bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformational variation in structures of classical and non‐classical MHCII proteins and functional implications
Authors: Painter Corrie A. , Stern Lawrence J.
Published: October 2012

Recent structural characterizations of classical and non‐classical major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) proteins have provided a view into the dynamic nature of the MHCII–peptide binding groove and the role that structural changes play in peptide loading processes. Although there have been numerous reports of crystal structures for MHCII–peptide complexes, a detailed analysis comparing all the structures has not been reported, and subtle conformational variations present in these structures may not have been fully appreciated. We compared the 91 MHCII crystal structures reported in the PDB to date, including an HLA‐DR mutant particularly susceptible to DM‐mediated peptide exchange, and reviewed experimental and computational studies of the effect of peptide binding on MHCII structure. These studies provide evidence for conformational lability in and around the α‐subunit 3‐10 helix at residues α48‐51, a region known to be critical for HLA‐DM‐mediated peptide exchange. A biophysical study of MHC–peptide hydrogen bond strengths and a recent structure of the non‐classical MHCII protein HLA‐DO reveal changes in the same region. Conformational variability was observed also in the vicinity of a kink in the β‐subunit helical region near residue β66 and in the orientation and loop conformation in the β2 Ig domain. Here, we provide an overview of the regions within classical and non‐classical MHCII proteins that display conformational changes and the potential role that these changes may have in the peptide loading/exchange process.
Diversity‐oriented approaches for interrogating T‐cell receptor repertoire, ligand recognition, and function
Authors: Birnbaum Michael E. , Dong Shen , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: October 2012

Molecular diversity lies at the heart of adaptive immunity. T‐cell receptors and peptide‐major histocompatibility complex molecules utilize and rely upon an enormous degree of diversity at the levels of genetics, chemistry, and structure to engage one another and carry out their functions. This high level of diversity complicates the systematic study of important aspects of T‐cell biology, but recent technical advances have allowed for the ability to study diversity in a comprehensive manner. In this review, we assess insights gained into T‐cell receptor function and biology from our increasingly precise ability to assess the T‐cell repertoire as a whole or to perturb individual receptors with engineered reagents. We conclude with a perspective on a new class of high‐affinity, non‐stimulatory peptide ligands we have recently discovered using diversity‐oriented techniques that challenges notions for how we think about T‐cell receptor signaling.
Latex C‐serum from Hevea brasiliensis induces non‐apoptotic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2)
Authors: Lam K. L. , Yang K. L. , Sunderasan E. , Ong M. T.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Latex from Hevea brasiliensis (natural rubber tree primarily cultivated for its rubber particles) has no known primary metabolic function, although its biological role is as a plant defence system. The present study has evaluated specific anti‐proliferative effects of latex whole C‐serum and its subfractions, on human cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods

Cell viability assay using MTT, DNA fragmentation assay and real‐time PCR were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of latex whole C‐serum and its subfractions on the cell lines.

Results

MTT assay revealed very low LC50 values, 2.0 and 280 ng/ml, for DCS and DCP treatments, respectively. DCS was proven to be more potent compared to DCP, in conferring specific anti‐proliferative effects on the cancer cell lines. The study also indicated that anti‐proliferative activity of pre‐heated C‐serum fractions diminished significantly.

Conclusion

Although noteworthy cell death was reported, DNA fragmentation assay and real‐time PCR confirmed that that induced by latex C‐serum subfractions was not promoted via the classical apoptotic signalling pathway.
Effects of statins and farnesyl transferase inhibitors on ERK phosphorylation, apoptosis and cell viability in non‐small lung cancer cells
Authors: Pelaia G. , Gallelli L. , Renda T. , Fratto D. , Falcone D. , Caraglia M. , Busceti M. T. , Terracciano R. , Vatrella A. , Maselli R. , Savino R.
Published: October 2012

Objective

3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) can affect post‐translational processes, thus being responsible for decreased farnesylation and geranylgeranylation of intracellular small G proteins such as Ras, Rho and Rac, essential for cell survival and proliferation. In this regard, recent in vitro and in vivo studies suggest a possible role for both statins and farnesyl transferase inhibitors in the treatment of malignancies. Within such a context, the aim of our study was to investigate effects of either simvastatin (at concentrations of 1, 15, and 30 μm) or the farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 (at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 μm), on two cultures of human non‐small lung cancer cells, adenocarcinoma (GLC‐82) and squamous (CALU‐1) cell lines. In particular, we evaluated actions of these two drugs on phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 group of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and on apoptosis, plus on cell numbers and morphology.

Materials and Methods

Western blotting was used to detect ERK phosphorylation, and to assess apoptosis by evaluating caspase‐3 activation; apoptosis was also further assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Cell counting was performed after trypan blue staining.

