bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory functions of limbic Y1 receptors in body weight and anxiety uncovered by conditional knockout and maternal care
Authors: Bertocchi Ilaria , Oberto Alessandra , Longo Angela , Mele Paolo , Sabetta Marianna , Bartolomucci Alessandro , Palanza Paola , Sprengel Rolf , Eva Carola
Published: November 2011

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays an important role in stress, anxiety, obesity, and energy homeostasis via activation of NPY-Y1 receptors (Y1Rs) in the brain. However, global knockout of the
Npy1r
gene has low or no impact on anxiety and body weight. To uncover the role of limbic Y1Rs, we generated conditional knockout mice in which the inactivation of the
Npy1r
gene was restricted to excitatory neurons of the forebrain, starting from juvenile stages (Npy1r

rfb

). Npy1r

rfb

mice exhibited increased anxiety and reduced body weight, less adipose tissue, and lower serum leptin levels. Npy1r

rfb

mutants also had a hyperactive hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis, as indicated by higher peripheral corticosterone and higher density of NPY immunoreactive fibers and corticotropin releasing hormone immunoreactive cell bodies in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. Importantly, through fostering experiments, we determined that differences in phenotype between Npy1r

rfb

and Npy1r

2lox

mice became apparent when both genotypes were raised by FVB/J but not by C57BL/6J dams, suggesting that limbic Y1Rs are key targets of maternal care-induced programming of anxiety and energy homeostasis.
Modeling rotavirus strain dynamics in developed countries to understand the potential impact of vaccination on genotype distributions
Authors: Pitzer Virginia E. , Patel Manish M. , Lopman Ben A. , Viboud Cécile , Parashar Umesh D. , Grenfell Bryan T.
Published: November 2011

Understanding how immunity shapes the dynamics of multistrain pathogens is essential in determining the selective pressures imposed by vaccines. There is currently much interest in elucidating the strain dynamics of rotavirus to determine whether vaccination may lead to the replacement of vaccine-type strains. In developed countries, G1P[8] strains constitute the majority of rotavirus infections most years, but occasionally other genotypes dominate for reasons that are not well understood. We developed a mathematical model to examine the interaction of five common rotavirus genotypes. We explored a range of estimates for the relative strength of homotypic vs. heterotypic immunity and compared model predictions against observed genotype patterns from six countries. We then incorporated vaccination in the model to examine its impact on rotavirus incidence and the distribution of strains. Our model can explain the coexistence and cyclical pattern in the distribution of genotypes observed in most developed countries. The predicted frequency of cycling depends on the relative strength of homotypic vs. heterotypic immunity. Vaccination that provides strong protection against G1 and weaker protection against other strains will likely lead to an increase in the relative prevalence of non-G1 strains, whereas a vaccine that provides equally strong immunity against all strains may promote the continued predominance of G1. Overall, however, disease incidence is expected to be substantially reduced under both scenarios and remain below prevaccination levels despite the possible emergence of new strains. Better understanding of homotypic vs. heterotypic immunity, both natural and vaccine-induced, will be critical in predicting the impact of vaccination.
Differential effects on p53-mediated cell cycle arrest vs. apoptosis by p90
Authors: Dai Chao , Tang Yi , Jung Sung Yun , Qin Jun , Aaronson Stuart A. , Gu Wei
Published: November 2011

p53 functions as a central node for organizing whether the cell responds to stress with apoptosis or cell cycle arrest; however, the molecular events that lead to apoptotic responses are not completely understood. Here, we identified p90 (also called Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 8) as a unique regulator for p53. p90 has no obvious effects on either the levels of p53 or p53-mediated cell cycle arrest but is specifically required for p53-mediated apoptosis upon DNA damage. Notably, p90 is crucial for Tip60-dependent p53 acetylation at Lys120, therefore facilitating activation of the proapoptotic targets. These studies indicate that p90 is a critical cofactor for p53-mediated apoptosis through promoting Tip60-mediated p53 acetylation.
Low absorption losses of strongly coupled surface plasmons in nanoparticle assemblies
Authors: Chang Wei-Shun , Willingham Britain A. , Slaughter Liane S. , Khanal Bishnu P. , Vigderman Leonid , Zubarev Eugene R. , Link Stephan
Published: November 2011

