bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activities of ZnO powder‐coated PVC film to inactivate food pathogens
Authors: Li Xihong , Xing Yage , Jiang Yunhong , Ding Yulong , Li Weili
Published: October 2009

In this work, the effects of two different amounts of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the antimicrobial activities of poly (vinyl chloride)‐based films to inactivate food pathogens were investigated. Results showed that the ZnO‐coated film exhibited a good inhibition effect on the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and its ability was attributed to the ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO‐coated films exhibited more effective antibacterial activity for S. aureus. However, antifungal activity of the ZnO‐coated films (20 mm × 25 mm) against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum was not observed. It is likely due to the complexity of the fungal cell wall and the ZnO nanoparticles without UV light irradiated or the insufficient amount of nanoparticles. Our findings reveal that ZnO nanoparticles have a good potential to be coated on a plastic film to make antimicrobial packaging against bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus.
The influence of inulin addition on the morphological and structural properties of durum wheat pasta
Authors: Manno Daniela , Filippo Emanuela , Serra Antonio , Negro Carmine , De Bellis Luigi , Miceli Antonio
Published: October 2009

The effect of the addition of different concentration of inulin fibre to durum wheat pasta was evaluated in terms of structure, texture and morphological characteristics. Inulin fibre fraction was incorporated into pasta at 5%, 10% and 15% inclusion rates. Changes to pasta quality were observed with inulin fibre fraction addition by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy methods. Investigation of pasta microstructure indicate a lowering in crystallinity increasing the inulin content and characterisation of starch gelatinisation events indicated that a combination of changes to the starch–protein matrix and the high water‐binding capacity of inulin alters the physico‐chemical properties and then the digestibility of the pastas.
Antioxidants in aerial parts of Hypericum sampsonii, Hypericum japonicum and Hypericum perforatum
Authors: Chen Chung Li , Huang Chien Hsiu , Sung Jih Min
Published: October 2009

Antioxidants contents and antioxidative enzymes and their activities in fresh aerial tissues of Hypericum sampsonii (Sampson’s St John’s Wort), Hypericum japonicum (Japanese St John’s Wort) and Hypericum perforatum were investigated. Hypericum sampsonii contained more total ascorbate [34.33 μmol g−1 fresh weight (FW)] than H. perforatum (57% less) and H. japonicum (82% less). It also contained more thiol and phenolics than two other species. Hypericum japonicum had highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (8.74 mmol min−1 g−1 FW), followed by H. sampsonii (2% less) and H. perforatum (37% less). Hot‐air dried H. perforatum materials contained more thiol [208.7 μmol g−1 dry weight (DW)] and phenolics (352.82 mg g−1 DW) than freeze‐dried and fresh materials. Both drying treatments decreased the activities of antioxidative enzymes in aerial tissues of H. perforatum. However, freeze‐dried H. perforatum contained the highest SOD activity (5.42 mmol min−1 g−1 DW) among the antioxidative enzymes measured from both freeze‐dried and hot‐air dried tissues (ranged from 0.02 to 2.65 μmol min−1 g−1 DW).
Physico‐chemical characterisation of a non‐conventional food protein source from earthworms and sensory impact in arepas
Authors: Cayot Nathalie , Cayot Philippe , Bou‐Maroun Elias , Laboure Hélène , Abad‐Romero Beatriz , Pernin Karine , Seller‐Alvarez Nuria , Hernández Ayary V. , Marquez Elil , Medina Ana L.
Published: October 2009

This study aimed to characterise a non‐conventional protein source: a powder made from earthworms, and to evaluate its potential use as human food. The way it was prepared led to low solubility and wide particle size distribution. Sensory analysis was used to assess the acceptability and the organoleptic properties of maize‐based pan‐cakes fortified with this novel protein powder. Satisfying products were obtained with a substitution level of 5.5% (w/w) earthworm powder in pan‐cakes. GC‐MS allowed the identification of more than seventy volatile compounds that may be responsible for the off‐odour of the powder. The most abundant chemical groups found in the volatile fraction were ketones with undecan‐2‐one, alcohols with pentan‐1‐ol, and aldehydes with hexanal. Partial delipidation was tested as a way to improve the organoleptic quality of the powder. It clearly led to less intensely coloured samples but delipidation must be optimised to have an impact on odour.
Optimisation of fermentation conditions for mango (Mangifera indicaL.) wine production by employing response surface methodology
Authors: Sudheer Kumar Yannam , Prakasam Reddy Shetty , Reddy Obulam Vijaya Sarathi
Published: October 2009

Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for the simultaneous analysis of fermentation conditions of temperature, pH and inoculum size on chemical characteristics such as ethanol, glycerol and volatile acidity, produced during mango wine production bySaccharomyces cerevisiae(var. bayanus). The experiments were carried out according to the central composite design to establish the optimum conditions for improving the quality of mango wine. The predicted values for optimisation process conditions were in good agreement with experimental data. The results showed that a satisfactory production of ethanol from the mango juice could be achieved reaching up to 10% (v/v), glycerol concentration is increased to 6.94 g L−1and volatile acidity is minimised to 0.29 g L−1at optimised fermentation conditions of temperature 22.5 °C, pH 3.8 and inoculum size 11.9%. Verification of the model indicated no difference between predicted and observed values. Sensory evaluation studies shown overall acceptance of mango wine with good quality.
Evidence that a secondary metabolic biosynthetic gene cluster has grown by gene relocation during evolution of the filamentous fungus Fusarium
Authors: Proctor Robert H. , McCormick Susan P. , Alexander Nancy J. , Desjardins Anne E.
Published: October 2009

Trichothecenes are terpene‐derived secondary metabolites produced by multiple genera of filamentous fungi, including many plant pathogenic species of Fusarium. These metabolites are of interest because they are toxic to animals and plants and can contribute to pathogenesis of Fusarium on some crop species. Fusarium graminearum and F. sporotrichioides have trichothecene biosynthetic genes (TRI) at three loci: a 12‐gene TRI cluster and two smaller TRI loci that consist of one or two genes. Here, comparisons of additional Fusarium species have provided evidence that TRI loci have a complex evolutionary history that has included loss, non‐functionalization and rearrangement of genes as well as trans‐species polymorphism. The results also indicate that the TRI cluster has expanded in some species by relocation of two genes into it from the smaller loci. Thus, evolutionary forces have driven consolidation of TRI genes into fewer loci in some fusaria but have maintained three distinct TRI loci in others.
Null mutations in Sinorhizobium meliloti exoS and chvI demonstrate the importance of this two‐component regulatory system for symbiosis
Authors: Bélanger Louise , Dimmick Kristin A. , Fleming Jacquelyn S. , Charles Trevor C.
Published: October 2009

Exopolysaccharides, either succinoglycan or galactoglucan, are essential for the establishment of the symbiosis between Sinorhizobium meliloti and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). The ExoS/ChvI two‐component regulatory system is known as a regulator of succinoglycan production but the genes that are directly regulated by ChvI have not been determined. Difficulty isolating exoS and chvI null mutants has prompted the suggestion that these genes are essential for S. meliloti viability. We have successfully isolated exoS and chvI null mutants using a merodiploid‐facilitated strategy. We present evidence that the S. meliloti ExoS/ChvI two‐component regulatory system is essential for symbiosis with alfalfa. Phenotypic analyses of exoS and chvI null mutant strains demonstrate that ExoS/ChvI controls both succinoglycan and galactoglucan production and is required for growth on over 21 different carbon sources. These new findings suggest that the ExoS/ChvI regulatory targets might not be the exo genes that are specific for succinoglycan biosynthesis but rather genes that have common influence on both succinoglycan and galactoglucan production. Other studied alpha‐proteobacteria ExoS/ChvI orthologues are required for the bacteria to invade or persist in host cells and thus we present more evidence that this two‐component regulatory system is essential for alpha‐proteobacterial host interaction.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy and intellectual performance in young adult Swedish male offspring
Authors: Lundberg Frida , Cnattingius Sven , D'Onofrio Brian , Altman Daniel , Lambe Mats , Hultman Christina , Iliadou Anastasia
Published: October 2009

Lundberg F, Cnattingius S, D'Onofrio B, Altman D, Lambe M, Hultman C, Iliadou A. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and intellectual performance in young adult Swedish male offspring. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 79–87.

Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of several adverse birth outcomes. Associations with deficits in cognitive development have also been suggested. It is unclear whether these associations are due to genetic and/or environmental confounding. In a population‐based Swedish cohort study on 205 777 singleton males born to Nordic mothers between 1983 and 1988, we examined the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risk of poor intellectual performance in young adult male offspring.

In the cohort analyses, the risk of poor intellectual performance was increased in sons of smoking mothers compared with sons of non‐smokers. Stratifying for maternal smoking habits across two pregnancies, there was an increased risk of poor intellectual performance for both sons if the mother was only smoking in the first pregnancy, but in neither son if the mother was only smoking in the second pregnancy. The effect of smoking during pregnancy on intellectual performance was not present when the association was evaluated within sibling pairs. Thus, the association between prenatal smoking exposure and offspring risk of low intellectual performance appears to be completely confounded by familial (genetic and early environmental) factors.
Epidemiology of major paediatric chest trauma
Authors: Samarasekera Sumudu P , Mikocka‐Walus Antonina , Butt Warwick , Cameron Peter
Published: October 2009

Aim:  Paediatric chest trauma is a marker of severe injury and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. However, current trends in the Australian population are unknown. This study aims to outline the profile and management of major paediatric chest trauma in Victoria.

Methods:  Prospectively collected data of patients from the Victorian State Trauma Registry from July 2001 to June 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on fatalities were obtained from the National Coroners Information System. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the profiles of major trauma cases and coroners' cases.