Results and conclusion

In both GLC‐82 and CALU‐1 cell lines, simvastatin and R115777 significantly reduced ERK phosphorylation; this effect, which reached the greatest intensity after 36 h treatment, was paralleled by a concomitant induction of apoptosis, documented by significant increase in both caspase‐3 activation and TUNEL‐positive cells, associated with a reduction in cell numbers. Our results thus suggest that simvastatin and R115777 may exert, in susceptible lung cancer cell phenotypes, a pro‐apoptotic and anti‐proliferative activity, which appears to be mediated by inhibition of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signalling cascade.
Engagement in retirement: an evaluation of the effect of Active Mentoring on engagement of older adults with intellectual disability in mainstream community groups
Authors: Chng J. P. L. , Stancliffe R. J. , Wilson N. J. , Anderson K.
Published: October 2012

Background

As adults with intellectual disability age, retirement options need to be explored. One option is to attend a mainstream community group for retirees. Support within these groups could come from group members who are trained to act as mentors for the older adults with intellectual disability. This research evaluated a support training programme, Active Mentoring, which combines elements of Active Support and Co‐worker Training.

Method

Three older women with intellectual disability participated in a non‐concurrent multiple baseline design. Effect size analyses (Percentage of Non‐overlapping Data) were used to evaluate observational data.

Results

Active Mentoring was effective in increasing most types of engagement in activities, but there was no observed effect for social engagement. Mentor help also increased.

Conclusion

Active Mentoring was effective in eliciting support from mentors, and in increasing activity engagement of older adults with intellectual disability in mainstream community groups.
Reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with an Intellectual Disability (GAS‐ID)
Authors: Hermans H. , Wieland J. , Jelluma N. , Van der Pas F. , Evenhuis H.
Published: October 2012

Background

In the Netherlands, no self‐report screening questionnaire for anxiety in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) was available yet. Therefore, we have translated the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with an Intellectual Disability (GAS‐ID) into Dutch and studied its reliability and validity in adults with borderline, mild or moderate ID.

Method

Test–retest reliability was studied in 66 participants, convergent validity against the Anxiety sub‐scale of the Hospital, Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS‐A) in 96, and criterion validity against psychiatric diagnosis in 195 participants.

Results

Internal consistency was α = 0.86 and test–retest reliability ICC = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82–0.93). Correlation with the HADS‐A was r = 0.61 (95% CI: 0.47–0.72); sensitivity was 83.9% (95% CI: 72.2–91.2) and specificity was 51.8% (95% CI: 43.6–59.9) using a cut‐off score of 17. Missed diagnoses (false‐negatives) were mostly specific phobias. Of the false‐positives, 38 of 66 participants (58%) had another psychiatric diagnosis.

Conclusions

The Dutch version of the GAS‐ID is a reliable screening instrument with satisfactory sensitivity, but moderate specificity for anxiety disorders. Although specificity for anxiety disorders is only moderate, high scores appear to be indicative of other psychiatric problems too, justifying referral for psychiatric assessment of false‐positives.
Visually detected NREM Stage 2 sleep spindles in kindergarten children are associated with current and future emotional and behavioural characteristics
Authors: Mikoteit Thorsten , Brand Serge , Beck Johannes , Perren Sonja , Von Wyl Agnes , Von Klitzing Kai , Holsboer‐Trachsler Edith , Hatzinger Martin
Published: October 2012

Sleep electroencephalogram spindles are associated with efficient cortical–subcortical connectivity, and intellectual and learning abilities. In the present study, we assessed healthy preschoolers with a twofold aim: (i) to explore associations of non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindles with emotional/behavioural characteristics cross‐sectionally; and (ii) longitudinally. A total of 43 children who were 5 years old underwent objective sleep electroencephalogram monitoring in their homes. Emotional and behavioural dimensions were assessed by parents and teachers with the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire at baseline and at follow‐up 1 year later. Non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindles were visually scored and compared with Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire dimensions. High non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindle density was associated with less internalizing behaviour, more prosocial behaviour and a low total problem score. In girls, high non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindle density was related to low hyperactivity, while in boys it was associated with less internalizing behaviour, more externalizing behaviour and more hyperactivity. Longitudinally, a higher number of non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindles at 5 years old predicted fewer peer problems 12 months later. In kindergarten children, high non‐rapid eye movement S2 spindle density is associated with observable current and future favourable emotional/behavioural patterns. However, gender differences were also found, as should be taken into account in future studies.
Potential population growth and harmful effects on humans from bed bug populations exposed to different feeding regimes
Authors: PEREIRA R. M. , TAYLOR A. S. , LEHNERT M. P. , KOEHLER P. G.
Published: October 2012

Effects of host availability and feeding period on bed bugs, Cimex lectularius (L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), were measured. Population growth and the potential harmful effect of bed bug populations on human hosts were modelled. Bloodmeal sizes were affected by both feeding length and frequency, with >2‐fold difference between insects fed daily or weekly. Blood consumption increased >2‐fold between bed bugs fed occasionally and often, and 1.5‐fold between occasional and daily feeding. Bed bugs fed more often than once a week, potentially every 2–4 days. Egg production was associated with nutrition, being strongly correlated with blood consumption in the previous week. Bed bug populations can grow under different feeding regimes and are hard to control with <80% mortality. Bed bugs can survive and grow even in locations with a limited blood supply, where bed bug persistence may be important for the continual spread of populations. Persistence in non‐traditional locations and a potential association with human pathogens increase the health risks of bed bugs. Potential blood loss as a result of a bed bug can have serious consequences because uncontrolled populations can reach harmful levels in 3–8 months. The reproduction potential of bed bug populations suggests serious consequences to human health and the need for efficacious control measures.
The undiscovered potential of dehydroproline as a fire blight control option
Authors: De Zoysa G. H. , Washington V. , Lewis G. , Sarojini V.
Published: October 2012

