bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconsidering the Ad Hominem
Authors: Johnson Christopher M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAd hominem arguments are generally dismissed on the grounds that they are not attempts to engage in rational discourse, but are rather aimed at undermining argument by diverting attention from claims made to assessments of character of persons making claims. The manner of this dismissal however is based upon an unlikely paradigm of rationality: it is based upon the presumption that our intellectual capacities are not as limited as in fact they are, and do not vary as much as they do between rational people. When we understand rationality in terms of intellectual virtues, however, which recognize these limitations and provide for the complexity of our thinking, ad hominem considerations can sometimes be relevant to assessing arguments.
Do antipsychotic drugs affect brain structure? A systematic and critical review of MRI findings
Authors: Navari S. , Dazzan P. 
Published: April 2009

BackgroundThe potential effects of antipsychotic drugs on brain structure represent a key factor in understanding neuroanatomical changes in psychosis. This review addresses two issues: (1) do antipsychotic medications induce changes in total or regional human brain volumes and (2) do such effects depend on antipsychotic type?MethodA systematic review of studies reporting structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures: (1) directly in association with antipsychotic use; and (2) in patients receiving lifetime treatment with antipsychotics in comparison with drug-naive patients or healthy controls. We searched Medline and EMBASE databases using the medical subject heading terms: ‘antipsychotics’ AND ‘brain’ AND (MRI NOT functional). The search included studies published up to 31 January 2007. Wherever possible, we reported the effect size of the difference observed.ResultsThirty-three studies met our inclusion criteria. The results suggest that antipsychotics act regionally rather than globally on the brain. These volumetric changes are of a greater magnitude in association with typical than with atypical antipsychotic use. Indeed, there is evidence of a specific effect of antipsychotic type on the basal ganglia, with typicals specifically increasing the volume of these structures. Differential effects of antipsychotic type may also be present on the thalamus and the cortex, but data on these and other brain areas are more equivocal.ConclusionsAntipsychotic treatment potentially contributes to the brain structural changes observed in psychosis. Future research should take into account these potential effects, and use adequate sample sizes, to allow improved interpretation of neuroimaging findings in these disorders.
Exploring the Geophysical Signatures of Microbial Processes: AGU Chapman Conference on Biogeophysics; Portland, Maine, 13–16 October 2008
Authors: Slater Lee , Atekwana Estella 
Published: April 2009

Geophysical methods have the potential to detect and characterize microbial growth and activity in subsurface environments over different spatial and temporal scales. Recognition of this potential has resulted in the development of a new subdiscipline in geophysics called “biogeophysics,” a rapidly evolving Earth science discipline that integrates environmental microbiology, geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, and geophysics to investigate interactions that occur between the biosphere (microorganisms and their products) and the geosphere. Biogeophysics research performed over the past decade has confirmed the potential for geophysical techniques to detect microbes, microbial growth/biofilm formation, and microbe‐mineral interactions.The unique characteristics of geophysical data sets (e.g., noninvasive data acquisition, spatially continuous properties retrieved) present opportunities to explore geomicrobial processes outside of the laboratory, at unique spatial scales unachievable with microbiological techniques, and possibly in remote environments such as the deep ocean. In response to this opportunity, AGU hosted a Chapman Conference with a mission to bring together geophysicists, biophysicists, geochemists, geomicrobiologists, and environmental microbiologists conducting multidisciplinary research with potential impact on biogeophysics in order to define the current state of the science, identify the critical questions facing the community, and generate a road map for establishing biogeophysics as a critical subdiscipline of Earth science research.