Results:  Overall, 204 cases with serious paediatric chest injuries were reported by the Victorian State Trauma Registry (n = 158) and National Coroners Information System (n = 46) (excluding overlapping cases) in 2001–2007. Paediatric chest trauma was more common in males. The Injury Severity Score ranged from 16 to 25 in most patients. Blunt trauma was responsible for 96% of cases, of which motor vehicle collisions accounted for 75%. Median hospitalisation was 9 days, and 64% of patients were admitted to intensive care. Common injuries included lung contusion (66%), haemo/pneumothorax (32%) and rib fracture (23%). Multiple organ injury occurred in 99% of cases, with head (62%) and abdominal (50%) injury common. Management was conservative, with only 11 cases (7%) treated surgically. The highest mortality was in the 10–15‐year age group. In 52 (79%) fatalities, injury was transport related.

Conclusion:  Australian paediatric chest trauma trends are similar to international patterns. Serious injury requiring surgical intervention is rare. This limited exposure may lead to difficulty in maintaining surgical expertise in this highly specialised area.
Ursodeoxycholic acid's role in avoiding diversionary surgery in idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis
Authors: Rosenbaum Jeremy , Alex George , Clarnette Tom
Published: October 2009

Obstructive jaundice in childhood is rare but a cause of great concern and warrants aggressive investigation into its aetiology. Idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis (IFP) is a rare cause of this phenomenon and is presently a diagnosis of exclusion with lymphoma a main differential diagnosis. IFP appears to be a self limiting occurrence and as a result the previous gold standard of therapy of surgical diversion may ultimately be unnecessary. We describe ursodeoxycholic acid as a useful adjunct to treatment allowing more time for clinicians to evaluate the nature of the underlying disease process without hastily moving towards invasive surgery until clearly indicated.
Sensitivity of confocal laser tomography versus optical coherence tomography in detecting advanced glaucoma
Authors: Hewitt Alex W , Chappell Angela J , Straga Tania , Landers John , Mills Richard A , Craig Jamie E
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the sensitivity of manufacturer supported normative algorithms in Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) and Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting advanced primary open angle glaucoma.

Methods:  A total of 157 subjects with advanced primary open angle glaucoma were recruited. The eye with the more severe glaucoma, as judged by mean deviation on Humphrey visual field, was imaged. The total number of optic disc sectors classified as being outside normal limits on Moorfields Regression Analysis (MRA) from the HRT II and HRT 3 software or from the sector and quadrant averages analysis of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer OCT scans was compared using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results:  At least one segment in each eye was identified as being outside normal limits by the OCT sector Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer analysis (100% sensitivity). Five eyes were classified as being within normal limits on the OCT quadrant average analysis (96.8% sensitivity). Four eyes were found to be either completely within normal limits or borderline on the HRT II MRA (97.5% sensitivity), of which one was subsequently identified as being outside normal limits by the HRT 3 MRA. The total number of segments classified as being outside normal limits was greater on HRT 3 MRA than HRT II MRA (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Automated optic nerve imaging devices rarely produce a totally normal result in the presence of advanced primary open angle glaucoma. The Stratus OCT Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer clock hour normative database performs better than other modalities studied. These findings are important in considering the utility of these algorithms for community screening.
Resource distribution and soil moisture content can regulate bait control in an ant assemblage in Central Amazonian forest
Authors: BACCARO FABRICIO BEGGIATO , KETELHUT SUZANA MARIA , DE MORAIS JOSÉ WELLINGTON
Published: October 2009

Resources influence population growth, interspecific interactions, territoriality and, in combination with moisture content, affect terrestrial arthropod distribution and abundance. Ants are usually described as interactive and compete in transitive hierarchies, where the dominants behaviourally exclude subordinate species from food resources. In this study, we evaluated the effects of (i) dominant ants, soil moisture and an artificial resource gradient on the number of ant species attracted to baits; and (ii) how soil moisture and an artificial resource gradient change the number of controlled baits in a Central Amazonian rain forest. We sampled 30 100‐m‐long transects, located at least 200 m apart. The transects were established with six different bait densities varying between six and 41 baits and the soil moisture content was measured at 10 points for each transect. Six ant species were considered dominant, and had negative correlations with the number of species at baits (r2 = 0.186; F1,28 = 6.419; P = 0.017). However, almost half of the transects showed low abundance of dominant species (<30%), and relatively high number of species (mean of 20.1 ± 8.75). Resource availability and soil moisture had negative and positive correlations, with number of controlled baits. These results suggest that, even though the dominance is relatively poorly developed on the floor of this tropical forest, both resource availability and soil moisture affect resource control, and thus, the number of species that use baits.
Experimental manipulation reveals the importance of refuge habitat temperature selected by lizards
Authors: ANDERSSON MICHA , KROCKENBERGER ANDREW , SCHWARZKOPF LIN
Published: October 2009

