bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and strain properties of CJD prions: complexity versus simplicity
Authors: Haïk Stéphane , Brandel Jean‐Philippe
Published: July 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 251–261.

Prions, the agents responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are infectious proteins consisting primarily of scrapie prion protein (PrPSc), a misfolded, β‐sheet enriched and aggregated form of the host‐encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC). Their propagation is based on an autocatalytic PrP conversion process. Despite the lack of a nucleic acid genome, different prion strains have been isolated from animal diseases. Increasing evidence supports the view that strain‐specific properties may be enciphered within conformational variations of PrPSc. In humans, sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD) is the most frequent form of prion diseases and has demonstrated a wide phenotypic and molecular spectrum. In contrast, variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD), which results from oral exposure to the agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, is a highly stereotyped disease, that, until now, has only occurred in patients who are methionine homozygous at codon 129 of the PrP gene. Recent research has provided consistent evidence of strain diversity in sCJD and also, unexpectedly enough, in vCJD. Here, we discuss the puzzling biochemical/pathological diversity of human prion disorders and the relationship of that diversity to the biological properties of the agent as demonstrated by strain typing in experimental models.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE BRAIN DRAIN (?)
Authors: BRASSINGTON IAIN
Published: July 2011

One of the characteristics of the relationship between the developed and developing worlds is the ‘brain drain’– the phenomenon by which expertise moves towards richer countries, thereby condemning poorer countries to continued comparative and absolute poverty. It is tempting to see the phenomenon as a moral problem in its own right, such that there is a moral imperative to end it, that is separate from (and additional to) any moral imperative to relieve the burden of poverty. However, it is not clear why this should be so – why, that is, there is a moral reason to stem the flow of expertise in addition to seeking to improve welfare. In this paper, I examine three explanations of the putative moral aspect of the brain drain.
THE REPORTING OF IRB REVIEW IN JOURNAL ARTICLES PRESENTING HIV RESEARCH CONDUCTED IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Authors: KLITZMAN ROBERT L. , KLEINERT KELLY , RIFAI‐BASHJAWISH HODA , LEU CHENG SHIUNG
Published: July 2011

Objectives:  We investigated how often journal articles reporting on human HIV research in four developing world countries mention any institutional review boards (IRBs) or research ethics committees (RECs), and what factors are involved.

Methods:  We examined all such articles published in 2007 from India, Nigeria, Thailand and Uganda, and coded these for several ethical and other characteristics.

Results:  Of 221 articles meeting inclusion criteria, 32.1% did not mention IRB approval. Mention of IRB approval was associated with: biomedical (versus psychosocial) research (P = 0.001), more sponsor‐country authors (P = 0.003), sponsor‐country corresponding author (P = 0.047), mention of funding (P < 0.001), particular host‐country involved (P = 0.002), journals having sponsor‐country editors (P < 0.001), and journal stated compliance with International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines (P = 0.003). Logistic regression identified 3 significant factors: mention of funding, journal having sponsor‐country editors and research being biomedical.

Conclusions:  One‐third of articles still do not mention IRB approval. Mention varied by country, and was associated with biomedical research, and more sponsor country involvement. Recently, some journals have required mention of IRB approval, but allow authors to do so in cover letters to editors, not in the article itself. Instead, these data suggest, journals should require that articles document adherence to ethical standards.
Linear IgA Disease: Complicated by Alpha Thalassemia
Authors: SCORZA MELISSA , GALECKAS KENNETH
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Dapsone is regarded as the treatment of choice for linear immunoglobulin A disease (chronic bullous disease of childhood). It is associated with both hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia. The hematotoxic effects are dose related and can result in significant hemolysis. We present a case of a patient with chronic bullous disease of childhood and alpha thalassemia trait. Complete resolution occurred on a standard dose of dapsone without significant hemolysis.
Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Immunopathogenesis, Role of Myositis‐Specific Autoantibodies, and Review of Rituximab Use
Authors: Chiu Yvonne E. , Co Dominic O.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is an autoimmune disease of the skin and muscle that affects children. The etiology is poorly understood, but genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and abnormal immune responses are each thought to play a part. T cells have traditionally been implicated in the immunopathogenesis of JDM, but dendritic cells, B cells, and microchimerism are increasingly associated. Additionally, myositis‐specific autoantibodies (MSA) can be present in the sera of affected patients and may correlate with distinct clinical phenotypes. Given the role of humoral immunity and MSA, there has been recent interest in the use of rituximab to treat JDM. Early results are mixed, but it is hoped that a prospective clinical trial will shed light on the issue in the near future.
Strategies for transitioning to adult care for youth with Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome and related disorders
Authors: Camfield Peter R. , Gibson Patricia A. , Douglass Laurie M.
Published: July 2011

