bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zur Wirksamkeit von Nicht‐Stärke‐Polysaccharide (NSP) hydrolysierenden Enzymen als Futtersupplemente zu Legehennenrationen auf Gerste‐Roggen‐ und Weizen‐Roggen‐Basis
Authors: Oloffs K. , Jeroch H. , Schöner F.‐J.
Published: February 2011

In einem zwölfwöchigem Leistungsversuch wurde die Wirksamkeit von β‐Glucanase‐ bzw. Xylanase enthaltenen Enzympräparaten zu Legehennenrationen auf Gerste‐Roggen‐ und Weizen‐Roggen‐Basis geprüft. Dabei wurde neben den Enzymzusätzen zusätzlich zwischen ad libitum und restriktiven Fütterungsvarianten unterschieden. Die geprüften Enzympräparate hatten sowohl bei ad libitum‐ als auch bei restriktiver Fütterung der Hennen keinen signifikanten Einfluß auf die Leistungsparameter. Der Anteil Schmutzeier war durch die Wirkung der Enzymzusätze auf die Exkrementbeschaffenheit (geringere Viskosität) verringert, wobei bei den restriktiv gefütterten Gruppen die Wirkung deutlicher ausfiel als bei den ad libitum versorgten Tieren.

The efficiency of enzymes hydrolyzing non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP) as feed additives to layer rations on barley‐rye and wheat‐rye basis

The efficiency of enzyme additives containing β‐glucanase and xylanase to layer rations on a barley‐rye and wheat‐rye basis was tested in a 12‐week performance trial. All treatments were tested either using ad libitum or restricted feeding. The tested enzyme preparations revealed no significant influence on the performance parameters, neither in ad libitum feeding nor in restrictive variants. The quantity of dirty eggs was slightly decreased due to the influence of enzyme supplementation on the excreta consistency (lower viscosity). This effect was even stronger in the groups on restrictive feeding.
Clinically important detection of infection as an ‘incidental’ finding during cancer staging using FDG‐PET/CT
Authors: Wong P. S. , Lau W. F. E. , Worth L. J. , Thursky K. A. , Drummond E. , Slavin M. A. , Hicks R. J.
Published: February 2011

Background:  FDG‐PET/CT is widely used in the management of a variety of malignancies with excellent overall accuracy, despite the potential for false positive results related to infection and inflammation.

Aim:  As cancer patients can develop clinically inapparent infections, we evaluated the prevalence and nature of incidental findings reported to be suggestive of infections that had been identified during clinical cancer staging with FDG‐PET/CT.

Methods:  The study involved a retrospective analysis of 60 patients managed primarily at our facility from a total of 121 cases identified as having possible infection on clinical reporting of more than 4500 cancer staging investigations performed during the calendar year of 2008.

Results:  Occult infections were uncommon overall (≤1%), but most often because of pneumonia (31.6%), upper respiratory tract infections (21.1%) or wound infections (15.8%). Abnormal scans contributed to patients' management in 52.7% of cases. Two out of 13 patients whose scan abnormalities were not investigated further had worsening changes on repeated scan and one of these patients had clinical deterioration.

Conclusions:  In patients with FDG‐PET/CT scans suggestive of infection and in whom a final diagnosis could be reached, the positive predictive value for FDG‐PET/CT scans was 89% suggesting that abnormal scans indicative of infection should be investigated further in this population.
Asbestos‐related disease
Authors: Jamrozik E. , de Klerk N. , Musk A. W.
Published: February 2011

Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres causes several diseases. These include asbestosis, lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma as well as pleural effusion, discrete (plaques) or diffuse benign pleural fibrosis and rolled atelectasis. The lag time between exposure and the development of disease may be many decades, thus the health risks of asbestos continue to be relevant despite bans on the use of asbestos and improvements in safety regulations for those who are still exposed. Asbestos was mined and used extensively in Australia for over 100 years and Australia is now experiencing part of a worldwide epidemic of asbestos‐related disease. This review provides insight into the history and epidemiology of asbestos‐related disease in Australia and discusses relevant clinical aspects in their diagnosis and management. The past and current medico‐legal aspects of asbestos as well as currently evolving areas of research and future projections are summarized.
Income Shifting within a Dual Income Tax System: Evidence from the Finnish Tax Reform of 1993*
Authors: Pirttilä Jukka , Selin Håkan
Published: February 2011

Dual income tax systems can suffer from income that shifts from progressively taxed labour income to capital income, which is taxed at a lower, flat rate. This paper empirically examines the 1993 Finnish dual income tax reform, which radically reduced the marginal tax rates on capital income for some, but not all, taxpayers. We measure how overall taxable income and the relative shares of capital income and labour income reacted to the reform. We find that the reform led to a small positive impact on overall taxable income, but part of the positive response was probably offset by income shifting among the self‐employed.
Deregulation of Shopping Hours: The Impact on Independent Retailers and Chain Stores
Authors: Wenzel Tobias
Published: February 2011