The non‐protein amino acid 3,4‐dehydro‐l‐proline (DHP) significantly reduced the incidence of fire blight infection on immature pear fruits infected with wildtype Erwinia amylovora. DHP also inhibited biofilm formation in both streptomycin‐sensitive and ‐resistant strains of E. amylovora and induced dispersal of preformed biofilms in the streptomycin‐sensitive strain. The investigations shed light on the hitherto undiscovered ability of DHP to inhibit bacterial biofilms and its potential as a chemical control option for fire blight.
Phylogenetic relationships, pathogenicity and fungicide sensitivity ofGreeneria uvicolaisolates fromVitis viniferaandMuscadinia rotundifoliagrapevines
Authors: Samuelian S. K. , Greer L. A. , Cowan K. , Priest M. , Sutton T. B. , Savocchia S. , Steel C. C.
Published: October 2012

Greeneria uvicolacauses bitter rot onVitis vinifera(bunch grapes) andMuscadinia rotundifolia(muscadine grapes) in warm moist temperate and subtropical regions. This study investigated the phylogenetic relationship ofG. uvicolarepresentatives from Australia (67 isolates), the USA (31 isolates), India (1 isolate) and Costa Rica (1 isolate) and compared their pathogenicity and fungicide sensitivity. Differences in cultural and conidial morphology were observed between the isolates from Australia and the USA. Phylogenetic relationships were determined based on three gene regions: the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1–5∙8S–ITS2), 28S large subunit (LSU) nuclearrDNAand β‐tubulin‐2.Greeneria uvicolaisolates were clearly differentiated into four groups: isolates from Australia and India; USA isolates fromV. vinifera; USA isolates fromM. rotundifolia; and the isolate from Costa Rica. All isolates were pathogenic onV. vinifera(cv. Chardonnay) berries although those originating fromM. rotundifoliawere not as aggressive as isolates fromV. vinifera, irrespective of geographical origin. Sensitivity to pyraclostrobin and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) was studied. Despite differences in fungicide applications, hyphal growth inhibition was not significantly different for geographical location, cultivar, tissue, year of collection or different spray regimes. For the Australian and USA isolates, fungal growth inhibition was significantly greater for pyraclostrobin than for SHAM, and was significantly greater for the combined treatment than for each of the fungicides applied singly. The aetiological and epidemiological knowledge of bitter rot collected through this study will aid better prediction and management strategies of this pathogen.
Use of next‐generation sequencing for the identification and characterization of Maize chlorotic mottle virus and Sugarcane mosaic virus causing maize lethal necrosis in Kenya
Authors: Adams I. P. , Miano D. W. , Kinyua Z. M. , Wangai A. , Kimani E. , Phiri N. , Reeder R. , Harju V. , Glover R. , Hany U. , Souza‐Richards R. , Deb Nath P. , Nixon T. , Fox A. , Barnes A. , Smith J. , Skelton A. , Thwaites R. , Mumford R. , Boonham N.
Published: October 2012

The diagnosis of novel unidentified viral plant diseases can be problematic, as the conventional methods such as real‐time PCR or ELISA may be too specific to a particular species or even strain of a virus, whilst alternatives such as electron microscopy (EM) or sap inoculation of indicator species do not usually give species level diagnosis. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) offers an alternative solution where sequence is generated in a non‐specific fashion and identification is based on similarity searching against GenBank. The conventional and NGS techniques were applied to a damaging and apparently new disease of maize, which was first identified in Kenya in 2011. ELISA and TEM provided negative results, whilst inoculation of other cereal species identified the presence of an unidentified sap transmissible virus. RNA was purified from material showing symptoms and sequenced using a Roche 454 GS‐FLX+. Database searching of the resulting sequence identified the presence of Maize chlorotic mottle virus and Sugarcane mosaic virus, a combination previously reported to cause maize lethal necrosis disease. Over 90% of both viral genome sequences were obtained, allowing strain characterization and the development of specific real‐time PCR assays which were used to confirm the presence of the virus in material with symptoms from six different fields in two different regions of Kenya. The availability of these assays should aid the assessment of the disease and may be used for routine diagnosis. The work shows that next‐generation sequencing is a valuable investigational technique for rapidly identifying potential disease‐causing agents such as viruses.
A quantitative real‐time PCR assay for detection of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in navy bean seeds
Authors: Chen Y. Y. , Conner R. L. , Gillard C. L. , McLaren D. L. , Boland G. J. , Balasubramanian P. M. , Stasolla C. , Zhou Q. X. , Hwang S. F. , Chang K. F. , Babcock C.
Published: October 2012

