bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field trials and tribulations—making sense of the regulations for experimental field trials of transgenic crops in Europe
Authors: Gómez‐Galera Sonia , Twyman Richard M. , Sparrow Penelope A.C. , Van Droogenbroeck Bart , Custers René , Capell Teresa , Christou Paul
Published: January 2012

Transgenic plants that are being developed for commercial cultivation must be tested under field conditions to monitor their effects on surrounding wildlife and conventional crops. Developers also use this opportunity to evaluate the performance of transgenic crops in a typical environment, although this is a matter of commercial necessity rather than regulatory compliance. Most countries have adapted existing regulations or developed new ones to deal specifically with transgenic crops and their commodities. The European Union (EU) is renowned, or perhaps notorious, for having the broadest and most stringent regulations governing such field trials in the world. This reflects its nominal adherence to the precautionary approach, which assumes all transgenic crops carry an inherent risk. Therefore, field trials in the EU need to demonstrate that the risk associated with deploying a transgenic crop has been reduced to the level where it is regarded as acceptable within the narrowly defined limits of the regulations developed and enforced (albeit inconsistently) by national and regional governments, that is, that there is no greater risk than growing an equivalent conventional crop. The involvement of national and regional competent authorities in the decision‐making process can add multiple layers of bureaucracy to an already‐intricate process. In this review, we use country‐based case studies to show how the EU, national and regional regulations are implemented, and we propose strategies that could increase the efficiency of regulation without burdening developers with further unnecessary bureaucracy.
Attention‐Seeking During Caregiver Unavailability and Collaboration at Age 2
Authors: Gosselin Marie‐Pierre M. , Forman David R.
Published: January 2012

Several theoretical approaches have discussed the role of children’s expectations of their parent’s responsiveness in explaining motivation to collaborate in acquiring skills. This study attempted to measure these expectations in 102 toddlers (M age = 26.4 months) through observations of attention‐seeking (A‐S) behaviors during caregiver’s restricted availability. Child collaboration was coded during skill‐learning tasks (imitation and block building), and parent responsiveness was observed during dyadic activities. Different A‐S styles emerged, supporting the existence of both positive and negative expectations of responsiveness. A‐S quality statistically mediated the link between parent responsiveness and child collaborative outcomes, even after controlling for temperament and mood. This is the first study to show that toddlers’ expectations are a plausible mechanism linking parent responsiveness to child collaboration.
Age Differences in Online Processing of Video: An Eye Movement Study
Authors: Kirkorian Heather L. , Anderson Daniel R. , Keen Rachel
Published: January 2012

Eye movements were recorded while sixty‐two 1‐year‐olds, 4‐year‐olds, and adults watched television. Of interest was the extent to which viewers looked at the same place at the same time as their peers because high similarity across viewers suggests systematic viewing driven by comprehension processes. Similarity of gaze location increased with age. This was particularly true immediately following a cut to a new scene, partly because older viewers (but not infants) tended to fixate the center of the screen following a cut. Conversely, infants appear to require several seconds to orient to a new scene. Results are interpreted in the context of developing attention skills. Findings have implications for the extent to which infants comprehend and learn from commercial video.
Combining Spatial Information Sources While Accounting for Systematic Errors in Proxies
Authors: Paciorek Christopher J.
Published: January 2012

Environmental research increasingly uses high dimensional remote sensing and numerical model output to help to fill space–time gaps between traditional observations. Such output is often a noisy proxy for the process of interest. Thus we need to separate and assess the signal and noise (often called discrepancy) in the proxy given complicated spatiotemporal dependences. Here I extend a popular two-likelihood hierarchical model by using a more flexible representation for the discrepancy. I employ the little-used Markov random-field approximation to a thin plate spline, which can capture small-scale discrepancy in a computationally efficient manner while better modelling smooth processes than standard conditional auto-regressive models. The increased flexibility reduces identifiability, but the lack of identifiability is inherent in the scientific context. I model particulate matter air pollution by using satellite aerosol and atmospheric model output proxies. The estimated discrepancies occur at a variety of spatial scales, with small-scale discrepancy particularly important. The examples indicate little predictive improvement over modelling the observations alone. Similarly, in simulations with an informative proxy, the presence of discrepancy and resulting identifiability issues prevent improvement in prediction. The results highlight but do not resolve the critical question of how best to use proxy information while minimizing the potential for proxy-induced error.
The Effect of State Workers’ Compensation Program Changes on the Use of Federal Social Security Disability Insurance
Authors: McINERNEY MELISSA , SIMON KOSALI
Published: January 2012