This paper studies shopping hour decisions by retail chains and independent competitors. We use a Salop‐type model in which retailers compete in prices and shopping hours. Our results depend significantly on efficiency differences between the retail chain and the independent retailer. If the efficiency difference is small, the independent retailer may choose longer shopping hours than the retail chain and may therefore gain from deregulation at the expense of the retail chain. The opposite result emerges when the efficiency difference is large. Then, the retail chain may benefit whereas the independent retailer loses from deregulation.
Structural Change in Advanced Nations: A New Set of Stylised Facts*
Authors: Jorgenson Dale W. , Timmer Marcel P.
Published: February 2011

We provide new evidence on patterns of structural change in advanced economies, reconsidering the stylised facts put forward by Kaldor (1963), Kuznets (1971), and Maddison (1980). Since 1980, the services sector has overwhelmingly predominated in the economic activity of the European Union, Japan, and the US, but there is substantial heterogeneity among services. Personal, finance, and business services have low productivity growth and increasing shares in employment and GDP. By contrast, shares of distribution services are constant, and productivity growth is rapid. We find that the labour share in value‐added is declining, while the use of ICT capital and skilled labour is increasing in all sectors and regions.
The Relevant Market for Production and Wholesale of Electricity in the Nordic Countries: An Econometric Study*
Authors: Juselius Mikael , Stenbacka Rune
Published: February 2011

We apply cointegration analysis to daily averages of Nord Pool prices covering the period 2001–2007 in order to empirically characterize the geographical dimension of the relevant market for production and wholesale of electricity. We reach the following econometric conclusions: (i) price areas Finland, Sweden, and Norway 3 unambiguously belong to the same relevant market; (ii) Denmark 2 belongs to this same market except for the subsample 2004–2007; (iii) Norway 1 and Denmark 1 define separate markets on their own. We find that the stochastic trends in Nord Pool prices originate in countries abundant in capacity to generate hydro power.
DISPENSER OF THE MERCY OF THE GOVERNMENT: Pardons, Justice, and Felony Disenfranchisement
Authors: Rothchild Jonathan
Published: February 2011

I argue that the aporetic character of clemency must be understood in terms of its unmerited and merited character to achieve the underlying purposes of justice within criminal justice: justice as fairness (punishment must be deserved and proportionate) and justice as restoration (repair of the harm to victims and society and the reintegration of offenders) are paramount goals. Rather than destabilizing political order, pardons can render productive potential tensions between justice as fairness and justice as restoration. Taking as my conceptual point of departure Paul Ricoeur's claims about the suprajuridical and supraethical character of pardon, I develop the argument through three central sections: an excursus into historical and contemporary practices of clemency in the United States; a critical analysis of the merited and unmerited aspects of clemency with respect to remorse and atonement theories within theological and legal discourse; and a normative engagement with pardons and felony disenfranchisement.
THE POLITICS OF YHWH: John Howard Yoder's Old Testament Narration and Its Implications for Social Ethics
Authors: Nugent John C.
Published: February 2011

The apparent tension between the moral codes of the Old and New Testaments constitutes a perennial problem for Christian ethics. Scholars who have taken this problem seriously have often done so in ways that presume sharp discontinuity between the Testaments. They then proceed to devise a system for identifying what is or is not relevant today, or what pertains to this or that particular social sphere. John Howard Yoder brings fresh perspectives to this perennial problem by refuting the presumption of intratestamental discontinuity. Throughout multiple scattered works on the Old Testament, Yoder offers a coherent and provocative narration that culminates in the way of Christ and establishes the ethical continuity of the entire biblical canon. This essay presents the basic parameters of Yoder's Old Testament narration, suggests points where revision is needed, and highlights several implications for social ethics.
THE EARLIEST CHRISTIAN WAR: Second‐ and Third‐Century Martyrdom and the Creation of Cosmic Warriors
Authors: Koscheski Jonathan
Published: February 2011

Many Christian historians and theologians hold the opinion that the early church condemned wholesale an active involvement in bloodshed. However, in light of evidence drawn from early Christian texts, most notably literature dealing with martyrdom, one finds that stance overly simplified. In fact, forms of early Christianity not only glorified war and violence in certain contexts but actively sought it out. This article enters into this conversation by applying a theory championed by Mark Juergensmeyer's Terror in the Mind of God. While this theory deals with modern examples of religious cultures of violence, his “stages of symbolic empowerment” apply surprisingly well to certain communities within the early orthodox church. The cosmic war complex that leads to nefarious figures such as the fanatic suicide bomber can be seen at work within the nascent matrix of the Church, which produced victims and warriors in the form of the voluntary martyrs.
MARTIN RÁZUS: Literary and Philosophical Reflections on Morality1
Authors: Gluchman Vasil
Published: February 2011

