bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species Distribution Models and Ecological Suitability Analysis for Potential Tick Vectors of Lyme Disease in Mexico
Authors: Illoldi-Rangel Patricia , Rivaldi Chissa-Louise , Sissel Blake , Trout Fryxell Rebecca , Gordillo-Pérez Guadalupe , Rodríguez-Moreno Angel , Williamson Phillip , Montiel-Parra Griselda , Sánchez-Cordero Víctor , Sarkar Sahotra
Published: February 2012

Species distribution models were constructed for tenIxodesspecies andAmblyomma cajennensefor a region including Mexico and Texas. The model was based on a maximum entropy algorithm that used environmental layers to predict the relative probability of presence for each taxon. For Mexico, species geographic ranges were predicted by restricting the models to cells which have a higher probability than the lowest probability of the cells in which a presence record was located. There was spatial nonconcordance between the distributions ofAmblyomma cajennenseand theIxodesgroup with the former restricted to lowlands and mainly the eastern coast of Mexico and the latter to montane regions with lower temperature. The risk of Lyme disease is, therefore, mainly present in the highlands where someIxodesspecies are known vectors; ifAmblyomma cajennenseturns out to be a competent vector, the area of risk also extends to the lowlands and the east coast.
Dmp1 Physically Interacts with p53 and Positively Regulates p53′s Stability, Nuclear Localization, and Function
Authors: Frazier Donna P. , Kendig Robert D. , Kai Fumitake , Maglic Dejan , Sugiyama Takayuki , Morgan Rachel L. , Fry Elizabeth A. , Lagedrost Sarah J. , Sui Guangchao , Inoue Kazushi
Published: February 2012

The transcription factor Dmp1 is a Ras/HER2-activated haplo-insufficient tumor suppressor that activates the Arf/p53 pathway of cell-cycle arrest. Recent evidence suggests that Dmp1 may activate p53 independently of Arf in certain cell types. Here, we report findings supporting this concept with the definition of an Arf-independent function for Dmp1 in tumor suppression. We found that Dmp1 and p53 can interact directly in mammalian cells via the carboxyl-terminus of p53 and the DNA-binding domain of Dmp1. Expression of Dmp1 antagonized ubiquitination of p53 by Mdm2 and promoted nuclear localization of p53. Dmp1–p53 binding significantly increased the level of p53, independent of the DNA-binding activity of Dmp1. Mechanistically, p53 target genes were activated synergistically by the coexpression of Dmp1 and p53 in p53−/−;Arf−/− cells, and genotoxic responses of these genes were hampered more dramatically in Dmp1−/− and p53−/− cells than in Arf−/− cells. Together, our findings identify a robust new mechanism of p53 activation mediated by direct physical interaction between Dmp1 and p53. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1740–50. ©2012 AACR.
Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology
Editors' Picks
Authors:   The Editors
Published: February 2012

The following articles are being highlighted as part of
Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology's
Topic Review series. This series will summarize the most important articles, as selected by the editors, published in
Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Circulation,
and the other
Circulation
subspecialty journals. The studies included in this article represent the most read articles published on the topic of bradyarrhythmias in 2010 and 2011.
Blood Pressure Trajectories From Midlife to Late Life in Relation to Dementia in Women Followed for 37 Years
Authors: Joas Erik , Bäckman Kristoffer , Gustafson Deborah , Östling Svante , Waern Margda , Guo Xinxin , Skoog Ingmar
Published: February 2012

Higher midlife blood pressure increases risk for dementia. To further understand the relation between blood pressure and dementia, it is necessary to examine evolution of blood pressure from midlife to late life. We examined blood pressure trajectories using linear mixed models in a representative sample of middle-aged women (N=1462) who were followed from 1968–1969 until 2005–2006 with comprehensive medical and neuropsychiatric examinations. Dementia was diagnosed according to established criteria. Among those not treated with antihypertensives, higher systolic blood pressure at baseline but not blood pressure trajectories from 1968 to 1992 was associated with dementia and Alzheimer disease. Those with history of antihypertensive treatment had higher baseline systolic blood pressure than those who were never treated. In this group, those who developed dementia and Alzheimer disease had lower baseline systolic blood pressure and steeper increase in systolic blood pressure from 1968 to 1992 than those who did not. A steeper decline in systolic blood pressure during the later part of the study was observed in those who developed dementia regardless of antihypertensive treatment. The latter association was attenuated or disappeared when adjusting for body mass index. The association between blood pressure and dementia is complex and influenced by antihypertensive treatment. The findings emphasize the importance of detecting increased blood pressure in midlife and controlling blood pressure in those treated. Whether the trajectory of blood pressure is a risk factor or part of the clinical course of dementia needs to be elucidated.
Brachial Blood Pressure–Independent Relations Between Radial Late Systolic Shoulder-Derived Aortic Pressures and Target Organ Changes
Authors: Norton Gavin R. , Majane Olebogeng H.I. , Maseko Muzi J. , Libhaber Carlos , Redelinghuys Michelle , Kruger Deirdre , Veller Martin , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J.
Published: February 2012