Coupled surface plasmons in one-dimensional assemblies of metal nanoparticles have attracted significant attention because strong interparticle interactions lead to large electromagnetic field enhancements that can be exploited for localizing and amplifying electromagnetic radiation in nanoscale structures. Ohmic loss (i.e., absorption by the metal), however, limits the performance of any application due to nonradiative surface plasmon relaxation. While absorption losses have been studied theoretically, they have not been quantified experimentally for strongly coupled surface plasmons. Here, we report on the ohmic loss in one-dimensional assemblies of gold nanoparticles with small interparticle separations of only a few nanometers and hence strong plasmon coupling. Both the absorption and scattering cross-sections of coupled surface plasmons were determined and compared to electrodynamic simulations. A lower absorption and higher scattering cross-section for coupled surface plasmons compared to surface plasmons of isolated nanoparticles suggest that coupled surface plasmons suffer smaller ohmic losses and therefore act as better antennas. These experimental results provide important insight for the design of plasmonic devices.
Increase in dNTP pool size during the DNA damage response plays a key role in spontaneous and induced-mutagenesis in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Gon Stéphanie , Napolitano Rita , Rocha Walter , Coulon Stéphane , Fuchs Robert P.
Published: November 2011

Exposure of
Escherichia coli
to UV light increases expression of NrdAB, the major ribonucleotide reductase leading to a moderate increase in dNTP levels. The role of elevated dNTP levels during translesion synthesis (TLS) across specific replication-blocking lesions was investigated. Here we show that although the specialized DNA polymerase PolV is necessary for replication across UV-lesions, such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers or pyrimidine(6-4)pyrimidone photoproduct, Pol V per se is not sufficient. Indeed, efficient TLS additionally requires elevated dNTP levels. Similarly, for the bypass of an
N
-2-acetylaminofluorene-guanine adduct that requires Pol II instead of PolV, efficient TLS is only observed under conditions of high dNTP levels. We suggest that increased dNTP levels transiently modify the activity balance of Pol III (i.e., increasing the polymerase and reducing the proofreading functions). Indeed, we show that the stimulation of TLS by elevated dNTP levels can be mimicked by genetic inactivation of the proofreading function (
mutD5
allele). We also show that spontaneous mutagenesis increases proportionally to dNTP pool levels, thus defining a unique spontaneous mutator phenotype. The so-called “dNTP mutator” phenotype does not depend upon any of the specialized DNA polymerases, and is thus likely to reflect an increase in Pol III's own replication errors because of the modified activity balance of Pol III. As up-regulation of the dNTP pool size represents a common physiological response to DNA damage, the present model is likely to represent a general and unique paradigm for TLS pathways in many organisms.
Intragenic alternative splicing coordination is essential for
Caenorhabditis elegans slo-1
gene function
Authors: Glauser Dominique A. , Johnson Brandon E. , Aldrich Richard W. , Goodman Miriam B.
Published: November 2011

Alternative splicing is critical for diversifying eukaryotic proteomes, but the rules governing and coordinating splicing events among multiple alternate splice sites within individual genes are not well understood. We developed a quantitative PCR-based strategy to quantify the expression of the 12 transcripts encoded by the
Caenorhabditis elegans slo
-1
gene, containing three alternate splice sites. Using conditional probability-based models, we show that splicing events are coordinated across these sites. Further, we identify a point mutation in an intron adjacent to one alternate splice site that disrupts alternative splicing at all three sites. This mutation leads to aberrant synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. In a genomic survey, we found that a UAAAUC element disrupted by this mutation is enriched in introns flanking alternate exons in genes with multiple alternate splice sites. These results establish that proper coordination of intragenic alternative splicing is essential for normal physiology of
slo-1
in vivo and identify putative specialized
cis
-regulatory elements that regulate the coordination of intragenic alternative splicing.
Cell cycle adaptations of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Ballabeni Andrea , Park In-Hyun , Zhao Rui , Wang Weiping , Lerou Paul H. , Daley George Q. , Kirschner Marc W.
Published: November 2011