Martin Rázus (1888–1937) was one of the most important personalities of Slovak Lutheran social, political, cultural, literary, and intellectual life during the first half of the twentieth century. First, I examine the picture of Slovak rural morality portrayed in the works of Rázus, particularly his 1929 novel Svety[Worlds], in which Rázus presents the morality of the people in the Slovak countryside from the beginning of the twentieth century until the end of the 1920s. Second, as the ethical and moral issues of life are crucial topics of Rázus's philosophical and ethical reasoning, I examine Rázus's ethical treatise Argumenty[Arguments] (1932), in which he develops, explains, and philosophically justifies many of his ideas concerning the ethics and morality expressed in his literary works and political and religious essays.
Children with dyslexia reveal abnormal native language representations: Evidence from a study of mismatch negativity
Authors: Bruder Jennifer , Leppänen Paavo H. T. , Bartling Jürgen , Csépe Valéria , Démonet Jean‐Francois , Schulte‐Körne Gerd
Published: February 2011

Although a deficit perceiving phonemes, as indexed by the mismatch negativity (MMN), is apparent in developmental dyslexia (DD), studies have not yet addressed whether this deficit might be a result of deficient native language speech representations. The present study examines how a native‐vowel prototype and an atypical vowel are discriminated by 9‐year‐old children with (n=14) and without (n=12) DD. MMN was elicited in all conditions in both groups. The control group revealed enhanced MMN to the native‐vowel prototype in comparison to the atypical vowel. Children with DD did not show enhanced MMN amplitude to the native‐vowel prototype, suggesting impaired tuning to native language speech representations. Furthermore, higher MMN amplitudes to the native‐vowel prototype correlated with more advanced reading (r=−.47) and spelling skills (r=−.52).
Attention modulates emotional expression processing
Authors: Wronka Eligiusz , Walentowska Wioleta
Published: February 2011

To investigate the time course of emotional expression processing, we recorded ERPs to facial stimuli. The first task was to discriminate emotional expressions. Enhanced negativity of the face‐specific N170 was elicited by emotional as opposed to neutral faces, followed by the occipital negativity (240–340 ms poststimulus). The second task was to classify face gender. Here, N170 was unaffected by the emotional expression. However, emotional expression effect was expressed in the anterior positivity (160–250 ms poststimulus) and subsequent occipital negativity (240–340 ms poststimulus). Results support the thesis that structural encoding relevant to gender recognition and simultaneous expression analysis are independent processes. Attention modulates facial emotion processing 140–185 ms poststimulus. Involuntary differentiation of facial expression was observed later (160–340 ms poststimulus), suggesting unintentional attention capture.
Sildenafil attenuates TNBS‐induced colitis in rats: possible involvement of cGMP and KATP channels
Authors: Fakhfouri Gohar , Rahimian Reza , Hashemi Saeed , Rasouli Mohammad Reza , Bahremand Arash , Mehr Shahram Ejtemaei , Khorramizadeh Mohammad Reza , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: February 2011

The involvement of cGMP/KATP pathway in effects of sildenafil on experimental colitis was investigated. Sildenafil significantly attenuated colonic injury markers. These effects were reversed by the addition of glibenclamide or ODQ, indicating the involvement of ATP‐sensitive potassium channels (KATP) and cGMP, respectively.
Novel classes of antibiotics or more of the same?
Authors: Coates Anthony RM , Halls Gerry , Hu Yanmin
Published: February 2011

The world is running out of antibiotics. Between 1940 and 1962, more than 20 new classes of antibiotics were marketed. Since then, only two new classes have reached the market. Analogue development kept pace with the emergence of resistant bacteria until 10–20 years ago. Now, not enough analogues are reaching the market to stem the tide of antibiotic resistance, particularly among gram‐negative bacteria. This review examines the existing systemic antibiotic pipeline in the public domain, and reveals that 27 compounds are in clinical development, of which two are new classes, both of which are in Phase I clinical trials. In view of the high attrition rate of drugs in early clinical development, particularly new classes and the current regulatory hurdles, it does not seem likely that new classes will be marketed soon. This paper suggests that, if the world is to return to a situation in which there are enough antibiotics to cope with the inevitable ongoing emergence of bacterial resistance, we need to recreate the prolific antibiotic discovery period between 1940 and 1962, which produced 20 classes that served the world well for 60 years. If another 20 classes and their analogues, particularly targeting gram‐negatives could be produced soon, they might last us for the next 60 years. How can this be achieved? Only a huge effort by governments in the form of finance, legislation and providing industry with real incentives will reverse this. Industry needs to re‐enter the market on a much larger scale, and academia should rebuild its antibiotic discovery infrastructure to support this effort. The alternative is Medicine without effective antibiotics.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Respiratory Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐1
Protein kinase C–independent inhibition of arterial smooth muscle K+ channels by a diacylglycerol analogue
Authors: Rainbow RD , Parker AM , Davies NW
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Analogues of the endogenous diacylglycerols have been used extensively as pharmacological activators of protein kinase C (PKC). Several reports show that some of these compounds have additional effects that are independent of PKC activation, including direct block of K+ and Ca2+ channels. We investigated whether dioctanoyl‐sn‐glycerol (DiC8), a commonly used diacylglycerol analogue, blocks K+ currents of rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle in a PKC‐independent manner.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Conventional whole‐cell and inside‐out patch clamp was used to measure the inhibition of K+ currents of rat isolated mesenteric smooth muscle cells by DiC8 in the absence and presence of PKC inhibitor peptide.

