bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on two unrecorded genera, Barycnemis Förster and Phradis Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tersilochinae), from South Korea
Authors: Balueva Ekaterina N. , Kim Ki‐Beom , Khalaim Andrey I. , Lee Jong‐Wook
Published: May 2013

Six genera of the subfamily Tersilochinae (Barycnemis, Diaparsis, Gelanes, Phradis, Probles and Tersilochus) are recognized in South Korea. Two genera, Diaparsis and Tersilochus, were previously recognized from South Korea, whereas the other four genera are recorded from this country for the first time. All genera found in South Korea, except the almost cosmopolitan Diaparsis, are entirely or predominantly Holarctic. A key to the six genera of Tersilochine occurring in South Korea is provided. Two genera of Korean Tersilochinae (Barycnemis and Phradis) are reviewed here, and a key to the other four species (B. bellator, B. dissimilis, P. kyushuensis and P. nikishenae) is provided in this paper.
Concentration and Exposure Assessment of Mercury in Commercial Fish and Other Seafood Marketed in Oman
Authors: Al‐Mughairi Sabra , Yesudhason Poulose , Al‐Busaidi Moza , Al‐Waili Aaliah , Al‐Rahbi Waleed A. K. , Al‐Mazrooei Nashwa , Al‐Habsi Saoud H.
Published: May 2013

The results of this study present analytical data of the mercury levels in several fish and shellfish species to create awareness among individuals of the risks associated with consuming fish contaminated with mercury. Mercury concentrations varied from a mean of 0.02 mg/kg in Indian mackerel to 0.19 mg/kg in shark in both fresh and frozen fish, from 0.02 mg/kg in sardines to 0.18 mg/kg in skipjack tuna in canned fish, and from 0.02 mg/kg in Indian mackerel to 0.79 mg/kg in shark in dried fish. Shellfish contained a slightly higher amount of mercury than fresh or frozen fish with a mean of 0.09 mg/kg. Trophic position, followed by habitat, was the most important factors for variability in mercury concentrations in fish and shellfish. The maximum safe weekly intake (MSWI) values of mercury were significantly higher for herbivores than for carnivores. The MSWI value for total mercury in the case of consuming most (72%) fish species was more than 5 kg; however, the MSWI value was never more than 5 kg in most (66%) shellfish species. Risks were identified upon consumption of 120 g of dried shark when exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intake threshold (1.6 μg/kg) for methylmercury. Therefore, fish‐eating populations should reduce the quantity of dried shark to efficiently diminish the exposure to mercury.
Efficacy of Integrated Treatment of UV light and Low‐Dose Gamma Irradiation on Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica on Grape Tomatoes
Authors: Mukhopadhyay S. , Ukuku D. , Fan X. , Juneja V. K.
Published: May 2013

The study evaluated the efficacy of integrated ultraviolet‐C light (UVC) and low‐dose gamma irradiation treatments to inactivate mixed strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica on inoculated whole grape tomatoes. A mixed bacterial cocktail composed of a 3 strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 (C9490, E02128, and F00475) and a 3 serotype mixture of S. enterica (S. Montevideo G4639, S. Newport H1275, and S. Stanley H0558) was used based on their association with produce‐related outbreaks. Spot inoculation (50 to 100 μmL) on tomato surfaces was performed to achieve a population of appropriately 107–8 CFU/tomato. Inoculated tomatoes were subjected to UVC (253.7 nm) dose of 0.6 kJ/m2 followed by 4 different low doses of gamma irradiations (0.1 kGy, 0.25 kGy, 0.5 kGy, 0.75 kGy). The fate of background microflora (mesophilic aerobic) including mold and yeast counts were also determined during storage at 5 °C over 21 d. Integrated treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the population of target pathogens. Results indicate about 3.4 ± 0.3 and 3.0 ± 0.1 log CFU reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica, respectively, per tomato with UVC (0.6 kJ/m2) and 0.25 kGy irradiation. More than a 4 log and higher reduction (>5 log) per fruit was accomplished by combined UVC treatment with 0.5 kGy and 0.75 kGy irradiation, respectively, for all tested pathogens. Furthermore, the combined treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the native microflora compared to the control during storage. The data suggest efficacious treatment strategy for produce indicating 5 or higher log reduction which is consistent with the recommendations of the Natl. Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods.
Selective ablation of tumor‐associated macrophages suppresses metastasis and angiogenesis
Authors: Lin Yingying , Wei Chongyang , Liu Yuan , Qiu Yongming , Liu Cheng , Guo Fang
Published: May 2013

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) play a critical role in promoting tumor development and metastasis. In the present study, we found that legumain, an asparaginyl endopeptidase, was highly expressed on the surface of TAM. A doxorubicin‐based prodrug specifically activated by legumain selectively ablated TAM and resulted in a significant reduction of angiogenic factors and related tumor vessel growth. Treatment with the prodrug also suppressed circulating tumor cells and myeloid immune suppressor Gr‐1+/CD11b+ cells in tumor‐bearing animals. After selective ablation of TAM using the prodrug, tumor growth and metastases were greatly inhibited in murine tumor models. These results indicate that legumain‐activated prodrugs targeting TAM in tumors might represent a novel anticancer strategy.
The genomic landscape of retinoblastoma: a review
Authors: Thériault Brigitte L , Dimaras Helen , Gallie Brenda L , Corson Timothy W
Published: May 2013