Bean anthracnose is a seedborne disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Using seed that did not test positive for the pathogen has been proven to be an effective strategy for bean anthracnose control. To quantify the extent of anthracnose seed infection, a real‐time PCR‐based diagnostic assay was developed for detecting C. lindemuthianum in seeds of the commercial bean class navy bean. The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region consisting of part of the18S rDNA, 5.8S rDNA, internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1, 2 and part of the 28S rDNA of seven races of C. lindemuthianum, 21 isolates of Colletotrichum species and nine other bean pathogens were sequenced with the universal primer set ITS5/ITS4. Based on the aligned sequence matrix, one primer set and a probe were designed for a SYBR Green dye assay and a TaqMan MGB (minor groove binder) assay. The primer set was demonstrated to be specific for C. lindemuthianum and showed a high sensitivity for the target pathogen. The detection limit of both assays was 5 fg of C. lindemuthianum genomic DNA. To explore the correlation between the lesion area and the DNA amount of C. lindemuthianum in bean seed, seeds of the navy bean cultivar Navigator with lesions of different sizes, as well as symptomless seeds, were used in both real‐time PCR assays.
Neonatal vesiculopustular eruption associated with transient myeloproliferative disorder: report of four cases
Authors: Narvaez‐Rosales Veronica , de‐Ocariz Marimar Saez , Carrasco‐Daza Daniel , Ramirez‐Davila Brenda , Orozco‐Covarrubias Luz , Duran‐McKinster Carola , Palacios‐Lopez Carolina
Published: October 2012

Background  Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) affects up to 10% of patients with Down syndrome (DS). A small proportion of newborns are asymptomatic and only manifest circulating blast cells, with or without leukocytosis, while others present with hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, serous effusions, and liver fibrosis. Few cases in the literature also have skin manifestations, described as crusted, erythematous, vesiculopustular eruptions occurring mainly on the face, with spreading to the trunk and extremities.

Materials and methods  Four patients with DS and TMD were studied due to the presence of cutaneous eruptions. Systemic involvement, work‐up, and follow‐up were documented for each patient. Our results were compared with the previously reported cases.

Results  All patients were males, with ages ranging from 1 to 20 days at the time of diagnosis. In three patients, the eruption was papulopustular, and two of them also had vesicles. In one patient, lesions resembled bullous impetigo. In all, the lesions involved the face, followed by the extremities in three and the trunk in two patients. Pathergy phenomena was present in one patient. Hepatomegaly and a leukemoid reaction were present in all patients. Bone marrow showed an M7 immunophenotype in three patients and normal cellularity in one. Follow‐up ranged from 2 to 11 months, during which the patients were healthy.

Conclusions  Recognition of the cutaneous eruptions associated with TMD in neonate patients with DS may lead to early diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary chemotherapy. However, because leukemia may develop later, careful follow‐up is mandatory in all cases.
Expression of Fas and Fas ligand in primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in association with grade of tumor differentiation
Authors: Lee Young Bok , Kyung Kim Eun , Park Hyun Jeong , Cho Baik Kee , Park Young Min , Kim Jin Woo , Yoo Nam Jin , Park Yong Gyu , Oh Shin Taek
Published: October 2012

Background  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Fas (CD95) and Fas ligand (FasL) immunoreactivity in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are correlated with grade of tumor differentiation.

Methods  A total of 31 cutaneous SCC specimens excised during 1997–2004 were collected from the four branch hospitals of the Catholic University of Korea. A tissue microarray technique was used for immunohistochemical staining. Expression of Fas and FasL was evaluated in correlation with the grade of tumor differentiation. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and exact trend test.

Results  Six of 31 SCCs exhibited strong (+++) intensity for Fas immunostaining, and all of these were well differentiated. Five of 31 SCCs exhibited strong (+++) intensity for FasL staining; all of these were moderately or poorly differentiated.

Conclusions  Fas was expressed more strongly in well‐differentiated SCCs than in poorly differentiated tumors. FasL was expressed more strongly in moderately and poorly differentiated tumors. These findings indicate that Fas and FasL play important roles in immune surveillance and grade of differentiation in SCC.
Targeting the AGE‐RAGE axis improves renal function in the context of a healthy diet low in advanced glycation end‐product content
Authors: Thallas‐Bonke Vicki , Coughlan Melinda T , Tan Adeline LY , Harcourt Brooke E , Morgan Philip E , Davies Michael J , Bach Leon A , Cooper Mark E , Forbes Josephine M
Published: October 2012

Low‐AGE diet does not attenuate experimental diabetic nephropathy.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of Cushing disease: an Australian experience
Authors: Wein L. , Dally M. , Bach L. A.
Published: October 2012

Stereotactic radiation therapy has emerged as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy for treatment of Cushing disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of this treatment. Records of patients with Cushing disease treated with stereotactic radiation were reviewed. Seventeen patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. Ten achieved remission after a mean of 23 (95% confidence interval, 15–31) months, and two developed hormone deficiencies.
Work–Family Conflict and Organisationally Valued Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Decision Latitude in Five National Contexts
Authors: Billing Tejinder K. , Bhagat Rabi S. , Babakus Emin , Krishnan Balaji , Ford David L. , Srivastava B.N. , Rajadhyaksha Ujvala , Shin Mannsoo , Kuo Ben , Kwantes Catherine , Setiadi Bernadette , Nasurdin Aizzat Mohd.
Published: October 2012