Acyl-homoserine lactone-mediated cross talk among epiphytic bacteria modulates behavior of Pseudomonas syringae on leaves
Authors: Dulla Glenn F J , Lindow Steven E 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The leaf surface harbors a host of bacterial epiphytes that are capable of influencing the quorum sensing (QS) system of the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss). Pss uses QS to regulate expression of genes conferring extracellular polysaccharide production, motility and factors contributing to virulence to plants. About 7% of bacterial epiphytes isolated in this study produce the Pss cognate signal, 3-oxohexanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OC6HSL), often in amounts more than 10-fold higher than Pss. Premature induction of QS in Pss by these 3OC6HSL-producing epiphytes suppressed swarming motility and subsequent disease of the leaf. Co-inoculation of 3OC6HSL-producing strains with Pss reduced the number of lesions when inoculated together onto leaves compared with that of plants inoculated with Pss alone. Strains in which 3OC6HSL accumulation was quenched by expression of an N-acyl-homoserine lactonase did not decrease disease when co-inoculated with Pss. Disease incidence caused by a nonmotile mutant of Pss was not affected by 3OC6HSL-producing bacteria, suggesting that exogenous 3OC6HSL signal that altered the motility of Pss was responsible for reducing the apparent virulence of this pathogen. Thus, considerable cross talk involving exogenous 3OC6HSL occurs on leaves and this process can be exploited for disease control.
Monitoring surgical performance: an application to total hip replacement
Authors: Biau David J. , Milet Alexandre , Thévenin Fabrice , Anract Philippe , Porcher Raphaël 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Inadequate surgical implantation of a hip replacement may result in decreased patient satisfaction and reduced implant survival. The objective was to monitor surgical performance in hip replacement.Method  The study took place at a teaching centre. All primary total hip replacements were prospectively included in the series. For each hip replacement, intraoperative technical errors, cup and stem fixation and position, and postoperative complications were recorded. If all items rated were correct, the procedure was considered as correct. The Cumulative Sums (CUSUM) test was used to monitor the performance of the centre. A 90% proportion of successful procedures was considered as adequate performance and a 75% proportion of successful procedures was deemed as inadequate performance. Meetings were conducted to discuss the results of monitoring.Results  Eighty‐three total hip replacements were monitored. Overall, 28 procedures (34%) were considered inadequate. The most potent reasons for inadequate performance were cup positioning and stem fixation. The CUSUM test signalled after the second procedure that performance was inadequate. After the first meeting, despite an improvement was seen, the CUSUM test raised an alarm indicating inadequate performance. The study was stopped after the second meeting because of funding reasons before it could be demonstrated that performance had reached the desired level.Conclusion  This study has demonstrated that implementing a dedicated system to monitor surgical performance in a teaching hospital improves the quality of implantation of total hip replacements. Nonetheless, the target of ninety percent of adequate primary total hip replacement could not be reached and efforts should be continued.
Long‐term survival of intensive care and hospital patient cohorts compared with the general Australian population: a relative survival approach
Authors: Ghelani Dhaval , Moran John L. , Sloggett Andy , Leeson Richard J. , Peake Sandra L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRationale  Long‐term post‐hospital survival of intensive care cohorts has been poorly characterized. The relative survival of septic and non‐septic intensive care and general hospital patient cohorts, compared with the Australian population, was determinedMethods  A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary‐level adult intensive care. Index intensive care admissions, July 1993 to June 1999, with sepsis and surviving hospital, constituted the intensive care sepsis cohort; residual patients, the intensive care non‐sepsis cohort. Hospital cohorts, infected and non‐infected, and Charlson Comorbidity Score (CCS) were obtained electronically, from ICD‐9 codes. Follow‐up was until death, or for a minimum of 4.2 years, to a maximum of 9.6 years. Time‐to‐death was sourced from the State registry. Relative survival was determined using the Esteve method and excess hazard modelled by covariate adjusted generalized linear models.Results  The ICU sepsis (n = 224) and non‐sepsis (n = 1798) cohorts were of mean (standard deviation, SD) age of 63.2 (15.6) and 59.8 (18.9) years; with co‐morbidity score 1.2 (1.3) and 0.5 (0.9) respectively. Hospitalized infected (n = 8455) and non‐infected (n = 51 152) cohorts were of age 56.5 (22.2) and 52.2 (20.9) years; co‐morbidity score 0.4 (0.9) and 0.3 (0.9) respectively. Relative survival of all cohorts was less than the Australian population; for the two intensive care cohorts, progressive relative survival decline suggested a perpetuating excess mortality. Both age and CCS increments were associated with progressive increases in excess hazard. There was a reduced hazard for intensive care sepsis versus non‐sepsis cohorts; 0.42 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25–0.71, P = 0.001] and surgical versus medical patients, 0.64 (95% CI: 0.50–0.84, P = 0.001); and an excess hazard for men, 1.38 (95% CI: 1.08–1.74, P = 0.009).Conclusions  Adverse long‐term survival of intensive care and hospital patients was demonstrated. For hospital patients there was additional infection‐related mortality risk, not evident for ICU patients after case mix control.
