bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ab initio parameterization of an all-atom polarizable and dissociable force field for water
Authors: Pinilla Carlos , Irani Amir H. , Seriani Nicola , Scandolo Sandro
Published: March 2012

A novel all-atom, dissociative, and polarizable force field for water is presented. The force field is parameterized based on forces, stresses, and energies obtained form ab initio calculations of liquid water at ambient conditions. The accuracy of the force field is tested by calculating structural and dynamical properties of liquid water and the energetics of small water clusters. The transferability of the force field to dissociated states is studied by considering the solvation of a proton and the ionization of water at extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. In the case of the solvated proton, the force field properly describes the presence of both Eigen and Zundel configurations. In the case of the pressure-induced ice VIII/ice X transition and the temperature-induced transition to a superionic phase, the force field is found to describe accurately the proton symmetrization and the melting of the proton sublattice, respectively.
Smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations of turbulence in fixed and rotating boxes in two dimensions with no-slip boundaries
Authors: Valizadeh A. , Monaghan J. J.
Published: March 2012

In this paper we study decaying turbulence in fixed and rotating boxes in two dimensions using the particle method smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). The boundaries are specified by boundary force particles, and the turbulence is initiated by a set of Gaussian vortices. In the case of fixed boxes we recover the results of Clercx and his colleagues obtained using both a high accuracy spectral method and experiments. Our results for fixed boxes are also in close agreement with those of Monaghan [Eur. J. Mech. – B/Fluids 30, 360370 (2011)] and Robinson and Monaghan [Int. J. Numer. Methods Fluids (in press)] obtained using SPH. A feature of decaying turbulence in no-slip, square, fixed boundaries is that the angular momentum of the fluid varies with time because of the reaction on the fluid of the viscous stresses on the boundary. We find that when the box is allowed to rotate freely, so that the total angular momentum of box and fluid is constant, the change in the angular momentum of the fluid is a factor of ∼500 smaller than in the case for the fixed box, and the final vorticity distribution is different. We also simulate the behaviour of the turbulence when the box is forced to rotate with small and large Rossby number, and the turbulence is initiated by Gaussian vortices as before. If the rotation of the box is maintained after the turbulence is initiated we find that in the rotating frame the decay of kinetic energy, enstrophy, and the vortex structure is insensitive to the angular velocity of the box. On the other hand, if the box is allowed to rotate freely after the turbulence is initiated, the evolved vortex structure is completely different.
Infrared/ultraviolet quadruple resonance spectroscopy to investigate structures of electronically excited states
Authors: Weiler M. , Bartl K. , Gerhards M.
Published: March 2012

Molecular beam investigations in combination with IR/UV spectroscopy offer the possibility to obtain structural information on isolated molecules and clusters. One of the demanding tasks is the discrimination of different isomers, e.g., by the use of isomer specific UV excitations. If this discrimination fails due to overlaying UV spectra of different isomers, IR/IR methods offer another possibility. Here, we present a new IR/UV/IR/UV quadruple resonance technique to distinguish between different isomers especially in the electronically excited state. Due to the IR spectra, structural changes and photochemical pathways in excited states can be assigned and identified. The method is applied to the dihydrated cluster of 3-hydroxyflavone which has been investigated as photochemically relevant system and proton wire model in the S1 state. By applying the new IR/UV/IR/UV technique, we are able to show experimentally that both in the electronic ground (S0) and the electronically excited state (S1) two isomers have to be assigned.
Quantum state-to-state dynamics for the quenching process of Br(2P1/2) + H2(v
i = 0, 1, j
i = 0)
Authors: Xie Changjian , Jiang Bin , Xie Daiqian , Sun Zhigang
Published: March 2012

Quantum state-to-state dynamics for the quenching process Br(2P1/2) + H2(vi = 0, 1, ji = 0) → Br(2P3/2) + H2(vf, jf) has been studied based on two-state model on the recent coupled potential energy surfaces. It was found that the quenching probabilities have some oscillatory structures due to the interference of reflected flux in the Br(2P1/2) + H2 and Br(2P3/2) + H2 channels by repulsive potential in the near-resonant electronic-to-vibrational energy transfer process. The final vibrational state resolved integral cross sections were found to be dominated by the quenching process Br(2P1/2) + H2(v) → Br(2P3/2) + H2(v+1) and the nonadiabatic reaction probabilities for Br(2P1/2) + H2(v = 0, 1, ji = 0) are quite small, which are consistent with previous theoretical and experimental results. Our calculated total quenching rate constant for Br(2P1/2) + H2(vi = 0, ji = 0) at room temperature is in good agreement with the available experimental data.
A fifth order differential equation for charged perfect fluids
Authors: Kweyama M. C. , Govinder K. S. , Maharaj S. D.
Published: March 2012

We investigate the master nonlinear partial differential equation that governs the evolution of shear-free spherically symmetric charged fluids. We use an approach which has not been considered previously for the underlying equation in shear-free spherically symmetric spacetimes. We derive a fifth order purely differential equation that must be satisfied for the underlying equation to admit a Lie point symmetry. We then perform a comprehensive analysis of this equation utilising the Lie symmetry analysis and direct integration. This enables us to reduce the fifth order equation to quadratures. Earlier results are shown to be contained in our general treatment.
Electronic states and photoluminescence of TiO2 nanotubes with adsorbed surface oxygen
Authors: Liu L. Z. , Xu W. , Wu X. L. , Zhang Y. Y. , Chen T. H. , Chu Paul K.
Published: March 2012