The moderating role of decision latitude on the relationship between work–family conflict and psychological strain was examined across five countries. It was hypothesised that decision latitude would moderate the relationship more strongly in the individualistic countries (the United States and Canada) than in the collectivistic countries (India, Indonesia, and South Korea). The results supported the hypotheses of this five‐country‐based cross‐national investigation. The implications of the findings for theory and practice in the area of international and cross‐cultural research on work and family conflicts in the organisational context are discussed.
Fearlessness in juvenile offenders is associated with offending rate
Authors: Syngelaki Eva M. , Fairchild Graeme , Moore Simon C. , Savage Justin C. , van Goozen Stephanie H.M.
Published: October 2012

Poor fear conditioning is a correlate of violent offending in adults, but there is no evidence concerning juvenile offenders. Our aim was to compare emotional learning in juvenile offenders and controls and establish whether crime rate is related to seriousness of emotional learning problems. To this end, emotional learning was assessed in 42 juvenile offenders by measuring skin conductance responding (SCR) during fear conditioning. Compared to controls, juvenile offenders showed lower conditioned SCRs to visual stimuli associated with a subsequent aversive stimulus and the magnitude of the SCR during fear acquisition was inversely associated with the number of their recorded offences. These findings suggest that juvenile offenders have impairments in the neural systems that subserve emotional learning. The implication is that using punitive measures to control persistent offenders is unlikely to be effective in an identifiable group of juvenile offenders.
Media messages and the needs of infants and young children after Cyclone Nargis and the WenChuan Earthquake
Authors: Gribble Karleen D.
Published: October 2012

Infants and young children are vulnerable in emergencies. The media plays an important role in aid delivery and has a positive impact when reports are accurate. However, the media has been implicated in encouraging harmful aid in the form of donations of infant formula and other milk products. Internet‐based media reports were collected after Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the WenChuan Earthquake in China (2008) and examined for content related to infant and young child feeding. Common messages identified included that: babies are vulnerable; stress prevents breastfeeding; and providing infant formula saves lives. Messages rarely reported included that: artificial feeding is dangerous; and breastfeeding protects infants. This analysis suggests that current patterns of media reporting may encourage harmful aid and increase child morbidity and mortality. Aid organisations should encourage the media to report accurately on the needs of infant and young children in emergencies so as to improve aid delivery.
Modernization and Devolution: Delivering Services for Older People in Rural Areas of England and Wales
Authors: Doheny Shane , Milbourne Paul
Published: October 2012

The modernization of public services, with its emphasis on managerialism, choice, co‐production and outcome focused service delivery, has been implemented to a certain extent in both England and Wales. Indeed, the welfare states in both countries share a great deal, particularly in relation to policy objectives and the expectations of citizens. Devolution has chiefly meant that the instruments used to deliver policy have separated, although it remains unclear whether this amounts to formal divergence. What is also unclear is to what extent have the experiences of those living within the policy environment in both countries separated or diverged? This article addresses this question using qualitative data composed of interviews with policy actors in six rural areas of England and Wales. By focusing on the discourses of people involved in modernizing and providing services for older people in rural areas, we bring out the impact of modernization for older people. What we show is that modernization engages both service users and the wider population who may one day become service users. But the emphasis on these groups unfolds in different ways in England and Wales. In England, where there has been a commitment to a customer citizen, policy at the local level has emphasized re‐enablement, community development and individual responsibility. In Wales, where modernization has focused on collaboration and citizenship, local policies have focused on service users, and on engagement with the voluntary sector. In effect, the policy environment provides a different context for the experience of ageing in both countries.
But is it ‘Fair'? The UK Coalition Government, ‘Fairness’ and the ‘Reform’ of Public Sector Pensions
Authors: Cutler Tony , Waine Barbara
Published: October 2012

The article analyses arguments for reform of public sector pension schemes by the UK Coalition government on the grounds that existing provision is ‘unfair’. Three dimensions of ‘fairness’ are discussed. That between public and private sector provision; between the costs to public sector employees and other taxpayers; and between members of public sector schemes. The article argues that there are serious weaknesses in the Coalition position on each of these dimensions of ‘fairness’. It suggests that these weaknesses are rooted in the discussion of public sector pensions in isolation from the overall pattern of occupational pension provision in the UK and that a more satisfactory analysis requires reference to principles of distributive justice.
Digital Elevation Model from the Best Results of Different Filtering of a LiDAR Point Cloud
Authors: Podobnikar Tomaž , Vrečko Anja
Published: October 2012

