolation of empirical observations, mathematical models including application of Group Theory are useful to estimate boundaries of the impact of transduction in generating and maintaining microbial diversity in freshwater. These theoretical excursions generate hypotheses and questions that can only be answered through refinement of current empirical estimates of transduction frequency, polarity of gene mobilization, bacteriophage host ranges, and the influence of gradients in environmental parameters that characterize freshwater ecosystems.
Correlation of thromboelastographic patterns with clinical presentation and rationale for use of antifibrinolytics in severe haemophilia patients
Authors: GHOSH K. , SHETTY S. , KULKARNI B.
Published: August 2007

Summary.  Thromboelastography (TEG) assesses the global pattern of blood coagulation in the whole blood. Present day management of haemophilia is based on replacement therapy with lost factor by parenteral administration of factor concentrates. It is very well known that interaction of cellular components in the blood also affect the thrombin generation which in turn might produce varied TEG patterns that might reflect the clinical severity in haemophilia patients. We evaluated 66 severe haemophilia A and B patients (as assessed by one‐stage assay) by TEG and correlated the varied TEG patterns with the clinical severity in the patients. Four distinct TEG patterns were observed; Group A consisted of eight patients with hypercoagulable patterns while group B consisted of two patients showing hyperfibrinolytic patterns. Group C comprised of 17 patients whose TEG tracings did not show the initiation of clot formation at all while group D comprising of 39 patients showed varied clot initiation times ranging from almost normal pattern to a highly prolonged split times. Groups A and D patients were relatively milder clinically while groups B and C were clinically severe as assessed by the number of bleeding episodes, the frequency of transfusion and joint deformity. Subsequently we also evaluated the in vitro efficacy of the antifibrinolytic drug, EACA in normalizing the TEG patterns in 12 patients (group C) who did not show the initiation of clot formation in the TEG tracings to see the contribution of fibrinolysis in producing such patterns. The use of EACA in vitro in this group improved the TEG profile of these patients. In conclusion, the classification of severe haemophilia patients based on TEG patterns correlated well with the clinical severity and the ex vivo use of antifibrinolytics like EACA are effective in improving the TEG profile of all patients who had an abnormal TEG pattern without any clot initiation.
Experience with epidural anaesthesia in pregnant women with von Willebrand disease
Authors: VARUGHESE J. , COHEN A. J.
Published: August 2007

Summary.   The use of epidural anaesthesia (EA) in women with von Willebrand disease (vWD) is limited secondary to fears of complications. Currently, there are no standard recommendations for the use of EA in women with vWD. A retrospective chart review was performed of women with vWD who received EA at the time of term pregnancy. EA was administered to 15 women at the time of 17 deliveries, four by caesarian section and 13 by normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. Ninety‐three per cent of these women had type 1 vWD. None of the women received DDAVP or clotting factor concentrates prior to the administration of EA. There were no complications directly related to EA. Postpartum haemorrhage did occur in 47% of the deliveries, with three women requiring blood transfusion. In this small series, EA appears to be safely administered to pregnant type 1 vWD patients at the time of term delivery.
Histological evaluation of MTA as a root‐end filling material
Authors: Bernabé P. F. E. , Gomes‐Filho J. E. , Rocha W. C. , Nery M. J. , Otoboni‐Filho J. A. , Dezan‐Júnior E.
Published: August 2007

Aim  To assess the histological response associated with grey mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA) and zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) as root‐end filling materials in teeth where the root canals were not filled and the coronal access cavities were not restored.

Methodology  Periapical lesions were developed in 24 premolar teeth in three dogs. The root canals were prepared and half of them were dried, filled and the coronal access restored (closed). The remaining teeth were not root filled and no coronal restoration was placed (open). Apical root‐end resections were performed 3 mm from the apex, and root‐end cavities were prepared with ultrasonic tips. These were randomly filled with either ZOE or GMTA in the same number of specimens using MAPSYSTEM device. After 180 days the animals were killed and blocks of tissues removed and processed for histological examination. Periradicular tissue reaction was evaluated, including severity of inflammation and cementum formation. Statistical analysis was performed using anova analysis and Tukey's test.