ES cells proliferate with very short gap phases yet maintain their capacity to differentiate. It had been thought that the levels of cyclins and other substrates of ubiquitin ligase APC/C remain nearly constant and Cdk activity remains constitutively high in mouse ES cells. Here we demonstrate that APC/C (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome) enzyme is active in ES cells but attenuated by high levels of the Emi1 (early mitotic inhibitor-1) protein. Despite the presence of high Cdk activity during the G1 phase, chromatin can be effectively licensed for DNA replication and fast entry into the S phase can still occur. High Cdk activity during S-G2-M phases produces high levels of the DNA replication factor Cdt1, and this leads to efficient Mcm proteins loading on chromatin after mitotic exit. Although disturbing the usual balance between Cdk activity and APC/C activity found in somatic cells, a few key adaptations allow normal progression of a very rapid cell cycle.
Effects of brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange (BIG) 1 and KANK1 proteins on cell polarity and directed migration during wound healing
Authors: Li Chun-Chun , Kuo Jean-Cheng , Waterman Clare M. , Kiyama Ryoiti , Moss Joel , Vaughan Martha
Published: November 2011

Brefeldin A-inhibited guanine nucleotide-exchange protein (BIG) 1 activates class I ADP ribosylation factors (ARFs) by accelerating the replacement of bound GDP with GTP to initiate recruitment of coat proteins for membrane vesicle formation. Among proteins that interact with BIG1, kinesin family member 21A (KIF21A), a plus-end-directed motor protein, moves cargo away from the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) on microtubules. Because KANK1, a protein containing N-terminal KN, C-terminal ankyrin-repeat, and intervening coiled-coil domains, has multiple actions in cells and also interacts with KIF21A, we explored a possible interaction between it and BIG1. We obtained evidence for a functional and physical association between these proteins, and found that the effects of BIG1 and KANK1 depletion on cell migration in wound-healing assays were remarkably similar. Treatment of cells with BIG1- or KANK1-specific siRNA interfered significantly with directed cell migration and initial orientation of Golgi/MTOC toward the leading edge, which was not mimicked by KIF21A depletion. Although colocalization of overexpressed KANK1 and endogenous BIG1 in HeLa cells was not clear microscopically, their reciprocal immunoprecipitation (IP) is compatible with the presence of small percentages of each protein in the same complexes. Depletion or overexpression of BIG1 protein appeared not to affect KANK1 distribution. Our data identify actions of both BIG1 and KANK1 in regulating cell polarity during directed migration; these actions are consistent with the presence of both BIG1 and KANK1 in dynamic multimolecular complexes that maintain Golgi/MTOC orientation, differ from those that might contain all three proteins (BIG1, KIF21A, and KANK1), and function in directed transport along microtubules.
α-Oscillations in the monkey sensorimotor network influence discrimination performance by rhythmical inhibition of neuronal spiking
Authors: Haegens Saskia , Nácher Verónica , Luna Rogelio , Romo Ranulfo , Jensen Ole
Published: November 2011

Extensive work in humans using magneto- and electroencephalography strongly suggests that decreased oscillatory α-activity (8–14 Hz) facilitates processing in a given region, whereas increased α-activity serves to actively suppress irrelevant or interfering processing. However, little work has been done to understand how α-activity is linked to neuronal firing. Here, we simultaneously recorded local field potentials and spikes from somatosensory, premotor, and motor regions while a trained monkey performed a vibrotactile discrimination task. In the local field potentials we observed strong activity in the α-band, which decreased in the sensorimotor regions during the discrimination task. This α-power decrease predicted better discrimination performance. Furthermore, the α-oscillations demonstrated a rhythmic relation with the spiking, such that firing was highest at the trough of the α-cycle. Firing rates increased with a decrease in α-power. These findings suggest that α-oscillations exercise a strong inhibitory influence on both spike timing and firing rate. Thus, the pulsed inhibition by α-oscillations plays an important functional role in the extended sensorimotor system.
Space-resolved characterization of high frequency atmospheric-pressure plasma in nitrogen, applying optical emission spectroscopy and numerical simulation
Authors: Rajasekaran Priyadarshini , Ruhrmann Cornelia , Bibinov Nikita , Awakowicz Peter
Published: November 2011

