bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quantity and quality of terrorism
Authors: Calle Luis de la , Sánchez-Cuenca Ignacio
Published: February 2011

This article presents a dataset of fatalities of domestic terrorism in Western European countries for the period 1965–2005. The Domestic Terrorism Victims (DTV) dataset, unlike others such as TWEED or GTD1, is based on local sources in each country and, consequently, it registers a higher number of killings. Measurement of the quantity of terrorism is therefore more accurate. The unit of observation is the fatality, not the attack, although the data can be transformed in terms of lethal attacks. Detailed information about each killing has been collected, making it possible to create new variables about the quality of violence: target selection, selectivity of the killings and their strategic aim. The ideology of the terrorists generates interesting variation in these three variables. The DTV is particularly suitable for hypothesis testing on the quantity and quality of terrorism.
Neighbourhoods in Urban Economics
Authors: Furtado Bernardo Alves
Published: February 2011

This paper proposes that urban economic analysis would benefit from the use of cognitively perceived neighbourhoods, which are discussed within urban studies. Georeferenced data should be aggregated by spatially bounded units that are identifiable by citizens in order to enrich one-dimensional distance as the sole variable to bring urban complexity into economic models. Multivariate analysis is applied to data from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to formulate four indices, ranked by neighbourhoods that together represent a spatially complex, non-linear influence on urban real estate markets. The results of the indices by neighbourhood are then tested against a traditional specification in an econometrics exercise that does not include the concepts and indices put forward. The definition of neighbourhood used and the empirical results provide a thorough description of urban fabric that can fully and more accurately represent urban influence in economics while avoiding abstract distance measurement.
Urban Infrastructure Financing in Reform-era China
Authors: Wang De , Zhang Li , Zhang Zhao , Zhao Simon Xiaobin
Published: February 2011

Urban infrastructure has been substantially upgraded in reform-era China. This paper explains, contextually and empirically, how Chinese cities finance their infrastructure. It demonstrates that China has succeeded in addressing urban infrastructure backlogs by opening up new venues for financing, but simultaneously, heavily relying on unconventional sources. The paper also argues that urban infrastructure financing has much to do with the country’s transition to a market-oriented economy that fosters the pro-growth role of city governments as well as the redistribution of fiscal power between the levels of the urban hierarchy that produces significant variation of financial capacities among the different administrative ranks of cities.
Ten Year Revision of the Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression: Revised Treatment Manual
Authors: Lejuez C.W. , Hopko Derek R. , Acierno Ron , Daughters Stacey B. , Pagoto Sherry L.
Published: February 2011

Following from the seminal work of Ferster, Lewinsohn, and Jacobson, as well as theory and research on the Matching Law, Lejuez, Hopko, LePage, Hopko, and McNeil developed a reinforcement-based depression treatment that was brief, uncomplicated, and tied closely to behavioral theory. They called this treatment the brief behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD), and the original manual was published in this journal. The current manuscript is a revised manual (BATD-R), reflecting key modifications that simplify and clarify key treatment elements, procedures, and treatment forms. Specific modifications include (a) greater emphasis on treatment rationale, including therapeutic alliance; (b) greater clarity regarding life areas, values, and activities; (c) simplified (and fewer) treatment forms; (d) enhanced procedural details, including troubleshooting and concept reviews; and (e) availability of a modified Daily Monitoring Form to accommodate low literacy patients. Following the presentation of the manual, the authors conclude with a discussion of the key barriers in greater depth, including strategies for addressing these barriers.
Investigating the Similarities and Differences Between Practitioners of Second- and Third-Wave Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies
Authors: Brown Lily A. , Gaudiano Brandon A. , Miller Ivan W.
Published: February 2011

There has been much discussion in the literature recently regarding the conceptual and technical differences between so-called second- (e.g., Beckian cognitive therapy) and third-wave (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy) behavioral therapies. Previous research has not addressed the potential similarities and differences among the practitioners of these types of approaches. The current study examined possible differences in the characteristics of second-wave ( n = 55) and third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapists ( n = 33) using an Internet-based survey. There were differences found at the technical level between the two groups. As expected, third-wave therapists reported greater use of mindfulness/acceptance techniques. Also, third-wave therapists reported greater use of exposure techniques and second-wave therapists reported greater use of cognitive restructuring and relaxation techniques. In general, third-wave clinicians were more eclectic at the technical level and demonstrated significantly greater use of family systems techniques, existential/humanistic techniques, and the total number of techniques. No significant differences were found on the attitudinal measures administered, including reliance on an intuitive thinking style, acceptance of complementary and alternative therapies and related health beliefs, or most attitudes toward evidence-based practices. The authors did not identify many differences between second-wave and third-wave therapists other than in terms of the techniques they employ. The clinical and research implications for these findings are discussed.
An exploration of small business Website optimization: Enablers, influencers and an assessment approach
Authors: Simmons Geoff , Armstrong Gillian A. , Durkin Mark G.
Published: February 2011