The electronic states associated with enhanced photocatalytic activity of anodic anatase TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) annealed in N2 and O2 are investigated by photoluminescence (PL). The NTs annealed in N2 show a green peak related to oxygen vacancies and its position blueshifts with deceasing temperature, whereas those annealed in O2 show a double peak at 475–600 nm and the energy separation increases with decreasing temperature. Spectral analysis and density function theory calculation disclose that the double peak results from residual oxygen vacancies and oxygen atoms on the NT wall and the increased energy separation arises from the larger difference between the inner and outer NT stress at low temperature.
Geometry, epistasis, and developmental patterning
Authors: Corson Francis , Siggia Eric Dean
Published: March 2012

Developmental signaling networks are composed of dozens of components whose interactions are very difficult to quantify in an embryo. Geometric reasoning enumerates a discrete hierarchy of phenotypic models with a few composite variables whose parameters may be defined by in vivo data. Vulval development in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
is a classic model for the integration of two signaling pathways; induction by EGF and lateral signaling through Notch. Existing data for the relative probabilities of the three possible terminal cell types in diverse genetic backgrounds as well as timed ablation of the inductive signal favor one geometric model and suffice to fit most of its parameters. The model is fully dynamic and encompasses both signaling and commitment. It then predicts the correlated cell fate probabilities for a cross between any two backgrounds/conditions. The two signaling pathways are combined additively, without interactions, and epistasis only arises from the nonlinear dynamical flow in the landscape defined by the geometric model. In this way, the model quantitatively fits genetic experiments purporting to show mutual pathway repression. The model quantifies the contributions of extrinsic vs. intrinsic sources of noise in the penetrance of mutant phenotypes in signaling hypomorphs and explains available experiments with no additional parameters. Data for anchor cell ablation fix the parameters needed to define Notch autocrine signaling.
An Immunodominant Membrane Protein (Imp) of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ Binds to Plant Actin
Authors: Boonrod K. , Munteanu B. , Jarausch B. , Jarausch W. , Krczal G.
Published: March 2012

The phytopathogenic, cell-wall-less phytoplasmas exhibit a dual life cycle: they multiply in the phloem of their host plant and in the body of their insect vector. Their membrane proteins are in direct contact with both hosts and are supposed to play a crucial role in the phytoplasma spread within the plant as well as by the insect vector. Three types of nonhomologous but highly abundant and immunodominant membrane proteins (IDP) have been identified within the phytoplasmas: Amp, IdpA, and Imp. Although recent results indicate that Amp is involved in vector specificity interacting with insect proteins such as actin, little is known about the interaction of IDP with the plant. We could demonstrate that transiently expressed Imp of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ as well as the Imp without transmembrane domain (Imp▴Tm) bind with plant actins in vivo. Moreover, in vitro co-sediment and binding assays showed that Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant Imp▴Tm-His binds to both G- and F-actins isolated from rabbit muscle. Transgenic plants expressing Imp- or Imp▴Tm-green fluorescent protein did not exhibit any remarkable change of phenotype compared with the wild-type plant. These results indicate that Imp specifically binds to plant actin and a role of Imp-actin binding in phytoplasma motility is hypothesized.
Specialization for underwater hearing by the tympanic middle ear of the turtle,Trachemys scripta elegans
Authors: Christensen-Dalsgaard Jakob , Brandt Christian , Willis Katie L. , Christensen Christian Bech , Ketten Darlene , Edds-Walton Peggy , Fay Richard R. , Madsen Peter T. , Carr Catherine E.
Published: March 2012

Turtles, like other amphibious animals, face a trade-off between terrestrial and aquatic hearing. We used laser vibrometry and auditory brainstem responses to measure their sensitivity to vibration stimuli and to airborne versus underwater sound. Turtles are most sensitive to sound underwater, and their sensitivity depends on the large middle ear, which has a compliant tympanic disc attached to the columella. Behind the disc, the middle ear is a large air-filled cavity with a volume of approximately 0.5 ml and a resonance frequency of approximately 500 Hz underwater. Laser vibrometry measurements underwater showed peak vibrations at 500–600 Hz with a maximum of 300 µm s−1Pa−1, approximately 100 times more than the surrounding water. In air, the auditory brainstem response audiogram showed a best sensitivity to sound of 300–500 Hz. Audiograms before and after removing the skin covering reveal that the cartilaginous tympanic disc shows unchanged sensitivity, indicating that the tympanic disc, and not the overlying skin, is the key sound receiver. If air and water thresholds are compared in terms of sound intensity, thresholds in water are approximately 20–30 dB lower than in air. Therefore, this tympanic ear is specialized for underwater hearing, most probably because sound-induced pulsations of the air in the middle ear cavity drive the tympanic disc.
Serine/Threonine/Tyrosine Protein Kinase Phosphorylates Oleosin, a Regulator of Lipid Metabolic Functions
Authors: Parthibane Velayoudame , Iyappan Ramachandiran , Vijayakumar Anitha , Venkateshwari Varadarajan , Rajasekharan Ram
Published: March 2012