In addition to traditional forms of private and public medical insurance, two other large public programs help pay for costs associated with ill health. In 2008, Workers’ Compensation (WC) insurance provided $57.6 billion in medical care and cash benefits to employees who are injured at work or contract a work‐related illness, and Social Security Disability Insurance (DI) provided $106 billion to individuals who suffer from permanent disabilities and are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. During the 1990s, real DI outlays increased nearly 70 percent, whereas real WC cash benefit spending fell by 12 percent. There has been concern that part of this relationship between two of the nation’s largest social insurance programs may be due to individuals substituting toward DI as state WC policies tightened. We first show that this negative correlation between the national series does not hold over time within states, the level at which a causal relationship should operate. We then test for a causal effect of changes in WC enrollment on DI applications and new DI cases within states over time, using state policy (the maximum WC benefit) as an instrument for WC enrollment. Despite a strong first stage fit, we find no statistically significant evidence that WC tightening caused DI rolls to increase, although the standard errors are large enough that we cannot reject effects of substantial magnitude. We conclude it is unlikely that state WC changes were a meaningful factor in explaining the rise in DI during our study period of 1986–2001, although further study using individual level data is warranted.
Climbing the Job Ladder: New Evidence of Gender Inequity
Authors: JOHNSTON DAVID W. , LEE WANG‐SHENG
Published: January 2012

An explanation for the gender wage gap is that women are less able or less willing to “climb the job ladder.” However, the empirical evidence on gender differences in job mobility has been mixed. Focusing on a subsample of younger, university‐educated workers from an Australian longitudinal survey, we find strong evidence that the dynamics of promotions and employer changes worsen women’s labor market position.
Primal negation as a primitive agony:reflections on the absence of a place‐for‐becoming
Authors: Dowd Amanda
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The fundamental existential question for the borderline/ hysteric patient is not ‘who am I?’ but ‘where am I?’ or perhaps ‘where can I be?’. This paper1 explores this statement with reference to a pivotal clinical experience which changed the author's thinking and theorizing about this state. Case material is presented which focuses on an experience of what the author describes as ‘primal negation’ which gives rise to primitive displacement anxiety and this is proposed as a specific form of primitive mental agony. There is an elaboration of a borderline defence against an unthinkable experience of formless dread which the author conceives as an attempt to construct a sense of a liveable shape. There is a description of an aspect of the analyst's ‘dreaming on behalf of the patient’ and an elaboration of what this came to mean for both analyst and patient.
A collective unconscious reconsidered: Jung's archetypal imagination in the light of contemporary psychology and social science
Authors: Hunt Harry T.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  A needed rapprochement between Jung and the contemporary human sciences may rest less on the much debated relevance of a biologistic collective unconscious than on a re‐inscribing of an archetypal imagination, as the phenomenological and empirical core of Jungian psychology. The most promising approaches in this regard in terms of theory and research in psychology come from combining the cognitive psychology of metaphor and synaesthesia, individual differences in imaginative absorption and openness to numinous experience and spirituality as a form of symbolic intelligence. On the socio‐cultural side, this cognitive psychology of archetypal imagination is also congruent with Lévi‐Strauss on the metaphoric roots of mythological thinking, and Durkheim on a sociology of collective consciousness. This conjoined perspective, while validating the cross cultural commonality of physical metaphor intuited by Jung and Hillman on alchemy, also shows Jung's Red Book, considered as the expressive source for his more formal psychology, to be far closer in spirit to a socio‐cultural collective consciousness, based on metaphoric imagination, than to a phylogenetic or evolutionary unconscious. A mutual re‐inscribing of Jung into congruent areas of contemporary psychology, anthropology, sociology, and vice versa, can help to further validate Jung's key observations and is fully consistent with Jung's own early efforts at synthesis within the human sciences.
Morphometric analysis of intralobular, interlobular and pleural lymphatics in normal human lung
Authors: Sozio Francesca , Rossi Antonella , Weber Elisabetta , Abraham David J. , Nicholson Andrew G. , Wells Athol U. , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Sestini Piersante
Published: January 2012

In spite of their presumed relevance in maintaining interalveolar septal fluid homeostasis, the knowledge of the anatomy of human lung lymphatics is still incomplete. The recent discovery of reliable markers specific for lymphatic endothelium has led to the observation that, contrary to previous assumptions, human lymphatic vessels extend deep inside the pulmonary lobule in association with bronchioles, intralobular arterioles or small pulmonary veins. The aim of this study was to provide a morphometric characterization of lymphatic vessels in the periphery of the human lung. Human lung sections were immunolabelled with the lymphatic marker D2‐40, followed by blood vessel staining with von Willebrand Factor. Lymphatic vessels were classified into: intralobular (including those associated with bronchovascular bundles, perivascular, peribronchiolar and interalveolar), pleural (in the connective tissue of the visceral pleura), and interlobular (in interlobular septa). The percentage area occupied by the lymphatic lumen was much greater in the interlobular septa and in the subpleural space than in the lobule. Most of the intralobular lymphatic vessels were in close contact with a blood vessel, either alone or within a bronchovascular bundle, whereas 7% were associated with a bronchiole and < 1% were not connected to blood vessels or bronchioles (interalveolar). Intralobular lymphatic size progressively decreased from bronchovascular through to peribronchiolar, perivascular and interalveolar lymphatics. Lymphatics associated with bronchovascular bundles had similar morphometric characteristics to pleural and interlobular lymphatics. Shape factors were similar across lymphatic populations, except that peribronchiolar lymphatics had a marginally increased roundness and circularity, suggesting a more regular shape due to increased filling, and interlobular lymphatics had greater elongation, due to a greater proportion of conducting lymphatics cut longitudinally. Unsupervised cluster analysis confirmed a marked heterogeneity of lymphatic vessels both within and between groups, with a cluster of smaller vessels specifically represented in perivascular and interalveolar lymphatics within the alveolar interstitium. Our data indicate that intralobular lymphatics are a heterogeneous population, including vessels surrounding the bronchovascular bundle analogous to the conducting vessels present in the pleural and interlobular septa, many small perivascular lymphatics responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the alveolar interstitium, and a minority of intermediate lymphatics draining the peripheral airways. These lymphatic populations could be differentially involved in the pathogenesis of diseases preferentially involving distinct lung compartments.
Sertraline inhibits pre‐synaptic Na+ channel‐mediated responses in hippocampus‐isolated nerve endings
Authors: Aldana Blanca I. , Sitges María
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 197–205.