Retinoblastoma is a paediatric ocular tumour that continues to reveal much about the genetic basis of cancer development. Study of genomic aberrations in retinoblastoma tumours has exposed important mechanisms of cancer development and identified oncogenes and tumour suppressors that offer potential points of therapeutic intervention. The recent development of next‐generation genomic technologies has allowed further refinement of the genomic landscape of retinoblastoma at high resolution. In a relatively short period of time, a wealth of genetic and epigenetic data has emerged on a small number of tumour samples. These data highlight the inherent molecular complexity of this cancer despite the fact that most retinoblastomas are initiated by the inactivation of a single tumour suppressor gene. This review outlines the current understanding of the genomic, genetic and epigenetic changes in retinoblastoma, highlighting recent genome‐wide analyses that have identified exciting candidate genes worthy of further validation as potential prognostic and therapeutic targets.
Niemann–Pick type C disease: a novel NPC1 mutation segregating in a Greek island
Authors: Mavridou I. , Cozar M. , Douzgou S. , Xaidara A. , Lianou D. , Vanier M.T. , Dimitriou E. , Grinberg D. , Vilageliu L. , Michelakakis H.
Published: May 2013

Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease, exhibiting an extremely heterogeneous clinical phenotype. It is a cellular lipid trafficking disorder characterized by the accumulation in the lysosomal/late endosomal system of a variety of lipids, especially unesterified cholesterol. So far two genes, NPC1 or NPC2, have been linked to the disorder. It is a panethnic disease for which two isolates have been described. We present a novel NPC1 mutation (p.A1132P; c.3394G>C) identified in homozygosity in two patients originating from the same small town of an Aegean Sea island and the results of the broad screening of their extended families. Overall 153 individuals have so far been investigated and a total of 64 carriers were identified. Moreover a common descent of the individuals tested was revealed and all carriers could be traced back to a common surname, apparently originating from a common ancestor couple six generations back. The mutation was found associated with an uncommon haplotype in the island that is also present in other populations.
Whole‐genome copy number variation analysis in anophthalmia and microphthalmia
Authors: Schilter KF , Reis LM , Schneider A , Bardakjian TM , Abdul‐Rahman O , Kozel BA , Zimmerman HH , Broeckel U , Semina EV
Published: May 2013

Anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M) represent severe developmental ocular malformations. Currently, mutations in known genes explain less than 40% of A/M cases. We performed whole‐genome copy number variation analysis in 60 patients affected with isolated or syndromic A/M. Pathogenic deletions of 3q26 (SOX2) were identified in four independent patients with syndromic microphthalmia. Other variants of interest included regions with a known role in human disease (likely pathogenic) as well as novel rearrangements (uncertain significance). A 2.2‐Mb duplication of 3q29 in a patient with non‐syndromic anophthalmia and an 877‐kb duplication of 11p13 (PAX6) and a 1.4‐Mb deletion of 17q11.2 (NF1) in two independent probands with syndromic microphthalmia and other ocular defects were identified; while ocular anomalies have been previously associated with 3q29 duplications, PAX6 duplications, and NF1 mutations in some cases, the ocular phenotypes observed here are more severe than previously reported. Three novel regions of possible interest included a 2q14.2 duplication which cosegregated with microphthalmia/microcornea and congenital cataracts in one family, and 2q21 and 15q26 duplications in two additional cases; each of these regions contains genes that are active during vertebrate ocular development. Overall, this study identified causative copy number mutations and regions with a possible role in ocular disease in 17% of A/M cases.
La productivité naturelle et la réglementation comme déterminants de la valeur du foncier ostréicole : Un modèle de prix hédoniques spatial appliqué au Bassin d’Arcachon
Authors: Lesur‐Irichabeau Gabrielle
Published: May 2013

Afin de montrer l'importance de la réglementation et de la productivité naturelle dans la valorisation des surfaces de production ostréicoles, nous avons estimé une fonction de prix hédonique des concessions ostréicoles arcachonnaises. Les « terres ostréicoles » ont comme particularité d'être des concessions du Domaine Public Maritime et sont à ce titre soumises à son régime protecteur. Néanmoins, loin d'entraver l'activité ostréicole par les contraintes qu'elle impose, la réglementation se révèle être une garante du maintien d'un niveau satisfaisant de productivité naturelle des concessions pour permettre une reproduction et une croissance des huîtres dans des conditions favorables. Ainsi, les résultats de la modélisation montrent que plus de la moitié du prix d'échange des concessions est déterminé par les conditions réglementaires régissant leur utilisation. Ils soulignent également que les conditions du milieu ne sont pas identiques sur l'ensemble du Bassin d'Arcachon justifiant une réglementation adaptée aux différences de productivité naturelle.
Viability of Transboundary Fisheries and International Quota Allocation: The Case of the Bay of Biscay Anchovy
Authors: Curtin Richard , Martinet Vincent
Published: May 2013