Averaged plasma parameters such as electron distribution function and electron density are determined by characterization of high frequency (2.4 GHz) nitrogen plasma using both experimental methods, namely optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and microphotography, and numerical simulation. Both direct and step-wise electron-impact excitation of nitrogen emissions are considered. The determination of space-resolved electron distribution function, electron density, rate constant for electron-impact dissociation of nitrogen molecule and the production of nitrogen atoms, applying the same methods, is discussed. Spatial distribution of intensities of neutral nitrogen molecule and nitrogen molecular ion from the microplasma is imaged by a CCD camera. The CCD images are calibrated using the corresponding emissions measured by absolutely calibrated OES, and are then subjected to inverse Abel transformation to determine space-resolved intensities and other parameters. The space-resolved parameters are compared, respectively, with the averaged parameters, and an agreement between them is established.
On the role of Fe2+ in the luminescence of feldspar: an exploration of Fe2+/Fe3+ L-edge near edge x-ray absorption fine structure using comparative electronic and optical detection methods
Authors: Poolton N R J , Kirkman I W , Pantos E
Published: November 2011

The luminescence properties of Fe3+ defects in feldspar are well know, but the role played by Fe2+ centres remains ambiguous, with tentative previous evidence suggesting it could act as a luminescence activator, luminescence quencher, or neither one nor the other: the outcome of these arguments would be of direct and topical relevance to consideration of using Fe3+ luminescence for the in situ dating of Martian sediments in future probe missions to the planet. Therefore, to elucidate the relative roles of Fe2+ and Fe3+, a synchrotron radiation study of Fe2+/Fe3+ defects in feldspar has been undertaken by probing the L-edges of the ion. Partial electron yield results allow a measure of the relative proportion of the ion states to be made, but of itself provides no indication of the defect's optical activity: in order to determine the latter, optical detection of x-ray absorption spectroscopy has been deployed. Although minor differences in the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratios are established using the two measurement methods, the results of the survey indicate that Fe2+ is unlikely to be an efficient luminescence quenching centre, and that competition for charge between the ion in its 2+/3+ states is not radically different. Equally, no evidence was found to suggest that it efficiently contributes to the visible emission in the range 380–750 nm.
rNA: a fast and accurate short reads numerical aligner
Authors: Vezzi Francesco , Del Fabbro Cristian , Tomescu Alexandru I. , Policriti Alberto
Published: November 2011

Summary: The advent of high-throughput sequencers (HTS) introduced the need of new tools in order to analyse the large amount of data that those machines are able to produce. The mandatory first step for a wide range of analyses is the alignment of the sequences against a reference genome. We present a major update to our rNA (randomized Numerical Aligner) tool. The main feature of rNA is the fact that it achieves an accuracy greater than the majority of other tools in a feasible amount of time. rNA executables and source codes are freely downloadable at http://iga-rna.sourceforge.net/.

Contact:  vezzi@appliedgenomics.org; delfabbro@appliedgenomics.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Comparing Partial Likelihood and Robust Estimation Methods for the Cox Regression Model
Authors: Desmarais Bruce A. , Harden Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2011

The Cox proportional hazards model is ubiquitous in time-to-event studies of political processes. Plausible deviations from correct specification and operationalization caused by problems such as measurement error or omitted variables can produce substantial bias when the Cox model is estimated by conventional partial likelihood maximization (PLM). One alternative is an iteratively reweighted robust (IRR) estimator, which can reduce this bias. However, the utility of IRR is limited by the fact that there is currently no method for determining whether PLM or IRR is more appropriate for a particular sample of data. Here, we develop and evaluate a novel test for selecting between the two estimators. Then, we apply the test to political science data. We demonstrate that PLM and IRR can each be optimal, that our test is effective in choosing between them, and that substantive conclusions can depend on which one is used.
MYB8 Controls Inducible Phenolamide Levels by Activating Three Novel Hydroxycinnamoyl-Coenzyme A:Polyamine Transferases in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Onkokesung Nawaporn , Gaquerel Emmanuel , Kotkar Hemlata , Kaur Harleen , Baldwin Ian T. , Galis Ivan
Published: November 2011