The literature reveals a need for more integrated research contributions to small business Internet adoption and theoretical development. There is also a need for these developments to relate more closely to effective, or optimized, use of web applications in business processes and growth. To address this, and building upon recent integrated theoretical developments, the aim of this study is to explore the determinants and outcomes relating to small business Website optimization. Five determining variables isolated from recent theoretical developments relate to small business Website adoption outcomes. Utilizing an optimization rating instrument with these variables a methodological approach produced four key findings. From these findings we develop an optimization model and focus important contributions as propositions. These propositions provide a new understanding of the enablers and influencers of small business Website optimization and a basis for research to develop further insights in this area.
Factors distinguishing small firm growers and non-growers
Authors: Hansen Bridget , Hamilton Robert T.
Published: February 2011

Why do some firms grow while others do not? This study identifies factors present in growing small firms that are absent in non-growers. An inductive method is used with a theoretical sample of businesses with contrasting growth histories, selected as matched pairs from the same manufacturing and service industries in the same urban location. Replication logic identified four factors: opportunistic perceptions of the external environment; controlled ambition of the owner-manager to grow; business culture of innovation and flexibility; and use of extensive private business networks, including portfolio entrepreneurship. The role of organizational learning in underpinning these factors was also noted. The paper ends with some limitations and suggestions for further research.
Understanding academic entrepreneurship: Exploring the emergence of university spin-off ventures using process theories
Authors: Rasmussen Einar
Published: February 2011

This article explores how the use of process theories can lead to a better understanding of the university spin-off venture formation process. The most frequently used conceptualization of the new venture formation process is the stage model or life-cycle theory. However, no conceptual framework exists to describe how the venturing process proceeds from one stage to the next. Based on a longitudinal study of the initiation and early development of four university spin-offs, this article shows that life-cycle, teleological, dialectic and evolutionary theories explain different aspects of the spin-off venturing process. In combination, these theories may provide a more holistic understanding of the academic entrepreneurship process. The assumptions of each theory suggest important implications for further research on academic entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial processes in general.
Are the Major Risk/Need Factors Predictive of Both Female and Male Reoffending?
Authors: Andrews Donald A. , Guzzo Lina , Raynor Peter , Rowe Robert C. , Rettinger L. Jill , Brews Albert , Wormith J. Stephen
Published: February 2011

The Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) and the Youth version (YLS/CMI) generate an assessment of risk/need across eight domains that are considered to be relevant for girls and boys and for women and men. Aggregated across five data sets, the predictive validity of each of the eight domains was gender-neutral. The composite total score (LS/CMI total risk/need) was strongly associated with the recidivism of males (mean r = .39, mean AUC = .746) and very strongly associated with the recidivism of females (mean r = .53, mean AUC = .827). The enhanced validity of LS total risk/need with females was traced to the exceptional validity of Substance Abuse with females. The intra–data set conclusions survived the introduction of two very large samples composed of female offenders exclusively. Finally, the mean incremental contributions of gender and the gender–by–risk level interactions in the prediction of criminal recidivism were minimal compared to the relatively strong validity of the LS/CMI risk level. Although the variance explained by gender was minimal and although high-risk cases were high-risk cases regardless of gender, the recidivism rates of lower risk females were lower than the recidivism rates of lower risk males, suggesting possible implications for test interpretation and policy.
Law and the geographic analysis of economic globalization
Authors: Barkan Joshua
Published: February 2011

This article focuses on the curious absence of law in geographic accounts of state restructuring in relation to neoliberal economic globalization. It argues that law is ever-present in many of the issues at the center of geographic debates, yet rarely given sustained attention. In response, three approaches are offered, each emphasizing a different aspect of the law and each producing different geographies. First, I consider the absence as symptomatic of the problematic of state theory. Second, I review arguments from outside the discipline of geography concerning the ways actors involved in state restructuring engage with and think about the law. Third, I argue for a historical-philosophical investigation into the way that law produces the pockmarked landscape of the global economy through both the extension of legal frameworks and the legally authorized suspension of legal systems. The final section examines how these different approaches deepen our understanding of economic globalization by considering the role of transnational corporations as regulatory institutions in the global economy.
Researching hybrid ‘economic’/‘development’ geographies in practice
Authors: Vira Bhaskar , James Al
Published: February 2011

In an increasingly globalized world, the long-standing intellectual division of labour between ‘economic’ geographers and ‘development’ scholars is becoming less tenable. This paper explores some of the practical implications and synergistic outcomes of developing a hybrid economic/development geography ‘trading zone’. Drawing on experiences from our collaborative research on India’s new service economy, we reflect on: our intellectual journey through this project from relatively conventional subdisciplinary start points; how we were forced to rethink those start points at each stage of the research project; and the wider implications of these experiences for contemporary debates on internal interdisciplinarity within human geography.
Region and place
Authors: Jonas Andrew E.G.
Published: February 2011