This paper examines the viability of the management of a transboundary fishery. In a deterministic dynamic framework, we consider a fish stock with two age groups, juveniles and adults, exploited by two countries having a different impact on the age groups. A regulatory agency defines an annual total allowable catch and its allocation between the two countries. We consider allocations satisfying a set of constraints representing viability conditions. The constraints include a minimal quota and minimal profit for each country. We compare intertemporal viable trajectories with the trajectory resulting from a cooperative game in which the two countries agree on the maximization of the fishery's total profit. While the cooperative solution consists in allocating the whole fishing effort to the most efficient country, the viable solution ensures a limitation of inequalities but reduces the overall economic outcome. The results are illustrated for the Bay of Biscay anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.), exploited by Spain and France, with two different types of gear, the purse seine for Spain and the pelagic trawl for France.
CD4+ T cells producing interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐22 and interferon‐γ are major effector T cells in nickel allergy
Authors: Dyring‐Andersen Beatrice , Skov Lone , Løvendorf Marianne B. , Bzorek Michael , Søndergaard Knud , Lauritsen Jens‐Peter H. , Dabelsteen Sally , Geisler Carsten , Menné Bonefeld Charlotte
Published: May 2013

Background It has been suggested that interleukin (IL)‐17 and IL‐22 play important roles in the elicitation of human allergic contact dermatitis; however, the frequencies of T cell subtypes producing IL‐17 and IL‐22 in human allergic contact dermatitis are unknown.

Objectives To determine the frequencies of CD4+, CD8+ and γδ T cells producing IL‐17, IL‐22 and interferon (IFN)‐γ in the blood and skin from nickel‐allergic patients.

Patients/materials/methods Blood samples were collected from 14 patients and 17 controls, and analysed by flow cytometry. Biopsies were taken from 5 patients and 6 controls, and analysed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry of skin lymphocytes.

Results We found an increased frequency of γδ T cells in the blood, but no differences in the distribution of cytokine‐producing CLA+ T cell subtypes in nickel‐allergic patients as compared with controls. In nickel‐allergic patients, there was massive cellular infiltration dominated by CD4+ T cells producing IL‐17, IL‐22 and IFN‐γ in nickel‐challenged skin but not in vehicle‐challenged skin.

Conclusion CD4+ T cells producing IL‐17, IL‐22 and IFN‐γ are important effector cells in the eczematous reactions of nickel‐induced allergic contact dermatitis in humans.
Nickel allergy from adolescence to adulthood in the TOACS cohort
Authors: Mortz Charlotte G. , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: May 2013

Background In 1995, we established a cohort of 1501 unselected eighth‐grade schoolchildren to investigate the course of nickel allergy into adult life.

Objectives To follow the course of nickel allergy and clinically relevant nickel dermatitis over 15 years from adolescence to adulthood, and the effect of ear piercing, atopic dermatitis and degree of nickel patch test reactivity.

Methods One thousand two hundred and six young adults from the cohort were asked to complete a questionnaire and participate in a clinical examination including patch testing with TRUE Test® including a nickel dilution series.

Results The questionnaire was answered by 899 (74.6%), and 442 (36.7%) had patch tests performed. The point prevalence of nickel allergy was 11.8% (clinical relevance 80.8%). The 15‐year incidence rate was 6.7%. Most new sensitizations were clinically relevant with strong reactions, and many participants reacted to low concentrations. Only a few positive reactions were lost. Nickel allergy was more common among women with childhood atopic dermatitis, whereas no association with ear piercing was found. However, there was a significantly higher prevalence of nickel allergy among women ear pierced before implementation of the nickel regulation in Denmark.

Conclusion This follow‐up study in young adults 15 years after leaving primary school showed a high prevalence and a high incidence rate of nickel allergy, despite the nickel regulation. Most reactions from childhood could be reproduced and were clinically relevant. In women, childhood atopic dermatitis was associated with nickel allergy in adulthood, whereas only ear piercing before the Danish nickel regulation was associated with adult nickel allergy.
A synthetic formulation, Dhanwantharam kashaya, delays senescence in stem cells
Authors: Warrier S. R. , Haridas N. , Balasubramanian S. , Jalisatgi A. , Bhonde R. , Dharmarajan A.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from post‐natal tissues offer a suitable source of MSCs for cellular therapy. Limitation of the use of MSCs for therapeutic purposes is attributed to the onset of senescence and slowing down of proliferation upon repeated passaging. Dhanwantram kashaya (DK), a synthetic herbal formulation, is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a growth stimulant in children and for nerve regeneration. In this study, we evaluated the effects of DK on the proliferation, viability and senescence of human Wharton jelly MSCs (WJMSCs) in vitro.

Results

Using the MTT proliferation assay and live/dead trypan blue analysis, we found that DK increased proliferation of WJMSCS up to three folds when supplemented in the culture media. The BrdU cell proliferation assay showed a substantial increase in WJMSCs treated with DK. Notably, the β‐galactosidase senescence assay revealed that drug treated WJMSCs at late passage still had intact and viable WJMSCs whereas the untreated cells exhibited profound senescence.