A large number of plants accumulate N-acylated polyamines (phenolamides [PAs]) in response to biotic and/or abiotic stress conditions. In the native tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata), the accumulation of two major PAs, caffeoylputrescine and dicaffeoylspermidine (DCS), after herbivore attack is known to be controlled by a key transcription factor, MYB8. Using a broadly targeted metabolomics approach, we show that a much larger spectrum of PAs composed of hydroxycinnamic acids and two polyamines, putrescine and spermidine, is regulated by this transcription factor. We cloned several novel MYB8-regulated genes, annotated as putative acyltransferases, and analyzed their function. One of the novel acyltransferases (AT1) is shown to encode a hydroxycinnamoyl-coenzyme A:putrescine acyltransferase responsible for caffeoylputrescine biosynthesis in tobacco. Another gene (acyltransferase DH29), specific for spermidine conjugation, mediates the initial acylation step in DCS formation. Although this enzyme was not able to perform the second acylation toward DCS biosynthesis, another acyltransferase gene, CV86, proposed to act on monoacylated spermidines, was isolated and partially characterized. The activation of MYB8 in response to herbivore attack and associated signals required the activity of LIPOXYGENASE3, a gene involved in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis in N. attenuata. These new results allow us to reconstruct a complete branch in JA signaling that defends N. attenuata plants against herbivores: JA via MYB8’s transcriptional control of AT1 and DH29 genes controls the entire branch of PA biosynthesis, which allows N. attenuata to mount a chemically diverse (and likely efficient) defense shield against herbivores.
CO2-cAMP-Responsive cis-Elements Targeted by a Transcription Factor with CREB/ATF-Like Basic Zipper Domain in the Marine Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Ohno Naoki , Inoue Takuya , Yamashiki Ryosuke , Nakajima Kensuke , Kitahara Yuhei , Ishibashi Mikiko , Matsuda Yusuke
Published: November 2011

Expression controls of the carbon acquisition system in marine diatoms in response to environmental factors are an essential issue to understand the changes in marine primary productivity. A pyrenoidal β-carbonic anhydrase, PtCA1, is one of the most important candidates to investigate the control mechanisms of the CO2 acquisition system in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. A detailed functional assay was carried out on the putative core regulatory region of the ptca1 promoter using a β-glucuronidase reporter in P. tricornutum cells under changing CO2 conditions. A set of loss-of-function assays led to the identification of three CO2-responsive elements, TGACGT, ACGTCA, and TGACGC, at a region −86 to −42 relative to the transcription start site. Treatment with a cyclic (c)AMP analog, dibutyryl cAMP, revealed these three elements to be under the control of cAMP; thus, we designated them, from 5′ to 3′, as CO2-cAMP-Responsive Element1 (CCRE1), CCRE2, and CCRE3. Because the sequence TGACGT is known to be a typical target of human Activating Transcription Factor6 (ATF6), we searched for genes containing a basic zipper (bZIP) region homologous to that of ATF6 in the genome of P. tricornutum. Gel-shift assays using CCRE pentamers as labeled probes showed that at least one candidate of bZIP proteins, PtbZIP11, bound specifically to CCREs. A series of gain-of-function assays with CCREs fused to a minimal promoter strongly suggested that the alternative combination of CCRE1/2 or CCRE2/3 at proper distances from the minimal promoter is required as a potential target of PtbZIP11 for an effective CO2 response of the ptca1 gene.
Temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, in combination with lower‐dose clofarabine as salvage therapy for older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia: results of a phase II GIMEMA study (AML‐1107)
Authors: Amadori Sergio , Stasi Roberto , Martelli Alberto M. , Venditti Adriano , Meloni Giovanna , Pane Fabrizio , Martinelli Giovanni , Lunghi Monia , Pagano Livio , Cilloni Daniela , Rossetti Elena , Di Raimondo Francesco , Fozza Claudio , Annino Luciana , Chiarini Francesca , Ricci Francesca , Ammatuna Emanuele , La Sala Edoardo , Fazi Paola , Vignetti Marco
Published: November 2011