Territorial notions of place and region are being challenged by the relational viewpoint. Yet relational thinking often neglects to address questions of territory and territorial politics. This progress report examines some commonalities and differences between relational and territorial approaches to regions and regionalism. It considers the treatment of the state and territorial politics in the various literatures developing around the New Regionalism. The received distinction drawn between territorial and relational approaches could be rendered obsolete if critical attention were to be paid to matters of territory and territorial politics.
What kind of right is the right to the city?
Authors: Attoh Kafui A.
Published: February 2011

This essay critically examines the concept of the right to the city. While many progressive scholars have embraced the idea of the right to the city, what these scholars mean by rights has often been left unexplored. The first half of this essay focuses on the distinctions that political philosophers and legal scholars often draw between various kinds and forms of rights. The second section focuses specifically on how rights are mobilized within scholarship on the right to the city, as well as the tensions and contradictions – with respect to rights – that arise therein.
Perioperative Care of an Infant With an Anomalous Left Innominate Artery Arising from the Main Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Naguib Aymen N. , Corridore Marco , Phillips Alistair , Olshove Vincent , Galantowicz Mark , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: February 2011

A 1.4-kilogram, male infant was born at 27 weeks gestation at an outside hospital. After birth, the patient’s trachea was intubated and surfactant administered. Initial echocardiogram showed a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and a ventricular septal defect (VSD), with a possible aberrant vessel arising from the carotid artery. The patient was transferred to our hospital for further management. Repeat echocardiogram showed a right aortic arch with the left common carotid/innominate artery arising from the pulmonary artery. The infant was subsequently brought to the operating room where following sternotomy, the aberrant left innominate artery was reimplanted into the aorta. The origin of the left carotid artery or innominate artery from the pulmonary artery is an extremely rare form of congenital heart disease with a limited number of reports in the literature. The differential pressure gradient between the systemic and pulmonary beds may lead to a steal phenomenon, with shunting of blood from the carotid system into the pulmonary vascular bed, resulting in decreased cerebral blood flow. The left-to-right shunting from the systemic to pulmonary bed may also lead to volume overload of the left side of the heart. In the perioperative care of such patients, control of physiologic factors that control the balance between the pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance is mandatory to ensure that cerebral blood flow is maintained.
Is temporary employment related to health status? Analysis of the Northern Swedish Cohort
Authors: Waenerlund Anna-Karin , Virtanen Pekka , Hammarström Anne
Published: February 2011

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether temporary employment was related to non-optimal self-rated health and psychological distress at age 42 after adjustment for the same indicators at age 30, and to analyze the effects of job insecurity, low cash margin and high job strain on this relationship. Methods: A subcohort of the Northern Swedish Cohort that was employed at the 2007 follow-up survey (n = 907, response rate of 94%) was analyzed using data from 1995 and 2007 questionnaires. Results: Temporary employees had a higher risk of both non-optimal self-rated health and psychological distress. After adjustment for non-optimal self-rated health at age 30 and psychological distress at age 30 as well as for sociodemographic variables, the odds ratios decreased but remained significant. However, after adjustment for job insecurity, high job strain and low cash margin the odds ratio dropped for non-optimal self-rated health but remained significant for psychological distress. Conclusions: Temporary employment may have adverse effects on self-rated health and psychological health after adjustment for previous health status and sociodemographic variables. Our findings indicate that low cash margin and job insecurity may partially mediate the association between temporary employment and health status.
How many working days would be missed due to moderate or severe influenza pandemic in China?
Authors: Pengqian Fang  , Xuelei Han  , Jie Chen  , Luzhao Feng  , Susan Tang  , Hongjie Yu
Published: February 2011

Background: Under the current situation of influenza pandemic outbreak, it is urgent to estimate the potential work days lost in China. Method: We used a Monte-Carlo simulation model based on the analysis framework of the FluWorkLoss 1.0 software to estimate the number of work days lost. Results: Work days lost caused by caring for family members were more than that caused by one’s own illness. The care of a child caused more work days missed than the care of an elderly. Conclusions: During a mild to moderate pandemic, outpatients and children need more attention. During a severe pandemic, inpatients and working adults will be the focus.
Do lifestyle factors and general health predict dropout among recently qualified eldercare workers? A two-year follow-up study
Authors: Giver Hanne , Faber Anne , Strøyer Jesper , Hannerz Harald , Albertsen Karen
Published: February 2011