Conclusion

These studies indicate that DK enhances the quality of WJMSCs by not only increasing the proliferation rate and decreasing their turnover time but also by delaying senescence. We have, thus, identified for the first time that a traditional Ayurvedic formulation, Dhanwantram kashaya, used as a growth enhancer, is able to improve the yield and quality of stem cells in vitro and could be an effective non‐toxic supplement for culturing WJMSCs for clinical applications.
PMA withdrawal in PMA‐treated monocytic THP‐1 cells and subsequent retinoic acid stimulation, modulate induction of apoptosis and appearance of dendritic cells
Authors: Spano A. , Barni S. , Sciola L.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To analyse proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in THP‐1 cells after stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and retinoic acid (RA).

Materials and methods

PMA and RA were used in a three‐step‐procedure: (i) treatment with 6, 30, 60 nm PMA, that induced initial, intermediate and advanced levels of monocyte‐macrophage transition, respectively; (ii) recovery in PMA‐free medium; (iii) incubation with 4 μm RA. Cultures were characterized cytokinetically (flow cytometry/bromodeoxyuridine uptake) and immunocytochemically (static cytometry) for expression of CD14, CD11b (monocyte‐macrophage) and DC‐SIGN (dendritic cell: DCs) markers.

Results

Some treatments determined appearance of monocyte/macrophage, dendritic and apoptotic phenotypes, percentages of which were related to PMA dose used in step 1, and dependent on presence/absence of PMA and RA. PMA withdrawal induced dedifferentiation and partial restoration of proliferative activity, specially in 6 and 30 nm PMA‐derived cells. Recovery in the presence of serum (fundamental to DC appearance) indicated that depending on differentiation level, cell proliferation and apoptosis were inversely correlated. Treatment with 30 nm PMA induced intermediate levels of monocytic‐macrophagic differentiation, with expression of alternative means of differentiation and acquisition of DCs without using cytokines, after PMA withdrawal and RA stimulation.

Conclusions

Our experimental conditions favoured differentiation, dedifferentiation and transdifferentiational pathways, in monocytic THP‐1 cells, the balance of which could be related to both cell proliferation and cell death.
In vitro cytotoxicity of Gymnema montanum in human leukaemia HL‐60 cells; induction of apoptosis by mitochondrial membrane potential collapse
Authors: Ramkumar K. M. , Manjula C. , Elango B. , Krishnamurthi K. , Saravana Devi S. , Rajaguru P.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Gymnema montanum Hook, an Indian Ayurvedic medicinal plant, is used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. Here, we report anti‐cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of ethanolic extract of G. montanum (GLEt) on human leukaemia HL‐60 cells, compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Materials and methods

HL‐60 cells were treated with different concentrations of GLEt (10–50 μg/ml) and cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. Levels of lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase‐3 were measured. Further, apoptosis was studied using annexin‐V staining and the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

GLEt had a potent cytotoxic effect on HL‐60 cells (IC50‐20 μg/ml), yet was not toxic to normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Exposure of HL‐60 cells to GLEt led to elevated levels of malonaldehyde formation, but to reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities (P < 0.05). Induction of apoptosis was confirmed by observing annexin‐V positive cells, associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 was observed in GLEt‐treated HL‐60 cells, indicating its potential at inducing their apoptosis.

Conclusions

Findings of the present study suggest that G. montanum induced apoptosis in the human leukaemic cancer cells, mediated by collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of intracellular antioxidant potential.
Molecular mechanisms of Lycoris aurea agglutinin‐induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li C.‐Y. , Wang Y. , Wang H.‐L. , Shi Z. , An N. , Liu Y.‐X. , Liu Y. , Zhang J. , Bao J.‐K. , Deng S.‐P.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Lycoris is aurea agglutinin (LAA) has attracted rising attention due to its remarkable bioactivities. Here, we aimed at investigating its anti‐tumor activities.

Material and Methods

In vitro methods including MTT, cellular morphology observation, FCM and immunoblotting were performed. In vivo methods like detection of tumor volume, body weight and survival ratio, as well as TUNEL staining were performed.

Results and Conclusion

LAA triggers G2/M phase cell cycle arrest via up‐regulating p21expression as well as down‐regulating cdk‐1cyclinA singling pathway, and induces apoptotic cell death through inhibiting PI3K‐Akt survival pathway in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. While LAA has no significant cytotoxic effect toward normal human embryonic lung fibroblast HELF cells, and moreover, LAA could amplify the antineoplastic effects of cisplatin toward A549 cells. Lastly LAA also bears anti‐cancer and apoptosis‐inducing effects in vivo, and it could decrease the volume and weight of subcutaneous tumor mass obviously as well as expand lifespan of mice. These findings may provide a new perspective for elucidating the complicated molecular mechanisms of LAA‐induced cancer cell growth‐inhibition and death, providing a new opportunity of LAA as a potential candidate anti‐neoplastic drug for future cancer therapeutics.
Pore shape and organic compounds drive major changes in the hydrological characteristics of agricultural soils
Authors: Czachor H. , Hallett P. D. , Lichner L. , Jozefaciuk G.
Published: May 2013