Refuges provide shelter from predators, and protection from exposure to the elements, as well as other fitness benefits to animals that use them. In ectotherms, thermal benefits may be a critical aspect of refuges. We investigated microhabitat characteristics of refuges selected by a heliothermic scincid lizard, Carlia rubrigularis, which uses rainforest edges as habitat. We approached lizards in the field, simulating a predator attack, and quantified the refuge type used, and effect of environmental temperatures (air temperature, substrate temperature and refuge substrate temperature) on the amount of time skinks remained in refuges after hiding (emergence time). In respone to our approach, lizards were most likely to flee into leaf litter, rather than into rocks or woody debris, and emergence time was dependent on refuge substrate temperature, and on refuge substrate temperature relative to substrate temperature outside the refuge. Lizards remained for longer periods in warmer refuges, and in refuges that were similar in temperature to outside. We examined lizard refuge choice in response to temperature and substrate type in large, semi‐natural outdoor enclosures. We experimentally manipulated refuge habitat temperature available to lizards, and offered them equal areas of leaf litter, woody debris and rocks. When refuge habitat temperature was unmanipulated, lizards (85%) preferred leaf litter, as they did in the field. However, when we experimentally manipulated the temperature of the leaf litter by shading, most skinks (75%) changed their preferred refuge habitat from leaf litter to woody debris or rocks. These results suggest that temperature is a critical determinant of refuge habitat choice for these diurnal ectotherms, both when fleeing from predators and when selecting daytime retreats.
Resilience of a high‐conservation‐value, semi‐arid grassland on fertile clay soils to burning, mowing and ploughing
Authors: LEWIS TOM , REID NICK , CLARKE PETER J. , WHALLEY RALPH D. B.
Published: October 2009

In grassland reserves, managed disturbance is often necessary to maintain plant species diversity. We carried out experiments to determine the impact of fire, kangaroo grazing, mowing and disc ploughing on grassland species richness and composition in a nature reserve in semi‐arid eastern Australia. Vegetation response was influenced by winter–spring drought after establishment of the experiments, but moderate rainfall followed in late summer–autumn. Species composition varied greatly between sampling times, and the variability due to rainfall differences between seasons and years was greater than the effects of fire, kangaroo grazing, mowing or disc ploughing. In the fire experiment, species richness and composition recovered more rapidly after spring than autumn burning. Species richness and composition were similar to control sites within 12 months of burning and mowing, suggesting that removal of the dominant grass canopy is unnecessary to enhance plant diversity. Two fires (separated by 3 years) and post‐fire kangaroo grazing had only minor influence on species richness and composition. Even disc ploughing caused only a small reduction in native richness. The minor impact of ploughing was explained by the small areas that were ploughed, the once‐off nature of the treatment, and the high degree of natural movement and cracking in these shrink‐swell soils. Recovery of the composition and richness of these grasslands was rapid because of the high proportion of perennial species that resprout vegetatively after fire and mowing. There appears to be little conservation benefit from fire, mowing or ploughing ungrazed areas, as we could identify no native plant species dependent on frequent disturbance for persistence in this grassland community. However, the ability of the Astrebla‐ and Dichanthium‐dominated grasslands to recover quickly after disturbance, given favourable seasonal conditions, suggests that they are well adapted to natural disturbances (e.g. droughts, fire, flooding and native grazing).
Disturbance affects spatial patterning and stand structure of a tropical rainforest tree
Authors: WEBBER BRUCE L. , NORTON BRIONY A. , WOODROW IAN E.
Published: October 2009

The distribution and spatial patterns of plant populations in natural ecosystems have recently received much attention; yet the impacts of human‐induced disturbances on these patterns and underlying processes remain poorly understood. We used the sub‐canopy tree, Ryparosa kurrangii (Achariaceae), to explore the possible effects of such disturbances on stand structure and spatial patterning in an Australian tropical rainforest. We studied three populations that differed in their extent of habitat modification: anthropogenic disturbance (proximate settlement and roads) and internal damage by an invasive alien species, the feral pig (Sus scrofa). Populations were mapped, characterized, and three size cohorts (seedlings, saplings, trees) were analysed using a suite of spatial point pattern analyses (univariate: Diggle's G and F and Ripley's K; bivariate: Diggle's G and Ripley's K). Ryparosa kurrangii has a typical stand structure for a sub‐canopy tree species, but occurs at high densities locally (>400 stems ha−1). At all sites, the tree cohort were randomly distributed and saplings were spatially aggregated at distances of up to 2–3 m. Between sites there were distinct differences in the size structure and spatial pattern of seedlings, the cohort most affected by recent habitat modification. That is, the least disturbed site had no aggregation among seedlings, the site with the greatest anthropogenic disturbance had many small, clustered seedlings that were spatially associated with trees, and the site with pig damage had clustered seedlings that had no spatial relationship with trees. We propose that habitat modification by anthropogenic and pig disturbance disrupts seed dispersal and establishment regimes, which leads to altered seedling spatial patterns. These disturbances could have long‐term implications for the population structure and health of R. Kurrangii.
Complications of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS): a prospective audit
Authors: Bignell M. B. , Ramwell A. , Evans J. R. , Dastur N. , Simson J. N. L.
Published: October 2009

Background  The aim of this study was to determine the postoperative complications of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) excision of rectal lesions.