Central aortic blood pressure (BP; BPc) predicts outcomes beyond brachial BP. In this regard, the application of a generalized transfer function (GTF) to radial pulse waves for the derivation of BPc is an easy and reproducible measurement technique. However, the use of the GTF may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Although the peak of the second shoulder of the radial waveform (P2) is closely associated with BPc, and, hence, BPc may be assessed without the need for a GTF, whether P2-derived BPc is associated with adverse cardiovascular changes independent of brachial BP is uncertain. Thus, P2- and GTF-derived aortic BPs were assessed using applanation tonometry and SphygmoCor software. Left ventricular mass was indexed for height
1.7
(n=678) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT; n=462) was determined using echocardiography and vascular ultrasound. With adjustments for nurse-derived brachial pulse pressure (PP), P2-derived central PP was independently associated with left ventricular mass indexed for height
1.7
(partial
r
=0.18;
P
<0.0001) and IMT (partial
r
=0.40;
P
<0.0001). These relations were similar to nurse-derived brachial PP-independent relations between GTF-derived central PP and target organ changes (left ventricular mass indexed for height
1.7
: partial
r
=0.17,
P
<0.0001; IMT: partial
r
=0.37,
P
<0.0001). In contrast, with adjustments for central PP, nurse-derived brachial PP-target organ relations were eliminated (partial
r
=−0.21 to 0.05). Twenty-four–hour, day, and night PP-target organ relations did not survive adjustments for nurse-derived brachial BP. In conclusion, central PP derived from P2, which does not require a GTF, is associated with cardiovascular target organ changes independent of brachial BP. Thus, when assessing adverse cardiovascular effects of aortic BP independent of brachial BP, P2-derived measures may complement GTF-derived measures of aortic BP.
Visinin-Like 1 Is Upregulated in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas With
KCNJ5
Mutations and Protects From Calcium-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Williams Tracy Ann , Monticone Silvia , Crudo Valentina , Warth Richard , Veglio Franco , Mulatero Paolo
Published: February 2012

Visinin-like 1 (
VSNL1
) is upregulated in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) compared with normal adrenals. We demonstrate that
VSNL1
overexpression in adrenocortical carcinoma cells (NCI H295R) upregulates basal and angiotensin II–stimulated
CYP11B2
gene expression 3.2- and 1.5-fold, respectively. Conversely, silencing
VSNL1
by RNA interference decreases angiotensin II–stimulated
CYP11B2
expression and aldosterone secretion by 41.0% and 34.5%, respectively. Mutations in the potassium channel
KCNJ5
have been identified in APAs that result in sodium influx and membrane depolarization and are postulated to result in calcium influx in adrenal glomerulosa cells.
VSNL1
and
CYP11B2
are 8.1- and 6.0-fold more highly expressed, respectively, in APAs harboring
KCNJ5
mutations compared with those without, and the upregulation of
VSNL1
in these APAs accounts for the overexpression of
VSNL1
in the total APA sample set compared with normal adrenals. Silencing
VSNL1
in H295R cells renders them sensitive to ionomycin-induced apoptosis, indicating that
VSNL1
protects these cells against calcium-induced cell death. Concomitant expression of mutated KCNJ5 (G151R) and silencing
VSNL1
results in apoptosis of H295R cells, an effect that is blocked by nifedipine and is absent using a control small-interfering RNA or when wild-type KCNJ5 is expressed and
VSNL1
is silenced. These data demonstrate that
VSNL1
plays a dual function in vitro in the regulation of
CYP11B2
gene expression and in the inhibition of calcium-induced apoptosis. In addition,
VSNL1
may play a role in the pathophysiology of APAs harboring mutations in the potassium channel
KCNJ5
via its antiapoptotic function in response to calcium cytotoxicity and its effect on aldosterone production.
Effect of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulation During Adrenal Vein Sampling in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Monticone Silvia , Satoh Fumitoshi , Giacchetti Gilberta , Viola Andrea , Morimoto Ryo , Kudo Masataka , Iwakura Yoshitsugu , Ono Yoshikiyo , Turchi Federica , Paci Enrico , Veglio Franco , Boscaro Marco , Rainey William , Ito Sadayoshi , Mulatero Paolo
Published: February 2012