In the present study, a possible sertraline action on cerebral pre‐synaptic Na+ channels was investigated. For this purpose, the effect of sertraline on responses induced by the Na+ channel opener, veratridine, namely the increase in Na+ and in neurotransmitter release in hippocampus‐isolated nerve endings was investigated. Results show that sertraline in the low μM range (1.5–25 μM) progressively inhibits the rise in Na+ and the release of pre‐loaded [3H]Glu as well as the release of endogenous 5‐HT, Glu and GABA (detected by HPLC) induced by veratridine depolarization either under external Ca2+‐free conditions or in the presence of external Ca2+. In addition, under non‐depolarized conditions, sertraline (25 μM) increased the external concentration of 5‐HT at expense of its internal concentration, and unchanged the external and internal concentrations of the amino acid neurotransmitters and of the 5‐HT main metabolite, 5‐HIAA. This result is consistent with the sertraline inhibitory action of the serotonin transporter. However, sertraline is unlikely to inhibit pre‐synaptic Na+ channels permeability by increasing external 5‐HT. Because 5‐HT in a wide concentration range (1–1000 μM) did not change the veratridine‐induced increase in Na+. In summary, present findings demonstrate that besides the inhibition of 5‐HT reuptake, sertraline is an effective inhibitor of pre‐synaptic Na+ channels controlling neurotransmitter release.
The Use of Management Control Mechanisms to Mitigate Moral Hazard in the Decision to Outsource
Authors: SEDATOLE KAREN L. , VRETTOS DIMITRIS , WIDENER SALLY K.
Published: January 2012

Using archival data from the U.S. passenger airline industry, this study examines whether management control mechanisms aimed at mitigating moral hazard explain outsourcing decisions over and above transaction cost economics (TCE) determinants documented in prior research. Consistent with TCE theory, we find that in‐house production efficiencies and our proxy for transaction risk (i.e., deriving from transaction infrequency, transaction complexity, and relationship‐specific investments) significantly explain the extent of outsourcing of aircraft maintenance. We extend TCE insights to show that incentive delta (i.e., the sensitivity of CEO portfolio holdings to stock price changes) strengthens the negative association between production efficiencies and outsourcing while incentive vega (i.e., the sensitivity of CEO holdings to stock return volatility) weakens the negative association between transaction risk and outsourcing. Monitoring strengthens the negative association between in‐house production efficiencies and outsourcing, but has no effect on the transaction risk–outsourcing relation. The results suggest that the use of outsourcing to achieve cost savings is promoted through both incentive contracts and monitoring, but outsourcing to achieve the desired risk level is promoted only through incentive contracts.
Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Rizatriptan in Pediatric Migraineurs in a Randomized Study
Authors: Fraser Iain P. , Han Lingling , Han Tae H. , Li Chi‐Chung , Hreniuk David , Stoch S. Aubrey , Wagner John A. , Linder Steven , Winner Paul
Published: January 2012

Objective.— To evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and tolerability of single doses of rizatriptan oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) in pediatric migraineurs.

Background.— Acute migraine treatment options for children are limited despite a rising migraine prevalence. No triptans are approved in those under 12, and only sumatriptan nasal spray (European Union) and almotriptan tablets (USA) are approved for those aged 12‐17. Appropriate dose selection based on body weight may be a factor in establishing treatment efficacy in this population.

Methods.— Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group, single‐dose study in 6‐ to 17‐year‐old migraineurs. The study was performed between acute migraine attacks. Subjects were allocated to 1 of 2 groups based on body weight: (1) those weighing <40 kg received rizatriptan ODT 5 mg or placebo; (2) those weighing ≥40 kg received rizatriptan 10 mg ODT or placebo. Pharmacokinetic data were compared with historical data on rizatriptan ODT 10 mg in healthy adults.