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway has emerged as an important therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This study assessed the combination of temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and lower‐dose clofarabine as salvage therapy in older patients with AML. Induction consisted of clofarabine 20 mg/m2 on days 1–5 and temsirolimus 25 mg (flat dose) on days 1, 8 and 15. Patients achieving complete remission with (CR) or without (CRi) full haematological recovery could receive monthly temsirolimus maintenance. In 53 evaluable patients, the overall remission rate (ORR) was 21% (8% CR, 13% CRi). Median disease‐free survival was 3·5 months, and median overall survival was 4 months (9·1 months for responders). The most common non‐haematological severe adverse events included infection (48%), febrile neutropenia (34%) and transaminitis (11%). The 30‐d all‐cause induction mortality was 13%. Laboratory data from 25 patients demonstrated that a >50%in vivo inhibition of S6 ribosomal protein phosphorylation was highly correlated with response rate (75% with inhibition versus 0% without inhibition; P = 0·0001), suggesting that targeting the mTOR pathway is clinically relevant. The acceptable safety profile and the predictive value of target inhibition encourage further investigation of this novel regimen.
Lifestyle risk management – a qualitative analysis of women’s descriptions of taking hormone therapy following surgically induced menopause
Authors: Crowe Marie , Burrell Beverly , Whitehead Lisa
Published: November 2011

crowe m., burrell b. & whitehead l. (2011) Lifestyle risk management – a qualitative analysis of women’s descriptions of taking hormone therapy following surgically induced menopause. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1814–1823.

Aim.  This article is a report of a study that examined how women describe their decisions in relation to the use of menopausal hormone therapy following surgical menopause.

Background.  Women who have had a surgically induced menopause generally experience more intense menopausal symptoms than natural menopause and are regularly prescribed menopausal hormone therapy. Since 2002 the risks associated with this therapy have been widely reported.

Method.  This study is a qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews between March and May 2009 with 30 participants who had experienced surgical menopause and were, or had in the past, taken menopausal hormone therapy. This was a community sample recruited in Christchurch, New Zealand. A risk management theoretical approach underpinned the analysis.

Findings.  The womens’ descriptions of managing the risks associated with menopausal therapy fell into two main themes: Life has to go on and Waiting for someone to tell me. All these women had either made an active decision to continue on treatment because of the impact of menopausal symptoms or took their doctor’s advice to continue. A less dominant theme but one that was also evident was Relying on my body to get me through in which the women had decided to discontinue treatment because they regarded it as unnatural.

Conclusion.  The study provided insights into how women utilize an experiential reasoning process to manage the health and lifestyle risks associated with taking menopausal hormone therapy. Nurses need to be aware of how this process influences women’s reasoning processes when working with women following surgical menopause.
Stress resiliency, psychological empowerment and conflict management styles among baccalaureate nursing students
Authors: Pines Eula W. , Rauschhuber Maureen L. , Norgan Gary H. , Cook Jennifer D. , Canchola Leticia , Richardson Cynthia , Jones Mary Elaine
Published: November 2011

pines e.w., rauschhuber m.l., norgan g.h., cook j.d., canchola l., richardson c. & jones m.e. (2012) Stress resiliency, psychological empowerment and conflict management styles among baccalaureate nursing students. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(7), 1482–1493.

Aims.  This article is a report of a Neuman Systems Model‐guided correlational study of the relations of stress resiliency, psychological empowerment, selected demographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, semester in school) and conflict management styles.

Background.  Emerging evidence suggests that stress resiliency and psychological empowerment can strengthen student nurses in academic achievement and coping with stress. Little is known about conflict management styles of students and the relationship to empowerment, resiliency and the implications for managing workplace conflict.

Methods.  A correlational study was conducted in Spring 2010 with 166 baccalaureate students. Most participants were female, single, Hispanic and 25 years old. The data collection instruments included the Stress Resiliency Profile, the Psychological Empowerment Instrument, the Conflict Mode Instrument and a demographic inventory. Descriptive and inferential correlational statistics were used to analyse the data.