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is fundamental for subtype diagnosis in patients with primary aldosteronism. AVS protocols vary between centers, especially for diagnostic indices and for use of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. We investigated the role of both continuous ACTH infusion and bolus on the performance and interpretation of AVS in a sample of 76 patients with confirmed primary aldosteronism. In 36 primary aldosteronism patients, AVS was performed both under basal conditions and after continuous ACTH infusion, and in 40 primary aldosteronism patients, AVS was performed both under basal conditions and after ACTH IV bolus. Both ACTH protocols determined an increase in the rate of successful cannulation of the adrenal veins. Both ACTH infusion and bolus determined a significant increase in selectivity index for the right adrenal vein and ACTH bolus for the left adrenal vein. Lateralization index was not significantly different after continuous ACTH infusion and IV bolus. In 88% and 78% of the patients, the diagnosis obtained was the same before and after ACTH infusion and IV bolus, respectively. However, the reproducibility of the diagnosis was reduced using less stringent criteria for successful cannulation of the adrenal veins. This study shows that ACTH use during AVS may be of help for centers with lower success rates, because a successful adrenal cannulation is more easily obtained with this protocol; moreover, this technique performs at least as well as the unstimulated strategy and in some cases may be even better. Stringent criteria for cannulation should be used to have a high consistency of the diagnosis.
A Naive Bayesian Cloud-Detection Scheme Derived from CALIPSO and Applied within PATMOS-x
Authors: Heidinger Andrew K. , Evan Amato T. , Foster Michael J. , Walther Andi
Published: February 2012

The naive Bayesian methodology has been applied to the challenging problem of cloud detection with NOAA’s Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). An analysis of collocated NOAA-18/AVHRR and Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO)/Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) observations was used to automatically and globally derive the Bayesian classifiers. The resulting algorithm used six Bayesian classifiers computed separately for seven surface types. Relative to CALIPSO, the final results show a probability of correct detection of roughly 90% over water, deserts, and snow-free land; 82% over the Arctic; and below 80% over the Antarctic. This technique is applied within the NOAA Pathfinder Atmosphere’s Extended (PATMOS-x) climate dataset and the Clouds from AVHRR Extended (CLAVR-x) real-time product generation system. Comparisons of the PATMOS-x results with those from International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) indicate close agreement with zonal mean differences in cloud amount being less than 5% over most zones. Most areas of difference coincided with regions where the Bayesian cloud mask reported elevated uncertainties. The ability to report uncertainties is a critical component of this approach.
Seasonality of African Precipitation from 1996 to 2009
Authors: Liebmann Brant , Bladé Ileana , Kiladis George N. , Carvalho Leila M. V. , B. Senay Gabriel , Allured Dave , Leroux Stephanie , Funk Chris
Published: February 2012

A precipitation climatology of Africa is documented using 12 years of satellite-derived daily data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). The focus is on examining spatial variations in the annual cycle and describing characteristics of the wet season(s) using a consistent, objective, and well-tested methodology. Onset is defined as occurring when daily precipitation consistently exceeds its local annual daily average and ends when precipitation systematically drops below that value. Wet season length, rate, and total are then determined. Much of Africa is characterized by a single summer wet season, with a well-defined onset and end, during which most precipitation falls. Exceptions to the single wet season regime occur mostly near the equator, where two wet periods are usually separated by a period of relatively modest precipitation. Another particularly interesting region is the semiarid to arid eastern Horn of Africa, where there are two short wet seasons separated by nearly dry periods. Chiefly, the summer monsoon spreads poleward from near the equator in both hemispheres, although in southern Africa the wet season progresses northwestward from the southeast coast. Composites relative to onset are constructed for selected points in West Africa and in the eastern Horn of Africa. In each case, onset is often preceded by the arrival of an eastward-propagating precipitation disturbance. Comparisons are made with the satellite-based Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and gauge-based Famine Early Warning System (FEWS NET) datasets. GPCP estimates are generally higher than TRMM in the wettest parts of Africa, but the timing of the annual cycle and average onset dates are largely consistent.
Uncertainty and Intercalibration Analysis of H*Wind
Authors: DiNapoli Steven M. , Bourassa Mark A. , Powell Mark D.
Published: February 2012

The Hurricane Research Division (HRD) Real-time Hurricane Wind Analysis System (H*Wind) is a software application used by NOAA’s HRD to create a gridded tropical cyclone wind analysis based on a wide range of observations. These analyses are used in both forecasting and research applications. Although mean bias and RMS errors are listed, H*Wind lacks robust uncertainty information that considers the contributions of random observation errors, relative biases between observation types, temporal drift resulting from combining nonsimultaneous measurements into a single analysis, and smoothing and interpolation errors introduced by the H*Wind analysis. This investigation seeks to estimate the total contributions of these sources, and thereby provide an overall uncertainty estimate for the H*Wind product.