Results  A significant difference was found between the levels of inflammation in the periradicular tissues of the GMTA/closed group, compared with the ZOE/open and ZOE/closed groups (P < 0.05) but not between GMTA/closed and GMTA/open groups. Cementum formation was not found over any ZOE specimens but over MTA in all specimens. No microorganisms were found in the interface between the material and the dentinal walls.

Conclusions  GMTA was associated with less periapical inflammation and tissue response when used as a root‐end filling material, even when no root filling or coronal restoration was present.
The sealing ability of GuttaFlow™ in oval‐shaped canals: an ex vivo study using a polymicrobial leakage model
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Brandão M. C. , Fidel R. A. S. , Fidel S. R.
Published: August 2007

Aim  To compare systematically the sealing ability provided by four endodontic cements: AH Plus, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT, RoekoSeal and GuttaFlow.

Methodology  A sample of 100 human mandibular incisors with oval‐shaped canals was selected from an initial sampling of two hundred teeth. The root canals in 80 teeth were prepared and filled by the same operator using the cold lateral compaction technique with one of the following four cements (n = 20): G1: AH Plus; G2: Pulp Canal Sealer EWT; G3: RoekoSeal and G4: GuttaFlow. Ten teeth with intact crowns served as negative controls and 10 teeth that were not root filled served as positive controls. All teeth were mounted in a two chamber apparatus and then exposed to human saliva. The number of days over a 9‐weeks‐period was recorded for the appearance of turbidity in the BHI broth. A Log‐rank test was used to analyse the leakage data.

Results  Overall, 30% of the samples of the AH Plus group (G1) and 35% of the Pulp Canal Sealer EWT group (G2) were fully contaminated after 9 weeks, whereas 15% of RoekoSeal (G3) and GuttaFlow (G4) groups were fully contaminated. There was a significant difference between (G1/G2) and (G3/G4) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between G1 and G2 or between G3 and G4 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  The silicone‐based sealers revealed the best results throughout the experimental period. Leakage patterns of AH plus and Pulp Canal Sealer were statistically similar.
The use of bispectral index monitoring in education – a tool to improve nurse‐anaesthetists practice
Authors: Vedtofte Jakob I. , Rasmussen Lars S.
Published: August 2007

Title.  The use of bispectral index monitoring in education – a tool to improve nurse‐anaesthetists practice

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate whether monitoring depth of anaesthesia by bispectral index would reduce recovery time and consumption of anaesthetic drugs in anaesthetics performed by student nurse‐anaesthetists.

Background.  It is difficult to assess the depth of anaesthesia clinically. Studies have shown that experienced anaesthetists can titrate anaesthetics more accurately when using bispectral index monitors. It is not known if student nurse‐anaesthetists can benefit from their use in a similar way.

Method.  A multicentre study involving four hospitals was carried out during a 13‐month period in 2003 and 2004. In total 25 nurses participated, each contributing with two procedures: one with monitoring and one without. The nurses had at least 10 months of experience in conducting anaesthesia and all had a theoretical introduction and a test session to become familiar with the equipment. The sequence was randomized and the observer was blinded to whether a monitor was used. Fifty patients were anaesthetized with propofol and fentanyl. Recovery time, consumption of anaesthetic drugs, and patient satisfaction were measured in both groups.

Results.  Recovery time was 11 minutes in the monitor group (range: 2–53 minutes) and 15 minutes in the control group, (range: 3–60 minutes). P = 0·26. There were no statistically significant differences in consumption of anaesthetic drugs or patient satisfaction in the two groups.

Conclusion.  It was not possible to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in recovery time or consumption of anaesthetic drugs when using bispectral index monitoring during training of student nurse‐anaesthetists.
Preserving dignity in caring for older adults: a concept analysis
Authors: Anderberg Patrice , Lepp Margret , Berglund Anna‐Lena , Segesten Kerstin
Published: August 2007

Title.  Preserving dignity in caring for older adults: a concept analysis

Aim.  This paper is a report of a concept analysis of the meaning of preserving dignity.