Method  A prospective audit of 262 consecutive TEMS procedures performed by a single surgeon between 1999 and 2008.

Results  The mean age of patients was 72 years. The mean area of the lesions excised was 17.5 cm2 with a mean diameter of 4.5 cm at a mean distance of 7.4 cm from the dentate line. There were 201 full thickness excisions, 51 partial thickness excisions and nine were mixed or unclassified. Thirty‐three (13%) patients developed 41 complications. There were two (0.8%) deaths within 30 days. Pelvic sepsis occurred in seven (3%) patients and was significantly more common after excision of low lesions within 2 cm of the dentate line. Postoperative haemorrhage occurred in seven (3%) patients and was significantly less common when dissection was performed with ultrasonic dissection than with diathermy. Fourteen (5%) patients developed acute urinary retention. Four (1.5%) patients developed rectal stenosis and four (1.5%) suffered uncomplicated surgical emphysema that required no treatment.

Conclusions  Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe operation with a low mortality and morbidity. Pelvic sepsis is more common after excision of lesions within 2 cm of the dentate line. Ultrasonic dissection is associated with less postoperative haemorrhage than diathermy.
Building Peace with Conflict Diamonds? Merging Security and Development in Sierra Leone
Authors: Le Billon Philippe , Levin Estelle
Published: October 2009

This article examines the merging of security and development agendas in primary commodity sectors, focusing on the case of peace‐building reforms in Sierra Leone's diamond sector. Reformers frequently assume that reforming the diamond sector through industrializing alluvial diamond mining will reduce threats to security and development, thereby contributing to peace building. Our findings, however, suggest that the industrialization of alluvial diamond mining that has taken place in Sierra Leone has not reduced threats to security and development, as it has entailed human rights abuses and impoverishment of local communities without consolidating state fiscal revenues and trust in local authorities. This suggests alternative strategies for resource‐related peace‐building initiatives, which we consider at the end of the article: the decriminalization of informal economic activities; the prioritization of local livelihoods and development needs over central government fiscal priorities and foreign direct investment; and better integration between local economies and industrial resource exploitation.
Bourdieu's Distinction between Philosophical and Sociological Approaches to Science Studies
Authors: Turnbull Nick , Antalffy Nikó
Published: October 2009

Sociological inquiry into the natural sciences has shown that they are contingent, social constructions. However, Science Studies research has been obstructed by epistemological conflicts about the nature of science and theoretical perspectives upon studying it. Bourdieu's sociology of science is under-utilized in this field, as he addresses these obstructions and offers a way forward. Bourdieu argues that researchers have failed to distinguish between sociological and philosophical approaches in social science, thus committing the ‘scholastic fallacy’. In conjunction with this fallacy, the logic of the Science Studies field produces a tendency towards disciplinary confusion, philosophical radicalization, and crisis. These patterns were expressed in the ‘science wars’. The field has followed a philosophical path rather than a sociological one, and its progress has been obstructed. While some of Bourdieu's philosophical arguments remain problematic, his reflexive sociology allows us to differentiate philosophical from sociological approaches, providing an alternative direction for Science Studies.
Conspiracy Culture, Blame Culture, and Rationalisation
Authors: Locke Simon
Published: October 2009

This paper outlines an approach to conspiracy culture that attempts to resolve the conundrum posed by the parallel logics of conspiracy and sociological theorising, without reducing the former to an irrational response to hidden social forces. Rather, from a re-crafting of Weber's rationalisation thesis as an analysis of the developmental logic of theories of suffering, it argues that conspiracy culture is an outcome of the means of moral accounting, or blame attribution, that inform mundane reasoning in modernity, as also are the human sciences. As part of this, the paper sketches a tentative framework of moral accounting in relation to the notion of ‘blame culture’ based in part on a distinction between a culture of blaming and the blaming of culture. This is used to argue that there is nothing irrational about conspiracy culture – or at least no more so than there is about sociology.
Weber and Church Governance: Religious Practice and Economic Activity
Authors: Mutch Alistair
Published: October 2009

The debate about the relationship between religion and economic activity in the wake of Weber has been cast largely in terms of belief and values. This article suggests an alternative focus on practice. It argues that taken for granted practices of church governance formed to-hand resources for the organization of economic activity. The argument is developed through an examination of the historical development of church governance practices in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, with particular emphasis on the way in which theological belief gave rise to practices of accountability and record keeping. In turn such practices contributed to a ‘culture of organization’ which had implications for economic activity. A focus on governance practices can help to illuminate enduring patterns of difference in the organization of economic activity.
The Moral Economy of Person Production: The Class Relations of Self-Performance on ‘Reality’ Television
Authors: Skeggs Beverley
Published: October 2009