Plant oils are stored in oleosomes or oil bodies, which are surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids embedded with oleosin proteins that stabilize the structure. Recently, a structural protein, Oleosin3 (OLE3), was shown to exhibit both monoacylglycerol acyltransferase and phospholipase A2 activities. The regulation of these distinct dual activities in a single protein is unclear. Here, we report that a serine/threonine/tyrosine protein kinase phosphorylates oleosin. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis, we demonstrate that this kinase interacts with OLE3 and that the fluorescence was associated with chloroplasts. Oleosin-green fluorescent protein fusion protein was exclusively associated with the chloroplasts. Phosphorylated OLE3 exhibited reduced monoacylglycerol acyltransferase and increased phospholipase A2 activities. Moreover, phosphatidylcholine and diacylglycerol activated oleosin phosphorylation, whereas lysophosphatidylcholine, oleic acid, and Ca2+ inhibited phosphorylation. In addition, recombinant peanut (Arachis hypogaea) kinase was determined to predominantly phosphorylate serine residues, specifically serine-18 in OLE3. Phosphorylation levels of OLE3 during seed germination were determined to be higher than in developing peanut seeds. These findings provide direct evidence for the in vivo substrate selectivity of the dual-specificity kinase and demonstrate that the bifunctional activities of oleosin are regulated by phosphorylation.
The Small GTPase ROP6 Interacts with NFR5 and Is Involved in Nodule Formation inLotus japonicus
Authors: Ke Danxia , Fang Qing , Chen Chunfen , Zhu Hui , Chen Tao , Chang Xiaojun , Yuan Songli , Kang Heng , Ma Lian , Hong Zonglie , Zhang Zhongming
Published: March 2012

Nod Factor Receptor5 (NFR5) is an atypical receptor-like kinase, having no activation loop in the protein kinase domain. It forms a heterodimer with NFR1 and is required for the early plant responses to Rhizobium infection. A Rho-like small GTPase from Lotus japonicus was identified as an NFR5-interacting protein. The amino acid sequence of this Rho-like GTPase is closest to the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ROP6 and Medicago truncatula ROP6 and was designated as LjROP6. The interaction between Rop6 and NFR5 occurred both in vitro and in planta. No interaction between Rop6 and NFR1 was observed. Green fluorescent protein-tagged ROP6 was localized at the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. The interaction between ROP6 and NFR5 appeared to take place at the plasma membrane. The expression of the ROP6 gene could be detected in vascular tissues of Lotus roots. After inoculation with Mesorhizobium loti, elevated levels of ROP6 expression were found in the root hairs, root tips, vascular bundles of roots, nodule primordia, and young nodules. In transgenic hairy roots expressing ROP6 RNA interference constructs, Rhizobium entry into the root hairs did not appear to be affected, but infection thread growth through the root cortex were severely inhibited, resulting in the development of fewer nodules per plant. These data demonstrate a role of ROP6 as a positive regulator of infection thread formation and nodulation in L. japonicus.
Identification of factors influencing shark catch and mortality in the Marshall Islands tuna longline fishery and management implications
Authors: Bromhead D. , Clarke S. , Hoyle S. , Muller B. , Sharples P. , Harley S.
Published: March 2012

Recent average annual catches of sharks by tuna longline vessels fishing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) are estimated to be between 1583 and 2274 t. Although 22 shark species have been recorded by the observer programme for this fishery, 80% of the annual catch comprises only five species: blue shark Prionace glauca, silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis, bigeye thresher shark Alopias superciliosus, pelagic thresher shark Alopias pelagicus and oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus. Wire leaders (i.e. branch lines or traces) were also used by nearly all observed vessels. Generalized additive model (GAM)‐based analyses of catch rates indicated that P. glauca and A. superciliosus are caught in higher numbers when vessels fish in relatively cooler waters, at night, close to the full moon, when the 27° C thermocline is close to the surface and during El Niño conditions. In contrast, C. falciformis, A. pelagicus and C. longimanus are caught in higher numbers when shark lines are used (all three species) or hooks are set at a shallow depth (A. pelagicus and C. longimanus and, also, P. glauca). These findings are generally consistent with current knowledge of these species' habitat preferences, movement and distribution. The results of these analyses were combined with information pertaining to shark condition and fate upon capture to compare the likely effectiveness of a range of potential measures for reducing shark mortality in the longline fishery. Of the options considered, the most effective would be to combine measures that reduce the catch rate (e.g. restrictions on the use of wire leaders, shark baits and shark lines) with measures that increase survival rates after post‐capture release (e.g. finning bans).
Rapid genotype analysis in type 2B von Willebrand's disease using a universal heteroduplex generator
Authors: Wood Nigel , Standen Graham R. , Murray Elizabeth W. , Lillicrap David , Holmberg Lars , Peake Ian R. , Bidwell Jeffrey
Published: March 2012