Background.  Preserving dignity, especially when caring for older adults, is essential when giving nursing care. There is a lack of clarity about what kinds of caring activities lead to preserved dignity.

Method.  Data were collected using several databases (CINAHL, Age Info, Libris, Medline, Pub Med, Psyc INFO and Blackwell Synergy) covering the years 1990–2005. The keywords used were ‘dignity’, ‘human dignity’, ‘preserving dignity’, ‘elderly’, ‘aged’, combined with ‘patients/persons’, ‘caring relation’ and ‘nursing’. The analysis covered 53 articles, dissertations, reports and textbooks.

Findings.  Dignity may be defined as a concept that relates to basic humanity. Dignity consists of inherent and external dimensions, which are common for all humans and at the same time are unique for each person, relating to social and cultural aspects. The attributes of preserving dignity are individualized care, control restored, respect, advocacy and sensitive listening. Antecedents are professional knowledge, responsibility, reflection and non‐hierarchical organization. The consequences are strengthening life spirit, an inner sense of freedom, self‐respect and successful coping.

Conclusion.  Preserving an older adult’s dignity is complex. By using the attributes in, for example, nursing documentation, the action and value of preserving dignity could be made visible as a professional nursing activity.
Smoking cessation interventions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the role of the family: a systematic literature review
Authors: Luker Karen A. , Chalmers Karen I. , Caress Ann‐Louise , Salmon Margaret P.
Published: August 2007

Title.  Smoking cessation interventions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the role of the family: a systematic literature review

Aim.  This paper is a report of a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of family‐focused smoking cessation interventions for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to determine what data on families are documented in studies of smoking cessation interventions.

Background.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major public health problem and cigarette smoking is the most important factor contributing to its development and progression. However, smoking cessation rates are low and relapse is common. The role of families in smoking cessation efforts has received little attention.

Methods.  All studies were included in the review that (i) addressed an evaluation of a psycho‐social/educational smoking cessation intervention for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (ii) addressed some information on the family (i.e. living arrangements, marital status, smoking history of family members, support for quitting) and/or included the family as part of the intervention and (iii) were published between 1990 and 2006. Electronic data sources, existing systematic reviews of smoking cessation interventions and the grey literature were reviewed.

Results.  Seven studies were included. Six studies (11 papers) included data on marital status, smoking status of household members, support for quitting smoking and related variables. In two of the studies, the variable on the family was used to analyse smoking cessation outcomes. One additional study met the inclusion criterion of an evaluation of a smoking cessation intervention, which also included a family focus in the intervention.

Conclusion.  No conclusions about the effectiveness of a family‐focused smoking cessation intervention could be drawn from this review. Further research is needed to determine if a more family‐focused intervention, in conjunction with pharmacological and counselling approaches, would lead to improved smoking cessation outcomes.
A concept analysis of renal supportive care: the changing world of nephrology
Authors: Noble Helen , Kelly Daniel , Rawlings‐Anderson Karen , Meyer Julienne
Published: August 2007

Title. A concept analysis of renal supportive care: the changing world of nephrology

Aim. This paper is a report of a concept analysis of renal supportive care.

Background. Approximately 1·5 million people worldwide are kept alive by renal dialysis. As services are required to support patients who decide not to start or to withdraw from dialysis, the term renal supportive care is emerging. Being similar to the terms palliative care, end‐of‐life care, terminal care and conservative management, there is a need for conceptual clarity.

Method. Rodgers’ evolutionary method was used as the organizing framework for this concept analysis. Data were collected from a review of CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences and ASSIA (1806–2006) using, ‘renal’ and ‘supportive care’ as keywords. All articles with an abstract were considered. The World Wide Web was also searched in English utilizing the phrase ‘renal supportive care’.