A series of statistical analyses show that in general, the total uncertainty in the H*Wind product in hurricanes is approximately 6% near the storm center, increasing to nearly 13% near the tropical storm force wind radius. The H*Wind analysis algorithm is found to introduce a positive bias to the wind speeds near the storm center, where the analyzed wind speeds are enhanced to match the highest observations. In addition, spectral analyses are performed to ensure that the filter wavelength of the final analysis product matches user specifications. With increased knowledge of bias and uncertainty sources and their effects, researchers will have a better understanding of the uncertainty in the H*Wind product and can then judge the suitability of H*Wind for various research applications.
A Unification of Ensemble Square Root Kalman Filters
Authors: Nerger Lars , Janjić Tijana , Schröter Jens , Hiller Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

In recent years, several ensemble-based Kalman filter algorithms have been developed that have been classified as ensemble square root Kalman filters. Parallel to this development, the singular “evolutive” interpolated Kalman (SEIK) filter has been introduced and applied in several studies. Some publications note that the SEIK filter is an ensemble Kalman filter or even an ensemble square root Kalman filter. This study examines the relation of the SEIK filter to ensemble square root filters in detail. It shows that the SEIK filter is indeed an ensemble square root Kalman filter. Furthermore, a variant of the SEIK filter, the error subspace transform Kalman filter (ESTKF), is presented that results in identical ensemble transformations to those of the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF), while having a slightly lower computational cost. Numerical experiments are conducted to compare the performance of three filters (SEIK, ETKF, and ESTKF) using deterministic and random ensemble transformations. The results show better performance for the ETKF and ESTKF methods over the SEIK filter as long as this filter is not applied with a symmetric square root. The findings unify the separate developments that have been performed for the SEIK filter and the other ensemble square root Kalman filters.
Wintertime Extreme Precipitation Events along the Pacific Northwest Coast: Climatology and Synoptic Evolution
Authors: Warner Michael D. , Mass Clifford F. , Salathé Eric P.
Published: February 2012

Extreme precipitation events impact the Pacific Northwest during winter months, causing flooding, landslides, extensive property damage, and loss of life. Outstanding questions about such events include whether there are a range of associated synoptic evolutions, whether such evolutions vary along the coast, and the associated rainfall duration and variability. To answer these questions, this study uses 60 years of National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) daily precipitation observations to identify the top 50 events in two-day precipitation at six coastal stations from northern California to northwest Washington. NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data were used to construct synoptic composite evolutions of these events for each coastal location. Most regional flooding events are associated with precipitation periods of 24 h or less, and two-day precipitation totals identify nearly all major events. Precipitation areas of major events are generally narrow, roughly 200 km in width, and most are associated with atmospheric rivers. Composite evolutions indicate negative anomalies in sea level pressure and upper-level height in the central Pacific, high pressure anomalies over the southwest United States, large positive 850-hPa temperature anomalies along the coast and offshore, and enhanced precipitable water and integrated water vapor fluxes over southwest to northeast swaths. A small subset of extreme precipitation events over the southern portion of the domain is associated with a very different synoptic evolution: a sharp trough in northwesterly flow and post-cold-frontal convection. High precipitable water values are more frequent during the summer, but are not associated with heavy precipitation due to upper-level ridging over the eastern Pacific and weak onshore flow that limit upward vertical velocities.
Variation of the yarn cross-section in fabric
Authors: Turan Raziye Befru , Okur Ayşe
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the cross-sectional shape and size variation of the yarn in fabric depending on the structural parameters of fabric. For this reason, the dimensions of the yarns that are in the different regions of the weave unit have been determined by achieving the cross-sectional images of the fabrics, which were woven with different weave types and at different weft settings. The variation in the cross-section of the yarn has been evaluated by using the flattening ratio. Consequently, it has been observed that the structural factors which determine the geometry of the fabric, such as weave type and setting, affect the cross-sectional properties of the yarn along the yarn path.
Effects of molecular structure and molar content of acrylate units on aerobic biodegradability of acrylate copolymeric sizing agents
Authors: Zhu Zhifeng , Qiao Zhiyong , Zhang Zhifen , Hong Luyi , Wang Tao
Published: February 2012

This study was undertaken to establish a relationship between aerobic biodegradability and molecular structure of acrylate copolymers for the design and production of the copolymers with good biodegradability for warp sizing. Biological oxygen demand for five days (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the copolymers were assessed and the BOD5/COD ratio was used to evaluate their biodegradability. The influence of the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of alkyl ester chain on the biodegradability was studied and the effect of α-methyl group was evaluated. Moreover, the impact of molar content of acrylate units on the biodegradability was also studied. It was found that the decrease in the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of alkyl ester chains and the reduction in molar content of acrylate units improved the biodegradability of acrylate copolymers. Biodegradation of acrylate copolymers proved to be difficult if an α-methyl group was present in the acrylate units. To produce acrylate copolymers that are able to biodegrade more easily, a suitable amount of acrylate monomers with shorter alkyl side-chains and without an α-methyl group should be applied to monomer formulation for the copolymerization with hydrophilic monomers. The preferred molar content of the acrylate monomers should be in a range of 60% to 70%. The acrylate copolymers thus prepared were biodegradable and aerobic biodegradation was capable of converting macromolecules to lower molecular weight end-products.
Race, Education, and the Treatment of Depression in Nursing Homes
Authors: Siegel Michele J. , Lucas Judith A. , Akincigil Ayse , Gaboda Dorothy , Hoover Donald R. , Kalay Ece , Crystal Stephen
Published: February 2012