Drawing on the textual analysis of an ESRC research project ‘Making Class and the Self through Mediated Ethical Scenarios’, this article illustrates how ‘reality’ television offers a visible barometer of a person's moral value. The research included an examination of the shift to self-legitimation, the increased importance of reflexivity and the decline of class proposed by the individualisation thesis. 1 We focused on self-transformation ‘reality’ television programmes as public examples of the dramatisation of individualisation. The over-recruitment of different types of working-class participants to these shows and the positioning of many in need of transformation, enabled an exploration of how certain people and cultures are positioned, evaluated and interpreted as inadequate, deficient and requiring improvement. We found that the individualisation promoted through the programmes was always reliant upon access to and operationalisation of specific social, cultural, economic and symbolic capital.
Accounting for Ethos or Programmes for Conduct? The Brave New World of Research Ethics Committees
Authors: Boden Rebecca , Epstein Debbie , Latimer Joanna
Published: October 2009

This paper examines the operation of power and its consequences arising from the growth of new ethical bureaucracies in universities. We use the UK as a case study to illustrate more general points about the globalised nature and impact of such bureaucratisation. Our focus is on the social sciences as this is where, we argue, the impact is likely to be most marked. The paper is organised in five sections. The first introduces our concerns. Section 2 traces the genealogy of these new regimes of control in the UK. We then problematise the new ethical bureaucracies, making an analysis in terms of the shift in the locus of power away from researchers to becoming centralised in bureaucratic structures. In section 4 we explore some of the ways in which researchers might respond to the changing regimes of ethical control. Finally, we offer considerations of the ways in which ethical governance of research might be differently conducted so as to avoid the adverse consequences of new regimes of control on research practice. Our aim is to provoke debate and thereby contribute to a platform from which to reassert ways to ensure that research is ethical and that do not interfere with the production and consumption of critical social science.
Listening to what is said – transcribing what is heard: the impact of speech recognition technology (SRT) on the practice of medical transcription (MT)
Authors: David Gary C. , Garcia Angela Cora , Rawls Anne Warfield , Chand Donald
Published: October 2009

Medical records have become central to nearly all aspects of healthcare. However, little research exists on their creation. Using data from an ongoing ethnographic study of healthcare documentation production, this paper examines the process of medical record creation through the use of speech recognition technology (SRT) and subsequent editing by medical transcriptionists (MTs). Informed by ethnomethodology (EM) and conversation analysis (CA), the results demonstrate the professional knowledge involved in the work of medical transcription, which includes a combination of skilled worksite practices and an orientation toward the social order properties of recorded dictation. Furthermore, we examine how the advantages and limitations of SRTs can impact the work of transcription. We conclude with strategic recommendations for using SRTs to support medical records production and recommend against total automation.
Creating history: documents and patient participation in nurse‐patient interviews
Authors: Jones Aled
Published: October 2009

Strongly worded directives regarding the need for increased patient participation during nursing interaction with patients have recently appeared in a range of ‘best‐practice’ documents. This paper focuses on one area of nurse‐patient communication, the hospital admission interview, which has been put forward as an ideal arena for increased patient participation. It uses data from a total of 27 admission interviews, extensive periods of participant observation and analysis of nursing records to examine how hospital admission interviews are performed by nurses and patients. Analysis shows that topics discussed during admission closely follow the layout of the admission document which nurses complete during the interview. Whilst it is tempting to describe the admission document as a ‘super technological power’ in influencing the interaction and restricting patient participation, this analysis attempts a more rounded reading of the data. Findings demonstrate that, whilst opportunities for patient participation were rare, admission interviews are complex interactional episodes that often belie simplistic or prescriptive guidance regarding interaction between nurses and patients. In particular, issue is taken with the lack of contextual and conceptual clarity with which best‐practice guidelines are written.
Beyond ‘doctor and patient’: developments in the study of healthcare interactions
Authors: Pilnick Alison , Hindmarsh Jon , Gill Virginia Teas
Published: October 2009

Three decades of conversation analytic investigations of medical interaction have produced a rich collection of findings of sociological interest, from a diverse array of encounters. This paper briefly outlines the development of this field to provide a context for the special issue. The paper discusses how studies of doctor‐patient interaction have revealed the ways in which participants organise the medical visit to accomplish tasks such as diagnosing and recommending treatment for illness, and how doctors and patients address various interactional issues and dilemmas that arise as they undertake these tasks. It then highlights a growing number of CA studies that explore medical settings and activities beyond the doctor‐patient encounter. In doing so, it charts the distinctive interactional practices that emerge, for example, where participants are engaging in hands‐on treatment, medical practitioners are interacting with one another, or various technologies are employed during the encounter. Finally, papers in this special issue are introduced and shown to build upon this latter tradition. The papers address distinctive practical problems and institutional dilemmas that arise in healthcare encounters and medical settings beyond dyadic doctor‐patient interaction, with a focus on the participants’ orientations to policy, their distinctive modes of participation, and the use of technology.
Sparse Additive Models
Authors: Ravikumar Pradeep , Lafferty John , Liu Han , Wasserman Larry
Published: October 2009