Results. Five attributes of renal supportive care were identified: available from diagnosis to death with an emphasis on honesty regarding prognosis and impact of disease; interdisciplinary approach to care; restorative care; family and carer support and effective, lucid communication to ensure informed choice and clear lines of decision‐making.

Conclusion. Renal supportive care is a dynamic and emerging concept relevant, but not limited to, the end phase of life. It suggests a central philosophy underpinning renal service development that allows patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team time to work together to realize complex goals. It has relevance for the renal community and is likely to be integrated increasingly into everyday nephrology practice.
Phase variable type III restriction‐modification systems of host‐adapted bacterial pathogens
Authors: Fox Kate L. , Srikhanta Yogitha N. , Jennings Michael P.
Published: August 2007

Phase variation, the high‐frequency on/off switching of gene expression, is a common feature of host‐adapted bacterial pathogens. Restriction‐modification (R‐M) systems, which are ubiquitous among bacteria, are classically assigned the role of cellular defence against invasion of foreign DNA. These enzymes are not obvious candidates for phase variable expression, a characteristic usually associated with surface‐expressed molecules subject to host immune selection. Despite this, numerous type III R‐M systems in bacterial pathogens contain repetitive DNA motifs that suggest the potential for phase variation. Several roles have been proposed for phase variable R‐M systems based on DNA restriction function. However, there is now evidence in several important human pathogens, including Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that these systems are ‘phasevarions’ (phasevariable regulons) controlling expression of multiple genes via a novel epigenetic mechanism.
CWH43 is required for the introduction of ceramides into GPI anchors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ghugtyal Vikram , Vionnet Christine , Roubaty Carole , Conzelmann Andreas
Published: August 2007

After glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) are added to GPI proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the fatty acid in sn‐2 of the diacylglycerol moiety can be replaced by a C26:0 fatty acid by a deacylation–reacylation cycle catalysed by Per1p and Gup1p. Furthermore the diacylglycerol moiety of the yeast GPI anchor can also be replaced by ceramides. CWH43 of yeast is homologous to PGAP2, a gene that recently was implicated in a similar deacylation reacylation cycle of GPI proteins in mammalian cells, where PGAP2 is required for the reacylation of monoradylglycerol‐type GPI anchors. Here we show that mutants lacking CWH43 are unable to synthesize ceramide‐containing GPI anchors, while the replacement of C18 by C26 fatty acids on the primary diacylglycerol anchor by Per1p and Gup1p is still intact. CWH43 contains the COG3568 metal hydrolase motif, which is found in many eukaryotic and prokaryotic enzymes. The conserved His 802 residue of this motif was identified as being essential for ceramide remodelling. Ceramide remodelling is not required for the normal integration of GPI proteins into the cell wall. All remodelling reactions are dependent on prior removal of the inositol‐linked fatty acid by Bst1p.
The cannabinoid CB2 receptor: a good friend in the gut
Authors: Izzo A. A.
Published: August 2007

Abstract  Mammalian tissues express the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor and the cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor, the latter being involved in inflammation and pain. In somatic nerve pathways, the analgesic effects of CB2 agonism are well documented. Two papers published in the Journal have provided evidence that CB2 receptor activation inhibits visceral afferent nerve activity in rodents. These exciting findings are discussed in the context of recent data highlighting the emerging role of CB2 receptor as a critical target able to counteract hypermotility in pathophysiological states, gut inflammation and possibly colon cancer.
Correlated evolution of multivariate traits: detecting co‐divergence across multiple dimensions
Authors: MÁRQUEZ E. J. , KNOWLES L. L.
Published: August 2007