A small increase in soil organic matter (SOM) content can change soil hydrological properties from a completely wettable to a partially water‐repellent state. Although considerable research describes hydrophobic compounds as a primary driver of this shift, the influence of pore shape has only been considered in a few studies and none of these has emphasized the role of different carbon compounds. Using a capillary bundle model of non‐cylindrical (wavy) capillaries, we described measured hydrological properties of five agricultural soils that have a small degree of water repellency and textures ranging from coarse sand to heavy clay. To isolate the influence of SOM, it was removed by combustion to provide an SOM‐free treatment. Water and methanol sorptivities quantified infiltration rates and soil‐water wetting angles in packed soil cores. Different cores were sectioned to measure wetting profiles and calculate diffusivity. The results from natural soils were supplemented by measurements carried out on model ‘soils’ consisting of quartz particles (50–200 µm) with four different hydrophobic states. Soil organic matter removal increased water sorptivity from about 60% for a coarse sandy soil (Haplic Arenosol) to about 290% for a heavy clay soil (Haplic Leptosol), corresponding to a decreased apparent wetting angle of 20–30°. Application of the wavy pore model suggests that the apparent wetting angle resulting from SOM removal can be several times smaller than its Young value. Generally, SOM removal increased water diffusivity values by one to two orders of magnitudes. The SOM components having the greatest impact on contact angle were hexanedioic acid and heneicosanoic acid (both hydrophilic) and docosane (hydrophobic).
Species richness declines and biotic homogenisation have slowed down for NW‐European pollinators and plants
Authors: Carvalheiro Luísa Gigante , Kunin William E. , Keil Petr , Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesus , Ellis Willem Nicolaas , Fox Richard , Groom Quentin , Hennekens Stephan , Van Landuyt Wouter , Maes Dirk , Van de Meutter Frank , Michez Denis , Rasmont Pierre , Ode Baudewijn , Potts Simon Geoffrey , Reemer Menno , Roberts Stuart Paul Masson , Schaminée Joop , WallisDeVries Michiel F. , Biesmeijer Jacobus Christiaan
Published: May 2013

Concern about biodiversity loss has led to increased public investment in conservation. Whereas there is a widespread perception that such initiatives have been unsuccessful, there are few quantitative tests of this perception. Here, we evaluate whether rates of biodiversity change have altered in recent decades in three European countries (Great Britain, Netherlands and Belgium) for plants and flower visiting insects. We compared four 20‐year periods, comparing periods of rapid land‐use intensification and natural habitat loss (1930–1990) with a period of increased conservation investment (post‐1990). We found that extensive species richness loss and biotic homogenisation occurred before 1990, whereas these negative trends became substantially less accentuated during recent decades, being partially reversed for certain taxa (e.g. bees in Great Britain and Netherlands). These results highlight the potential to maintain or even restore current species assemblages (which despite past extinctions are still of great conservation value), at least in regions where large‐scale land‐use intensification and natural habitat loss has ceased.
The Causes and Consequences of the Collegial Implementation of European Competition Law
Authors: Karagiannis Yannis
Published: May 2013

A major achievement of the new institutionalism is the formalisation of the idea that certain policies, such as competition law, are more efficient when administered by a politically independent organisation. Based on this insight, several practitioners and scholars criticise the European Community for relying too much on a multitask, collegial, and therefore politicised organisation, the European Commission. Defining collegiality as the involvement of non‐expert commissioners in the implementation of the EC competition law, this article offers the first interdisciplinary analysis of the causes and consequences of that peculiar European institution. The central finding is that, far from being a mistake or the product of unanticipated consequences, collegiality was a necessary condition for the creation of supranational European law.
The Right to Have What Rights? EU Citizenship in Need of Clarification
Authors: Kochenov Dimitry
Published: May 2013

This paper provides a brief critical overview of the recent EU citizenship case‐law of the Court of Justice including Rottmann, Ruiz Zambrano, McCarthy and Dereci. While these cases open a number of new avenues of fundamental importance for the development of EU law, they also undermine legal certainty and send contradictory signals as to the essence of the EU citizenship status and the role it ought to play in the system of EU law. Most importantly, the Court's reluctance to specify what is meant by the ‘essence of rights’ of EU citizenship potentially has disastrous consequences following its own determination that such rights play a crucial role in moving particular factual constellations within the material scope of EU law. The substance and meaning of such rights is however left in suspense to harmful effects. An urgent clarification is needed.
General Principles in EU Law between a Compensatory Role and an Intrinsic Value
Authors: Semmelmann Constanze
Published: May 2013

The present contribution starts with an overview of the terminological and conceptual confusion underlying the notion of principle, its generality and the concept of the “general principles” in EU law. Far beyond the delicacy in relation to their genesis and nature, their interaction with other norms at the constitutional or legislative level deserves a closer look. For analytical purposes, a distinction will be drawn between, first, a view that conceives of general principles as self‐standing instruments, secondly, a combined reading of the respective general principle with relevant legislation and, thirdly, a view that is based exclusively on the application of the relevant legislative act. In the light of the Mangold‐Kücükdeveci cases and other cases involving equality or employment matters, the question will be raised of whether general principles merely serve to overcome deficits in relation to directives and are therefore often a transitional and compensatory phenomenon or whether they have an intrinsic value.
Why Methods Matter in European Legal Scholarship
Authors: van Gestel Rob , Micklitz Hans‐Wolfgang
Published: May 2013