KEY RESULTS

Mesenteric artery smooth muscle Kv currents inactivated very slowly with a time constant of about 2 s following pulses from −65 to +40 mV. Application of 1 µM DiC8 produced an approximate 40‐fold increase in the apparent rate of inactivation. Pretreatment of the cells with PKC inhibitor peptide had a minimal effect on the action of DiC8, and substantial inactivation still occurred, indicating that this effect was mainly independent of PKC. We also found that DiC8 blocked BK and KATP currents, and again a significant proportion of these blocks occurred independently of PKC activation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results show that DiC8 has a direct effect on arterial smooth muscle K+ channels, and this precludes its use as a PKC activator when investigating PKC‐mediated effects on vascular K+ channels.
The cardioprotective efficacy of TVP1022 in a rat model of ischaemia/reperfusion
Authors: Ertracht Offir , Liani Esti , Bachner‐Hinenzon Noa , Bar‐Am Orit , Frolov Luba , Ovcharenko Elena , Awad Huda , Blum Shany , Barac Yaron , Amit Tamar , Adam Dan , Youdim Moussa , Binah Ofer
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Because myocardial infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, protecting the heart from the ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) damage is the focus of intense research. Based on our in vitro findings showing that TVP1022 (the S‐enantiomer of rasagiline, an anti‐Parkinsonian drug) possesses cardioprotective effects, in the present study we investigated the hypothesis that TVP1022 can attenuate myocardial damage in an I/R model in rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The model consisted of 30‐min occlusion of the left anterior descending artery followed by 4 or 24 h reperfusion. In addition, we investigated the possible mechanisms of cardioprotection in H9c2 cells and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) exposed to oxidative stress induced by H2O2.

KEY RESULTS

TVP1022 (20 and 40 mg·kg−1) administered 5 min before reperfusion followed by an additional dose 4 h after reperfusion reduced the infarct size and attenuated the decline in ventricular function. TVP1022 also attenuated I/R‐induced deterioration in cardiac mitochondrial integrity evaluated by mitochondrial swelling capacity. In vitro, using H9c2 cells and NRVM, TVP1022 attenuated both serum free‐ and H2O2‐induced damage, preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and Bcl‐2 levels, inhibited mitochondrial cytochrome c release and the increase in cleaved caspase 9 and 3 levels, and enhanced the phosphorylation of protein kinase C and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

TVP1022 provided cardioprotection in a model of myocardial infarction, and therefore should be considered as a novel adjunctive therapy for attenuating myocardial damage resulting from I/R injuries.
Symptom‐relieving and neuroprotective effects of the phytocannabinoid Δ9‐THCV in animal models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: García C , Palomo‐Garo C , García‐Arencibia M , Ramos JA , Pertwee RG , Fernández‐Ruiz J
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous findings have indicated that a cannabinoid, such as Δ9‐THCV, which has antioxidant properties and the ability to activate CB2 receptors but to block CB1, might be a promising therapy for alleviating symptoms and delaying neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The ability of Δ9‐THCV to reduce motor inhibition and provide neuroprotection was investigated in rats lesioned with 6‐hydroxydopamine and in mice lesioned with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

KEY RESULTS Acute administration of Δ9‐THCV attenuated the motor inhibition caused by 6‐hydroxydopamine, presumably through changes in glutamatergic transmission. Moreover, chronic administration of Δ9‐THCV attenuated the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase–positive neurones caused by 6‐hydroxydopamine in the substantia nigra, through an effect related to its antioxidant properties (it was reproduced by cannabidiol ‐enriched botanical extract). In addition, CB2 receptor–deficient mice responded to 6‐hydroxydopamine in a similar manner to wild‐type animals, and CB2 receptors were poorly up‐regulated in the rat substantia nigra in response to 6‐hydroxydopamine. By contrast, the substantia nigra of mice that had been injected with LPS exhibited a greater up‐regulation of CB2 receptors. In these animals, Δ9‐THCV also caused preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase–positive neurones. This effect probably involved CB2 receptors as it was also elicited by the selective CB2 receptor agonist, HU‐308, and CB2 receptor–deficient mice were more vulnerable to LPS lesions.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Given its antioxidant properties and its ability to activate CB2 but to block CB1 receptors, Δ9‐THCV has a promising pharmacological profile for delaying disease progression in PD and also for ameliorating parkinsonian symptoms.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
The dual neuroprotective–neurotoxic profile of cannabinoid drugs
Authors: Sarne Yosef , Asaf Fadi , Fishbein Miriam , Gafni Mikhal , Keren Ora
Published: February 2011

Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that cannabinoid drugs have neuroprotective properties and suggested that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms. On the other hand, neurotoxic effects of cannabinoids in vitro and in vivo were also described. Several possible explanations for these dual, opposite effects of cannabinoids on cellular fate were suggested, and it is conceivable that various factors may determine the final outcome of the cannabinoid effect in vivo. In the current review, we focus on one of the possible reasons for the dual neuroprotective/neurotoxic effects of cannabinoids in vivo, namely, the opposite effects of low versus high doses of cannabinoids. While many studies reported neuroprotective effects of the conventional doses of cannabinoids in various experimental models for acute brain injuries, we have shown that a single administration of an extremely low dose of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (3–4 orders of magnitude lower than the conventional doses) to mice induced long‐lasting mild cognitive deficits that affected various aspects of memory and learning. These findings led to the idea that this low dose of THC, which induces minor damage to the brain, may activate preconditioning and/or postconditioning mechanisms and thus will protect the brain from more severe insults. Indeed, our recent findings support this assumption and show that a pre‐ or a postconditioning treatment with extremely low doses of THC, several days before or after brain injury, provides effective long‐term cognitive neuroprotection. The future therapeutical potential of these findings is discussed.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Do Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Hemodialysis Depend on the Choice of a Dialyzer?
Authors: Ward Richard A.
Published: February 2011

Nephrologists are presented with a range of choices when selecting a dialyzer for chronic hemodialysis. Dialyzers differ in the material, structure, permeability and surface area of their membrane, and how the dialyzer is sterilized. Opinions vary regarding the impact of dialyzer characteristics on patient outcomes and which, if any, of these properties to take into account when choosing a dialyzer can be confusing. In the general dialysis population, there is no compelling evidence that the choice of a membrane material from among those materials currently in clinical use has a significant impact on morbidity or mortality (although there are rare patients who will react adversely to a given dialysis membrane). Similarly, most dialyzers are capable of adequately removing small solutes, such as urea, provided they are used with an appropriate blood flow rate and treatment time to ensure delivery of a single‐pool Kt/Vurea of at least 1.25 for men and 1.65 for women. However, in some dialysis patient subpopulations, the results of randomized clinical trials suggest that use of dialyzer containing high‐flux membranes confers an outcome advantage. The extent to which this advantage is realized might also depend on how the dialyzer is used, with application in convective therapies such as hemodiafiltration being superior to diffusive therapies such as hemodialysis. This possibility is currently the subject of several large clinical trials.
An Argument for Practice‐Based Public Health Research on Sexually Transmitted Infection Management
Authors: O'Byrne Patrick
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT
Over the last few years, the rates of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have again begun to rise in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Paradoxically, these increases are occurring at the same time that greater numbers of researchers are publishing reports about highly successful safer sex interventions. Research that investigates this phenomenon reveals that the majority of new STIs management initiatives never reach day‐to‐day practice after the research period has terminated. In reaction to this, it is suggested here that researchers should begin developing their STIs management interventions in practice‐based settings, with a strong emphasis being placed on ensuring target group input from the outset. While such an approach may not be able to discern precise cause‐and‐effect relationships, it has the benefit of enhancing use after researchers have withdrawn their support. The benefits that arise from long‐term and widespread use of this approach may therefore outweigh the advantages that can occur from developing highly efficacious, but unused, STIs management strategies.
Assessment of Voluntary Ethanol Consumption and the Effects of a Melanocortin (MC) Receptor Agonist on Ethanol Intake in Mutant C57BL/6J Mice Lacking the MC‐4 Receptor
Authors: Navarro Montserrat , Lerma‐Cabrera Jose M. , Carvajal Francisca , Lowery Emily G. , Cubero Inmaculada , Thiele Todd E.
Published: February 2011

Background:  The melanocortin (MC) system is composed of peptides that are cleaved from the polypeptide precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Recent evidence shows that chronic exposure to ethanol significantly blunts central MC peptide immunoreactivity and MC receptor (MCR) agonists protect against high ethanol intake characteristic of C57BL/6J mice. Here, we assessed the role of the MC‐4 receptor (MC4R) in voluntary ethanol intake and in modulating the effects of the nonselective MCR agonist melanotan‐II (MTII) on ethanol consumption.

Methods:  To assess the role of the MC4R, MC4R knockout (Mc4r−/−) and littermate wild‐type (Mc4r+/+) mice on a C57BL/6J background were used. Voluntary ethanol (3, 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20%, v/v) and water intake were assessed using standard two‐bottle procedures. In separate experiments, Mc4r−/− and Mc4r+/+ mice were given intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of MTII (0, 0.5, or 1.0 μg/1 μl) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MTII (0 or 5 mg/kg/5 ml). The effects of MTII (0 or 0.5 μg/1 μl, i.c.v.) on 10% sucrose and 0.15% saccharin intake were assessed in C57BL/6J mice.

Results:  Mc4r−/− mice showed normal consumption of ethanol over all concentrations tested. I.c.v. infusion of MTII significantly reduced ethanol drinking in Mc4r+/+ mice, but failed to influence ethanol intake in Mc4r−/− mice. When administered in an i.p. injection, MTII significantly reduced ethanol drinking in both Mc4r−/− and Mc4r+/+ mice. MTII attenuated consumption of caloric (ethanol, sucrose, and food) and noncaloric (saccharin) reinforcers.