Summary. A new diagnostic technique based on DNA heteroduplex analysis has been used to identify specific point mutations in the von Willebrand's factor (vWF) gene of patients with von Willebrand's disease type 2B. Molecular analysis in these patients has shown previously that their mutations are clustered in a short region of sequence in exon 28 of the vWF gene. The principle of the method involves heteroduplex formation between amplified genomic sequence containing the defect and an exon 28 vWF gene universal heteroduplex generator (UHG). The UHG is a synthetic vWF gene exon 28 homologue which contains a number of sequence mismatches designed to generate allele specific heteroduplexes for each type 2B mutation. Individual mutant genotypes are identified by characteristic banding patterns following polyacrylamide minigel electrophoresis. The technique is rapid, simple, inexpensive, and is ideally suited for adoption by non‐specialist haematology laboratories for screening purposes.
Iron chelators induce apoptosis in proliferating cells
Authors: Hileti Dona , Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Hoffbrand A. Victor
Published: March 2012

Summary. The iron chelators 1,2‐dimethyl‐3‐hydroxypyrid‐4‐one (L1) and desferrioxamine (DFO) were found to induce apoptosis of proliferating activated T‐lymphocytes and of the promyelocytic cell line HL60, but not of resting peripheral blood lymphocytes or granulocytes. The induction of apoptosis was quantified by propidium iodide staining of apoptotic/dead cells and flow cytometry. In activated T‐lymphocytes incubated with the chelators at equivalent iron‐binding concentrations (300 μM L1 or 100 μm DFO) for 24 h, L1 caused a 54% increase in cell death and DFO a 57% increase. In HL60 cells L1 caused a 50% increase in cell death and DFO a 40% increase. DNA cytofluorometry of HL60 cells treated with either chelator showed an increase in the percentage of cells with hypodiploid DNA content. Presaturation of the chelators with ferric chloride abrogated these effects. L1 and DFO did not induce apoptosis in resting peripheral blood lymphocytes or granulocytes, even after 48 h of incubation.
Regionally different immunoreactivity for Smurf2 and pSmad2/3 in TDP‐43‐positive inclusions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Nakamura M. , Kaneko S. , Wate R. , Asayama S. , Nakamura Y. , Fujita K. , Ito H. , Kusaka H.
Published: March 2012

M. Nakamura, S. Kaneko, R. Wate, S. Asayama, Y. Nakamura, K. Fujita, H. Ito and H. Kusaka (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 144–156

Regionally different immunoreactivity for Smurf2 and pSmad2/3 in TDP‐43‐positive inclusions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Aims: Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor‐2 (Smurf2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, can interact with Smad proteins and promote their ubiquitin‐dependent degradation, thereby controlling the cellular levels of these signalling mediators. We previously reported that phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2/3) was sequestered in transactive response DNA‐binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43) inclusions in the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent biochemical and immunohistochemical studies on spinal cord and brain of ALS patients demonstrated that the composition of the TDP‐43 inclusions is regionally distinct, suggesting different underlying pathogenic processes. We aimed to elucidate regional differences in pathomechanisms and composition of TDP‐43 inclusions in relation to pSmad2/3 and Smurf2. Methods: The spinal cord and brain tissues of 13 sporadic ALS (SALS) patients were investigated using immunohistochemical analysis. Results: TDP‐43‐positive inclusions in lower motor neurones of SALS patients were immunopositive for Smurf2 and pSmad2/3. Multiple immunofluorescence staining for Smurf2, pSmad2/3, TDP‐43 and ubiquitin revealed co‐localization of these four proteins within the inclusions in lower motor neurones of SALS patients. Furthermore, the loss of nuclear pSmad2/3 immunoreactivity was observed in cells bearing TDP‐43 inclusions. In contrast, TDP‐43‐positive inclusions in the extramotor neurones in the brain of SALS patients were noticeably negative for Smurf2 and pSmad2/3. In addition, pSmad2/3 immunoreactivity was preserved in the nuclei of inclusion‐bearing cells. Conclusions: This regional difference in the expression of Smurf2 and pSmad2/3 within TDP‐43‐positive inclusions might be one of the pathomechanisms underlying the loss of lower motor neurones and comparatively spared cortical neurones seen in ALS.
Environmental tobacco smoke and male sex modify the influence of IL‐13 genetic variants on cord blood IgE levels
Authors: Chen Chien‐Han , Lee Yungling Leo , Wu Ming‐Hsun , Chen Pao‐Jen , Wei Tien‐Shan , Wu Che‐Tsung , Tung Kuan‐Yen , Chen Wei J.
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Chen C‐H, Lee YL, Wu M‐H, Chen P‐J, Wei T‐S, Wu C‐T, Tung K‐Y, Chen WJ. Environmental tobacco smoke and male sex modify the influence of IL‐13 genetic variants on cord blood IgE levels. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 456–463.