Beech carbon productivity as driver of ectomycorrhizal abundance and diversity
Authors: DRUEBERT CHRISTINE , LANG CHRISTA , VALTANEN KERTTU , POLLE ANDREA 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTWe tested the hypothesis that carbon productivity of beech (Fagus sylvatica) controls ectomycorrhizal colonization, diversity and community structures. Carbon productivity was limited by long‐term shading or by girdling. The trees were grown in compost soil to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Despite severe limitation in photosynthesis and biomass production by shading, the concentrations of carbohydrates in roots were unaffected by the light level. Shade‐acclimated plants were only 10% and sun‐acclimated plants were 74% colonized by ectomycorrhiza. EM diversity was higher on roots with high than at roots with low mycorrhizal colonization. Evenness was unaffected by any treatment. Low mycorrhizal colonization had no negative effects on plant mineral nutrition. In girdled plants mycorrhizal colonization and diversity were retained although 14C‐leaf feeding showed almost complete disruption of carbon transport from leaves to roots. Carbohydrate storage pools in roots decreased upon girdling. Our results show that plant carbon productivity was the reason for and not the result of high ectomycorrhizal diversity. We suggest that ectomycorrhiza can be supplied by two carbon routes: recent photosynthate and stored carbohydrates. Storage pools may be important for ectomycorrhizal survival when photoassimilates were unavailable, probably feeding preferentially less carbon demanding EM species as shifts in community composition were found.
A vacuolar iron transporter in tulip, TgVit1, is responsible for blue coloration in petal cells through iron accumulation
Authors: Momonoi Kazumi , Yoshida Kumi , Mano Shoji , Takahashi Hideyuki , Nakamori Chihiro , Shoji Kazuaki , Nitta Akira , Nishimura Mikio 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBlue color in flowers is due mainly to anthocyanins, and a considerable part of blue coloration can be attributed to metal‐complexed anthocyanins. However, the mechanism of metal ion transport into vacuoles and subsequent flower color development has yet to be fully explored. Previously, we studied the mechanism of blue color development specifically at the bottom of the inner perianth in purple tulip petals of Tulipa gesneriana cv. Murasakizuisho. We found that differences in iron content were associated with the development of blue‐ and purple‐colored cells. Here, we identify a vacuolar iron transporter in T. gesneriana (TgVit1), and characterize the localization and function of this transporter protein in tulip petals. The amino acid sequence of TgVit1 is 85% similar that of the Arabidopsis thaliana vacuolar iron transporter AtVIT1, and also showed similarity to the AtVIT1 homolog in yeast, Ca2+‐sensitive cross‐complementer 1 (CCC1). The gene TgVit1 was expressed exclusively in blue‐colored epidermal cells, and protein levels increased with increasing mRNA expression and blue coloration. Transient expression experiments revealed that TgVit1 localizes to the vacuolar membrane, and is responsible for the development of the blue color in purple cells. Expression of TgVit1 in yeast rescued the growth defect of ccc1 mutant cells in the presence of high concentrations of FeSO4. Our results indicate that TgVit1 plays an essential role in blue coloration as a vacuolar iron transporter in tulip petals. These results suggest a new role for involvement of a vacuolar iron transporter in blue flower color development.