Tests of correlated evolution typically treat phenotypic characters as univariate variables, even though different trait attributes may contribute to their association with other traits. In this study, patterns of character covariation among species are analysed in a multivariate framework to test for both correlated rates and directions of evolutionary change in traits forming the genitalic complex of male grasshoppers. Although the covariation structure differs among traits, and among the constituent species of two grasshopper clades, significant co‐divergence was detected among the most closely interacting genitalic traits (i.e. intromittent characters) in both clades. Co‐divergence across shape space is not accompanied by similar rates of evolution among species, although the intromittent characters tend to show accelerated evolution (relative to nonintromittent characters). Differences in the evolutionary trajectories among traits may relate to their varied roles during mating. The study emphasizes the importance of a multivariate framework for detecting macroevolutionary patterns of correlated change.
The leaf‐tying moth Hypocosmia pyrochroma (Lep., Pyralidae), a host‐specific biological control agent for cat's claw creeper Macfadyena unguis‐cati (Bignoniaceae) in Australia
Authors: Dhileepan K. , Snow E. L. , Rafter M. A. , Treviño M. , McCarthy J. , Wilmot Senaratne K. A. D.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Cat's claw creeper, Macfadyena unguis‐cati, a major environmental weed in coastal and sub‐coastal areas of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia is a target for classical biological control. Host specificity of Hypocosmia pyrochroma Jones (Lep., Pyralidae), as a potential biological control agent was evaluated on the basis of no‐choice and choice larval feeding and survival, and adult oviposition preference tests, involving 38 plant species in 10 families. In no‐choice tests, larval feeding and development occurred only on cat's claw creeper. In choice tests, oviposition and larval development was evident only on cat's claw creeper. The results support the host‐specificity tests conducted in South Africa, and suggest that H. pyrochroma is a highly specific biological control agent that does not pose any risk to non‐target plants tested in Australia. This agent has been approved for field release by relevant regulatory authorities in Australia.
Development of transgenic rice seed accumulating a major Japanese cedar pollen allergen (Cry j 1) structurally disrupted for oral immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Lijun , Suzuki Kazuya , Hirose Sakiko , Wakasa Yuhya , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: August 2007

Rice seed‐based edible vaccines expressing T‐cell epitope peptides derived from Japanese cedar major pollen allergens have been used to successfully suppress allergen‐specific Th2‐mediated immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses in mouse experiments. In order to further expand the application of seed‐based allergen‐specific immunotherapy for controlling Japanese cedar pollinosis, we generated transgenic rice plants that specifically express recombinant Cry j 1 allergens in seeds. Cry j 1 allergens give low specific IgE‐binding activity but contain all of the T‐cell epitopes. The allergens were expressed directly or as a protein fusion with the major rice storage protein glutelin. Fusion proteins expressed under the control of the strong rice endosperm‐specific GluB‐1 promoter accumulated in rice endosperm tissue up to 15% of total seed protein. The fusion proteins aggregated with cysteine‐rich prolamin and were deposited in endoplasmic reticulum‐derived protein body I. The production of transgenic rice expressing structurally disrupted Cry j 1 peptides with low IgE binding activity but spanning the entire Cry j1 region can be used as a universal, safe and effective tolerogen for rice seed‐based oral immunotherapy for cedar pollen allergy in humans and other mammals.
A Matter of Fact? Knowledge Effects on the Vote in Swedish General Elections, 1985–2002
Authors: Oscarsson Henrik
Published: August 2007

What would have happened in general elections if all voters had more closely approximated the democratic ideal of a ‘fully informed’ voter? Earlier analyses have demonstrated politically consequential effects of political information on American voters’ political preferences. In an effort to expand the validity of these results, the author of this article performed counterfactual analyses of aggregate election outcomes in six Swedish general elections from 1985 to 2002. The analyses show that the aggregated gains for right‐wing parties average +2.1 percentage points during the period. In two elections, the outcome would have resulted in a different government majority. The findings challenge a widespread idea that voters’ extensive use of cognitive heuristics can compensate fully for their lack of factual knowledge. This article demonstrates that factual knowledge can indeed have significant effects in places where one would least expect it – in a Northern European multiparty context where voters are renowned for making extensive use of cognitive heuristics.
The Sophisticated Public: The Effect of Competing Frames on Public Opinion
Authors: Hansen Kasper M.
Published: August 2007