Objectives: We investigate, among older adult nursing home residents diagnosed with depression, whether depression treatment differs by race and schooling, and whether differences by schooling differ by race. We examine whether Blacks and less educated residents are placed in facilities providing less treatment, and whether differences reflect disparities in care. Method: Data from the 2006 Nursing Home Minimum Data Set for 8 states ( n = 124,431), are merged with facility information from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting system. Logistic regressions examine whether resident and/or facility characteristics explain treatment differences; treatment includes antidepressants and/or psychotherapy. Results: Blacks receive less treatment (adj. OR = .79); differences by education are small. Facilities with more Medicaid enrollees, fewer high school graduates, or more Blacks provide less treatment. Discussion: We found disparities at the resident and facility level. Facilities serving a low-SES (socioeconomic status), minority clientele tend to provide less depression care, but Blacks also receive less depression treatment than Whites within nursing homes (NHs).
Overcoming Labor Market Problems and Providing Social Services
Authors: Bidet Eric
Published: February 2012

The situation of the Korean labor market and welfare system evolved in the 2000s during a period that witnessed civil society playing a prominent role both as a provider of welfare and an inspirer for the implementation of welfare schemes (Labor Market and Welfare System in South Korea section). Emergence of a New Form of Collaboration Between Civil Society and Government section details the process that led to the installation of an ambitious minimum income scheme (the National Basic Livelihood System) and established the basis for a new form of collaboration and partnership between civil society and government in the fields of poverty alleviation and work integration. As a next step in this direction was enacted in 2006 the Law for the Promotion of Social Enterprises, which is presented and discussed in Social Enterprise Model As An Original Way of Addressing Different Social Issues section in reference to other experiences and social enterprise models. The conclusion insists however on the difficulties of preserving what was originally a balanced collaboration between government and civil society in a traditionally state-centered country.
The Influence of Generalized Trust on Volunteering in Japan
Authors: Taniguchi Hiromi
Published: February 2012

There is limited understanding of how attitudinal variables such as generalized trust influence formal volunteering compared with demographic and socioeconomic variables. Using data from the 2005 Japanese General Social Survey (JGSS), this study examines the effects of generalized trust on regular and irregular formal volunteering in Japan. As the majority of studies on formal volunteering are based in Western countries, focusing on a non-Western society extends our knowledge of volunteering decisions. Japan is known for its normative emphasis on group affiliation and in-group cooperation, and its citizens are often said to be distrustful of strangers. In such a society, how does generalized trust affect formal volunteering? A bivariate probit analysis of the JGSS data suggests that generalized trust is significantly and positively associated with the probability of irregular formal volunteering, but not with regular formal volunteering. Implications of these findings are discussed for future research linking generalized trust to formal volunteering.
A lumped parameter model for diesel soot morphology evaluation and emission control
Authors: Falcucci Giacomo
Published: February 2012

Diesel engine emission standards have become more and more severe in recent years. The use of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) is a consolidated technology to reduce the emission of particulate matter out of such engines. This work is aimed at presenting a global lumped parameter for onboard applications to estimate soot morphology and its effects on DPF performances. Starting from diesel soot production during combustion, soot morphology is evaluated in terms of fractal dimension and radii of gyration. The morphology of particulate matter influences the permeability of soot deposit inside the DPF: the growth of soot layer and the consequent pressure loss are evaluated during the loading phase in different sections of the trap. Finally, the temperature trend during regeneration is computed, as a function of the amount of soot accumulated in the different zones of the DPF. The results are compared to experimental measures from the literature and to 3D-computational fluid dynamics (3D-CFD) simulations.
A Report on Using General-Case Programming to Teach Collateral Academic Skills to a Student in a Postsecondary Setting
Authors: Chezan Laura C. , Drasgow Erik , Marshall Kathleen J.
Published: February 2012

The authors’ purpose in this report is to examine the application of general-case programming to teach collateral academic skills to a student with pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and with a mild intellectual disability who was attending college. The authors use data drawn from their work with Tom to explain and illustrate how a general-case approach may be developed and implemented effectively. The authors’ experience provides initial support for the utility of general-case programming for teaching acquisition and generalization of collateral academic skills. They make recommendations to guide researchers in future investigations of the application of the general-case programming to teach skills that enhance the successful integration of students with disabilities in postsecondary programs.
Ethnic discrimination and psychological distress: A study of Sami and non-Sami populations in Norway
Authors: Hansen Ketil Lenert , Sørlie Tore
Published: February 2012