The LiDAR point clouds captured with airborne laser scanning provide considerably more information about the terrain surface than most data sources in the past. This rich information is not simply accessed and convertible to a high quality digital elevation model (DEM) surface. The aim of the study is to generate a homogeneous and high quality DEM with the relevant resolution, as a 2.5D surface. The study is focused on extraction of terrain (bare earth) points from a point cloud, using a number of different filtering techniques accessible by selected freeware. The proposed methodology consists of: (1) assessing advantages/disadvantages of different filters across the study area, (2) regionalization of the area according to the most suitable filtering results, (3) data fusion considering differently filtered point clouds and regions, and (4) interpolation with a standard algorithm. The resulting DEM is interpolated from a point cloud fused from partial point clouds which were filtered with multiscale curvature classification (MCC), hierarchical robust interpolation (HRI), and the LAStools filtering. An important advantage of the proposed methodology is that the selected landscape and datasets properties have been more holistically studied, with applied expert knowledge and automated techniques. The resulting highly applicable DEM fulfils geometrical (numerical), geomorphological (shape), and semantic quality properties.
NEW EVIDENCE FOR IRON AGE BURIAL AND PROPITIATION PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN BRITAIN
Authors: TRACEY JUSTINE
Published: October 2012

It has been 30 years since the first scheme that categorized fragmentary Iron Age human remains in southern Britain (Wilson 1981), and nearly 20 years since Cunliffe's paper ‘Pits, Preconceptions and Propitiation’ was published (Cunliffe 1992). This study integrates the osteological, forensic and field evidence to identify archaeological signatures from three interrelated areas. The results show different depositional trends for five sites in Hampshire, and that the hillforts studied – Danebury (Hampshire) and Maiden Castle (Dorset) – demonstrate yet another pattern. Three main depositional practices were observed; intentional exposure, propitiatory deposits, and intentional practices, in which the body was kept whole in death, ran in parallel with each another.
Tax Incentives and Charitable Contributions: the Evidence from Censored Quantile Regression
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Yi , Lo Kuang‐Ta
Published: October 2012

This paper investigates the relationship between tax price and charitable contributions using the censored quantile regression (QR) technique, which can provide a complete description of the whole distribution of giving, and data from US Internal Revenue Service individual tax returns. The findings of the present study are as follows. First, the price elasticities of charitable contributions are all negative and consistently decrease in absolute value along the quantiles. Second, donors at lower giving quantiles are price elastic but donors at higher quantiles are price inelastic. Third, the income elasticities are positive and increase along the quantiles. Lastly, the effects of wealth, age, marital status, and the number of dependents vary across quantiles. All the empirical results show that the censored QR offers better explanations on the relationship between tax incentives and charitable contributions.
PROFIT SHIFTING AND TRADE AGREEMENTS IN IMPERFECTLY COMPETITIVE MARKETS*
Authors: Bagwell Kyle , Staiger Robert W.
Published: October 2012

Do new rationales for trade agreements arise once imperfectly competitive markets are allowed? We consider several trade models that feature imperfectly competitive markets and argue that the basic rationale for a trade agreement is, in fact, the same rationale that arises in perfectly competitive markets. In all of the models that we consider, and whether or not governments have political–economic objectives, the only rationale for a trade agreement is to remedy the inefficient terms‐of‐trade‐driven restrictions in trade volume. We also show that the principles of reciprocity and nondiscrimination continue to be efficiency enhancing in these settings.
THE WELFARE IMPACT OF REDUCING CHOICE IN MEDICARE PART D: A COMPARISON OF TWO REGULATION STRATEGIES*
Authors: Lucarelli Claudio , Prince Jeffrey , Simon Kosali
Published: October 2012

Motivated by widely publicized concerns that there are “too many” plans, we structurally estimate (and validate) an equilibrium model of the Medicare Part D market to study the welfare impacts of two feasible, similar‐sized approaches for reducing choice. One reduces the maximum number of firm offerings regionally; the other removes plans providing donut hole coverage—consumers’ most valued dimension. We find welfare losses are far smaller when coupled with elimination of a dimension of differentiation. We illustrate our findings’ relevance under current health care reforms, and consider the merits of instead imposing ex ante competition for entry.
INEFFICIENT LOCK‐IN AND SUBSIDY COMPETITION*
Authors: Borck Rainald , Koh Hyun‐Ju , Pflüger Michael
Published: October 2012

This article studies a subsidy game among two asymmetric regions in a new trade model. Capital can freely move among regions, but capital rewards are repatriated to the region of residence. The activity of the modern sector is associated with positive spillovers. We study subsidy competition, starting from an equilibrium where the industry core is inefficiently locked in to the smaller region. When regions weigh workers’ and capitalists’ welfare equally, subsidy competition results in a relocation of industry to the larger region, restoring an efficient allocation. When workers’ welfare is weighted more heavily, the smaller (core) region may pay subsidies that are high enough to prevent a relocation of industry.
FISCAL EXPANSIONS, UNEMPLOYMENT, AND LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION: THEORY AND EVIDENCE*
Authors: Brückner Markus , Pappa Evi
Published: October 2012