Conclusions:  When given centrally, the MCR agonist MTII reduced ethanol drinking by signaling through the MC4R. On the other hand, MTII‐induced reduction of ethanol drinking did not require the MC4R when administered peripherally. Together, the present observations show that the MC4R is necessary for the central actions of MCR agonists on ethanol drinking and that MTII blunts the consumption natural reinforcers, regardless of caloric content, in addition to ethanol.
Ethanol Influences on Bax Translocation, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Reactive Oxygen Species Generation Are Modulated by Vitamin E and Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Authors: Heaton Marieta B. , Paiva Michael , Siler‐Marsiglio Kendra
Published: February 2011

Background:  This study investigated ethanol influences on intracellular events that predispose developing neurons toward apoptosis and the capacity of the antioxidant α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) and the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to modulate these effects. Assessments were made of the following: (i) ethanol‐induced translocation of the pro‐apoptotic Bax protein to the mitochondrial membrane, a key upstream event in the initiation of apoptotic cell death; (ii) disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as a result of ethanol exposure, an important process in triggering the apoptotic cascade; and (iii) generation of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a function of ethanol exposure.

Methods:  These interactions were investigated in cultured postnatal day 8 neonatal rat cerebellar granule cells, a population vulnerable to developmental ethanol exposure in vivo and in vitro. Bax mitochondrial translocation was analyzed via subcellular fractionation followed by Western blot, and mitochondrial membrane integrity was determined using the lipophilic dye, JC‐1, that exhibits potential‐dependent accumulation in the mitochondrial membrane as a function of the MMP.

Results:  Brief ethanol exposure in these preparations precipitated Bax translocation, but both vitamin E and BDNF reduced this effect to control levels. Ethanol treatment also resulted in a disturbance of the MMP, and this effect was blunted by the antioxidant and the neurotrophin. ROS generation was enhanced by a short ethanol exposure in these cells, but the production of these harmful free radicals was diminished to control levels by cotreatment with either vitamin E or BDNF.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that both antioxidants and neurotrophic factors have the potential to ameliorate ethanol neurotoxicity and suggest possible interventions that could be implemented in preventing or lessening the severity of the damaging effects of ethanol in the developing central nervous system seen in the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
A Large Thrombus Incarcerated in the Chordae Tendinae of the Mitral Valve
Authors: Li Ling , Fang Li‐gang , Zhang Chao‐ji , Fang Quan
Published: February 2011

(Echocardiography 2011;28:E68‐E69)
What's in a Name? Negotiating and Wielding Dangerous Knowledge in Anthropology
Authors: Posecznick Alex
Published: February 2011

[field notes, circulation, anonymity, ethnographic representation, education, research methods]
Circulation of Critical Thinking
Authors: Larson Jonathan L
Published: February 2011

[commentary, circulation, critical thinking, knowledge, education, civil society, discourse, Europe, liberalism, theory]
Translating Anthropologies of Education
Authors: Anderson‐Levitt Kathryn
Published: February 2011

[commentary, circulation, anthropology of education, world anthropologies, publishing, translation, globalization]
What's in a Tidemark?
Authors: Green Sarah
Published: February 2011

[2011 AAA annual meeting, AAA annual meeting, tidemark]
Put Your Hat in the Ring: Search for Next American Anthropologist Editor‐in‐Chief Begins
Authors: Graham Laura R
Published: February 2011

[American Anthropologist, editor search]
Chilean Congress of Social Anthropology
Authors: Nash June
Published: February 2011

[Commission on World Anthropologies, Chilean Anthropology Association, world anthropology]

Setha Low and Gustavo Lins Ribeiro are contributing editors of “World Anthropologies,” the AAA Committee on World Anthropologies column in Anthropology News.
Early alveolar bone grafting has a negative effect on maxillary dental arch dimensions of pre‐school children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Fudalej P , Janiszewska‐Olszowska J , Wedrychowska‐Szulc B , Katsaros C
Published: February 2011

To cite this article:
 Fudalej P, Janiszewska‐Olszowska J, Wedrychowska‐Szulc B, Katsaros C:  Early alveolar bone grafting has a negative effect on maxillary dental arch dimensions of pre‐school children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate  Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:51–57

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Fudalej P, Janiszewska‐Olszowska J, Wedrychowska‐Szulc B, Katsaros C.

Objective –  To evaluate maxillary dental arch dimensions in pre‐school children with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) after early alveolar bone grafting.

Material and Methods –  Intercanine and intermolar widths, length of dental arch and mesiopalatal inclination of both maxillary segments were measured directly on the dental casts of 42 children (27 boys and 15 girls; mean age = 5.2 years, SD 0.5; Early‐grafted group), 30 children (18 boys and 12 girls; mean age = 5.8 years, SD 0.8; Non‐grafted group), and 40 children (25 boys and 15 girls, mean age = 5.8, SD 0.4; non‐cleft Control group). Children from Early‐grafted and Non‐grafted groups had a CUCLP repaired with a one‐stage closure of the entire cleft. An alveolar bone grafting was performed in the Early‐grafted group between 2 and 4 years (mean = 2.4, SD 0.6). A one‐way anova model with post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparison procedures were used to identify intergroup differences.