Background: The eldercare sector in Denmark as in many industrialised countries is characterised by difficulties in retaining labour. Research suggests a possible imbalance between lifestyle and health among eldercare trainees and the demanding work encountered as eldercare employees. The aim of the present study was to determine the predictive effect of lifestyle and self-rated health on dropout from the Danish eldercare sector two years after qualification. Methods: We included 4,526 female eldercare trainees in the analyses of lifestyle parameters and 5,023 in the analyses of self-rated health. The participants in this prospective study were recruited from 27 of the 28 Danish colleges for eldercare. We linked survey data with national register data to obtain information about labour market attachment two years after qualification. Results: The results of the present study showed that the poorer self-rated health, the higher the risk for dropout from the labour market (p < 0.0001). However, the results were less consistent regarding the predictive effect of a detrimental lifestyle. We found that overweight/ obesity (p = 0.0021 and p = 0.0012) as well as smoking (p = 0.0017) decreased the risk of dropout from eldercare into education. We found no support for increased likelihood of dropout among physically inactive. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that a poorer self-rated health is a predictor for dropout, not only from the eldercare two years after qualification, but from the labour market as a whole. However, the results were less consistent regarding the predictive effect of a detrimental lifestyle on dropout.
Primary care visits to occupational health physicians and nurses in Finland
Authors: Kimanen Annukka , Rautio Maria , Manninen Pirjo , Räsänen Kimmo , Husman Päivi , Husman Kaj
Published: February 2011

Aims: In Finland, 91% of employer-arranged occupational health services (OHS) include primary care for employees. Occupational health (OH) physicians and OH nurses carry the main responsibility for primary care in OHS. This study analyses work- and health-related factors associated with primary care visits to OH physicians and OH nurses. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional survey encompassed 1636 randomly selected working employees aged 25—64 covered by OHS which included primary care. The associations between factors and visits during the previous 6 months were tested by Poisson regression analysis. Results: The proportion of employees who visited OH physicians or OH nurses was 57%. Men visited OH nurses more often than women, but the number of visits to OH physicians was similar. Long-standing illnesses impairing work ability, work-related symptoms, and type of OHS provision were associated with visits to both OH physicians and nurses. Moderate psychological stress was associated with visits to OH physicians. Among men, the requirement of obtaining a sick-leave certificate on the first day of absence was associated with visits. Less possibilities to influence one’s work was associated with visits to OH nurses, and among women also to OH physicians. Poor support from supervisors and co-workers had non-significant or inverse associations. Conclusions: The wide use of OHS and both the type and similarities between factors associated with visits may signify that both OH physicians and OH nurses are likely to encounter work-related health problems through primary care in OHS.
Imagining future places
Authors: van Dijk Terry
Published: February 2011

Despite attempts to connect planning with design disciplines, some opportunities to do so still await further inquiry, particularly the conception promoted by Throgmorton of planning as persuasive storytelling. According to this perspective, we persuade one another about what the future should and can bring, as well as convince others to agree on and engage in a trajectory of actions. Decision-making is not about separate facts but concerns stories that strike a chord among those who can make things happen. Stories about the future may create resonance and amplify into anticipation, due to their persuasive character. This article points to three implications of planning as storytelling that will help us to better understand the effects of interactive regional design processes. Firstly, regional design is considered to be a form of devising and sharing stories; a perspective that better serves design than its usual conceptualization in the planning literature. Secondly, by considering regional design as story-making, it is also seen to affect the frames with which we perceive reality, thus intervening in the social, cognitive and intentional processes of presenting and constructing reality and regional action. Thirdly, if designs, considered in terms of the stories that they tell, change perceived realities, the interaction between governments and citizens, notably the role of communication, needs to be redefined. It would be justifiable to consider a more symbiotic model in which all communication is found to cause change and formal decisions only confirm events that are already underway.
Pain in Osteochondral Lesions
Authors: Wiewiorski Martin , Pagenstert Geert , Rasch Helmut , Jacob Augustinus Ludwig , Valderrabano Victor
Published: February 2011

Pain is the key symptom of patients suffering from osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the ankle joint. Routine radiographic imaging methods for diagnosis and staging of OCL fail to visualize the pain-inducing focus within the joint. SPECT-CT (Single-photon emission computed tomography—computed tomography) is a new hybrid imaging technique allowing exact digital fusion of scintigraphic and computer tomographic images. This allows precise localization and size determination of an OCL within the joint. Using this novel imaging method, we conducted a study to evaluate the correlation between pathological uptake within an OCL and pain experienced by patients suffering from this condition; 15 patients were assessed in the orthopaedic ambulatory clinic for unilateral OCL of the ankle joint. Pain status was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A SPECT-CT was performed. All patients underwent CT-guided ankle injection with a local anesthetic and iodine contrast medium. The VAS score assessed immediately postinfiltration was compared with the preinterventional VAS score obtained in the outpatient clinic. Pain relief was defined as a reduction of the VAS score to ≤ 50% of the preinterventional score, if expected immediately after infiltration. Pain relief was found in all 15 patients. The results of our study show that there is a highly significant correlation between pain and pathological uptake seen on SPECT-CT, indicating that pathologically remodeled bone tissue is an important contributor to pain in OCL. Adequate addressing of involved bone tissue needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a surgical treatment method.
One-Step Cartilage Repair with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrated Cells and Collagen Matrix in Full-Thickness Knee Cartilage Lesions
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Karnatzikos Georgios , Scotti Celeste , Mahajan Vivek , Mazzucco Laura , Grigolo Brunella
Published: February 2011

Objective:

The purpose of our study was to determine the effectiveness of cartilage repair utilizing 1-step surgery with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and a collagen I/III matrix (Chondro-Gide, Geistlich, Wolhusen, Switzerland).