Elevated cord blood IgE (cIgE) levels enhance the risk of childhood atopic diseases. However, genetic determinants of cIgE elevation and their potential modifiers remain inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the associations of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL‐13 gene (IL‐13) with cIgE elevation and their interactions with prenatal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and neonatal sex. A structured questionnaire regarding prenatal environmental exposures was completed during pregnancy. Birth information was extracted from the medical records. Cord blood from 794 term neonates was genotyped for three SNPs (rs1800925, rs20541, and rs848) of IL‐13 and measured for cIgE levels. SNP rs20541 and a 3‐SNP haplotype containing rs1800925, rs20541, and rs848 (denoted as h011) were significantly associated with cIgE elevation (p = 0.04 and 0.003, respectively). Two‐way interaction analysis revealed that the associations of IL‐13 rs20541 and h011 with cIgE elevation were synergistically enhanced by prenatal ETS (p for interaction = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively), but not by male sex. If the association analyses were stratified by prenatal ETS and neonatal sex simultaneously, IL‐13 rs20541 and h011 had the highest risks for cIgE elevation in male babies prenatally exposed to ETS, with adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) being 3.03 (1.56–5.88) and 2.81 (1.54–5.15), respectively. When three‐way interactions were examined, both IL‐13 rs20541 and h011 exhibited significant interactions with male sex and ETS (p for interaction = 0.03 and 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, the influence of IL‐13 genetic variants on cIgE elevation was modified by male sex and prenatal ETS.
Auxin: a regulator of cold stress response
Authors: Rahman Abidur
Published: March 2012

The growth hormone auxin regulates essentially all aspects of plant developmental processes under optimum condition. However, as a sessile organism, plants encounter both optimal and non‐optimal conditions during their life cycle. Various biotic and abiotic stresses affect the growth and development of plants. Although several phytohormones, such as salicylic acid, jasmonate and ethylene, have been shown to play central roles in regulating the plant development under biotic stresses, the knowledge of the role of hormones, particularly auxin, in abiotic stresses is limiting. Among the abiotic stresses, cold stress is one of the major stress in limiting the plant development and crop productivity. This review focuses on the role of auxin in developmental regulation of plants under cold stress. The emerging trend from the recent experiments suggest that cold stress induced change in the plant growth and development is tightly linked to the intracellular auxin gradient, which is regulated by the polar deployment and intracellular trafficking of auxin carriers.
Comparative analysis of encephalization in mammals reveals relaxed constraints on anthropoid primate and cetacean brain scaling
Authors: BODDY A. M. , McGOWEN M. R. , SHERWOOD C. C. , GROSSMAN L. I. , GOODMAN M. , WILDMAN D. E.
Published: March 2012

There is a well‐established allometric relationship between brain and body mass in mammals. Deviation of relatively increased brain size from this pattern appears to coincide with enhanced cognitive abilities. To examine whether there is a phylogenetic structure to such episodes of changes in encephalization across mammals, we used phylogenetic techniques to analyse brain mass, body mass and encephalization quotient (EQ) among 630 extant mammalian species. Among all mammals, anthropoid primates and odontocete cetaceans have significantly greater variance in EQ, suggesting that evolutionary constraints that result in a strict correlation between brain and body mass have independently become relaxed. Moreover, ancestral state reconstructions of absolute brain mass, body mass and EQ revealed patterns of increase and decrease in EQ within anthropoid primates and cetaceans. We propose both neutral drift and selective factors may have played a role in the evolution of brain–body allometry.
Non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol: An important predictor of stroke and diabetes‐related mortality in Japanese elderly diabetic patients
Authors: Araki Atsushi , Iimuro Satoshi , Sakurai Takashi , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Iijima Katsuya , Nakano Hiroshi , Oba Kenzo , Yokono Koichi , Sone Hirohito , Yamada Nobuhiro , Ako Junya , Kozaki Koichi , Miura Hisayuki , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Kikkawa Ryuichi , Yoshimura Yukio , Nakano Tadasumi , Ohashi Yasuo , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Intervention Trial Research Group
Published: March 2012

Aims:  To evaluate the association of low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein and non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol with the risk of stroke, diabetes‐related vascular events and mortality in elderly diabetes patients.

Methods:  This study was carried out as a post‐hoc landmark analysis of a randomized, controlled, multicenter, prospective intervention trial. We included 1173 elderly type 2 diabetes patients (aged ≥65 years) from 39 Japanese institutions who were enrolled in the Japanese elderly diabetes intervention trial study and who could be followed up for 1 year. A landmark survival analysis was carried out in which follow up was set to start 1 year after the initial time of entry.

Results:  During 6 years of follow up, there were 38 cardiovascular events, 50 strokes, 21 diabetes‐related deaths and 113 diabetes‐related events. High low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with incident cardiovascular events, and high glycated hemoglobin was associated with strokes. After adjustment for possible covariables, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a significant association with increased risk of stroke, diabetes‐related mortality and total events. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were 1.010 (1.001–1.018, P = 0.029) for stroke, 1.019 (1.007–1.031, P < 0.001) for diabetes‐related death and 1.008 (1.002–1.014; P < 0.001) for total diabetes‐related events.