Transition is the process of preparing children with chronic illness and their families for the adult health care system. In patients with Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and related disorders, the process of transition is complicated by the presence of intellectual handicap, treatment‐resistant epilepsy, and behavioral issues. Patients who are not successfully transitioned to adult care may end up without specialty care, may not receive satisfactory adult services, may lack adequate follow‐up and access to newer therapies, and may lack appropriate management of comorbid conditions. Several family related and clinician‐related barriers can inhibit the transition process. Transition strategies that maximize each patient’s ability to achieve his or her potential and optimize self‐sufficiency may lead to better social outcomes. Adolescent clinics that include members of the pediatric and adult neurology teams may help ensure a smooth transition to adult care, although studies are needed to objectively establish the best model. Results are reported from a survey of 133 symposium attendees on the topic of practice characteristics and issues related to transitioning care. Results suggested a great deal of dissatisfaction about the process of transition, especially for patients with intellectual handicap. We provide suggestions for developing a transition program, including identifying a willing adult service, adapting a multidisciplinary approach, addressing legal and psychosocial issues, and celebrating rites of passage.
Institutional Ownership Stability and Risk Taking: Evidence From the Life–Health Insurance Industry
Authors: Cheng Jiang , Elyasiani Elyas , Jia Jingyi (Jane)
Published: July 2011

Abstract

We investigate the relationship between risk taking of life–health (LH) insurers and stability of their institutional ownership within a simultaneous equation system model. Three main results are obtained. First, stable institutional ownership of is associated with lower total risk of LH insurers, supporting the prudent‐man law hypothesis. Second, when investors are sorted in terms of stringency of the prudent‐man restrictions, their negative effect on risk holds for all, except insurance companies, as owners of LH insurers. Third, large institutional owners do not raise the riskiness of the investee‐firms, as proposed by the large shareholder hypothesis. Regulatory implications are drawn.
An Empirical Examination of Stakeholder Groups as Monitoring Sources in Corporate Governance
Authors: Cole Cassandra R. , He Enya , McCullough Kathleen A. , Semykina Anastasia , Sommer David W.
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Insurers are formally and informally monitored by a variety of stakeholders, including reinsurers, agents, outside board members, and regulators. While other studies have generally examined these stakeholders separately, they have not accounted for the fact that there is some relation among the stakeholder groups, and the presence of these groups is likely to be jointly determined. By empirically controlling for these potential interrelations, we create a more complete assessment of the impact of these stakeholders/monitors on insurers’ risk taking. Specifically, we find that the presence of some stakeholders offsets the degree or presence of others, and that most stakeholders/monitors are associated with a reduction of overall firm risk.
Corporate Governance and Issues From the Insurance Industry
Authors: Boubakri Narjess
Published: July 2011

Abstract

In this article, we review the literature and empirical research on the nature and consequences of corporate governance. We particularly assess the impact of corporate governance on firm performance and risk taking. While the article analyzes the general literature on corporate governance in publicly listed firms, we also discuss issues pertaining to the insurance industry. The article identifies avenues for future research.
Barack Obama's “American” Problem: Unhyphenated Americans in the 2008 Elections*
Authors: Arbour Brian K. , Teigen Jeremy M.
Published: July 2011

Objectives.The largest increase of any ancestry group between the 1990 and 2000 Census in the United States were “unhyphenated Americans,” those whites who claimed an “American” or no ancestry. This article measures this group's voting habits in the 2008 elections.

Methods.With individual‐level attitudinal data and county‐level voting data from the 2008 primary and 2000–2008 general elections, the analyses use quantitative methods to estimate unhyphenated Americans' voting behavior.

Results.Evidence indicates a strong rejection of Obama among counties with high proportions of unhyphenated Americans in both the 2008 primary and general elections.

Conclusion.While spatially concentrated in and near Appalachia, unhyphenated Americans' politics are distinctive irrespective of socioeconomic status, religion, and geography, being one of the few groups in which Barack Obama lost votes compared to previous Democratic nominees. Variation in the share of unhyphenated Americans explains more of the difference between 2008 and past elections than variation in the share of African Americans per county.
Sleeping Accidents in the Elderly
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Gilbert John D.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Two cases of dangerous sleeping environments in the elderly are reported to demonstrate similarities and differences of these “sleeping accidents” to similar episodes that occur in infants and children. Case reports: An 87‐year‐old wheelchair‐bound man with a history of dementia was found in his nursing home room hanging off the side of the bed from a vertical metal bar, and an 87‐year‐old woman with epilepsy, ischemic heart disease, and insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus was found in hospital wedged between an inflatable mattress and the bars of her bed. These cases demonstrate that, as in the very young, relatively poor coordination and strength in the elderly often with limited comprehension and ability to deal with dangerous environments may predispose to sleeping accidents. Significant underlying organic disease may, however, make determination of the precise lethal mechanisms difficult. Modification of beds should only be undertaken when safety issues have been carefully evaluated.
Melatonin improves glucose homeostasis in young Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Agil Ahmad , Rosado Isaac , Ruiz Rosario , Figueroa Adriana , Zen Nourahouda , Fernández‐Vázquez Gumersindo
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on glucose homeostasis in young male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, an experimental model of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ZDF rats (n = 30) and lean littermates (ZL) (n = 30) were used. At 6 wk of age, both lean and fatty animals were subdivided into three groups, each composed of ten rats: naive (N), vehicle treated (V), and melatonin treated (M) (10 mg/kg/day) for 6 wk. Vehicle and melatonin were added to the drinking water. ZDF rats developed DM (fasting hyperglycemia, 460 ± 39.8 mg/dL; HbA1c 8.3 ± 0.5%) with both insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR 9.28 ± 0.9 versus 1.2 ± 0.1 in ZL) and decreased β‐cell function (HOMA1‐%B) by 75%, compared with ZL rats. Melatonin reduced fasting hyperglycemia by 18.6% (P < 0.05) and HbA1c by 11% (P < 0.05) in ZDF rats. Also, melatonin lowered insulinemia by 15.9% (P < 0.05) and HOMA‐IR by 31% (P < 0.01) and increased HOMA1‐%B by 14.4% (P < 0.05). In addition, melatonin decreased hyperleptinemia by 34% (P < 0.001) and raised hypoadiponectinemia by 40% (P < 0.001) in ZDF rats. Moreover, melatonin reduced serum free fatty acid levels by 13.5% (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that oral melatonin administration ameliorates glucose homeostasis in young ZDF rats by improving both insulin action and β‐cell function. These observations have implications on melatonin’s possible use as a new pharmacologic therapy for improving glucose homeostasis and of obesity‐related T2DM, in young subjects.
Can mobile skin conductance assessments be helpful in signalling imminent inpatient aggression?
Authors: Kuijpers Eric , Nijman Henk , Bongers Inge M.B. , Lubberding Matty , Ouwerkerk Martin
Published: July 2011