Results.— The geometric mean area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC(0‐∞)) (hours·ng/mL) and maximum peak plasma concentration (Cmax) (ng/mL) were 56.68 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 48.60, 66.09) and 22.39 (95% CI: 17.90, 28.02), respectively, for the <40 kg group and 78.49 (95% CI: 68.93, 89.38) and 22.27 (95% CI: 18.43, 26.92), respectively, for the ≥40 kg group. For the comparison of children vs adults, the geometric mean ratios for rizatriptan AUC(0‐∞) and Cmax were 0.85 (90% CI: 0.73, 0.98) and 1.07 (90% CI: 0.86, 1.34), respectively, for the <40 kg group vs historical adult data and 1.17 (90% CI: 1.02, 1.34) and 1.06 (90% CI: 0.87, 1.30), respectively, for the ≥40 kg group vs historical adult data. There were no serious adverse events, and rizatriptan was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions.— In pediatric migraineurs, a weight‐based dosing scheme generated plasma rizatriptan AUC(0‐∞) and Cmax values that were generally similar to those historically observed in adults administered a 10‐mg dose of rizatriptan ODT (a proven effective dose). The data support further evaluation of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of this rizatriptan dosing scheme in larger scale clinical trials in the pediatric migraineur population.
Contentment to Resentment: Variation in Stereotype Content Across Status Systems
Authors: Oldmeadow Julian A. , Fiske Susan T.
Published: January 2012

This article describes an integration of the stereotype content model with social identity theory in which we theorize links between the legitimacy and stability of status relations between groups on the one hand, and stereotypes of warmth and competence on the other hand. Warmth stereotypes associate with the perceived morality of inequalities, so we reason that high and low status groups are more differentiated in warmth in illegitimate status systems. Also, stereotypes of competence explain status differences so that differences in stereotypical competence may be more pronounced when status is stable rather than unstable. Across two experiments, high and low status groups were more sharply differentiated in warmth in illegitimate than legitimate status systems, as predicted. The effect of stability on competence was less clear, as groups were clearly differentiated in competence in all status systems. Implications for the roles of warmth and competence stereotypes in social change are discussed.
Family Perceptions of End‐of‐Life Care for Long‐Term Care Residents with Dementia: Differences Between the United States and the Netherlands
Authors: Cohen Lauren W. , van der Steen Jenny T. , Reed David , Hodgkinson Jennifer C. , van Soest‐Poortvliet Mirjam C. , Sloane Philip D. , Zimmerman Sheryl
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To examine cross‐national care and outcomes related to end‐of‐life experiences.

Design

Postdeath interviews and self‐administered questionnaires completed with family caregivers of residents with dementia who died in long‐term care settings or shortly after transfer.

Setting

One hundred eighty‐three nursing home and residential care/assisted living settings in the United States and the Netherlands.

Participants

Family caregivers of 196 residents with dementia who had died (126 in the United States and 70 in the Netherlands).

Measurements

Nine standardized measures of care and outcomes and single‐item measures of overall quality of care and life.

Results

In adjusted and unadjusted analyses, U.S. family caregivers reported better care and outcomes on most of the standardized measures and better quality of care (single item) in the last 3 days of life; caregivers in the Netherlands reported better quality of life (single item) in the last month and 3 days of life. Exploratory analyses related to hospice use found differences in bivariate but not adjusted comparisons.

Conclusion

Because previous research favored care in the Netherlands to that in the United States, findings suggest improvement in end‐of‐life care and outcomes in the United States and stability in the Netherlands. Greater hospice use does not explain improvements in the United States directly and may relate, at least in part, to care provided by long‐term care staff themselves. Better understanding of the nature and process of these improvements may suggest areas for additional improvement.
New‐Onset Treatment‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperlipidemia Associated with Atypical Antipsychotic Use in Older Adults without Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Erickson Sara C. , Le Lisa , Zakharyan Armen , Stockl Karen M. , Harada Ann S. M. , Borson Soo , Ramsey Scott D. , Curtis Bradford
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To examine the association between atypical antipsychotic medications and incident treatment for diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia in elderly adults without diagnoses of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Design

Two case–control studies using medical and pharmacy claims data.

Setting

United States managed care population from multiple insurance plans.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or commercial (health maintenance organization) managed care health plan in the western United States with no claims indicating diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in the 1 year pre‐index period. Cases were defined as persons newly initiated on an antidiabetic (n = 13,075) or antihyperlipidemic (n = 63,829) medication on the index date. For the new diabetes mellitus analysis, 65,375 controls were matched to cases based on age, sex, health‐plan type, and index date year. In the new hyperlipidemia analysis, 63,829 controls were matched to cases based on the same variables.

Measurements

Conditional logistic regressions were performed to determine the odds of initiated antidiabetic or antihyperlipidemic medication for participants exposed to atypical antipsychotics compared with those with no exposure. The models included comorbidities possibly associated with the outcome.

Results

Exposure to atypical antipsychotics was associated with significantly greater adjusted odds of starting an antidiabetic medication (1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.59) but significantly lower odds of starting an antihyperlipidemic medication (0.76, 95% CI = 0.67–0.87).