Both in the United States and in Europe, there is a debate on methodology in legal research. Doctrinalists and multidisciplinarians appear to be in different camps fighting over the ‘true nature’ of legal scholarship. We wonder where this renewed attention for methodology is coming from and what is behind it. Should European legal scholars follow certain colleagues in the United States who believe that doctrinal research is dead and should we all engage in law and … research now? If not, does this imply that there is nothing wrong with mainstream European doctrinal legal scholarship? We believe the latter is not the case. Our hypothesis is that an ongoing instrumentalisation of law and legal research decreases the attention for methodology, for theory building, and for keeping enough professional distance to one's object of research. This threatens to result in a creeping process of herd behaviour, in copy pasting the methodology of judicial lawmaking to legal scholarship and in a lack of transparency and methodological justification in scholarly legal publications. What is desperately needed is more reflection on methodology and theory building in European legal scholarship.
Innovative Governance in a Federal Europe: Implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Reiss Jennifer W.
Published: May 2013

A recent development in European law, less heralded, but no less path‐breaking than the Treaty of Lisbon, was the ratification by the EU of its first human rights treaty—the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Concluded as a mixed agreement, the CRPD's pioneering monitoring mechanisms demand a high level of cooperation from both the Union and its Member States. It, thus, provides an opportunity for the Union to further develop a distinctly European notion of federalism by the use of new, innovative governance mechanisms. This article looks at the Union as a federalist project through the prism of the mixed agreement, and specifically the ways that federalism may be balanced within it, using the CRPD as an example. Although the Union has an existing Code of Conduct under the Convention, it lacks true engagement with these issues, and this article proposes changes to that end.
Genes encoding 4‐Cys antimicrobial peptides in wheat Triticum kiharae Dorof. et Migush.: multimodular structural organization, instraspecific variability, distribution and role in defence
Authors: Utkina Lyubov L. , Andreev Yaroslav A. , Rogozhin Eugene A. , Korostyleva Tatyana V. , Slavokhotova Anna A. , Oparin Peter B. , Vassilevski Alexander A. , Grishin Eugene V. , Egorov Tsezi A. , Odintsova Tatyana I.
Published: May 2013

A novel family of antifungal peptides was discovered in the wheat Triticum kiharae Dorof. et Migusch. Two members of the family, designated Tk‐AMP‐X1 and Tk‐AMP‐X2, were completely sequenced and shown to belong to the α‐hairpinin structural family of plant peptides with a characteristic C1XXXC2‐X(n)‐C3XXXC4 motif. The peptides inhibit the spore germination of several fungal pathogens in vitro. cDNA and gene cloning disclosed unique structure of genes encoding Tk‐AMP‐X peptides. They code for precursor proteins of unusual multimodular structure, consisting of a signal peptide, several α‐hairpinin (4‐Cys) peptide domains with a characteristic cysteine pattern separated by linkers and a C‐terminal prodomain. Three types of precursor proteins, with five, six or seven 4‐Cys peptide modules, were found in wheat. Among the predicted family members, several peptides previously isolated from T. kiharae seeds were identified. Genes encoding Tk‐AMP‐X precursors have no introns in the protein‐coding regions and are upregulated by fungal pathogens and abiotic stress, providing conclusive evidence for their role in stress response. A combined PCR‐based and bioinformatics approach was used to search for related genes in the plant kingdom. Homologous genes differing in the number of peptide modules were discovered in phylogenetically‐related Triticum and Aegilops species, including polyploid wheat genome donors. Association of the Tk‐AMP‐X genes with A, B/G or D genomes of hexaploid wheat was demonstrated. Furthermore, Tk‐AMP‐X‐related sequences were shown to be widespread in the Poaceae family among economically important crops, such as barley, rice and maize.

Database

Nucleotide sequence data have been deposited in the EMBL database under accession numbers: HF562347, HF562348, HF562349, HF562350, HF562351, HF562352, HF562353, HF562354, HF562355, HF562356, HF562357, HF562358, HF562359, HF562360, HF562361, HF562362, HF562363 and HF562364.
Unperverted synthesis of complex sphingolipids is essential for cell survival under nitrogen starvation
Authors: Yamagata Maki , Obara Keisuke , Kihara Akio
Published: May 2013

Changes in membrane dynamics are known to occur in cells faced with starvation. However, the functions of the major lipid components of biological membranes, sphingolipids, during the starvation response remain unclear. In this study, we found that yeast cells lacking genes encoding mannosylinositol phosphorylceramide (MIPC) synthases (csg1Δ csh1Δ) underwent rapid cell death upon nitrogen starvation, but not upon carbon starvation or carbon and nitrogen starvation. Addition of NaN3 prevented the nitrogen starvation–induced cell death of the csg1Δ csh1Δ cells, indicating that energy production is required for this rapid cell death. The cell death was caused by an accumulation of inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) species containing phytosphingosine. Removing Ca2+ by treating the cells with a calcium chelator or by changing the medium to a Ca2+‐free medium before nitrogen starvation rescued the cells from death. Approximately half of the cells died shortly after collapse of the vacuole, whereas in the other half, morphological changes in the cytoplasm preceded vacuole disruption. Because the vacuole is the major Ca2+ storage organelle, we suggest that the vacuole is involved in the cell death either directly or indirectly. We report here that normal synthesis of complex sphingolipids is important for cell survival in nitrogen‐starved medium.
Spatial distribution and range expansion of the Tawny Coster butterfly, Acraea terpsicore (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in South‐East Asia and Australia
Authors: Braby Michael F. , Bertelsmeier Cléo , Sanderson Chris , Thistleton Brian M.
Published: May 2013