Conclusions:  Higher non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with an increased risk of stroke, diabetes‐related mortality and total events in elderly diabetes patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12 (Suppl. 1): 18–28.
Institutions Are What Actors Make of Them — The Changing Construction of Firm‐Level Employment Relations in Spain
Authors: Hauptmeier Marco
Published: March 2012

This article analyses the variation and change in firm‐level employment relations in Spain between the transition to democracy and the global financial crisis. Using three auto companies as case studies, I address a crucial puzzle in the institutional literature on comparative employment relations: How do employment relations change and vary, even when national employment relations institutions do not? This article argues that differences in actor ideologies shape the construction of national institutions at the firm level, which explains change and variation of employment relations over time and across cases. The study identifies four drivers of ideological change — generational change, leadership change, identity work and diffusion — that impact the variation and change in employment relations at the firm level.
Civil Society and Deliberative Democracy: Have Voluntary Organisations Faded from National Public Politics?
Authors: Öberg PerOla , Svensson Torsten
Published: March 2012

The political context of civil society in Western Europe has changed dramatically in recent decades. These changing circumstances may produce a decline in the integration of civil society into political life – especially deliberative activities at the national level. This article discusses how serious these alleged threats are to a hitherto vital civil society – that of Sweden. It focuses on fours indicators of organised civil society's contribution to deliberative democracy. First, have efforts to contact politicians, public servants and the media, as well as participation in public debates, decreased? Second, has civil society directed interest away from national arenas and instead concentrated resources in local and/or supranational arenas? Third, is there any evidence of a withdrawal from public activities, such as public debates and media activities in favour of direct contacts with politicians and public servants? Fourth, has civil society become more professionalised in the sense that interest groups are increasingly hiring professional consultants? Two surveys conducted in 1999 and 2005 show that Swedish organised civil society has not faded from national public politics. However, growing public participation is almost exclusively connected to increasing communication via the mass media and direct contact with politicians. Taking part in open public debate has not increased. The national arena has marginally lost some importance. Moreover, there is an increasing tendency to hire professional lobbying consultants. This might improve the quality of civil society's contributions to public deliberation, but a more elitist civil society might also develop, which is uninterested in social dialogue.
Reduced urinary glutamate levels are associated with the frequency of migraine attacks in females
Authors: Ragginer C. , Lechner A. , Bernecker C. , Horejsi R. , Möller R. , Wallner‐Blazek M. , Weiss S. , Fazekas F. , Schmidt R. , Truschnig‐Wilders M. , Gruber H.‐J.
Published: March 2012

Background and purpose:  Recent evidences indicate that glutamatergic homeostasis disorders are implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. In particular, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid glutamate levels seem to be altered in migraine patients. However, the impacts of glutamate on migraine and especially on aura symptoms, alterations in the frequency of migraine attacks as well as investigations on glutamate on migraine‐related metabolic dysfunctions, like hyperinsulinaemia, and an atherogenic lipid profile remain elusive to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of glutamate on migraine and related metabolic dysfunctions.

Methods:  We investigated the urinary glutamate levels of female migraineurs (n = 48) in the interictal phase and healthy controls (n = 48). Parameters of the insulin‐ and lipid metabolism, inflammatory parameters and anthropometric parameters were additionally determined.

Results:  Urinary glutamate levels of female migraineurs were significantly decreased with respect to the control group. Logistic regression revealed an odds ratio of 4.04 for migraine. We found a significant correlation with the time‐period of patients’ last attack and a significant inverse correlation with the annual frequency of migraine attacks. Other parameters of the insulin‐ and lipid metabolism, anthropometric and inflammatory parameters showed no significant correlation with glutamate levels.

Conclusion:  We show here that female migraineurs exhibit decreased urinary glutamate levels which are associated with a 4.04‐fold higher risk for migraine and correlated with patients' frequency of migraine attacks.
Plasma exchange and rituximab treatment for lenalidomide‐associated cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Brauer David L. , Edelman Bennett , Rapoport Aaron P. , Hess John R. , Akpek Görgün
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Lenalidomide is an amino‐substituted analog of thalidomide with potent immunomodulatory properties. The drug has been widely used for treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) associated with 5q‐abnormality. The most common side effects are cytopenias, infections, and deep venous thrombosis.

CASE STUDY: We report a clinical observation of severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) due to cold agglutinin disease (CAD) that developed 11 days after initiation of lenalidomide treatment in a patient with MDS who relapsed after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

RESULTS: CAD was diagnosed by the presence of hemolytic variables and cold agglutinin detected in patient's plasma. The antibody screen, which was performed at 37°C, was negative throughout. The direct antiglobulin test was positive only for complement (C3d). These findings supported the diagnosis of CAD associated with lenalidomide administration. Other causes of hemolysis including ABO incompatibility and infectious etiologies were ruled out. Rituximab therapy in conjunction with daily plasma exchange decreased the rate of hemolysis and transfusion requirement in our case.

CONCLUSION: In addition to warm AIHA, lenalidomide use can also be associated with development of CAD. Rituximab given in conjunction with plasma exchange can be effective in treating CAD in this setting.
Cardiac protein changes in ischaemic and dilated cardiomyopathy: a proteomic study of human left ventricular tissue
Authors: Roselló‐Lletí Esther , Alonso Jana , Cortés Raquel , Almenar Luis , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , Sánchez‐Lázaro Ignacio , Lago Francisca , Azorín Inmaculada , Juanatey Jose R González , Portolés Manuel , Rivera Miguel
Published: March 2012