Background: A well-known technique to assess (psychological) arousal is to measure the skin conductance level (SCL). Although widely used in experimental psychological research, this technique has not been used often in (locked) psychiatric admission settings on patients who are at a high risk of engaging in aggressive behaviour. One of the obvious reasons for this is that measuring skin conductance, until recently, required a substantial amount of equipment.

Methods: As technology developed, it became possible to develop small wearable devices in the form of regular watches to measure the SCL as well as other psycho-physiological parameters. To illustrate the potential this may have for the prevention of aggressive behaviour, a case description is provided of a patient in crisis who became physically aggressive while wearing a skin conductance measurement device.

Results: Interestingly, the SCL of the patient had been rising sharply before the first signs of aggressive behaviour were visible.

Conclusion: Although it concerns an anecdotal case study, this finding suggests that measuring SCL on a continuous basis in patients who are at a high risk of becoming violent, without this procedure having to interfere with their daily life, may open new avenues for preventing aggression at an earlier stage. A large-scale empirical study in a substantial number of (potentially aggressive) patients is needed, however, to investigate the predictive validity of mobile skin conductance assessments on imminent inpatient aggression in a reliable way.
Population structure of pigs determined by single nucleotide polymorphisms observed in assembled expressed sequence tags
Authors: MATSUMOTO Toshimi , OKUMURA Naohiko , UENISHI Hirohide , HAYASHI Takeshi , HAMASIMA Noriyuki , AWATA Takashi
Published: July 2011

We have collected more than 190 000 porcine expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from full‐length complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries and identified more than 2800 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In this study, we tentatively chose 222 SNPs observed in assembled ESTs to study pigs of different breeds; 104 were selected by comparing the cDNA sequences of a Meishan pig and samples of three‐way cross pigs (Landrace, Large White, and Duroc: LWD), and 118 were selected from LWD samples. To evaluate the genetic variation between the chosen SNPs from pig breeds, we determined the genotypes for 192 pig samples (11 pig groups) from our DNA reference panel with matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Of the 222 reference SNPs, 186 were successfully genotyped. A neighbor‐joining tree showed that the pig groups were classified into two large clusters, namely, Euro‐American and East Asian pig populations. F‐statistics and the analysis of molecular variance of Euro‐American pig groups revealed that approximately 25% of the genetic variations occurred because of intergroup differences. As the FIS values were less than the FST values, the clustering, based on the Bayesian inference, implied that there was strong genetic differentiation among pig groups and less divergence within the groups in our samples.
Effect of feeding non‐fibrous carbohydrate before grazing on intake and nitrogen utilization in dairy cows throughout the grazing season
Authors: MITANI Tomohiro , UEDA Koichiro , ENDO Tetsushiro , TAKAHASHI Makoto , NAKATSUJI Hiroki , KONDO Seiji
Published: July 2011

Ten lactating cows were used to determine the effect of feeding non‐fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) supplement before grazing on feed intake and nitrogen (N) utilization throughout a grazing season. The experiment was conducted from June to September. Cows grazed twice a day (2.5 h × 2) under a set stocking system and were fed NFC supplement (1 kg/4 kg of milk yield) 2 h before grazing (PRE) or immediately after grazing (POST). Cows were also fed a grass and corn silage mixture ad libitum. Herbage dry matter intake (DMI) was greater for PRE than for POST throughout the experiment and decreased from June to September. Conversely, silage DMI was less for PRE than for POST throughout the experiment and increased over the grazing season. Consequently, total DMI for PRE did not differ from that for POST. Milk urea‐N concentration and urinary urea‐N excretion in June did not differ between the treatments, whereas that after July was higher for PRE than for POST. Proportion of urinary N excretion to absorbed N intake in June was lower for PRE than for POST, but that after July was higher for PRE than for POST. Feeding NFC supplement before grazing would improve N utilization when cows eat large amounts of herbage high in N.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Italian ryegrass silage
Authors: TOHNO Masanori , KOBAYASHI Hisami , NOMURA Masaru , KITAHARA Maki , OHKUMA Moriya , UEGAKI Ryuichi , CAI Yimin
Published: July 2011