Results –  The mesiopalatal inclination of the lesser segment in the Early‐grafted group was decreased in comparison with the Non‐grafted and Control groups. The intercanine width had a tendency to be reduced in the Early‐grafted group relative to Non‐grafted group.

Conclusions –  Early bone grafting results in a larger collapse of the lesser segment than bone grafting carried out between 9 and 12 years of age.
Painless aortic dissection presenting with acute ischaemic stroke and multiple organ failure
Authors: Demircan Ahmet , Aksay Ersin , Ergin Mehmet , Bildik Fikret , Keles Ayfer , Aygencel Gullbin
Published: February 2011

Acute aortic dissection is an uncommon, life‐threatening catastrophe, and early diagnosis is essential for the best chance of survival. Although acute onset of severe chest or back pain is the most common presenting symptom, some patients might present with atypical symptoms and findings such as acute stroke and mesenteric ischaemia related to the involving arterial segment. Establishing the diagnosis of aortic dissection can be difficult in the presence of atypical symptoms, especially in the absence of pain. Here, we report a case of acute, painless aortic dissection presenting with multiple organ failure and neurological deficits suggesting acute ischaemic stroke.
APPROACH OR AVOIDANCE (OR BOTH?): INTEGRATING CORE SELF‐EVALUATIONS WITHIN AN APPROACH/AVOIDANCE FRAMEWORK
Authors: FERRIS D. LANCE , ROSEN CHRISTOPHER R. , JOHNSON RUSSELL E. , BROWN DOUGLAS J. , RISAVY STEPHEN D. , HELLER DANIEL
Published: February 2011

Core self‐evaluations (CSE) represent a new personality construct that, despite an accumulation of evidence regarding its predictive validity, provokes debate regarding the fundamental approach or avoidance nature of the construct. This set of studies sought to clarify the approach/avoidance nature of CSE by examining its relation with approach/avoidance personality traits and motivation constructs (Study 1); we subsequently examined approach/avoidance motivational mechanisms as mediators of the relation between CSE and job performance (Study 2). Overall, the studies demonstrate that CSE is best conceptualized as representing both (high) approach tendencies and (low) avoidance tendencies; implications of these findings for CSE theory are discussed.
Regulatory Impact Assessment: How political and organizational forces influence its diffusion in a developing country
Authors: Peci Alketa , Sobral Filipe
Published: February 2011

Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) are being diffused progressively throughout the world following the recommendations of international organizations. Research has shown that the diffusion of RIA has not produced convergence in actual practices, particularly in developing countries, due to political forces at work in domestic contexts or the available organizational capacities. The Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) has recently recommended that the Brazilian federal government adopt RIA. This article evaluates how contextual variables, specifically political and organizational ones, influence RIA adoption in Brazil. It is based on field research consisting of semi‐structured interviews with the main stakeholders of the Brazilian regulatory framework. The research explored RIA concept familiarity among stakeholders, the bureaucratic context, the policy process, pivotal stakeholders' standpoints in adopting RIA, and available organizational capacities. Contrary to previous studies in developing countries, the research reveals that strong organizational capacities are not a sufficient factor for successful diffusion of RIA, because political variables can influence divergence among agencies in future RIA practices.
Objective evidence for the efficacy of surgical management of the deviated septum as a treatment for chronic nasal obstruction: a systematic review
Authors: Moore M. , Eccles R.
Published: February 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 106–113

Background:  Nasal septal surgery is a common procedure, but there are concerns that the benefits of this surgery are mainly cosmetic.

Objective of review:  The primary aim is to identify any functional benefits of septal surgery and provide any evidence of a change in patency of the nasal airway, as assessed by objective methods such as rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow.

Type of review:  Systematic review.

Search strategy:  A systematic search of the available literature was performed, using Pubmed, Medline (1950–November 2010), Embase (1947–November 2010) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Papers written in English that objectively compared pre‐ and post‐surgical treatment of nasal obstruction in adults because of septal deviation were reviewed. Objective measurements of rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry and nasal peak inspiratory flow were specified within the search. Searches were restricted to surgery on the nasal septum, which included septoplasty, submucous resection and septal (deviation) corrective surgery.

Results:  Seven studies (460 participants) involving rhinomanometry, six studies (182 participants) with acoustic rhinometry and one study (22 participants) using nasal peak inspiratory flow were included in the review. All the studies reported an objective improvement in nasal patency after septal surgery. Mean unilateral nasal resistance (data from six studies) decreased from preoperative 1.19 Pa/cm3/s to postoperative 0.39 Pa/cm3/s, mean minimum cross‐sectional area (data from five studies) increased from preoperative 0.45 cm2 to postoperative 0.61 cm2, median peak nasal inspiratory flow (data from one study) increased by 35 L/min after surgery.