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively followed up for 2 years 15 patients (mean age, 48 years) who were operated for grade IV cartilage lesions of the knee. Six of the patients had multiple chondral lesions; the average size of the lesions was 9.2 cm2. All patients underwent a mini-arthrotomy and concomitant transplantation with BMAC covered with the collagen matrix. Coexisting pathologies were treated before or during the same surgery. X-rays and MRI were collected preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years’ follow-up. Visual analog scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm, Marx, SF-36 (physical/mental), and Tegner scores were collected preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months’ follow-up. Four patients gave their consent for second-look arthroscopy and 3 of them for a concomitant biopsy.

Results:

Patients showed significant improvement in all scores at final follow-up ( P < 0.005). Patients presenting single lesions and patients with small lesions showed higher improvement. MRI showed coverage of the lesion with hyaline-like tissue in all patients in accordance with clinical results. Hyaline-like histological findings were also reported for all the specimens analyzed. No adverse reactions or postoperative complications were noted.

Conclusion:

This study showed that 1-step surgery with BMAC and collagen I/III matrix could be a viable technique in the treatment of grade IV knee chondral lesions.
Size effects and length scales in nanoindentation for body-centred cubic materials with application to iron
Authors: Faghihi D , Voyiadjis G Z
Published: February 2011

Material length scales used in conjunction with gradient theories are obtained in this work from experimental observations of body-centred cubic (BCC) metals. Nanoindentation experiments are performed on iron at different strain rates. A constant value material length scale is not always realistic and different problems under various deformation conditions could require different values. A variable physically based relation for the length scale is therefore introduced in this paper for different strain rates, temperatures, and accumulated plastic strain. The material parameters of this model can be scaled with temperature and rate indentation size effects (TRISE) encountered in nanoindentation experiments. Required numerical analysis is performed using ABAQUS software and a physically based viscoplastic constitutive model.
Mesenteric lymph node cells from neonates present a prominent IL-12 response to CpG oligodeoxynucleotide via an IL-15 feedback loop of amplification
Authors: Ferret-Bernard Stéphanie , Lacroix-Lamandé Sonia , Remot Aude , Metton Coralie , Bernardet Nelly , Charley Bernard , Drouet Françoise , Laurent Fabrice
Published: February 2011

At birth, the immune system is still in development making neonates more susceptible to infections. The recognition of microbial ligands is a key step in the initiation of immune responses. It can be mimicked to stimulate the immune system by the use of synthetic ligands recognising pattern recognition receptors. In human and mouse, it has been found that neonatal cytokine responses to toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands differ in many ways from those of adults but the relevant studies have been limited to cord blood and spleen cells. In this study, we compared the responses in neonate and adult sheep to CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), a TLR9 ligand, in both a mucosal and a systemic organ. We observed that in response to CpG-ODN more IL-12 was produced by neonatal than adult sheep cells from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and spleen. This higher IL-12 response was limited to the first 20 days after birth for MLN cells but persisted for a longer period for spleen cells. The major IL-12-producing cells were identified as CD14+CD11b+. These cells were poor producers of IL-12 in response to direct stimulation with CpG-ODN and required the cooperation of other MLN cells. The difference in response to CpG-ODN between neonates and adults can be attributed to both a higher proportion of CD14+CD11b+ cells in neonate lambs and their higher capacity to produce IL-15. The IL-15 increases IL-12 production by an amplifying feedback loop involving CD40.
Tracing the legacy of the early Hainan Islanders - a perspective from mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Peng Min-Sheng , He Jun-Dong , Liu Hai-Xin , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: February 2011

Background

Hainan Island is located around the conjunction of East Asia and Southeast Asia, and during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was connected with the mainland. This provided an opportunity for the colonization of Hainan Island by modern human in the Upper Pleistocene. Whether the ancient dispersal left any footprints in the contemporary gene pool of Hainan islanders is debatable.

Results

We collected samples from 285 Li individuals and analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations of hypervariable sequence I and II (HVS-I and II), as well as partial coding regions. By incorporating previously reported data, the phylogeny of Hainan islanders was reconstructed. We found that Hainan islanders showed a close relationship with the populations in mainland southern China, especially from Guangxi. Haplotype sharing analyses suggested that the recent gene flow from the mainland might play important roles in shaping the maternal pool of Hainan islanders. More importantly, haplogroups M12, M7e, and M7c1* might represent the genetic relics of the ancient population that populated this region; thus, 14 representative complete mtDNA genomes were further sequenced.