Twenty‐three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from three cultivars (Akiaoba, Nagahahikari and Tachiwase) of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) silage were precisely characterized by a combination of phenotypic tests, genotypic 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and rapid PCR‐based analyses, focusing on their useful phenotypes for silage preparation as inoculants. We successfully identified both at the species and subspecies levels: phenotypically novel Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, Lactobacillus sakei subsp. carnosus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum and Pediococcus parvulus. This is the first report to elucidate the presence of Lactobacillus coryniformis ssp. torquens and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum in Italian ryegrass silages. Physiological and biochemical tests revealed that phenotypic characteristics are different among the different strains of the same species and subspecies, and that the isolates show unique and diverse phenotypes related to fermentation factors, such as available carbohydrates, optimal growth pH and temperature. These results suggest that, for various well‐preserved silage preparations, the isolates may be useful in producing novel inoculants corresponding to their optimally climatic and ecological niches.
Addition of erythrocytes to in vitro culture medium attenuates the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species on bovine preimplantation embryo development
Authors: IDETA Atsushi , TSUCHIYA Kanami , AOYAGI Yoshito
Published: July 2011

Erythrocytes were recently found to improve the early development of mice embryos by their antioxidant effect. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of erythrocytes on the in vitro development of bovine in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos in medium supplemented with reactive oxygen species (ROS). IVF embryos were cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with oxidizing agents, 0.5 mmol/L hypoxanthine and 0.01 U/mL xanthine oxidase (HX/XOD), in the presence and absence of erythrocytes (5 × 104, 5 × 105, 5 × 106 and 5 × 107 erythrocytes/mL). After 8 days, blastocysts were examined with a stereomicroscope. HX/XOD blocked development to the blastocyst stage (HX/XOD: 0%, control: 33%), but in the presence of both erythrocytes and HX/XOD, blastocyst development was restored to about one‐third to two‐thirds the normal rate (5 × 105 to 5 × 107 erythrocytes/mL: 12 to 23%). Furthermore, adding erythrocytes or erythrocyte hemolysate to medium without HX/XOD increased the blastocyst rate. These results suggest that the addition of erythrocytes can attenuate the detrimental effects of ROS on embryo development in bovine species as well as in mice.
Identification of divergently selected regions between Japanese Black and Holstein cattle using bovine 50k SNP array
Authors: HOSOKAWA Daisuke , ISHII Atsushi , YAMAJI Keita , SASAZAKI Shinji , OYAMA Kenji , MANNEN Hideyuki
Published: July 2011

Differences between average allelic frequencies of genes that relate to traits suggest that it would be evidence of artificial selections. Sliding window approach is a useful method to identify genomic regions that have been differently selected between two breeds. The objective of this study was to identify the divergently selected regions between Japanese Black (JB) and Japanese Holstein (JH) cattle based on genotypic information obtained through a high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel. After genotyping of 54 001 SNP markers on 100 animals (50 JB and 50 JH), 40 635 SNPs were suitable for the analysis. For each of these SNPs, the absolute difference between allelic frequencies of JB and JH was calculated. In the current study, 10 consecutive SNPs were defined as components of a window. For each window, the average difference in allelic frequency was calculated. This was termed sliding window average difference (SWAD). Among 40 055 windows, we focused on 39 windows with the largest SWAD. This was equivalent to 0.1% of all windows and the SWAD was more than 0.435. Some of these windows overlapped and were distributed in 11 regions. These regions were in good agreement with reported quantitative trait locus, therefore would be selection signatures and good candidates that harbor the causative mutations.
The core-like nature of HST-1 in the M87 jet
Authors: Chen Y. J. , Zhao G.-Y. , Shen Z.-Q.
Published: July 2011

We investigate the total flux density, spectral, polarization and Faraday rotation variability of HST-1 in the M87 jet during the outburst from 2003 to 2007 through multi-epoch Very Large Array observations at 8, 15 and 22 GHz. Contrary to the general case for blazars, the flux densities of HST-1 rise earlier at lower frequencies from radio to X-ray, and the spectra are softening with the growth of outburst, indicating that the newly emerging subcomponents within HST-1 have relatively steep spectra. In particular, the intrinsic optical electric vector positional angle varies monotonically by ∼90° at the three wavebands during the period, and all but the stationary subcomponent in the eastern end of HST-1 move downstream superluminally deviating divergently from the overall jet direction, with the motion of the outmost subcomponent bending from one side of the jet axis to another. These strongly argue for the presence of helical magnetic fields around HST-1, which is also supported by the fact that the subcomponents might be accelerated in this region. The fractional polarization is relatively low in the rising stage, and in the decaying stage the polarization levels are almost comparable at the three wavebands. In view of the quite large rotation measure (RM) values, Faraday rotation is expected to occur dominantly external to HST-1 in the decaying stage, which is well supported by the presence of diffuse emission around HST-1, and consistent with the scenario that RM decrease gets slower with time.
Benzofuranone Derivatives as Effective Small Molecules Related to Insulin Amyloid Fibrillation: A Structure–Function Study
Authors: Rabiee Atefeh , Ebrahim‐Habibi Azadeh , Navidpour Latifeh , Morshedi Dina , Ghasemi Atiyeh , Sabbaghian Marjan , Nemati‐Lay Maryam , Nemat‐Gorgani Mohsen
Published: July 2011