Assessment of liver graft function and regeneration by galactosyl‐human serum albumin (99mTc‐GSA) liver scintigraphy in adult living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Iida Taku , Isaji Shuji , Yagi Shintaro , Hori Tomohide , Taniguchi Kentaro , Ohsawa Ichiro , Mizuno Shugo , Usui Masanobu , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Yamagiwa Kentaro , Yamakado Kouichiro , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Background:  In adult living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the assessment of the graft functional reserve is very important. We evaluated the graft functional reserve by technetium‐99m‐diethylenetriaminepenta‐acetic acid‐galactosyl‐human serum albumin (99mTc‐GSA) liver scintigraphy.Patients and method:  From May 2003 to September 2006, 99mTc‐GSA studies were performed in 27 adult recipients on two, four wk after LDLT, the receptor index [ratio of liver to heart‐plus‐liver radioactivity at 15 minutes (LHL15)] (LHL15) was calculated. Recipients were divided into two groups according to LHL15 on two wk after LDLT (group H; >0.935, group L; <0.935). Liver functional tests and recipients’ background parameters were evaluated between the two groups.Result:  Group L accompanied higher preoperative model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score (p = 0.038), lower graft‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) (p = 0.032) and older donor age (p = 0.003) compared with group H. There was no significant difference in the graft regeneration rate between two groups. The three‐yr cumulative survival rate was 76.1% in group L and 88.9% in group H.Conclusion:  In LDLT, LHL15 has the potential to assess the graft function and predict the recipients’ outcome. Graft function after LDLT may be related closely to the pretransplant MELD score, GRWR, and donor age.
Environment and host‐plant genotype effects on the seasonal dynamics of a predatory mite on cassava in sub‐humid tropical Africa
Authors: Zundel Christine , Nagel Peter , Hanna Rachid , Korner Fränzi , Scheidegger Urs 
Published: April 2009

Abstract1 In tropical dry seasons, survival of small arthropods such as predatory mites is often negatively affected by low relative humidity (RH). For species that do not diapause or migrate to refuges, the ability of the habitat to mitigate climatic conditions becomes crucial.2 The relative effect of macro‐habitat (dry grassland hill, humid multiple cropping area, humid riparian forest) and microhabitat (host‐plant genotypes with hairy, semi‐hairy and glabrous apices) on the seasonal dynamics of the phytoseiid mite Typhlodromalus aripo, a predator of Mononychellus tanajoa on cassava, was examined in a field experiment during a dry season. The effect of RH and plant genotype on T. aripo egg survival was determined in an environment control chamber.3 Predator abundance was higher in humid multiple cropping areas and on hairy cassava compared with the other habitat types and cassava genotypes.4 Discriminant and regression analyses showed that the predator’s dry season persistence was related to high RH, high plant vigour and hairy apices, but not to prey abundance.5 In the controlled climate experiment, the effect of host‐plant morphology was evident only at the intermediate RH level of 55%. An effect of apex hairiness was not found.6 It is concluded that the effect of genotype on T. aripo persistence diminishes under low RH conditions, and that supportive effects of apex hairs become effective only in the field, probably through protection from wind and/or intraguild predation. Humid multiple cropping areas planted with hairy and vigorous cassava genotypes are suitable dry season reservoirs for T. aripo.
Adaptation of protein expression by Escherichia coli in the gastrointestinal tract of gnotobiotic mice
Authors: Alpert Carl , Scheel Jacqueline , Engst Wolfram , Loh Gunnar , Blaut Michael 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe gastrointestinal tract of mammals is inhabited by several hundred bacterial species. While the effects of the gut microbiota upon the host have been widely studied, the microbial response to host factors has only recently attracted attention. In order to investigate the influence of the host on the physiology of gastrointestinal bacteria, a simplified model of host–bacteria interaction was created by associating germfree mice with commensal Escherichia coli. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of analysing the bacterial response to the conditions in the digestive system by a proteomics‐based approach. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D‐GE) followed by electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) was used to identify bacterial proteins from caecal and faecal samples. In a set of 60 arbitrarily chosen spots of stably and differentially expressed proteins, 50 different bacterial proteins were identified. Their ascribed functions suggest that the host‐associated bacteria adapt their metabolism to the conditions in the intestine by utilizing arginine, asparagine and aspartate as well as glucose/galactose, ribose, maltose, glucuronate, galacturonate and gluconate as substrates. Thirteen proteins not previously detected on 2D‐gels and 10 proteins with unknown or poorly characterized physiological function were identified, while the existence of three proteins had so far only been inferred from predictions or by homology.