Conclusions

The detailed phylogeographic analyses of haplogroups M12, M7e, and M7c1* indicated that the early peopling of Hainan Island by modern human could be traced back to the early Holocene and/or even the late Upper Pleistocene, around 7 - 27 kya. These results correspond to both Y-chromosome and archaeological studies.
The genetic interaction network of CCW12, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene required for cell wall integrity during budding and formation of mating projections
Authors: Ragni Enrico , Piberger Heidi , Neupert Christine , García-Cantalejo Jesús , Popolo Laura , Arroyo Javier , Aebi Markus , Strahl Sabine
Published: February 2011

Background

Mannoproteins construct the outer cover of the fungal cell wall. The covalently linked cell wall protein Ccw12p is an abundant mannoprotein. It is considered as crucial structural cell wall component since in baker's yeast the lack of CCW12 results in severe cell wall damage and reduced mating efficiency.

Results

In order to explore the function of CCW12, we performed a Synthetic Genetic Analysis (SGA) and identified genes that are essential in the absence of CCW12. The resulting interaction network identified 21 genes involved in cell wall integrity, chitin synthesis, cell polarity, vesicular transport and endocytosis. Among those are PFD1, WHI3, SRN2, PAC10, FEN1 and YDR417C, which have not been related to cell wall integrity before. We correlated our results with genetic interaction networks of genes involved in glucan and chitin synthesis. A core of genes essential to maintain cell integrity in response to cell wall stress was identified. In addition, we performed a large-scale transcriptional analysis and compared the transcriptional changes observed in mutant ccw12 Δ with transcriptomes from studies investigating responses to constitutive or acute cell wall damage. We identified a set of genes that are highly induced in the majority of the mutants/conditions and are directly related to the cell wall integrity pathway and cell wall compensatory responses. Among those are BCK1, CHS3, EDE1, PFD1, SLT2 and SLA1 that were also identified in the SGA. In contrast, a specific feature of mutant ccw12 Δ is the transcriptional repression of genes involved in mating. Physiological experiments substantiate this finding. Further, we demonstrate that Ccw12p is present at the cell periphery and highly concentrated at the presumptive budding site, around the bud, at the septum and at the tip of the mating projection.

Conclusions

The combination of high throughput screenings, phenotypic analyses and localization studies provides new insight into the function of Ccw12p. A compensatory response, culminating in cell wall remodelling and transport/recycling pathways is required to buffer the loss of CCW12. Moreover, the enrichment of Ccw12p in bud, septum and mating projection is consistent with a role of Ccw12p in preserving cell wall integrity at sites of active growth.

The microarray data produced in this analysis have been submitted to NCBI GEO database and GSE22649 record was assigned.
A clinical trial alert tool to recruit large patient samples and assess selection bias in general practice research
Authors: Heinemann Stephanie , Thüring Sabine , Wedeken Sven , Schäfer Tobias , Scheidt-Nave Christa , Ketterer Mirko , Himmel Wolfgang
Published: February 2011

Background

Many research projects in general practice face problems when recruiting patients, often resulting in low recruitment rates and an unknown selection bias, thus limiting their value for health services research. The objective of the study is to evaluate the recruitment performance of the practice staff in 25 participating general practices when using a clinical trial alert (CTA) tool.

Methods

The CTA tool was developed for an osteoporosis survey of patients at risk for osteoporosis and fractures. The tool used data from electronic patient records (EPRs) to automatically identify the population at risk (net sample), to apply eligibility criteria, to contact eligible patients, to enrol and survey at least 200 patients per practice. The effects of the CTA intervention were evaluated on the basis of recruitment efficiency and selection bias.

Results

The CTA tool identified a net sample of 16,067 patients (range 162 to 1,316 per practice), of which the practice staff reviewed 5,161 (32%) cases for eligibility. They excluded 3,248 patients and contacted 1,913 patients. Of these, 1,526 patients (range 4 to 202 per practice) were successfully enrolled and surveyed. This made up 9% of the net sample and 80% of the patients contacted. Men and older patients were underrepresented in the study population.

Conclusion

Although the recruitment target was unreachable for most practices, the practice staff in the participating practices used the CTA tool successfully to identify, document and survey a large patient sample. The tool also helped the research team to precisely determine a slight selection bias.
Systematic search for enhancer elements and somatic allelic imbalance at seven low-penetrance colorectal cancer predisposition loci
Authors: Niittymäki Iina , Tuupanen Sari , Li Yilong , Järvinen Heikki , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Tomlinson Ian PM , Houlston Richard S , Karhu Auli , Aaltonen Lauri A
Published: February 2011

Background

Common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ten chromosomal loci have been shown to predispose to colorectal cancer (CRC) in genome-wide association studies. A plausible biological mechanism of CRC susceptibility associated with genetic variation has so far only been proposed for three loci, each pointing to variants that affect gene expression through distant regulatory elements. In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the molecular basis of seven low-penetrance CRC loci tagged by rs4779584 at 15q13, rs10795668 at 10p14, rs3802842 at 11q23, rs4444235 at 14q22, rs9929218 at 16q22, rs10411210 at 19q13, and rs961253 at 20p12.