Conclusion

Use of atypical antipsychotics in older adults for conditions other than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder was associated with incident treatment of diabetes mellitus but not of hyperlipidemia, suggesting that older adults may be susceptible to the adverse metabolic consequences of these agents.
Quality of Life in Late‐Life Disability: “I Don't Feel Bitter Because I Am in a Wheelchair”
Authors: King Jennifer , Yourman Lindsey , Ahalt Cyrus , Eng Catherine , Knight Sara J. , Pérez‐Stable Eliseo J. , Smith Alexander K.
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To determine perceived quality of life in a diverse population of elderly adults with late‐life disability.

Design

Qualitative cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Community‐dwelling participants were recruited from San Francisco's On Lok Lifeways program, the first Program of All‐inclusive Care for the Elderly. On Lok enrollees meet Medicaid criteria for nursing home placement.

Participants

Sixty‐two elderly adults with a mean age of 78 and a mean 2.4 activity of daily living dependencies and 6.6 instrumental activity of daily living dependencies were interviewed. Respondents were 63% female, 24% white, 19% black, 18% Latino, 32% Chinese American, and 6% other race.

Measurements

Elderly adults who scored higher than 17 points on the Mini‐Mental State Examination were interviewed. Interviews were conducted in English, Spanish, and Cantonese. Respondents were asked to rate their overall quality of life on a 5‐point scale. Open‐ended questions explored positive and negative aspects of participants’ daily experiences. Interviews were analyzed using modified grounded theory and digital coding software.

Results

Eighty‐seven percent of respondents rated their quality of life in the middle range of the quality‐of‐life spectrum (fair to very good). Themes were similar across ethnic groups. Most themes could be grouped into four domains that dependent elderly adults considered important to their quality of life: physical (e.g., pain), psychological (e.g., depression), spiritual or religious (e.g., religious coping), and social (e.g., life‐space). Dignity and a sense of control were identified as themes that are the most closely tied to overall quality of life.

Conclusion

Factors that influence quality of life in late‐life disability were similar across ethnic groups. As the number of elderly adults from diverse backgrounds with late life disability increases in the United States, interventions should be targeted to maximize daily sense of control and dignity.
The Disappearing Subject: Exclusion of People with Cognitive Impairment and Dementia from Geriatrics Research
Authors: Taylor Janelle S. , DeMers Shaune M. , Vig Elizabeth K. , Borson Soo
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To evaluate exclusion of persons with cognitive impairment from research in geriatrics by determining its frequency, method, and rationale and treatment in the resulting publications.

Design

All original research articles published in 2008 and 2009 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (n = 434) were reviewed using a structured data collection tool.

Setting

The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Participants

There were no participants in this study.

Measurements

Data captured included recruitment method, explicit criterion for exclusion of persons with cognitive impairment, justification of exclusion criterion, reason given for exclusion, percentage of individuals excluded, and mention of exclusion as a possible limitation.

Results

Of 434 articles examined, 16% used recruitment methods likely to reduce participation by persons with cognitive impairment. At least 29% of studies (n = 127) employed explicit exclusion criteria. Half used the Folstein Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), with variable cut points (10, 12, 17, 18, 23, 26), and 19% excluded individuals for “having dementia” without specifying how this was determined. Few (6%) provided any justification for exclusion criteria used, only 43% gave any reason for exclusion, and only 14% discussed exclusion as a possible limitation.

Conclusion

Persons with cognitive impairment are frequently excluded from research, often without rationale or mention of exclusion as a limitation or any discussion of its potential effect on the evidence base in geriatrics. When necessary, exclusion should be done thoughtfully and with awareness that this may reduce the clinical utility of study findings.
The Rise of Oxygen and Complex Life
Authors: Van Der Giezen Mark , Lenton Timothy M.
Published: January 2012

Mitochondria have been put forward as the saviours of anaerobes when their environment became oxygenated. However, despite oxygenic photosynthesis evolving around 2.7 billion years ago (Ga), followed by the “Great Oxidation” of the atmosphere ~ 2.4 Ga, the deep oceans remained largely anoxic and either iron‐enriched or sulphidic until 580 million years ago, when the eukaryotic radiation was well underway. Atmospheric oxygen probably remained at an intermediate concentration (1–10% of the present level) from ~ 2.4 until ~ 0.8 Ga when a “lesser oxidation” began. This drastically changes the textbook view of the ecological conditions under which the mitochondrial endosymbiont established itself. It could explain the widespread distribution of anaerobic biochemistry in every eukaryotic supergroup: anaerobic biochemistry is hard‐wired into the eukaryotes.
The therapeutic effect of Rosuvastatin on cardiac remodelling from hypertrophy to fibrosis during the end‐stage hypertension in rats
Authors: Zhang W.B. , Du Q.J. , Li H. , Sun A.J. , Qiu Z.H. , Wu C.N. , Zhao G. , Gong H. , Hu K. , Zou Y.Z. , Ge J.B.
Published: January 2012