The European Democratic Challenge: The Forging of a Supranational Volonté Générale
Authors: José Menéndez Agustin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article explores in a systematic manner the different components of the democratic legitimacy of the Union from the standpoint of deliberative democratic theory. Contrary to standard accounts, it is claimed that the democratic deficit must be disaggregated, given that the Union has not only several shortcomings, but also some democratic surpluses. On the one hand, the Union was created to tackle the democratic deficit of nation states, and has been partially successful in mending the mismatch between the scope of application of their legal systems and the geographical reach of the consequences of legal decisions. Moreover, the European legal order is based on a synthetic constitutional law, which reflects the common constitutional traditions of the Member States, which lend democratic legitimacy to the whole European legal order. On the other hand, the lack of a democratically written and ratified constitution is a central part of the democratic challenge of the Union. But equally important is the structural bias in favour of certain material legal results, which stems from the interplay of the division of competences and the plurality of law‐making procedures.
In ataxia‐teleangiectasia betamethasone response is inversely correlated to cerebellar atrophy and directly to antioxidative capacity
Authors: Russo I. , Cosentino C. , Del Giudice E. , Broccoletti T. , Amorosi S. , Cirillo E. , Aloj G. , Fusco A. , Costanzo V. , Pignata C. 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by alterations of the A‐T mutated (ATM) gene. Although A‐T is a noncurable disease, we, previously, documented a clear improvement of cerebellar functions during a short‐term betamethasone trial. The aim of this study was to define the underlying biochemical mechanism.Methods:  In six A‐T patients receiving a short‐term steroid therapy, intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated with a colorimetric assay. The lipid peroxidation level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using commercial assays. All the parameters were compared with the improvement of cerebellar functions expressed as delta (Δ) of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA).Results:  We observed an inverse correlation between Δ SARA and the severity of cerebellar atrophy and between the latter and basal GSH values. Four of the five patients with the highest Δ SARA also had the highest GSH values. Moreover, even though basal ROS values were comparable in patients and controls, in the only patient studied at different time‐points of therapy, a remarkable reduction in ROS levels was documented.Conclusion:  We suggest that antioxidative mechanisms play a role in favouring the improvement of cerebellar functions observed in A‐T patients receiving a short‐term betamethasone trial.
Prevalence of Constipation Symptoms in Fecally Incontinent Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Schnelle John F. , Simmons Sandra F. , Beuscher Linda , Peterson Emily N. , Habermann Ralf , Leung Felix 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of constipation symptoms and the effects of a brief toileting assistance trial on constipation in a sample of fecally incontinent nursing home (NH) residents.DESIGN: Observational study.SETTING: Five NHs.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eleven fecally incontinent NH residents.MEASURES: Research staff measured bowel movement frequency every 2 hours for 10 days. The following week, residents were offered toileting assistance every 2 hours for 2 days to determine resident straining, time required for a bowel movement, and resident perceptions of feeling empty after a bowel movement. Constipation data were abstracted from the medical record.RESULTS: The frequency of bowel movements during usual NH care was low (mean=0.32 per person per day), and most episodes were incontinent. The frequency of bowel movements increased significantly, to 0.82 per person per day, and most episodes were continent during the 2 days that research staff provided toileting assistance. Eleven percent of residents showed evidence of straining, and 21% of the time after a continent bowel movement, residents reported not feeling empty. Five percent of participants had medical record or Minimum Data Set documentation indicative of constipation symptoms.CONCLUSION: Low rates of bowel movements during the day that are potentially indicative of constipation were immediately improved during a 2‐day trial of toileting assistance in approximately 68% of the residents, although other symptoms of constipation remained in a subset of residents who increased toileting frequency.