We present a new class of methods for high dimensional non-parametric regression and classification called sparse additive models. Our methods combine ideas from sparse linear modelling and additive non-parametric regression. We derive an algorithm for fitting the models that is practical and effective even when the number of covariates is larger than the sample size. Sparse additive models are essentially a functional version of the grouped lasso of Yuan and Lin. They are also closely related to the COSSO model of Lin and Zhang but decouple smoothing and sparsity, enabling the use of arbitrary non-parametric smoothers. We give an analysis of the theoretical properties of sparse additive models and present empirical results on synthetic and real data, showing that they can be effective in fitting sparse non-parametric models in high dimensional data.
Advancing early detection of autism spectrum disorder by applying an integrated two‐stage screening approach
Authors: Oosterling Iris J. , Wensing Michel , Swinkels Sophie H. , Van Der Gaag Rutger Jan , Visser Janne C. , Woudenberg Tim , Minderaa Ruud , Steenhuis Mark‐Peter , Buitelaar Jan K.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Few field trials exist on the impact of implementing guidelines for the early detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aims of the present study were to develop and evaluate a clinically relevant integrated early detection programme based on the two‐stage screening approach of Filipek et al. (1999), and to expand the evidence base for this approach.

Methods:  The integrated early detection programme encompassed: 1) training relevant professionals to recognise early signs of autism and to use the Early Screening of Autistic Traits Questionnaire (ESAT; Dietz, Swinkels et al., 2006; Swinkels, van Daalen, van Engeland, & Buitelaar, 2006), 2) using a specific referral protocol, and 3) building a multidisciplinary diagnostic team. The programme was evaluated in a controlled study involving children in two regions (N = 2793, range 0–11 years). The main outcome variables were a difference in mean age at ASD diagnosis and a difference in the proportion of children diagnosed before 36 months.

Results:  ASD was diagnosed 21 months (95% CI 9.6, 32.4) earlier in the experimental region than in the control region during the follow‐up period, with the mean age at ASD diagnosis decreasing by 19.5 months (95% CI 10.5, 28.5) from baseline in the experimental region. Children from the experimental region were 9.4 times (95% CI 2.1, 41.3) more likely than children from the control region to be diagnosed before age 36 months after correction for baseline measurements. Most of these early diagnosed children had narrowly defined autism with mental retardation.

Conclusions:  The integrated early detection programme appears to be clinically relevant and led to the earlier detection of ASD, mainly in children with a low IQ.
E1AF expression is associated with extra‐prostatic growth and matrix metalloproteinase‐7 expression in prostate cancer
Authors: MARUTA SUGURE , SAKAI HIDEKI , KANDA SHIGERU , HAYASHI TOMAYOSHI , KANETAKE HIROSHI , MIYATA YASUYOSHI
Published: October 2009

E1AF is associated with malignant aggressiveness via regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play pivotal roles in invasion through the degradation of extracellular matrix of tissues surrounding tumors. However, the clinical significance of E1AF and MMPs in patients with prostate cancer is not fully understood. We reviewed 50 tissue samples from patients with T2‐3N0M0 prostate cancer who had undergone radical operation. Expression levels of E1AF, MMP‐1, ‐3, ‐7, ‐9 and ‐14 were determined semiquantitatively by immunohistochemistry. The mean ± SD percentage of E1AF‐stained cancer cells was 8.56 ± 5.22, and it was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the E1AF‐immunostaining index of normal cells (1.17 ± 0.61). E1AF immunostaining index in pT3 (12.74 ± 4.80) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that in pT2 (5.78 ± 3.31). Although E1AF expression correlated with that of MMP‐7 and MMP‐9 (r = 0.47, p < 0.001 and r = 0.41, p = 0.004, respectively), multivariate analysis showed that E1AF correlated with only MMP‐7 expression (OR = 5.81, 95% CI = 1.27–26.59, p = 0.023). Our results demonstrated that increased expression of E1AF is involved in tumor aggression of prostate cancer. This finding may be influenced by regulation of MMP‐7. We speculate that E1AF is a possible target in treatment and prevention of tumor growth in prostate cancer.
Liver distribution of γδ‐T‐cells in patients with chronic hepatitis of different etiology
Authors: KASPER HANS‐UDO , LIGUM DINA , CUCUS JELENA , STIPPEL DIRK L. , DIENES HANS P. , DREBBER UTA
Published: October 2009