End‐stage hypertensive heart disease is an increasing cause of cardiac mortality. Therefore, the current study focused on the cardiac remodelling from hypertrophy to fibrosis in old‐aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and explored the therapeutic effects of Rosuvastatin and its possible mechanism(s) of action. Spontaneously hypertensive rats at age 52 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, the first two to receive Rosuvastatin at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day and 40 mg/kg/day, respectively, and the third to receive placebo, which was to be compared with Wistar‐Kyoto as controls. After 2‐month treatment, SBP, heart to body weight ratio (HW/BW%) and echocardiographic features were evaluated, followed by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining in conjunction with qPCR of foetal gene expressions. Transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling assay and immunofluorescent labelling for active caspase‐3 were used to detect the apoptotic cardiomyocytes. Signaling pathways involved were examined by using western blot. Old‐aged SHR developed end‐stage hypertensive heart disease characterized by significant enhancement of HW/BW%, LVAWd and LVPWd, and decreased LVEF and LVFS, accompanied by cardiomyocytes enlargement and fibrosis along with activation of foetal gene programme. Cardiac apoptosis increased significantly during the transition process. Rosuvastatin reduced hypertrophy significantly via AT1 Receptor‐PKCβ2/α‐ERK‐c‐fos pathway; protected myocardium against apoptosis via Akt‐FOXO1, Bcl‐2 family and survivin pathways and consequently suppressed the caspase‐3 activity. The present study revealed that old‐aged SHRs developed cardiac remodelling from hypertrophy to fibrosis via cardiac apoptosis during the end stage of hypertensive heart disease. These pathological changes might be the consequence of activation of AT1 Receptor‐PKCβ2/α‐ERK‐c‐fos and AKT‐FOXO1/Bcl‐2/survivin/Caspase3 signaling. Rosuvastatin effectively attenuated the structural changes by reversing the signaling transductions involved.
The use of chronic gingivitis as reference status increases the power and odds of periodontitis genetic studies – a proposal based in the exposure concept and clearer resistance and susceptibility phenotypes definition
Authors: Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Trombone Ana Paula Favaro , Menezes Renato , Letra Ariadne , Repeke Carlos Eduardo , Vieira Andreia Espindola , Martins Walter , Neves Lucimara Teixeira das , Campanelli Ana Paula , Santos Carlos Ferreira dos , Vieira Alexandre R.
Published: January 2012

Aim

Current literature on chronic periodontitis genetics encompasses numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms‐focused case–control studies with inconsistent and controversial results, which typically disregards the exposure concept embraced by case–control definition. Herein, we propose a case–control design reappraisal by clear phenotype selection, where chronic gingivitis represents a genetically resistant phenotype/genotype opposing the susceptible cohort.

Material and methods

The hypothesis was tested in healthy, chronic periodontitis and gingivitis groups through Real‐time PCR‐based allelic discrimination of classic variants IL1B‐3954, IL6‐174, TNFA‐308, IL10‐592 and TLR4‐299.

Results

Observed allele/genotype frequencies characterize the healthy group with an intermediate genetic profile between periodontitis and gingivitis cohorts. When comparing genotype/allele frequencies in periodontitis versus healthy and periodontitis versus gingivitis scenarios, the number of positive associations (2–4) and the degree of association (p and odds ratio values) were significantly increased by the new approach proposed (periodontitis versus gingivitis), suggesting the association of IL1B‐3954, TNFA‐308, IL10‐592 and TLR4‐299 with periodontitis risk. Power study was also significantly improved by the new study design proposed when compared to the traditional approach.

Conclusions

The data presented herein support the use of new case–control study design based on the case–control definition and clear resistance/susceptibility phenotypes selection, which can significantly impact the study power and odds of identification of genetic factors involved in PD.
Low burnout risk and high engagement levels among oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Authors: Gorter R.C. , Jacobs B.L.T.H. , Allard R.H.B.
Published: January 2012

Gorter RC, Jacobs BLTH, Allard RHB. Low burnout risk and high engagement levels among oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
 
Eur J Oral Sci 2012; 120: 69–74. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci

Little is known about the well‐being of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of burnout risk and the demanding work aspects of Dutch oral and maxillofacial surgeons, as well as the levels of positive work engagement and stimulating aspects of the work environment. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, Dutch version (UBOS), and inventories on positive engagement, work demands, and stimulating aspects of work, were sent to all 179 Dutch oral and maxillofacial surgeons currently in clinical practices. With a 70% response, UBOS mean scores on Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization appeared lower, and on Personal Accomplishment appeared higher, when compared with relevant reference scores. Engagement scores appeared to be relatively high. Mean scores on the work demands subscales were all well below the scale midpoint, whereas work resources were all well above. Dutch oral and maxillofacial surgeons showed relatively favorable burnout and engagement levels. The aspects of the work environment that best explain differences in burnout are ‘Practice demands and organization’ and ‘Lack of variation and perspective in work’. Differences in engagement are best explained by ‘Variety in work’ and ‘Positive effect upon patients’. It is remarkable that all work demands show relatively low levels and all stimulating work aspects show relatively high levels.
Ubiquitin proteasome system and the atypical kinase PfPK7 are involved in melatonin signaling in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Koyama Fernanda C. , Ribeiro Ramira Y. , Garcia Julio L. , Azevedo Mauro F. , Chakrabarti Debopam , Garcia Célia R. S.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  We previously reported that melatonin modulates the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic cycle by increasing schizont stage population as well as diminishing ring stage population. In addition, the importance of calcium and cAMP in melatonin signaling pathway in P. falciparum was also demonstrated. Nevertheless, the molecular effectors of the indoleamine signaling pathway remain elusive. We now demonstrate by real‐time PCR that melatonin treatment up‐regulates genes related to ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) components and that luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, inhibits UPS transcription modulation. We also show that protein kinase PfPK7, a P. falciparum orphan kinase, plays a crucial role in the melatonin transduction pathway, since following melatonin treatment of P. falciparum parasites where pfpk7 gene is disrupted (pfpk7− parasites) (i) the ratio of asexual stages remain unchanged, (ii) the increase in cytoplasmatic calcium in response to melatonin was strongly diminished and (iii) up‐regulation of UPS genes did not occur. The wild‐type melatonin‐induced alterations in cell cycle features, calcium rise and UPS gene transcription were restored by re‐introduction of a functional copy of the pfpk7 gene in the pfpk7− parasites.
Assessing the Tendency of Fluorescent Proteins to Oligomerize Under Physiologic Conditions
Authors: Costantini Lindsey M. , Fossati Matteo , Francolini Maura , Snapp Erik Lee
Published: January 2012

Several fluorescent proteins (FPs) are prone to forming low‐affinity oligomers. This undesirable tendency is exacerbated when FPs are confined to membranes or when fused to naturally oligomeric proteins. Oligomerization of FPs limits their suitability for creating fusions with proteins of interest. Unfortunately, no standardized method evaluates the biologically relevant oligomeric state of FPs. Here, we describe a quantitative visual assay for assessing whether FPs are sufficiently monomeric under physiologic conditions. Membrane‐associated FP‐fusion proteins, by virtue of their constrained planar geometry, achieve high effective concentrations. We exploited this propensity to develop an assay to measure FP tendencies to oligomerize in cells. FPs were fused on the cytoplasmic end of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signal‐anchor membrane protein (CytERM) and expressed in cells. Cells were scored based on the ability of CytERM to homo‐oligomerize with proteins on apposing membranes and restructure the ER from a tubular network into organized smooth ER (OSER) whorl structures. The ratio of nuclear envelope and OSER structures mean fluorescent intensities for cells expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or monomeric green fluorescent protein (mGFP) CytERM established standards for comparison of uncharacterized FPs. We tested three FPs and identified two as sufficiently monomeric, while a third previously reported as monomeric was found to strongly oligomerize.
Arginine vasopressin 1a receptor gene and maternal behavior: evidence of association and moderation
Authors: Bisceglia R. , Jenkins J. M. , Wigg K. G. , O’Connor T. G. , Moran G. , Barr C. L.
Published: January 2012

This study examined associations among maternal sensitivity, mothers' early adversity and the Arginine Vasopressin 1a Receptor (AVPR1A) gene. Early adversity in mothers' background has been found to be associated with lower maternal sensitivity. Animal literature suggests that variation in the AVPR1A gene is associated with parenting quality. The goal of the study was to examine the role of the AVPR1A gene in maternal sensitivity, especially under conditions of high early adversity. Participants included 151 Caucasian women from a community sample. The women were videotaped in their home while interacting separately with two of their children (target child = 18 months, older sibling <6 years). Evidence was found for an association between the AVPR1A gene and maternal sensitivity. Mothers with two copies of the long RS3 alleles were less sensitive than mothers with one or zero copies of the long alleles. This association was strongest under conditions of high maternal early adversity.
Expressing hNF‐LE397K results in abnormal gaiting in a transgenic model of CMT2E
Authors: Dale J. M. , Villalon E. , Shannon S. G. , Barry D. M. , Markey R. M. , Garcia V. B. , Garcia M. L.
Published: January 2012

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. CMT disease signs include distal limb neuropathy, abnormal gaiting, exacerbation of neuropathy, sensory defects and deafness. We generated a novel line of CMT2E mice expressing an hNF‐LE397K transgene, which displayed muscle atrophy of the lower limbs without denervation, proximal reduction in large caliber axons and decreased nerve conduction velocity. In this study, we showed that hNF‐LE397K mice developed abnormal gait of the hind limbs. The identification of severe gaiting defects in combination with previously observed muscle atrophy, reduced axon caliber and decreased nerve conduction velocity suggests that hNF‐LE397K mice recapitulate many of clinical signs associated with CMT2E. Therefore, hNF‐LE397K mice provide a context for potential therapeutic intervention.
Trait assembly of woody plants in communities across sub‐alpine gradients: Identifying the role of limiting similarity
Authors: Yan Bangguo , Zhang Jian , Liu Yang , Li Zebo , Huang Xu , Yang Wanqin , Prinzing Andreas
Published: January 2012

Questions

Plant species can be assembled into communities through habitat filtering or species competition, but their relative roles are still debated. We do not know whether there is limited similarity between co‐existing species when accounting for the parallel effect of abiotic habitat filtering and biotic competition. By accounting for such effects, we test the predictions of three theories (classic niche theory, the Hubbell neutrality theory and the Scheffer and van Nes theory) of community assembly.