Structural VARs indicate that for many OECD countries labor force participation, employment, and the unemployment rate significantly increase following increases in government expenditures under a variety of specifications and identification schemes. Fiscal expansions also tend to increase real wages. Existing models have difficulties in generating such responses. We show that the empirical regularities can be reproduced with two additions into a standard New Keynesian model with matching frictions: (a) a labor force participation choice and (b) workers’ heterogeneity.
RETURNS SYSTEM WITH REBATES*
Authors: Nariu Tatsuhiko , Flath David , Utaka Atsuo
Published: October 2012

We consider a variant of the newsvendor problem. Atomistic retailers each buy merchandise from a monopoly supplier for resale at a market‐determined common retail price that depends upon the total industry order quantity and upon a stochastic demand. After the orders are filled, the supplier learns the realization of demand but the retailers do not. We show that, in this setting, a returns system with rebates (with previously set buy‐back price for returns and ex post payments from the supplier to each retailer per unit actually sold) implements the optimal production and sales strategy, attaining maximum expected profit in the channel.
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND NONTECHNOLOGY SHOCKS IN BUSINESS CYCLES*
Authors: Watanabe Shingo
Published: October 2012

This article proposes a method to identify technology and nontechnology shocks that permanently affect labor productivity and applies this method to data for the G7 countries. In most cases, whereas technology improvements have negative or weak effects on hours worked, positive permanent nontechnology shocks are expansionary. Permanent nontechnology shocks play an important role in business cycles, particularly in the United States and Japan, and account for 71% of a large reduction in Japan's detrended output from 1991 to 2002. Credit conditions are likely to be an important driver of variations in permanent nontechnology shocks.
SPATIAL PANELS: RANDOM COMPONENTS VERSUS FIXED EFFECTS*
Authors: Lee Lung‐fei , Yu Jihai
Published: October 2012

This article investigates spatial panel data models with a space–time filter in disturbances. We consider their estimation by both fixed effects and random effects specifications. With a between equation properly defined, the difference of the random versus fixed effects models can be highlighted. We show that the random effects estimate is a pooling of the within and between estimates. A Hausman‐type specification test and an Lagrangian multiplier test are proposed for the testing of the random components specification versus the fixed effects specification.
Two‐ to three‐month‐old infants prefer moving face patterns to moving top‐heavy patterns
Authors: Ichikawa Hiroko , Tsuruhara Aki , Kanazawa So , Yamaguchi Masami K.
Published: October 2012

Newborn infants prefer face‐like patterns over non‐face‐like patterns. This preference is explained by newborns' preference for a “top‐heavy” configuration, that is, for geometric patterns that have more elements in the upper part than in the lower part of the configuration (Simion, Valenza, Macchi Cassia, Turati, & Umiltà, 2002). However, for 3‐month‐old infants, face preference cannot be explained only by a preference for “top‐heaviness” because they prefer veridical face images over top‐heavy images. The present study used geometric patterns to investigate whether 2‐ to 3‐month‐old infants' preference for face patterns exceeds their preference for top‐heavy configurations. In Experiment 1, we revealed that the infants preferred the face pattern to the top‐heavy pattern only when the internal elements of the patterns were presented with face‐like movements. This facilitative effect of internal movement was observed again in Experiment 2, in which the patterns were presented with non‐face‐like movements. These results suggest that 2‐ to 3‐month‐olds' preference for geometric face patterns is greater than their preference for top‐heavy patterns only when aided by the movement of internal elements.
Children's reading impairments: From theory to practice
Authors: Snowling Margaret J. , Hulme Charles
Published: October 2012

This paper outlines the nature and characteristics of children's reading disorders and considers current ideas about the definitions of dyslexia and reading comprehension impairment. We argue that reading skills show continuous variations within the population, making the diagnostic “cut‐offs” used in the identification of reading disorders essentially arbitrary. We argue that there is a considerable overlap between children's reading and language disorders and discuss methods for the early identification of children's reading disorders. We argue that interventions for reading disorders need to be evidence based, and review the evidence for the effectiveness of current approaches to intervention. We conclude by considering the extent to which learning to read in different languages may depend on some universal cognitive principles, as well as processes that may differ between alphabetic and nonalphabetic writing systems.
Neural mechanisms of emotion regulation in childhood anxiety
Authors: Hum Kathryn M. , Manassis Katharina , Lewis Marc D.
Published: October 2012

Background:  The present study was designed to examine the cortical processes that mediate cognitive regulation in response to emotion‐eliciting stimuli in anxious children.

Methods:  Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity was recorded from clinically anxious children (n = 29) and typically developing children (n = 34). Event‐related potential components were recorded while children performed a go/no‐go task using facial stimuli depicting angry, calm, and happy expressions.

Results:  Anxious children had significantly greater posterior P1 and frontal N2 amplitudes, components associated with attention/arousal and cognitive control, respectively, than typically developing children. Anxious children also had significantly greater error‐related negativities and correct‐response negativities relative to typically developing children. For the anxious group only, there were no differences in neural activation between face (emotion) types or trial (Go vs. No‐go) types. A regression analysis revealed that No‐go N2 amplitudes for calm faces predicted self‐reported anxiety levels.