Amyloids are protein fibrils of nanometer size resulting from protein self‐assembly. They have been shown to be associated with a wide variety of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and may contribute to various other pathological conditions, known as amyloidoses. Insulin is prone to form amyloid fibrils under slightly destabilizing conditions in vitro and may form amyloid structures when subcutaneously injected into patients with diabetes. There is a great deal of interest in developing novel small molecule inhibitors of amyloidogenic processes, as potential therapeutic compounds. In this study, the effects of five new synthetic benzofuranone derivatives were investigated on the insulin amyloid formation process. Protein fibrillation was analyzed by thioflavin‐T fluorescence, Congo red binding, circular dichroism, and electron microscopy. Despite high structural similarity, one of the five tested compounds was observed to enhance amyloid fibrillation, while the others inhibited the process when used at micromolar concentrations, which could make them interesting potential lead compounds for the design of therapeutic antiamyloidogenic compounds.
National Identity and Attitudes toward Immigrants in a “Multicreedal” America
Authors: BYRNE JENNIFER
Published: July 2011

This study expands the literature by examining how the relationship between ethnic/cultural, civic, and liberal conceptions of American national identity shapes attitudes toward immigrants. Using two cross‐sectional datasets, an ordinal logit model, and predicted probability scenarios, I find that an unequal balance (i.e., strong favoring of one or more dimensions at the expense of the others) of these three different dimensions of national identity results in extremely negative or positive attitudes toward immigrants, while those that hold moderate levels of these three elements of identity are likely to express neutral‐to‐positive attitudes. I argue that it is the balance between these dimensions that is important in shaping individual attitudes toward immigrants, making it essential to determine not just individual support for each dimension of national identity but the support of each dimension vis‐à‐vis each other.
Racial Resentment and Vote Choice in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: KNUCKEY JONATHAN
Published: July 2011

The victory of Barack Obama over John McCain in the 2008 presidential election marked a historic and pivotal moment in American politics. Many observers interpreted the election as heralding a new “post racial” politics. However, others noted that even though short‐term forces were overwhelmingly pro‐Democratic in 2008, Obama's overall vote among white voters barely increased on the share received by John Kerry in 2004. This study uses data from the American National Election Study to examine the effect of the racial attitudes—specifically racial resentment—of whites on vote choice in the 2008 presidential election. Findings show that racial resentment exerted a large influence on vote choice, one that was only exceeded by party identification. Furthermore, the effect of racial resentment was greater than in any prior election for which data on racial resentment is available.

La victoria de Barack Obama sobre John McCain en las elecciones presidenciales del2008 marcó un momento histórico y sustancial en la política americana. Muchos observadores interpretaron el resultado de la elección como el inicio de una nueva etapa “post‐racial” en la política. Sin embargo, hay quienes señalan que aunque hubo fuerzas a favor de los demócratas durante el 2008, la popularidad de Obama entre los votantes blancos aumentó ligeramente con respecto a la proporción recibida por John Kerry en el 2004. Este artículo usa datos tomados del American National Election Study para examinar los efectos de la actitud racial‐específicamente el resentimiento racial‐ de votantes blancos en la elección presidencial del 2008. Los resultados muestran que el resentimiento racial ejerció un efecto significativo en la elección electoral, siendo superado sólo por la afiliación partidaria. Además, el impacto del resentimiento racial fue mayor que cualquier otra elección para la cual se tiene información al respecto.
Oil in Venezuela: Triggering Conflicts or Ensuring Stability? A Historical Comparative Analysis
Authors: MÄHLER ANNEGRET
Published: July 2011

Contrary to the presumption of the resource curse hypothesis, the oil exporter Venezuela has long been one of the most stable and conflict‐free countries in Latin America. The article analyzes this deviant case by employing a context‐sensitive approach which shows that the link between oil and internal conflicts or stability cannot be understood without considering crucial resource‐specific and non‐resource‐specific contextual conditions. The findings of this in‐depth case study suggest that the interplay of the relatively high oil abundance per capita, the geographical location of the oil reserves, multidimensional redistribution policies, specific political–institutional settings, and behavioral patterns of political elites best explains the generally low level of violent conflicts in Venezuela. These findings are further confirmed by a diachronic comparative analysis undertaken in the second part of this article. It is demonstrated that temporary increases in low‐level violence can be explained by historical shifts relating to several of the outlined conditions.