The γδ T cells represent a minor unique T‐cell subpopulation long been considered as innate‐like immune cells. They are found in increased numbers in tissues from various inflammatory conditions. Their role in chronic hepatitis, however, is still discussed controversially. Fresh frozen tissues from 50 patients (18 cases hepatitis B infection, 25 hepatitis C, three cases with co‐infection of hepatitis B and C and four patients with autoimmune hepatitis) were investigated. Immunohistochemistry with primary antibodies detecting αβ and γδ TCR was used to evaluate their incidence and distribution in the different histological structures of the liver. The inflammatory infiltrate in all cases of chronic hepatitis was dominated by αβ T cells and was mainly localized in the portal tracts with formation of an interface hepatitis (95.3%αβ T cells; 4.7%γδ T cells). There were neither significant differences between inflammatory infiltrate nor the amount or percentage of γδ T cells between hepatitis B, C or autoimmune hepatitis. No accumulation of γδ T cells could be observed in cases of chronic hepatitis of different etiologies. The immune‐mediated phenomena in chronic hepatitis are dominated by αβ T cells. Thus, the adapted immune system is responsible for the inflammatory processes in chronic hepatitis.
Comparative analysis of antibiotic resistance and phylogenetic group patterns in human and porcine urinary tract infectious Escherichia coli
Authors: HANCOCK VIKTORIA , NIELSEN EVA MØLLER , KRAG LOUISE , ENGBERG JØRGEN , KLEMM PER
Published: October 2009

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases in humans and domestic animals such as pigs. The most frequent infectious agent in such infections is Escherichia coli. Virulence characteristics of E. coli UTI strains range from highly virulent pyelonephritis strains to relatively benign asymptomatic bacteriuria strains. Here we analyse a spectrum of porcine and human UTI E. coli strains with respect to their antibiotic resistance patterns and their phylogenetic groups, determined by multiplex PCR. The clonal profiles of the strains differed profoundly; whereas human strains predominantly belonged to clonal types B2 and D, these were not seen among the porcine strains, which all belonged to the E. coli clonal groups A and B1. Contrary to the human strains, the majority of the porcine strains were multidrug resistant. The distinct profiles of the porcine strains suggest selective pressure due to extensive antibiotic use.
Immune hierarchy among HIV‐1 CD8+ T cell epitopes delivered by dendritic cells depends on MHC‐I binding irrespective of mode of loading and immunization in HLA‐A*0201 mice
Authors: KLOVERPRIS HENRIK N. , KARLSSON INGRID , THORN METTE , BUUS SØREN , FOMSGAARD ANDERS
Published: October 2009

Recent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) vaccination strategies aim at targeting a broad range of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes from different HIV‐1 proteins by immunization with multiple CTL epitopes simultaneously. However, this may establish an immune hierarchical response, where the immune system responds to only a small number of the epitopes administered. To evaluate the feasibility of such vaccine strategies, we used the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*0201 transgenic (tg) HHD murine in vivo model and immunized with dendritic cells pulsed with seven HIV‐1‐derived HLA‐A*0201 binding CTL epitopes. The seven peptides were simultaneously presented on the same dendritic cell (DC) or on separate DCs before immunization to one or different lymphoid compartments. Data from this study showed that the T‐cell response, as measured by cytolytic activity and γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ)‐producing CD8+ T cells, mainly focused on two of seven administered epitopes. The magnitude of individual T‐cell responses induced by immunization with multiple peptides correlated with their individual immunogenicity that depended on major histocompatibility class I binding and was not influenced by mode of loading or mode of immunization. These findings may have implications for the design of vaccines based on DCs when using multiple epitopes simultaneously.
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in the Obese Type 2 Diabetic ZDF Rat with Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Garcia Maurice M. , Fandel Thomas M. , Lin Guiting , Shindel Alan W. , Banie Lia , Lin Ching-Shwun , Lue Tom F.
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major complication of type 2 diabetes, and many diabetic men with ED are refractory to common ED therapies.

Aim

To determine whether autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) injected into the penis of impotent type 2 diabetic rats improve erectile function.

Main Outcome Measures

Blood glucose levels, intracavernous pressure (ICP) increase upon cavernous nerve (CN) electrostimulation, and immunohistochemistry.

Methods

Twenty-two male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were used. At 22 weeks of age, all the animals underwent unilateral CN electrostimulation and ICP measurement to confirm impotence. Paragonadal adipose tissue was harvested to procure ADSCs. The impotent animals were randomized to ADSC treatment and sham control groups. At 23 weeks of age, the treatment group animals underwent a penile injection of 1 million ADSCs; the control group animals received vehicle only. Erectile function studies were repeated at 26 weeks of age, followed by tissue harvest.

Results

The rats developed diabetes within the first 10 weeks of age. At 22 weeks of age, 20 out of the 22 rats presented with ED. The post-treatment ICP increase during CN stimulation and ICP increase/mean arterial pressure were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with controls. Three weeks after injection into the corpus cavernosum, only a small number of BrdU-labeled ADSCs was detectable within corporal tissue of the treatment group. There was a significant increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the penile dorsal nerve and in the number of endothelial cells in the corpora cavernosa of the rats in the treatment group.

Conclusion

Autologous ADSCs injected into the penis were effective to improve erectile function and to alter the microarchitecture of the corpus cavernosum. Since the number of ADSCs retained in the corpus cavernosum is very small, we postulate that their paracrine function, not trans-differentiation to smooth muscle or endothelial cells, is responsible for the improvement in penile function.