Documenting the range size and range boundaries of species, and understanding the factors determining changes in these spatial components, is crucial given current rates of anthropogenic climate change and habitat loss. Here, we document the establishment of the acraeine butterfly, Acraea terpsicore, in South‐East Asia (Indonesian islands south of Malay Peninsula, and Timor) and Australia for the first time. We estimate its rate of colonisation and potential for further range expansion in the Indo‐Australian region according to bioclimatic niche models.

We modelled the potential distribution of the species in the Indo‐Australian region under current climatic conditions and in 2050 following climate change. The bioclimatic niche models were based on five different modelling techniques, three global circulation models (GCMs) and two CO2 emission scenarios (SRES), yielding 30 individual models that were combined in a consensus model.

Acraea terpsicore became established in Indo‐China (Thailand) during the 1980s and since that time it has spread to other parts of South‐East Asia. It was first recorded on the Australian mainland in the Northern Territory in April 2012 and within a few months of detection was found to occur at six locations, with an estimated extent of occurrence of 4000 km2. Thus, the range size of A. terpsicore has expanded by approximately 6000 km across the equator (c. 32 degrees latitude) in 28 years, with an average rate of colonisation (from Thailand to Australia) of 200 km year−1 (range: 170–230 km year−1).

The bioclimatic niche models identified additional regions with favourable climatic conditions, and within Australia it is likely to occupy coastal and subcoastal savannah woodlands of the entire monsoon tropics, indicating potential for further range expansion. Moreover, the species' potential range is likely to increase with climate change.

We hypothesise that habitat modification, particularly rapid deforestation of tropical forest in South‐East during the past three decades, is a major factor accounting for the range expansion given the species' habitat preference for disturbed and open degraded areas. Climate change may be a contributing factor but is unlikely the sole determinant given the spatial area involved and rate of spread.
Using historical data to assess the biogeography of population recovery
Authors: Kittinger John N. , Houtan Kyle S. Van , McClenachan Loren E. , Lawrence Amanda L.
Published: May 2013

Historical ecology research is valuable for assessing long‐term baselines, and is increasingly applicable to conservation and management. In this study, we describe how historical range data can inform key aspects of protected species management, including evaluating conservation status and recovery, and determining practical management units. We examine contemporary (1973–2012) and historical (1250–1950) data on nesting beach distributions for green sea turtles Chelonia mydas in the Hawaiian Islands. Green turtle populations in Hawai‘i declined until federal and international protections began in the 1970s, but over the past four decades one index population has shown encouraging increases and broader recovery has been inferred. We find that 80% of historically major nesting populations are extirpated, or have heavily reduced nesting abundances in comparison with current estimates. Furthermore, historical nesting areas were not geographically isolated, but distributed across the archipelago. In comparison, today more than 90% of green turtle nesting in Hawai‘i occurs at a single site that is vulnerable to sea level rise. This research suggests that assessing recovery without historical data on spatial patterns may overlook important ecological dynamics at the popu lation or ecosystem level, which can result in improper or inadequate conservation assessments and recovery targets.
Charisma attribution during organizational change: the importance of followers' emotions and concern for well‐being
Authors: Chen Chao C. , Belkin Liuba Y. , McNamee Robert , Kurtzberg Terri R.
Published: May 2013

Taking a follower‐centric perspective, we examined how charisma attribution to a change leader was influenced by the well‐being concerns and emotions of organizational members. We conducted three studies to examine how college business students and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) students responded to a grading policy reform aimed at reducing grade inflation. We found that emotions and well‐being concerns such as school year and grade point average influenced charisma attribution by the undergraduate students and that there was a greater divergence of emotional reactions and charisma attribution among undergraduate students than among the executive MBAs. Future directions for follower‐centric leadership research on charismatic leadership are discussed.
Cyber peers’ influence for adolescent consumer in decision‐making styles and online purchasing behavior
Authors: Niu Han‐Jen
Published: May 2013

Nowadays, there is a boom in online purchasing, especially by adolescents. In fact, scholars and marketers alike have long noticed the emergence of adolescent consumers and their consumption behaviors. This research aims at exploring the effect of adolescent decision‐making styles on online purchasing behavior, with peer influence as a moderating variable. An online questionnaire survey was conducted on 2,419 adolescents and further verified by regression analysis and analysis of covariance. Adolescents with planned purchase behaviors can be considered as rational consumers, in that they do not care about fashion, or recreational, hedonistic shopping consciousness, but rather focus on brand, price value, and high quality. Indeed, adolescent purchase decision making can be strengthened by peer influence.
How job characteristics relate to need satisfaction and autonomous motivation: implications for work effort
Authors: De Cooman Rein , Stynen Dave , Van den Broeck Anja , Sels Luc , De Witte Hans
Published: May 2013