Contrario a la hipótesis de una maldición de los recursos naturales, la Venezuela exportadora de petróleo ha sido por mucho tiempo uno de los países más estables y libre de conflictos en América Latina. El artículo analiza este caso empleando un enfoque sensible al contexto, haciendo evidente que la relación entre el petróleo y los conflictos internos o la estabilidad no puede ser comprendida sin considerar condiciones cruciales en contextos dependientes e independientes de los recursos. Los hallazgos de este estudio exhaustivo sugieren que la interacción de una abundancia de petróleo per cápita relativamente alta, la ubicación geográfica de las reservas petroleras, políticas de redistribución multidimensional, una configuración político‐institucional específica y patrones de comportamiento de la élite política explican de una mejor manera los bajos niveles de conflictos violentos en Venezuela. Estos hallazgos son a su vez confirmados por un análisis comparativo diacrónico, realizado en la segunda parte de este artículo. Es demostrado que aumentos temporales en bajos niveles de violencia pueden ser explicados por cambios históricos relacionados con las condiciones previamente mencionadas.
He‐Ne Laser‐Induced Improvement in Biochemical, Physiological, Growth and Yield Characteristics in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Perveen Rashida , Jamil Yasir , Ashraf Muhammad , Ali Qasim , Iqbal Munawar , Ahmad Muhammad Raza
Published: July 2011

The water‐soaked seeds of sunflower were exposed to low power continuous wave He‐Ne laser irradiation of energies 0, 100, 300 and 500 mJ to evaluate the effect on various biochemical, physiological, growth and yield parameters of sunflower. The experiments which consisted of four replicates arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) were carried out under the greenhouse conditions. The physiological attributes like, photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), intrinsic CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (gs), chlorophyll a and b contents, relative membrane permeability and leaf water (ψw), osmotic (ψs) and turgor (ψp) potentials, relative water contents and leaf area increased significantly as compared to control due to He‐Ne treatment of seeds. The activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalases and contents of total soluble proteins, malondialdehyde, proline and leaf total phenolic also increased due to laser treatment. Significant increase in growth parameters of sunflower like shoot fresh and dry masses, root fresh and dry masses, root and shoot lengths, number of leaves per plant and stem diameter has also been observed. The contents of K, Ca and Mg in shoot and root were also increased and an overall increase of up to 28.12%% was observed due to laser treatment.
Embryonic stem‐cell‐preconditioned microenvironment induces loss of cancer cell properties in human melanoma cells
Authors: Kim Myoung Ok , Kim Sung‐Hyun , Oi Naomi , Lee Mee Hyun , Yu Dong Hoon , Kim Dong Joon , Cho Eun Jin , Bode Ann M. , Cho Yong‐Yeon , Bowden Tim G. , Dong Zigang
Published: July 2011

The cancer microenvironment affects cancer cell proliferation and growth. Embryonic stem (ES)‐preconditioned 3‐dimensional (3‐D) culture of cancer cells induces cancer cell reprogramming and results in a change in cancer cell properties such as differentiation and migration in skin melanoma. However, the mechanism has not yet been clarified. Using the ES‐preconditioned 3‐D microenvironment model, we provide evidence showing that the ES microenvironment inhibits proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth of SK‐MEL‐28 melanoma cells. We also found that the ES microenvironment suppresses telomerase activity and thereby induces senescence in SK‐MEL‐28 cells. Furthermore, we observed that gremlin, an antagonist of BMP4, is secreted from ES cells and plays an important role in cellular senescence. Knocking down gremlin in the ES microenvironment increases proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth of SK‐MEL‐28 melanoma cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that gremlin is a crucial factor responsible for abrogating melanoma properties in the ES‐preconditioned 3‐D microenvironment.
RNCEP: global weather and climate data at your fingertips
Authors: Kemp Michael U. , Emiel van Loon E. , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , Bouten Willem
Published: July 2011

1. Atmospheric conditions strongly influence ecological systems, and tools that simplify the access and processing of atmospheric data can greatly facilitate ecological research.

2. We have developed RNCEP, a package of functions in the open‐source R language, to access, organise and visualise freely available atmospheric data from two long‐term high‐quality data sets with global coverage.

3. These functions retrieve data, via the Internet, for either a desired spatiotemporal extent or interpolated to a point in space and time. The package also contains functions to temporally aggregate data, producing user‐defined variables, and to visualise these data on a map.

4. By making access to atmospheric data and integration with biological data easier and more flexible, we hope to facilitate and encourage the exploration of relationships between biological systems and atmospheric conditions.
Gastrointestinal hyperammonaemia in a 35‐day‐old Warmblood‐cross filly
Authors: Unt V. E. , McSloy A. , Kerbyson N. , Ivens P. A. S. , Johns I.
Published: July 2011

Hyperammonaemia of gastrointestinal origin has been an infrequently reported phenomenon in mature horses with abdominal disease. A large case study has previously been published describing the condition for the first time in both mature horses and foals. The case report below provides a detailed description of the treatment, clinical course and outcome of one of the foals in that report.
Strongyle egg counts in Standardbred trotters: Are they associated with race performance?
Authors: FOG P. , VIGRE H. , NIELSEN M. K.
Published: July 2011

Reasons for performing study: Strongyle worm burdens are assumed to subclinically affect equine performance. This assumption appears to be particularly pronounced in the equine racing industry.