Methods

Possible somatic gain of the risk allele or loss of the protective allele was studied by analyzing allelic imbalance in tumour and corresponding normal tissue samples of heterozygous patients. Functional variants were searched from in silico predicted enhancer elements locating inside the CRC-associating linkage-disequilibrium regions.

Results

No allelic imbalance targeting the SNPs was observed at any of the seven loci. Altogether, 12 SNPs that were predicted to disrupt potential transcription factor binding sequences were genotyped in the same population-based case-control series as the seven tagging SNPs originally. None showed association with CRC.

Conclusions

The results of the allelic imbalance analysis suggest that the seven CRC risk variants are not somatically selected for in the neoplastic progression. The bioinformatic approach was unable to pinpoint cancer-causing variants at any of the seven loci. While it is possible that many of the predisposition loci for CRC are involved in control of gene expression by targeting transcription factor binding sites, also other possibilities, such as regulatory RNAs, should be considered.
Protein secretion in human mammary epithelial cells following HER1 receptor activation: influence of HER2 and HER3 expression
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gonzalez Rachel M , Zangar Richard C
Published: February 2011

Background

Protein secretion by mammary cells results in autocrine and paracrine signaling that defines cell growth, migration and the extracellular environment. Even so, we have a limited understanding of the cellular processes that regulate protein secretion.

Methods

In this study, we utilize human epithelial mammary cell (HMEC) lines that were engineered to express different levels of HER1, HER2 and HER3. Using an ELISA microarray platform, we evaluate the effects of epidermal growth factor family receptor (HER) expression on protein secretion in the HMEC lines upon initiation of HER1 receptor activation. The secreted proteins include three HER1 ligands, interleukins 1α and 18, RANTES, vascular-endothelial and platelet-derived growth factors, matrix metalloproteases 1, 2 and 9, and the extracellular portion of the HER1 and HER2 proteins. In addition, we investigate whether MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signaling regulate protein secretion in these cell lines and if so, whether the involvement of HER2 or HER3 receptor alters their response to MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signal pathway inhibition in terms of protein secretion.

Results

Differential expression of HER2 and HER3 receptors alters the secretion of a variety of growth factors, cytokines, and proteases. Some alterations in protein secretion are still observed when MAPK/Erk or PI3K/Akt signaling is inhibited.

Conclusion

This study suggests that HER overexpression orchestrates broad changes in the tumor microenvironment by altering the secretion of a diverse variety of biologically active proteins.
A case report of vibration-induced hand comorbidities in a postwoman
Authors: Mattioli Stefano , Graziosi Francesca , Bonfiglioli Roberta , Barbieri Giuseppe , Bernardelli Sandra , Acquafresca Luciano , Violante Francesco S , Farioli Andrea , Hagberg Mats
Published: February 2011

Background

Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration is associated with an increased occurrence of symptoms and signs of disorders in the vascular, neurological and osteoarticular systems of the upper limbs. However, the available epidemiological evidence is derived from studies on high vibration levels caused by vibratory tools, whereas little is known about possible upper limb disorders caused by chronic exposure to low vibration levels emitted by fixed sources.

Case presentation

We present the case of a postwoman who delivered mail for 15 years using a low-powered motorcycle. The woman was in good health until 2002, when she was diagnosed with bilateral Raynaud's phenomenon. In March 2003 a bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was electromyographically diagnosed; surgical treatment was ineffective. Further examinations in 2005 highlighted the presence of chronic tendonitis (right middle finger flexor).

Risk assessment

From 1987, for 15 years, our patient rode her motorcycle for 4 h/day, carrying a load of 20-30 kg. For about a quarter of the time she drove over country roads. Using the information collected about the tasks carried out every day by the postwoman and some measurements performed on both handles of the motorcycle, as well as on both iron parts of the handlebars, we reconstructed the woman's previous exposure to hand-arm vibration. 8-hour energy-equivalent frequency weighted acceleration was about 2.4 m/s2. The lifetime dose was 1.5 × 109(m2/s4)hd.