To explore the motivational potential of job design, we linked job demands and job resources, as defined in the job demands–resources model, to the motivational process defined in self‐determination theory. Specifically, we introduced basic need satisfaction and autonomous motivation as consecutive process variables mediating the relationship between job design and work effort. We tested this model by means of structural equation modeling in a sample of 689 employees. The comparison of several competing models provided support for the hypothesized model. We conclude that job demands thwart and job resources promote the fulfillment of 3 psychological needs. High levels of need satisfaction, in turn, are associated with autonomous motivation and, therefore, with high levels of effort.
Commentary: RCT of optimal dose methylphenidate in children and adolescents with severe ADHD and ID ‐ a reply to Arnold (2013)
Authors: Simonoff Emily , Taylor Eric , Baird Gillian , Bernard Sarah
Published: May 2013

The commentary by Arnold (2013) raises a number of interesting issues and speculations about the action of methylphenidate in children with intellectual disability (ID) and associated neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. In our article (Simonoff et al., 2013), we were careful to stick closely to the statistical analysis plan drawn up (and approved by the Data Monitoring Committee) during data collection and prior to any exploratory analysis. However, a number of the issues raised by Arnold warrant further response, with the aim of clarifying the lessons that can reasonably be drawn for clinical practice.
Heidegger, Gestell and rehabilitation of the biomedical model
Authors: Borrett Donald S.
Published: May 2013

The biomedical model is the foundation upon which current evaluations in clinical practice are based. In the quest for objective evidence to support clinical interventions, the patient is reduced to a number of technologically generated variables that serve as a surrogate for the patient herself. The biomedical model, as a reflection of Gestell or the essence of technology, carries with it the danger that it may overwhelm the practitioner's perspective so that other perspectives that may include the lived experience of the patient are actively suppressed. An ontology of the patient based on a Heideggerian exegesis is developed as a response to this concern. Morris has suggested that the most fundamental disturbance in the lived experience of the patient is an alteration in the patient's relationship to ecstatic temporality. In ecstatic temporality, the past, present and future are experienced as a unity in which the patient sees herself as her own possibility. Access to this experience is disturbed in illness; the future is no longer experienced as the patient's own possibility but rather as a series of predetermined external events that dictate the patient's affairs. By developing a biologically plausible model of ecstatic temporality, the lived experience of the patient does not have to be considered separate from the physical mechanisms involved in the disease state. As a consequence, the biomedical model cannot suppress the practitioner's humane perspective since the latter is explicitly brought under its purview.
Participant responsibility, researcher vulnerability and empirical ethics: a reply to Loughlin
Authors: Duncan Peter , Stephenson Anne
Published: May 2013

In a recent issue of this journal, Michael Loughlin offers a critique of work we undertook that we described and discussed in the same issue, and which might be seen as forming part of the so‐called empirical turn in ethics. Here we respond to Loughlin's criticisms of our work. While he declares that generally, there is potential value in empirically informed ethics, we understand him to be concerned about our particular project on two counts. First, he is worried by the extent to which participants exercised responsibility within the work; and second, he is concerned about the degree to which we, as researchers, were prepared rigorously to examine and question participant assertions and assumptions. We argue that Loughlin's worries are based on a relatively limited view of the context in which empirically informed ethics related to health care takes place. A more complex understanding than he allows, of both the responsibility of participants and the vulnerability of researchers who are involved in projects of empirical ethics in this context, is required in order to recognize the ambiguities and difficulties faced by those involved in such projects.
Presence of coronary artery disease increases the risk of biliary events in patients with asymptomatic gallstones
Authors: Lee Yoon Suk , Jang Sang Eon , Lee Ban Seok , Lee Seung‐June , Lee Min Geun , Park Joo Kyung , Lee Sang Hyub , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong‐Tae , Yoon Yong Bum , Hwang Jin‐Hyeok
Published: May 2013

Abstact

Background and Aim

Propensity score indicates a probability of having a confounding factor. It is used to match each patient with the closest propensity score between two groups, which is known as propensity score matching. This study aimed to evaluate the gallstone‐related biliary events, defined as biliary colic and acute cholecystitis between coronary artery disease (CAD) and non‐CAD patients using propensity score matching.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated 267 asymptomatic gallstone patients with CAD and 459 asymptomatic gallstone patients without CAD from March 2003 to December 2009 at two tertiary teaching hospitals in the Republic of Korea. After propensity score matching, total 378 patients, including 126 in study group (with CAD) and 252 in control group (without CAD), were evaluated.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 47 months, overall gallstone‐related biliary event rate was 33.5% in the study group and 27.5% in the control group. The 5‐year cumulative rates were 25.3% versus 17.7% in gallstone‐related biliary event and 10.9% versus 1.6% in acute cholecystitis (study versus control group). After propensity score adjustment, the risk of gallstone‐related biliary events in the CAD patients significantly increased (hazard ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.14–3.90, P = 0.017 in matched patients).

Conclusion

In patients with asymptomatic gallstones, the coexistence of CAD can increase the risk of gallstone‐related biliary events, particularly acute cholecystitis. Therefore, gallstone patients with CAD should be carefully monitored, even if they are asymptomatic.