Hypothesis: Race results of Standardbred trotters are negatively affected by high strongyle faecal egg count levels.

Methods: Faecal samples were obtained from 213 racing Standardbred trotters, aged ≥2 years, and stabled at training facilities of 21 professional trainers with license at racecourses in Denmark. Strongyle egg counts were generated using a McMaster technique. Race results were recorded as the finishing position of the horse (position 1–3 vs. finishing lower) and winning purse. The effect of strongyle egg counts on performance was assessed using regression analyses.

Results: Strongyle egg counts ranged from 0–3500 with a mean of 319 and a median of 150 eggs/g. Finishing in positions 1–3 was significantly associated with higher egg counts.

Conclusions: Race performance of the population of professionally trained Danish Standardbred trotters was not negatively affected by higher strongyle faecal egg count levels.

Potential relevance: The traditional frequent anthelmintic treatments of racehorses may be inordinate.
The effect of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs on the equine intestine
Authors: MARSHALL J. F. , BLIKSLAGER A. T.
Published: July 2011

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in the management of pain and endotoxaemia associated with colic in the horse. While NSAIDs effectively treat the symptoms of colic, there is evidence to suggest that their administration is associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects including right dorsal colitis and inhibition of mucosal barrier healing. Several studies have examined the pathophysiology of NSAID associated effects on the large and small intestine in an effort to avoid these complications and identify effective alternative medications. Differences in the response of the large and small intestines to injury and NSAID treatment have been identified. Flunixin meglumine has been shown in the small intestine to inhibit barrier function recovery and increase permeability to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A range of NSAIDs has been examined in the small intestine and experimental evidence suggests that those NSAIDs with cyclooxygenase independent anti‐inflammatory effects or a COX‐2 selective mode of action may offer significant advantages over traditional NSAIDs.
The effects of a novel anti‐inflammatory compound (AHI‐805) on cyclooxygenase enzymes and the recovery of ischaemia injured equine jejunumex vivo
Authors: MARSHALL J. F. , BHATNAGAR A. S. , BOWMAN S. G. , MORRIS N. N. , SKORICH D. A. , REDDING C. D. , BLIKSLAGER A. T.
Published: July 2011

Reasons for performing study:Flunixin meglumine is used for treatment of equine colic despite evidence of inhibited recovery of mucosal barrier function following small intestinal ischaemic injury. This study aimed to characterise an alternative treatment (AHI‐805) for abdominal pain in the horse.

Objective:To determine the effect of AHI‐805, an aza‐thia‐benzoazulene derivative, on the cyclooxygenase enzymes and the recovery of mucosal barrier function following ischaemic injury.

Methods:Effect of AHI‐805 onin vitroCOX‐1 and COX‐2 activity was determined by measuring coagulation‐induced thromboxane B2(TXB2) and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated prostaglandin E2concentrations in equine whole blood. Horses (n = 6) were anaesthetised and jejunum subjected to ischaemia for 2 h. Control and ischaemia injured mucosa was placed in Ussing chambers and treated with Ringer's solution containing control treatment (DMSO), flunixin meglumine (27 µmol/l), or AHI‐805 (27 µmol/l). Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), mucosal‐to‐serosal flux of3H‐mannitol, and bathing solution TXB2and prostaglandin E metabolites (PGEM) were measured over a 4 h recovery period.

Results:Treatment with AHI‐805 had no significant effect on TXB2production but significantly inhibited production of PGE2at a concentration of 1 µmol/l or greater. TER of flunixin or AHI‐805 treated ischaemia‐injured jejunum was significantly lower than control treated injured tissue over the recovery period. Mannitol flux and grade of histological damage were significantly increased by ischaemic injury only. There was a significant increase in PGEM and TXB2in control tissues over the 240 min recovery period, but not in flunixin or AHI‐805 treated tissues.

Conclusions:Flunixin meglumine and AHI‐805 inhibit recovery of barrier function in ischaemic‐injured equine jejunumin vitrothrough inhibition of the COX enzymes.

Potential relevance:The novel compound AHI‐805 may not be suitable for the treatment of equine colic associated with ischaemic injury.
Mucosal injury and inflammatory cells in response to brief ischaemia and reperfusion in the equine large colon
Authors: GROSCHE A. , MORTON A. J. , GRAHAM A. S. , VALENTINE J. F. , ABBOTT J. R. , POLYAK M. M. R. , FREEMAN D. E.
Published: July 2011

Reason for performing study:Intestinal ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) can activate inflammatory cells in the equine colon, although effects on different types of inflammatory cells have received little attention.

Objectives:To assess early mucosal injury, the reaction of mucosal neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells and macrophages, and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 and ‐2 expression in response to I/R in the equine large colon.