The development of heart failure (HF) is characterized by progressive alteration of left ventricle structure and function. Previous works on proteomic analysis in cardiac tissue from patients with HF remain scant. The purpose of our study was to use a proteomic approach to investigate variations in protein expression of left ventricle tissue from patients with ischaemic (ICM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Twenty‐four explanted human hearts, 12 from patients with ICM and 12 with DCM undergoing cardiac transplantation and six non‐diseased donor hearts (CNT) were analysed by 2DE. Proteins of interest were identified by mass spectrometry and validated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. We encountered 35 differentially regulated spots in the comparison CNT versus ICM, 33 in CNT versus DCM, and 34 in ICM versus DCM. We identified glyceraldehyde 3‐phophate dehydrogenase up‐regulation in both ICM and DCM, and alpha‐crystallin B down‐regulation in both ICM and DCM. Heat shock 70 protein 1 was up‐regulated only in ICM. Ten of the eleven differentially regulated proteins common to both aetiologies are interconnected as a part of a same network. In summary, we have shown by proteomics analysis that HF is associated with changes in proteins involved in the cellular stress response, respiratory chain and cardiac metabolism. Although we found altered expression of eleven proteins common to both ischaemic and dilated aetiology, we also observed different proteins altered in both groups. Furthermore, we obtained that seven of these eleven proteins are involved in cell death and apoptosis processes, and therefore in HF progression.
E.A.O. guidelines for the use of diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry 2011. A consensus workshop organized by the European Association for Osseointegration at the Medical University of Warsaw
Authors: Harris David , Horner Keith , Gröndahl Kerstin , Jacobs Reinhilde , Helmrot Ebba , Benic Goran I. , Bornstein Michael M. , Dawood Andrew , Quirynen Marc
Published: March 2012

Diagnostics imaging is an essential component of patient selection and treatment planning in oral rehabilitation by means of osseointegrated implants. In 2002, the EAO produced and published guidelines on the use of diagnostic imaging in implant dentistry. Since that time, there have been significant developments in both the application of cone beam computed tomography as well as in the range of surgical and prosthetic applications that can potentially benefit from its use. However, medical exposure to ionizing radiation must always be justified and result in a net benefit to the patient. The as low a dose as is reasonably achievable principle must also be applied taking into account any alternative techniques that might achieve the same objectives. This paper reports on current EAO recommendations arising from a consensus meeting held at the Medical University of Warsaw (2011) to update these guidelines. Radiological considerations are detailed, including justification and optimization, with a special emphasis on the obligations that arise for those who prescribe or undertake such investigations. The paper pays special attention to clinical indications and radiographic diagnostic considerations as well as to future developments and trends.
Evaluation of the LIM homeobox genes LHX6 and LHX8 as candidates for Tourette syndrome
Authors: Paschou P. , Stylianopoulou E. , Karagiannidis I. , Rizzo R. , Tarnok Z. , Wolanczyk T. , Hebebrand J. , Nöthen M. M. , Lehmkuhl G. , Farkas L. , Nagy P. , Szymanska U. , Lykidis D. , Androutsos C. , Tsironi V. , Koumoula A. , Barta C. , Klidonas S. , Ypsilantis P. , Simopoulos C. ,   TSGeneSEE Consortium, Skavdis G. , Grigoriou M.
Published: March 2012

The etiology and pathophysiology of Tourette Syndrome (TS) remain poorly understood. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that a complex genetic background and the cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical circuit are involved. The role of Lhx6 and Lhx8 in the development of the striatal interneurons, prompted us to investigate them as novel candidate genes for TS. We performed a comparative study of the expression of Lhx6 and Lhx8 and investigated genetic association with TS using two samples of trios (TSGeneSEE and German sample ‐ 222 families). We show that Lhx6 and Lhx8 expression in the forebrain is evolutionarily conserved, underlining their possible importance in TS‐related pathophysiological pathways. Our tagging‐single nucleotide polymorphism (tSNP)‐based association analysis was negative for association with LHX8. However, we found positive association with LHX6 in the TSGeneSEE sample (corrected P‐value = 0.006 for three‐site haplotype around SNP rs3808901) but no association in the sample of German families. Interestingly, the SNP allele that was identified to be significantly associated in the TSGeneSEE dataset, showed an opposite trend of transmission in the German dataset. Our analysis of the correlation of the LHX6 region with individual ancestry within Europe, revealed the fact that this particular SNP demonstrates a high degree of population differentiation and is correlated with the North to South axis of European genetic variation. Our results indicate that further study of the LHX6 gene in relation to the TS phenotype is warranted and suggest the intriguing hypothesis that different genetic factors may contribute to the etiology of TS in different populations, even within Europe.
Unintended Consequences of US Immigration Policy: Explaining the Post‐1965 Surge from Latin America
Authors: Massey Douglas S. , Pren Karen A.
Published: March 2012

Immigration reforms in the United States initiated in the 1960s are widely thought to have opened the door to mass immigration from Asia and Latin America by eliminating past discriminatory policies. While this may be true for Asians, it is not the case for Latin Americans, who faced more restrictions to legal migration after 1965 than before. The boom in Latin American migration occurred in spite of rather than because of changes in US immigration law. In this article we describe how restrictions placed on the legal entry of Latin Americans, and especially Mexicans, set off a chain of events that in the ensuing decades had the paradoxical effect of producing more rather than fewer Latino immigrants. We offer an explanation for how and why Latinos in the United States, in just 40 years, increased from 9.6 million people and 5 percent of the population to 51 million people and 16 percent of the population, and why so many are now present without authorization.
The Latin American Cohabitation Boom, 1970–2007
Authors: Esteve Albert , Lesthaeghe Ron , López‐Gay Antonio
Published: March 2012