Conclusions:  Anxious children appeared to show increased cortical activation regardless of the emotional content of the stimuli. Anxious children also showed greater medial‐frontal activity regardless of task demands and response accuracy. Taken together, these findings suggest indiscriminate cortical processes that may underlie the hypervigilant regulatory style seen in clinically anxious individuals.
Cosmesis and body image after single‐port access surgery for gynaecologic disease
Authors: Song Taejong , Kim Tae‐Joong , Cho Juhee , Kim Im‐Ryung , Kang Pureun Narae , Lee Jeong‐Won , Bae Duk‐Soo , Kim Byoung‐Gie
Published: October 2012

Background

Little is known about patient satisfaction with single‐port access (SPA) surgery for gynaecologic disease related to body image and cosmesis.

Aims

This study aimed to determine cosmetic satisfaction with SPA surgery.

Methods

Postal questionnaires, including the Body Image Questionnaire, were sent to 159 women who had undergone SPA surgery between May 2008 and April 2010.

Results

Hundred and forty‐six women participated in this study. Most of the women reported a relatively high body image and cosmetic score. The mean scores were 19.6 ± 1.1 and 21.9 ± 2.5, respectively. More than 67% of the women (N = 98) reported that the scar was invisible, and 97.3% of the women said that they would recommend SPA surgery to others.

Conclusion

Single‐port access surgery is a good option for the management of gynaecologic disease with respect to patient satisfaction.
The emerging roles of placenta‐specific microRNAs in regulating trophoblast proliferation during the first trimester
Authors: Wang Dan , Song Weiwei , Na Quan
Published: October 2012

In the human placenta, eight ‘placenta‐specific’ microRNAs (miRNAs) are exclusively expressed and are associated with high cloning frequencies. The expression of placenta‐specific miRNAs is known to be involved in preeclampsia, but the understanding of these miRNAs is still limited. The goal of this study was to investigate the levels and localisations of eight placenta‐specific miRNAs in placental villi with different proliferative abilities during the first trimester. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that placental trophoblast proliferation ability was associated with the weight of villi in the same gestational week during the first trimester. Of the eight placenta‐specific miRNAs, quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR demonstrated that the expression of miR‐517b and miR‐1283 was increased in the lightest villi and decreased in the heaviest one, the expression of miR‐519a was increased in the heaviest villi and decreased in the lightest one. In situ hybridisation analysis showed that miR‐517b and miR‐519a were located primarily in the trophoblast layer, while miR‐1283 were expressed not only in the villous trophoblasts but also in some villous stroma cells. These findings suggest that miR‐517b and miR‐519a may play an important role in trophoblast proliferation during the first trimester.
10Be exposure age constraints on the Late Weichselian ice‐sheet geometry and dynamics in inter‐ice‐stream areas, western Svalbard
Authors: Landvik Jon Y. , Brook Edward J. , Gualtieri Lyn , Linge Henriette , Raisbeck Grant , Salvigsen Otto , Yiou Françoise
Published: October 2012

The Late Weichselian ice sheet of western Svalbard was characterized by ice streams and inter‐ice‐stream areas. To reconstruct its geometry and dynamics we investigated the glacial geology of two areas on the island of Prins Karls Forland and the Mitrahalvøya peninsula. Cosmogenic 10Be surface exposure dating of glacial erratics and bedrock was used to constrain past ice thickness, providing minimum estimates in both areas. Contrary to previous studies, we found that Prins Karls Forland experienced a westward ice flux from Spitsbergen. Ice thickness reached >470 m a.s.l., and warm‐based conditions occurred periodically. Local deglaciation took place between 16 and 13 ka. At Mitrahalvøya, glacier ice draining the Krossfjorden basin reached >300 m a.s.l., and local deglaciation occurred at c. 13 ka. We propose the following succession of events for the last deglaciation. After the maximum glacier extent, ice streams in the cross‐shelf troughs and fjords retreated, tributary ice streams formed in Forlandsundet and Krossfjorden, and, finally, local ice caps were isolated over both Prins Karls Forland and Mitrahalvøya and their adjacent shelves.
Several cases of work‐related allergic contact dermatitis caused by isocyanates at a company manufacturing heat exchangers
Authors: Engfeldt Malin , Isaksson Marléne , Zimerson Erik , Bruze Magnus
Published: October 2012

Background. A 43‐year‐old woman was referred by her occupational health service with suspected occupational contact dermatitis. In connection with the investigation, a workplace visit was undertaken at her company, which used an adhesive based on pre‐polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate in one of its units. During the visit, we became aware of six other employees with skin problems who were then referred to our department for investigation.

Objectives. To investigate the seven employees complaining about skin problems.

Methods. Seven employees were patch tested with a baseline series, an isocyanate series, and a series with work material.

Results. Five of seven patients had occupational contact allergy. Four reacted to isocyanate‐related test preparations, and one to a cleanser used at the workplace.

Conclusions. Workplace visits constitute an important part of an occupational investigation, as they might give a broader picture of the problems at a company. In this case, it was found that 5 of 100 employees currently had or had previously had occupation‐related skin problems. Owing to ‘healthy worker selection’, some of these patients might have been missed if we had not performed a full‐scale workplace visit.