Methods:Large colon ischaemia was induced for 1 h (1hI) followed by 4 h of reperfusion in 6 horses, and mucosal biopsies were sampled before and after ischaemia, and after 1, 2 and 4 h of reperfusion. Semithin sections (500 nm) of epon‐embedded biopsies were stained with toluidine blue for histomorphometric evaluation. The number and distribution of mucosal macrophages (CD163), neutrophils (calprotectin), eosinophils (LUNA) and mast cells (toluidine blue) were determined, and mucosal COX‐1 and ‐2 expression was identified.

Results:Ischaemia caused epithelial cell and nuclear swelling (mean ± s.e. nuclear width; control: 2.7 ± 0.2 µm vs. 1hI: 4.2 ± 0.2 µm; P<0.01), subepithelial oedema (control: 0.2 ± 0.1 µm vs. 1hI: 3.2 ± 0.2 µm; P<0.01) and increased epithelial apoptosis (control: 14.3 ± 4.1 apoptotic cells/mm mucosa vs. 1hI: 60.4 ± 14.0 apoptotic cells/mm mucosa; P<0.01). COX‐2 expression (P<0.01) was evident after ischaemia. Reperfusion caused paracellular fluid accumulation (control: 0.9 ± 0.1 µm vs. 1hI: 0.6 ± 0.6 µm vs. 1hI + 4hR: 1.6 ± 0.2 µm; P<0.05). Epithelial repair started at 1 h of reperfusion (P<0.001), followed by migration of neutrophils into the mucosa after 2 h (control: 72.3 ± 18.4 cells/mm2mucosa vs. 1hI + 2hR: 1149.9 ± 220.6 cells/mm2mucosa; P<0.01). Mucosal eosinophils, mast cells and macrophages did not increase in numbers but were activated.

Conclusions:Epithelial injury and COX‐2 expression caused by short‐term hypoxia were followed by intense inflammation associated with epithelial repair during reperfusion.

Potential relevance:Equine colonic mucosa subjected to a brief period of ischaemia can repair during reperfusion, despite increased mucosal inflammation.
Specificity of emotion regulation deficits in social anxiety: An internet study
Authors: Rusch Silke , Westermann Stefan , Lincoln Tania M.
Published: July 2011

Objectives. There is evidence for an association between social anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties. This study investigates that emotion regulation difficulties are specific to two domains of social anxiety.

Design and Method. An explorative study was conducted to examine the associations between emotion regulation facets and social anxiety in the normal population. N= 149 healthy volunteers participated in an internet‐based survey.

Measures. Emotion regulation deficits were measured by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale which consists of six subscales. Social anxiety was measured by the Social Phobia Scale and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale.

Results. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that anxiety of interactive social situations is associated with non‐acceptance of negative emotions, impulse control difficulties, and lack of functional emotion regulation strategies over and above the impact of age and general psychopathology. In contrast, anxiety of being observed by others was not specifically associated with emotion regulation strategies.

Conclusion. The results support the hypothesis that specific emotion regulation deficits are relevant to specific aspects of social anxiety. Implications for further research and therapy are discussed.
A Feedback and Feedforward Vibration Control for a Concrete Placing Boom
Authors: Cazzulani G. , Resta F. , Ripamonti F.
Published: July 2011

Concrete placing booms are subjected to vibrations that increase mechanical stress and reduce the boom’s working life. The aim of this paper is to develop an active control methodology to suppress boom vibrations using the same actuators that produce the large motion of the boom. The control logic is based on two contributions, a feedforward and a feedback one. In this study, a nonlinear flexible multibody model was created to simulate the boom’s dynamic behavior. This model was also used to develop and test the control logic. Finally, the control methodology was validated on an experimental test rig.
UnPINning IRAK1
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: July 2011

Interferon production requires the activity of a prolyl isomerase on a kinase involved in Toll-like receptor signaling.
Dicty Tiger
Nixes Cheaters
Authors: Ash Caroline
Published: July 2011

Polymorphic receptors prevent cheaters from avoiding altruistic cell death in
Dictyostelium
.
MIEF1 as Fission Relief
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: July 2011

MIEF1 promotes mitochondrial fusion despite recruiting the fission-promoting GTPase Drp1 to the mitochondrial membrane.
F33:A−:B− and F2:A−:B− Plasmids Mediate Dissemination of
rmtB-bla
CTX-M-9
Group Genes and
rmtB-qepA
in Enterobacteriaceae Isolates from Pets in China
Authors: Deng Yuting , He Liangying , Chen Sheng , Zheng Hongqing , Zeng Zhenling , Liu Yahong , Sun Yan , Ma Junying , Chen Zhangliu , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: July 2011

This study investigated the prevalence of 16S rRNA methylase genes in 267
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates collected from pets. The
rmtB
gene was detected in 69 isolates, most of which were clonally unrelated. The coexistence of the
rmtB
gene with the
bla
CTX-M-9
group genes and/or
qepA
within the same IncFII replicons was commonly detected. The two dominant types of IncF plasmids, F2:A−:B−, carrying
rmtB-qepA
, and F33:A−:B−, carrying the
rmtB-bla
CTX-M-9
group genes (and especially
bla
CTX-M-65
), shared restriction patterns within each incompatibility group.