The prevalence of psychological distress and its association with ethnic discrimination was examined among 13,703 participants (36 to 79 years of age) in a population-based study of health and living conditions in areas with indigenous Sami, Kven (descendants of Finnish immigrants), and Ethnic Norwegian populations (the SAMINOR study). Sami and Kven males reported greater levels of stress than Ethnic Norwegians. Ethnic discrimination was strongly associated with elevated levels of psychological distress. Results suggest that ethnic discrimination is a major potential risk factor for poor mental health, and may contribute to ethnicity-related differences in mental health between Sami and non-Sami populations.
A complexity perspective on institutional design
Authors: Page Scott E.
Published: February 2012

The task of designing effective economic and political institutions requires substantial foresight. The designer must anticipate not only the behavior of individual actors, but also how that behavior will aggregate. Rising complexity brought about by increases in speeds of adaptation, diversity, connectedness, and interdependence make institutional design all the more challenging. Given the focus on equilibria, the extant literature on mechanism design might appear incapable of coping with this complexity. Yet, I suggest that a deeper engagement with the origins of the mechanism-design framework reveals insights that may help us design robust, adaptive institutions that can harness complexity.
Complexity, economics, and public policy
Authors: Durlauf Steven N.
Published: February 2012

This article considers the implications of complex systems models for the study of economics and the evaluation of public policies. I argue that complexity can enhance current approaches to formal economic analysis, but does so in ways that complement current approaches. I further argue that while complexity can influence how public policy analysis is conducted, it does not delimit the use of consequentialist approaches to policy comparison to the degree initially suggested by Hayek and most recently defended by Gaus.
Local Meanings of Global Discourses
Authors: Greckhamer Thomas
Published: February 2012

Advancing methodological approaches to the comparative study of institutional meaning systems is vital for institutional analysis in a globalizing world where cultural resources such as concepts and models of organization circulate across institutional fields. This article illustrates a structural approach to the comparative study of local meanings of global concepts. It demonstrates the use of semantic network analysis (SNA) as a suitable methodological approach to study local meaning structures across nations and institutional fields, by investigating the relationship between institutional logics and local meanings of the industry cluster concept in public discourse in eight countries. The article concludes with recommendations for further applications of SNA to research on institutional meaning systems.
Self-Injury in Cyberworld
Authors: Adler Patricia A. , Adler Peter
Published: February 2012

Cyber communities have facilitated new forms of identity and self-regulation for people engaging in self-harm practices. The authors explore the online worlds of self-injurers and how they offer ways for people to develop new kinds of social order.
Michigan’s Public Square
Authors: Gold Steven
Published: February 2012

Sociologist and photographer Steven Gold documents the public use of the Michigan Capitol building. He writes, “The Michigan Capitol continues to provide a space where attention is devoted to issues and events of broad public concern.”
Crisis Talk
Authors: Martin Randy
Published: February 2012

Two books, Crisis Economics and Reckless Endangerment, are compared and reviewed to shed light on economic crises and financial scrutiny. The books both look at regulatory mechanisms and the problem of getting regulations right.
Methods for Functional Assessment After C7 Spinal Cord Hemisection in the Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Nout Yvette S. , Ferguson Adam R. , Strand Sarah C. , Moseanko Rod , Hawbecker Stephanie , Zdunowski Sharon , Nielson Jessica L. , Roy Roland R. , Zhong Hui , Rosenzweig Ephron S. , Brock John H. , Courtine Grégoire , Edgerton V. Reggie , Tuszynski Mark H. , Beattie Michael S. , Bresnahan Jacqueline C.
Published: February 2012

Background. Reliable outcome measures are essential for preclinical modeling of spinal cord injury (SCI) in primates. Measures need to be sensitive to both increases and decreases in function in order to demonstrate potential positive or negative effects of therapeutics. Objectives. To develop behavioral tests and analyses to assess recovery of function after SCI in the nonhuman primate. Methods. In all, 24 male rhesus macaques were subjected to complete C7 lateral hemisection. The authors scored recovery of function in an open field and during hand tasks in a restraining chair. In addition, EMG analyses were performed in the open field, during hand tasks, and while animals walked on a treadmill. Both control and treated monkeys that received candidate therapeutics were included in this report to determine whether the behavioral assays were capable of detecting changes in function over a wide range of outcomes. Results. The behavioral assays are shown to be sensitive to detecting a wide range of motor functional outcomes after cervical hemisection in the nonhuman primate. Population curves on recovery of function were similar across the different tasks; in general, the population recovers to about 50% of baseline performance on measures of forelimb function. Conclusions. The behavioral outcome measures that the authors developed in this preclinical nonhuman primate model of SCI can detect a broad range of motor recovery. A set of behavioral assays is an essential component of a model that will be used to test efficacies of translational candidate therapies for SCI.
A bioassay for determination of lipopolysaccharide in environmental samples
Authors: Peters Marcus , Fritz Petra , Bufe Albrecht
Published: February 2012