Deliberation is the current buzzword among democratic thinkers. Deliberative democracy assumes that deliberation has an effect on the people engaging in the deliberative process. Several studies have demonstrated that this is indeed the case: deliberation increases political knowledge and opinion consistency, as well as mutual understanding and broader tolerance among citizens. In order to verify the findings from these studies and to confront the problems of internal and external validity in the previous studies of deliberation, alternative methodological designs must be applied. Applying an experimental split‐sample design using CATI on the Danish electorate reveals how arguments and frames influence public opinion. Across various frames and arguments and political issues, positive (negative) arguments tend to push opinions in a positive (negative) direction. When competing frames are presented to the public, people submit to neither ambivalence nor non‐attitudes. Quite to the contrary, people tend to follow their predisposition and provide more consistent opinions. Thus, deliberation composed of various competing frames and arguments facilitates – rather than distorts – sophisticated and considered public opinion.
Signing in the Flesh: Notes on Pragmatist Hermeneutics
Authors: Shalin Dmitri N.
Published: August 2007

This article offers an alternative to classical hermeneutics, which focuses on discursive products and grasps meaning as the play of difference between linguistic signs. Pragmatist hermeneutics reconstructs meaning through an indefinite triangulation, which brings symbols, icons, and indices to bear on each other and considers a meaningful occasion as an embodied semiotic process. To illuminate the word-body-action nexus, the discussion identifies three basic types of signifying media: (1) the symbolic-discursive, (2) the somatic-affective, and (3) the behavioral-performative, each one marked by a special relationship between signs and their objects. An argument is made that the tension between various type-signifying media is unavoidable, that the pragmatic-discursive misalignment is an ontological condition, and that bridging the gap between our discursive, affective, and behavioral outputs is at the heart of ethical life.
Symmetries of Integrable Difference Equations on the Quad‐Graph
Authors: Rasin Olexandr G. , Hydon Peter E.
Published: August 2007

This paper describes symmetries of all integrable difference equations that belong to the famous Adler–Bobenko–Suris classification. For each equation, the characteristics of symmetries satisfy a functional equation, which we solve by reducing it to a system of partial differential equations. In this way, all five‐point symmetries of integrable equations on the quad‐graph are found. These include mastersymmetries, which allow one to construct infinite hierarchies of local symmetries. We also demonstrate a connection between the symmetries of quad‐graph equations and those of the corresponding Toda type difference equations.
Legal discourse and the cultural intelligiblity of gendered meanings1
Authors: Ehrlich Susan
Published: August 2007

This paper considers the methodological challenges that ‘post‐modern’ approaches to gender (Cameron 2005) pose for the field of language and gender. If we assume that gender cannot be ‘read off’ the identities of speakers, but rather is a social process by which individuals come to make cultural sense, then how do we best investigate this process? AsStokoe (2005)andStokoe and Smithson (2002)have argued, it is problematic within such frameworks to conduct research that pre‐categorizes individuals as women and men, since it is individuals'constitutionas women or men that should be the issue under investigation. Indeed, forButler(1990: 145), to understand ‘identity as apractice … is to understand culturally intelligible subjects as the resulting effects of a rule‐bound discourse’ (emphasis in original). This suggests that we attend to cultural norms of intelligibility (i.e. the ‘rule‐bound discourse’) and their effects. FollowingBlommaert (2005)andWoolard (forthcoming), in this paper I investigate a speech event, a courtroom trial dealing with sexual assault, where understandings of social identities and categories (i.e. ‘norms of intelligibility’) are not only evident in the local talk of speakers and hearers, but also in the recontextualizations of this local talk by powerful institutional representatives (i.e. judges). By examining such recontextualizations of courtroom talk, gender is not ‘read off’ the identities of individuals (i.e. courtroom participants) but rather investigated as it appears in the cultural sense‐making frameworks of judges. Moreover, given that judges are the ultimate interpreters of the linguistic representations of courtroom talk, this paper also demonstrates some of the social consequences associated with the performance of culturally intelligible and unintelligible gendered identities.