Conclusions

The particular set of comorbidities presented by our patient suggests a common pathophysiological basis for all the diseases. Considering the level of exposure to vibrations and the lack of specific knowledge on the effects of vibration in women, we hypothesize an association between the work exposure and the onset of the diseases.
Evaluating the effectiveness of IPTi on malaria using routine health information from sentinel health centres in southern Tanzania
Authors: Willey Barbara A , Armstrong Schellenberg Joanna RM , Maokola Werner , Shirima Kizito , Chemba Mwajuma , Mshinda Hassan , Alonso Pedro , Tanner Marcel , Schellenberg David
Published: February 2011

Background

Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants (IPTi) consists of the administration of a treatment dose of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) at the time of routine vaccinations. The use of routine Health Management and Information Services (HMIS) data to investigate the effect of IPTi on malaria, anaemia, and all-cause attendance in children aged 2-11 months presenting to 11 health centres in southern Tanzania is described.

Methods

Clinical diagnosis of malaria was confirmed with a positive blood slide reading from a quality assurance laboratory. Anaemia was defined using two thresholds (mild [Hb < 11 g/dL], severe [Hb < 8 g/dL]). Incidence rates between IPTi and non-implementing health centres were calculated using Poisson regression, and all statistical testing was based on the t test due to the clustered nature of the data.

Results

Seventy two per cent of infants presenting in intervention areas received at least one dose of IPTi- 22% received all three. During March 2006 - April 2007, the incidence of all cause attendance was two attendances per person, per year (pppy), including 0.2 episodes pppy of malaria, 0.7 episodes of mild and 0.13 episodes of severe anaemia. Point estimates for the effect of IPTi on malaria varied between 18% and 52%, depending on the scope of the analysis, although adjustment for clustering rendered these not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The point estimate of the effect of IPTi on malaria is consistent with that from a large pooled analysis of randomized control trials. As such, it is plausible that the difference seen in health centre data is due to IPTi, even thought the effect did not reach statistical significance. Findings draw attention to the challenges of robust inference of effects of interventions based on routine health centre data. Analysis of routine health information can reassure that interventions are being made available and having desired effects, but unanticipated effects should trigger data collection from representative samples of the target population.
Guided assembly of nanoparticles on electrostatically charged nanocrystalline diamond thin films
Authors: Verveniotis Elisseos , Kromka Alexander , Ledinský Martin , Čermák Jan , Rezek Bohuslav
Published: February 2011

We apply atomic force microscope for local electrostatic charging of oxygen-terminated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) thin films deposited on silicon, to induce electrostatically driven self-assembly of colloidal alumina nanoparticles into micro-patterns. Considering possible capacitive, sp2 phase and spatial uniformity factors to charging, we employ films with sub-100 nm thickness and about 60% relative sp2 phase content, probe the spatial material uniformity by Raman and electron microscopy, and repeat experiments at various positions. We demonstrate that electrostatic potential contrast on the NCD films varies between 0.1 and 1.2 V and that the contrast of more than ±1 V (as detected by Kelvin force microscopy) is able to induce self-assembly of the nanoparticles via coulombic and polarization forces. This opens prospects for applications of diamond and its unique set of properties in self-assembly of nano-devices and nano-systems.
Electronic and magnetic properties of SnO2/CrO2 thin superlattices
Authors: Borges Pablo D , Scolfaro Luísa MR , Leite Alves Horácio W , da Silva Eronides F , Assali Lucy VC
Published: February 2011

In this article, using first-principles electronic structure calculations within the spin density functional theory, alternated magnetic and non-magnetic layers of rutile-CrO2 and rutile-SnO2 respectively, in a (CrO2)
n
(SnO2)
n
superlattice (SL) configuration, with n being the number of monolayers which are considered equal to 1, 2, ..., 10 are studied. A half-metallic behavior is observed for the (CrO2)
n
(SnO2)
n
SLs for all values of n. The ground state is found to be FM with a magnetic moment of 2 μB per chromium atom, and this result does not depend on the number of monolayers n. As the FM rutile-CrO2 is unstable at ambient temperature, and known to be stabilized when on top of SnO2, the authors suggest that (CrO2)
n
(SnO2)
n
SLs may be applied to spintronic technologies since they provide efficient spin-polarized carriers.
Ultraviolet photodetectors based on ZnO nanorods-seed layer effect and metal oxide modifying layer effect
Authors: Zhou Hai , Fang Guojia , Liu Nishuang , Zhao Xingzhong
Published: February 2011

Pt/ZnO nanorod (NR) and Pt/modified ZnO NR Schottky barrier ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) were prepared with different seed layers and metal oxide modifying layer materials. In this paper, we discussed the effect of metal oxide modifying layer on the performance of UV PDs pre- and post-deposition annealing at 300°C, respectively. For Schottky barrier UV PDs with different seed layers, the MgZnO seed layer-PDs without metal oxide coating showed bigger responsivity and larger detectivity (Dλ*) than those of PDs with ZnO seed layer, and the reason was illustrated through energy band theory and the electron transport mechanism. Also the ratio of D254* to D546* was calculated above 8 × 102 for all PDs, which demonstrated that our PDs showed high selectivity for detecting UV light with less influence of light with long wavelength.