Although the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay is widely used to determine the concentration of LPS in biological samples, it is known to be susceptible to interference caused by substances of non-bacterial origin. In particular, polysaccharides such as β-glucans and pectic polysaccharides from fungi or plants, respectively, were shown to give higher LPS readings than were actually present in the sample. Here, we describe an assay for the determination of LPS in biological samples based on the stimulation of TLR4/MD2/CD14 transfected HEK293 cells which dose dependently release IL-8 upon stimulation with increasing concentrations of highly purified Escherichia coli LPS. The resulting standard curve is used to determine the LPS concentration in unknown samples. We show that the outcome of the LPS stimulation is not affected by the presence of β-glucans or other environmental substances found in dust extracts. Although, we present evidence that the LPS concentration measured with the kinetic chromogenic LAL test correlates with data from the TLR4 assay, the LAL test displays higher LPS readings. We conclude that the described TLR4 assay is a reliable alternative to assess the concentration of LPS in environmental samples without being influenced by polysaccharides such as β-glucans and other environmental substances found in dust extracts.
Lubricin Distribution in the Menisci and Labra of Human Osteoarthritic Joints
Authors: Zhang Dafang , Cheriyan Thomas , Martin Scott D. , Schmid Thomas M. , Spector Myron
Published: February 2012

Objective:

Lubricin is the principal boundary lubricant on articular cartilage. We aimed to describe the distribution of lubricin in the other articulating structures in the human knee and hip—menisci and labra—and to relate this distribution to the degree of tissue degeneration.

Methods:

Eighteen menisci and 6 labra were obtained from patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total knee and total hip replacements, respectively. Macroscopically intact specimens were fixed in formalin and processed for H&E staining and immunohistochemical evaluation with an antilubricin monoclonal antibody.

Results:

Lubricin was found in all tissues as a discrete layer on the tissue surface, within the extracellular matrix, and intracellularly, indicating that it plays a role in the tribology of these tissues in human subjects, and can be synthesized by cells within the tissues. While none of the samples displayed macroscopic tears, approximately 40% of the surface of the menisci and 80% of the surface of the labra displayed microscopic fibrillations and slight fraying. There was no effect of the degenerative changes on the distribution of lubricin.

Conclusions:

Lubricin coats nearly the entirety of the surfaces of menisci and labra, including microfibrillations and tears, with possible implications towards the tribology of the tissues and healing of tissue damage.
Isolation and characterization of stromal progenitor cells from ascites of patients with epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ho Chih-Ming , Chang Shwu-Fen , Hsiao Chih-Chiang , Chien Tsai-Yen , Shih Daniel Tzu-Bi
Published: February 2012

Background

At least one-third of epithelial ovarian cancers are associated with the development of ascites containing heterogeneous cell populations, including tumor cells, inflammatory cells, and stromal elements. The components of ascites and their effects on the tumor cell microenvironment remain poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate and characterize stromal progenitor cells from the ascites of patients with epithelial ovarian adenocarcinoma (EOA).

Methods

Seventeen ascitic fluid samples and 7 fresh tissue samples were collected from 16 patients with EOA. The ascites samples were then cultured in vitro in varying conditions. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were used to isolate and characterize 2 cell populations with different morphologies (epithelial type and mesenchymal type) deriving from the ascites samples. The in vitro cell culture model was established using conditional culture medium.

Results

The doubling times of the epithelial type and mesenchymal type cells were 36 h and 48 h, respectively, indicating faster growth of the epithelial type cells compared to the mesenchymal type cells. Cultured in vitro, these ascitic cells displayed the potential for self-renewal and long-term proliferation, and expressed the typical cancer stem/progenitor cell markers CD44high, CD24low, and AC133+. These cells also demonstrated high BMP-2, BMP4, TGF-β, Rex-1, and AC133 early gene expression, and expressed EGFR, integrin α2β1, CD146, and Flt-4, which are highly associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. The epithelial type cells demonstrated higher cytokeratin 18 and E-cadherin expression than the mesenchymal type cells. The mesenchymal type cells, in contrast, demonstrated higher AC133, CD73, CD105, CD117, EGFR, integrin α2β1, and CD146 surface marker expression than the epithelial type cells.

Conclusion

The established culture system provides an in vitro model for the selection of drugs that target cancer-associated stromal progenitor cells, and for the development of ovarian cancer treatments.
Distinct co-evolution patterns of genes associated to DNA polymerase III DnaE and PolC
Authors: Engelen Stefan , Vallenet David , Médigue Claudine , Danchin Antoine
Published: February 2012

Background

Bacterial genomes displaying a strong bias between the leading and the lagging strand of DNA replication encode two DNA polymerases III, DnaE and PolC, rather than a single one. Replication is a highly unsymmetrical process, and the presence of two polymerases is therefore not unexpected. Using comparative genomics, we explored whether other processes have evolved in parallel with each polymerase.