Location

Two vegetation transitions (a grazing gradient and a timber line ecotone) in a sub‐alpine area of western Sichuan Province, China (31° 51′N, 102° 41′E).

Methods

We used a null model to investigate the above plant community assembly theories on two sub‐alpine gradients of woody vegetation. In the null model, species traits were constrained between the maximum and minimum trait values of observed communities to test the principle of limiting similarity between co‐existing species by testing for even spacing of traits. We analysed traits characterizing growth strategies of stems, leaves and twigs, measured at the level of individuals in situ.

Results

After accounting for variations in trait range, it became evident that six out of eight traits showed significantly uneven spacing within some plots, notably towards the forest end of the gradient, i.e. under increased competition pressure among woody plants. The Wilcoxon rank test showed that seven out of eight traits were significantly unevenly spaced within plots. The two transitions studied showed surprisingly similar patterns, despite their dissimilar precise drivers.

Conclusion

Our results support the recent theory of Scheffer & van Nes, which suggests that competition could result in a clumped pattern of species along a niche axis.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO—A FAMILY COURT REFLECTION
Authors:   Members of the New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children, DeCataldo Kathleen
Published: January 2012

This article, adapted from the keynote address delivered at the Hofstra University School of Law Family Law Review Annual Banquet on March 24, 2011, focuses on the impact of the Family Law Review, the need to improve the stature of the family court, and shares excepts of letters written by members of the New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children regarding their passion for working in the fields of child welfare and in the family court.
SKEPTICISM BORDERING ON DISTRUST: FAMILY LAW IN THE HOLLYWOOD CINEMA
Authors: Papke David Ray
Published: January 2012

This article critiques Hollywood films from the last last 20–30 years that relate to family law. More specifically, this article considers films involving marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption and focuses on the portrayal of law in those films. While the films are not tightly connected to one another and surely do not share a unified theme, the films do share a surprising skepticism bordering on distrust regarding law, legal procedures, and legal institutions. Hollywood appears to have picked up a general sentiment that family should be a private, intimate sanctuary and is better off without state intrusion through law. The films incorporate this sentiment and also reinforce it by teaching viewers to be leery of law in family matters.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Recent Hollywood films include not only abundant portrayals of family life but also numerous examples of family law.

As a result, these Hollywood films have the potential to educate viewers about family law and to prompt certain normative attitudes about family law.

In general, Hollywood films invite viewers to be skeptical and even disdainful of family law.
WHEN THE COST IS TOO GREAT: THE EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON CHILDREN OF INCARCERATING THEIR PARENTS FOR DRUG OFFENCES1
Authors: Allard Patricia
Published: January 2012

The advent of the modern “war on drugs” and its accompanying “lock 'em up and throw away the key” crime policies largely explain the evolution of mass incarceration in the U.S. and account for much of the emotional and psychological pain caused to children who have lost their parents to long prison sentences. It is by reducing reliance on incarceration to tackle the “drug problem” in the United States that there will be a positive impact on reducing the number of parents being separated from their children for inordinate amounts of time, thereby potentially reducing the negative emotional and psychological impact on children. Aiding parents combat their addiction outside of prison walls is perhaps to most sensible criminal justice policy in addressing the needs of children who are caught in the cross‐fire of the war on drugs. In the meantime, as policy makers review, assess, and, eventually, reform draconian drug laws and sentencing policies, it is imperative that front‐line service providers who work with children and family and juvenile court judges be mindful of the emotional and psychological impact that parental incarceration has on youth. A more in‐depth understanding of the complexities of these young people's life experiences will hopefully enable the development of appropriate support services.
BARRIERS TO REUNIFICATION FOR INCARCERATED PARENTS—A JUDICIAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Downing Honorable Marguerite D.
Published: January 2012

Within the child welfare system, going to jail does not automatically mean losing your children. As the number of incarcerated parents rises, California dependency bench officers are looking at the effects incarceration has on parents seeking to reunify with their children. The California legislature passed legislation allowing a dependency judicial officer to consider the effect incarceration has on parents' performance and to grant additional reunification if a parent's progress is hindered by incarceration. In Los Angeles County, the Incarcerated Parents Working Group was specifically created in 2009 to look at the services available to incarcerated parents and what barriers these parents face in their efforts to reunify. Additionally, the working group has created judicial training on this subject for their bench officers and for other judicial officers throughout the state.