Conclusions:  There is sufficient evidence in the literature to conclude that septal surgery improves objective measures of nasal patency and that improved nasal airflow may have beneficial effects for the patient.
Core issues in the economics of biodiversity conservation
Authors: Tisdell Clement A.
Published: February 2011

Economic evaluations are essential for assessing the desirability of biodiversity conservation. This article highlights significant advances in theories and methods of economic evaluation and their relevance and limitations as a guide to biodiversity conservation; considers the implications of the phylogenetic similarity principle for the survival of species; discusses consequences of the Noah's Ark problem for selecting features of biodiversity to be saved; analyzes the extent to which the precautionary principle can be rationally used to support the conservation of biodiversity; explores the impact of market extensions, market and other institutional failures, and globalization on biodiversity loss; examines the relationship between the rate of interest and biodiversity depletion; and investigates the implications of intergenerational equity for biodiversity conservation. The consequences of changes in biodiversity for sustainable development are given particular attention.
Climate change and game theory
Authors: Wood Peter John
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the problem of achieving global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Contributions to this problem are reviewed from noncooperative game theory, cooperative game theory, and implementation theory. We examine the solutions to games where players have a continuous choice about how much to pollute, as well as games where players make decisions about treaty participation. The implications of linking cooperation on climate change with cooperation on other issues, such as trade, are also examined. Cooperative and noncooperative approaches to coalition formation are investigated in order to examine the behavior of coalitions cooperating on climate change. One way to achieve cooperation is to design a game, known as a mechanism, whose equilibrium corresponds to an optimal outcome. This paper examines some mechanisms that are based on conditional commitments, and their policy implications. These mechanisms could make cooperation on climate change mitigation more likely.
What should we call instruments commonly known as payments for environmental services? A review of the literature and a proposal
Authors: Shelley Barry G.
Published: February 2011

Researchers, policy makers, and practitioners have used various terms to describe instruments that reward the stewardship of ecosystem services that benefit “external” actors. Payments for environmental services, or PES, has been the predominant name. However, critics have challenged both the payments and environmental components of this nomenclature, most commonly proposing markets, compensation, or rewards as alternatives for the former, and ecosystem for the latter. Additional questions arise regarding what to call the agents directly involved in the transaction: sellers and buyers, or stewards and beneficiaries? For some, concerns about this terminology have emerged from so‐called “pro‐poor PES” debates that ask if actors could and should incorporate poverty alleviation goals into PES instruments. This review of the modulating use of terms and the arguments about which best fit theory and experience points to the key policy and ethical issues at stake as PES programs face critical and timely questions about the direction they will head. The author contends that the choices of terms will influence that direction and proposes a new alternative—rewards for ecosystem service stewardship (RESS)—that better encompasses pro‐poor options.
How evolutionary principles improve the understanding of human health and disease
Authors: Gluckman Peter D. , Low Felicia M. , Buklijas Tatjana , Hanson Mark A. , Beedle Alan S.
Published: February 2011

An appreciation of the fundamental principles of evolutionary biology provides new insights into major diseases and enables an integrated understanding of human biology and medicine. However, there is a lack of awareness of their importance amongst physicians, medical researchers, and educators, all of whom tend to focus on the mechanistic (proximate) basis for disease, excluding consideration of evolutionary (ultimate) reasons. The key principles of evolutionary medicine are that selection acts on fitness, not health or longevity; that our evolutionary history does not cause disease, but rather impacts on our risk of disease in particular environments; and that we are now living in novel environments compared to those in which we evolved. We consider these evolutionary principles in conjunction with population genetics and describe several pathways by which evolutionary processes can affect disease risk. These perspectives provide a more cohesive framework for gaining insights into the determinants of health and disease. Coupled with complementary insights offered by advances in genomic, epigenetic, and developmental biology research, evolutionary perspectives offer an important addition to understanding disease. Further, there are a number of aspects of evolutionary medicine that can add considerably to studies in other domains of contemporary evolutionary studies.
Evolution and behavioural responses to human‐induced rapid environmental change
Authors: Sih Andrew , Ferrari Maud C. O. , Harris David J.
Published: February 2011

Almost all organisms live in environments that have been altered, to some degree, by human activities. Because behaviour mediates interactions between an individual and its environment, the ability of organisms to behave appropriately under these new conditions is crucial for determining their immediate success or failure in these modified environments. While hundreds of species are suffering dramatically from these environmental changes, others, such as urbanized and pest species, are doing better than ever. Our goal is to provide insights into explaining such variation. We first summarize the responses of some species to novel situations, including novel risks and resources, habitat loss/fragmentation, pollutants and climate change. Using a sensory ecology approach, we present a mechanistic framework for predicting variation in behavioural responses to environmental change, drawing from models of decision‐making processes and an understanding of the selective background against which they evolved. Where immediate behavioural responses are inadequate, learning or evolutionary adaptation may prove useful, although these mechanisms are also constrained by evolutionary history. Although predicting the responses of species to environmental change is difficult, we highlight the need for a better understanding of the role of evolutionary history in shaping individuals’ responses to their environment and provide suggestion for future work.