The article describes the rise of unmarried cohabitation in Latin American countries during the last 30 years of the twentieth century, both at the national and regional levels. It documents that this major increase occurred in regions with and without traditional forms of cohabitation alike. In addition, the striking degree of catching up of cohabitation among the better‐educated population segments is illustrated. The connections between these trends and economic (periods of high inflation) and cultural (reduction of stigmas in ethical domains) factors are discussed. The conclusion is that the periods of inflation and hyperinflation may have been general catalysts, but no clear indications of correlation were found between such economic factors and the rise in cohabitation. The shift toward more tolerance for hitherto stigmatized forms of conduct (e.g., homosexuality, euthanasia, abortion, singleparent household) is in line with the rise of cohabitation in regions of Argentina, Chile, and Brazil where cohabitation used to be uncommon. Further rises in cohabitation during the first decade of the twenty‐first century are expected in a number of countries (e.g., mexico) despite conditions of much lower inflation.
A Demographic Explanation for the Recent Rise in European Fertility
Authors: Bongaarts John , Sobotka Tomáš
Published: March 2012

Between 1998 and 2008 European countries experienced the first continent‐wide increase in the period total fertility rate (TFR) since the 1960s. After discussing period and cohort influences on fertility trends, we examine the role of tempo distortions of period fertility and different methods for removing them. We highlight the usefulness of a new indicator: the tempo‐ and parity‐adjusted total fertility rate (TFRp*). This variant of the adjusted total fertility rate proposed by Bongaarts and Feeney also controls for the parity composition of the female population and provides more stable values than the indicators proposed in the past. Finally, we estimate levels and trends in tempo and parity distribution distortions in selected countries in Europe. Our analysis of period and cohort fertility indicators in the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden shows that the new adjusted measure gives a remarkable fit with the completed fertility of women in prime childbearing years in a given period, which suggests that it provides an accurate adjustment for tempo and parity composition distortions. Using an expanded dataset for ten countries, we demonstrate that adjusted fertility as measured by TFRp* remained nearly stable since the late 1990s. This finding implies that the recent upturns in the period TFR in Europe are largely explained by a decline in the pace of fertility postponement. Other tempo‐adjusted fertility indicators have not indicated such a large role for the diminishing tempo effect in these TFR upturns. As countries proceed through their postponement transitions, tempo effects will decline further and eventually disappear, thus putting continued upward pressure on period fertility. However, such an upward trend may be obscured for a few years by the effects of economic recession.
Demographic Changes in North Korea: 1993–2008
Authors: Spoorenberg Thomas , Schwekendiek Daniel
Published: March 2012

Given the scarcity of population data, few demographic analyses have been conducted on population trends in North Korea. Using the 1993 and 2008 population and housing census data, we prospectively reconstruct population change in the country during the 15 intercensal years. Reconstruction of the population trends of North Korea enables us to assess the consistency of the available demographic evidence and to assess the demographic impact of the famine in the 1990s. According to the results of the population reconstruction and our counterfactual population projections, the famine caused between 240,000 and 420,000 total excess deaths—lower than the previous estimate of 600,000–1 million; and the human costs of the deteriorating living conditions between 1993 and 2008 may be estimated as 600,000 to 850,000 total excess deaths attributable to economic decline in the post‐Cold war era. The reconstructed population trends mirror the continuing deterioration of the living conditions in North Korea since the early 1990s.
Brachial‐Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and the Cardio‐Ankle Vascular Index as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients on Regular Hemodialysis
Authors: Kato Akihiko , Takita Takako , Furuhashi Mitsuyoshi , Maruyama Yukitaka , Miyajima Hiroaki , Kumagai Hiromichi
Published: March 2012

Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) are both used to evaluate arterial stiffness. The aim of the present study is to determine whether baPWV or CAVI is superior as a marker of arterial stiffness in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Of 194 patients, 59 patients had been excluded from the study due to advanced age over 76 years old (n = 29), or abnormal ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI) (<0.90 or ≥1.30) (n = 30). We then followed the 135 patients (age: 60 ± 11 years, time on HD: 110 ± 93 months) for the 63 ± 4 (55–70) months. Thirty‐two (23.7%) patients had expired, 22 of them of cardiovascular (CV) causes. There were 37 fatal and non‐fatal CV events. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the patients with the highest tertile of baPWV (≥16.6 m/s) had a significantly lower survival rate (P < 0.01) when compared with the second (13.4 ≤ baPWV < 16.6 m/s) and the lowest tertiles (<13.4 m/s). Cox hazards analysis after adjustment for comorbid risk factors revealed that the top tertile of baPWV was a determinant of CV death (hazards ratio [HR]: 16.9 [1.1–251.8], P < 0.05) In contrast, CAVI did not associate with CV mortality or events. These findings suggest that baPWV is superior to CAVI as a predictor of CV outcomes in patients on regular HD.