Results

Extending previous in silico heuristics for the analysis of gene co-evolution, we analyzed the function of genes clustering with dnaE and polC. Clusters were highly informative. DnaE co-evolves with the ribosome, the transcription machinery, the core of intermediary metabolism enzymes. It is also connected to the energy-saving enzyme necessary for RNA degradation, polynucleotide phosphorylase. Most of the proteins of this co-evolving set belong to the persistent set in bacterial proteomes, that is fairly ubiquitously distributed. In contrast, PolC co-evolves with RNA degradation enzymes that are present only in the A+T-rich Firmicutes clade, suggesting at least two origins for the degradosome.

Conclusion

DNA replication involves two machineries, DnaE and PolC. DnaE co-evolves with the core functions of bacterial life. In contrast PolC co-evolves with a set of RNA degradation enzymes that does not derive from the degradosome identified in gamma-Proteobacteria. This suggests that at least two independent RNA degradation pathways existed in the progenote community at the end of the RNA genome world.
Periconceptional bread intakes indicate New Zealand's proposed mandatory folic acid fortification program may be outdated: results from a postpartum survey
Authors: Mallard Simonette R , Gray Andrew R , Houghton Lisa A
Published: February 2012

Background

In September 2009, a folic acid fortification mandate (135 μg/100 g bread) was to be implemented in New Zealand. However, due to political and manufacturer objection, fortification was deferred until May 2012. Based on estimates of bread consumption derived from a 1997 nationally representative survey, this program was intended to deliver a mean additional intake of 140 μg folic acid/d to women of childbearing age. Little is known about current bread consumption patterns in this target group. The aim of this study was to assess bread consumption among women prior to and during pregnancy with the intent to estimate periconceptional folic acid intakes that would be derived from bread if mandatory fortification were implemented as currently proposed.

Methods

A retrospective survey of 723 postpartum women in hospitals and birthing centres across New Zealand was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire on bread intake prior to and during pregnancy and maternal socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics.

Results

Median bread intake before conception (2 slices/d) was below that of previous data upon which the current fortification proposal was modeled (3-4 slices/d). If mandatory fortification is implemented as proposed, only 31% (95% CI = 24%-37%) of childbearing-age women would attain an additional folic acid intake of ≥ 140 μg/d, with a mean of 119 μg/d (95% CI = 107 μg/d-130 μg/d). Based on these data, a fortification level of 160 μg/100 g bread is required to achieve the targeted mean of 140 μg folic acid/d. Nonetheless, under the current proposal additional folic acid intakes would be greatest among the least advantaged segments of the target population: Pacific and indigenous Māori ethnic groups; those with increased parity, lower income and education; younger and single mothers; and women with unplanned pregnancies. Subgroups predicted to derive less than adequate folic acid intakes from the proposed policy were women of Asian descent and those with a postgraduate education.

Conclusions

This study provides insight on the ability of a fortification policy to benefit the groups at highest risk of poor folate intakes in a population. However, bread consumption among the target group of childbearing women appears to have declined since the data used in previous dietary modeling were collected. Thus, it seems prudent to re-model dietary folic acid intakes based on more recent national survey data prior to the implementation of a mandatory folic acid fortification policy.
High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children aged 1 month to 16 years in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Zhan Jianying , Shao Jie , Chen Weijun , Chen Liqin , Li Wenhao , Ji Chai , Zhao Zhengyan
Published: February 2012

Background

Recent studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency in children is widespread. But the vitamin D status of Chinese children is seldom investigated. The objective of the present study was to survey the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in more than 6,000 children aged 1 month to 16 years in Hangzhou (latitude: 30°N), the capital of Zhejiang Province, southeast China.

Methods

The children aged 1 month to 16 years who came to the child health care department of our hospital, the children's hospital affiliated to Zhejiang university school of medicine, for health examination were taken blood for 25(OH) D measurement. Serum 25(OH) D levels were determined by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and categorized as < 25, < 50, and < 75 nmol/L.

Results

A total of 6,008 children aged 1 month to 16 years participated in this cross-sectional study. All the subjects were divided into subgroups according to their age: 0-1y, 2-5y, 6-11y and 12-16y representing infancy, preschool, school age and adolescence stages respectively. The highest mean level of serum 25(OH)D was found in the 0-1y stage (99 nmol/L) and the lowest one was found in 12-16y stage (52 nmol/L). Accordingly, the prevalence of serum 25(OH)D levels of < 75 nmol/L and < 50 nmol/L were at the lowest among infants (33.6% and 5.4% respectively) and rose to the highest among adolescents (89.6% and 46.4% respectively). The mean levels of serum 25(OH)D and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency changed according to seasons. In winter and spring, more than 50% of school age children and adolescents had a 25(OH)D level at < 50 nmol/L. If the threshold is changed to < 75 nmol/L, all of the adolescents (100%) had low 25(OH)D levels in winter and 93.7% school age children as well.

Conclusions

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among children in Hangzhou Zhejiang province is high, especially among children aged 6-16 years. We suggest that the recommendation for vitamin D supplementation in Chinese children should be extended to adolescence.