Results.  Students scored in the high range for focusing on their deficiencies in conflict situations; they scored above the 60th percentile for avoiding and accommodating behaviours and were less likely to use competing or collaborating strategies to manage conflict. Empowerment scores were significantly correlated with stress resiliency scores. Students with high scores on empowerment had high scores on the skill recognition subscale of the Stress Resiliency Profile suggesting more resilience; high scores on empowerment were related to high necessitating subscale scores of the Stress Resiliency Profile suggesting a predisposition to stress.

Conclusions.  Neuman Systems Model may provide guidance for educators to strengthen student nurses’ management of stressors in the workplace.
Risk factors of pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain: a biopsychosocial approach
Authors: Chang Hao‐Yuan , Jensen Mark P , Yang Ya‐Ling , Lee Chien‐Nan , Lai Yeur‐Hur
Published: November 2011

Aims and objectives.  To examine the associations between pain‐related psychological and social factors and pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain intensity and interference after controlling biological factors.

Background.  Pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain is prevalent and has been shown to interfere with women’s quality of life. Although pain is a multidimensional phenomenon known to be influenced by psychosocial factors, the majority of previous research on this pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain has focused on biological factors.

Design.  Cross‐sectional correlational research.

Method.  A sample of 183 pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain was recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Study participants provided demographic information and were administered the Brief Pain Inventory and a modified Catastrophising subscale of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire. Multiple regressions were used to examine the associations among the study variables.

Results.  Analyses indicated that lower education level was associated with higher pain intensity. Higher pain intensity during pregnancy and catastrophising cognitions were associated significantly with higher pain interference. Moreover, age moderated the strength of the association between pain intensity and pain interference. This association was stronger for older than for younger women.

Conclusions.  This study identified the psychosocial factors associated with pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain intensity (educational level) and interference (pain intensity and catastrophising) and also a variable (age) that moderated the association between pain intensity and pain interference. The findings support a biopsychosocial approach in understanding the experience and impact of pregnancy‐related lumbopelvic pain.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses should assess pregnant clients’ age, educational level, pain intensity and pain catastrophising thoughts to help identify women who are more at risk for higher lumbopelvic pain intensity or interference. Women endorsing catastrophising cognitions should be referred to or provided with treatment to reduce the frequency of these cognitions that are known to have a negative impact on quality of life in other pain populations.
Nurses’ perceptions and attitudes towards computerisation in a private hospital
Authors: Chow Susan KY , Chin Wai‐Ying , Lee Hoi‐Yan , Leung Hiu‐Ching , Tang Fung‐Hei
Published: November 2011

Aims.  To explore nurses’ attitudes and level of satisfaction in using the Hospital Information System in clinical practice.

Background.  Application of the Hospital Information System is increasing and there is substantial evidence suggesting that the successful implementation of Hospital Information System is significantly related to nurses’ attitudes. However, little information is currently available on the factors influencing those attitudes and their level of satisfaction in Hospital Information System use.

Design.  Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods.  A stratified, random sampling of 342 nurses working in a Hong Kong private hospital and using Hospital Information System was recruited. A questionnaire was used to collect data on perceptions, level of satisfaction and attitudes towards Hospital Information System usage. Correlations and linear regressions were used to analyse the data.

Results.  Multiple linear regression analysis showed that work units, perceived usefulness and information technology support are the three predictors of nurses’ attitudes and level of satisfaction with the system. In addition, nurses who have higher perceived ease of use and better satisfaction towards using the system are associated with positive attitude.

Conclusion.  The study results serve to guide the nurse managers to develop information systems based on the nurses’ needs. Previous studies regarded nurses’ level of satisfaction as a part of nurses’ attitude. What is of interest in this study is that nurses’ satisfaction level can be viewed as an individual factor affecting nurses’ attitudes. With a user‐friendly system, nurses tend to be more satisfied and therefore potentially more engaged in its use. This may indirectly improve patient care by saving time on documentation and enhancing communication among departments.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The nurse managers should promote an institutional culture to motivate staff towards positive acceptance of innovation. An effective collaboration with the information technology team would enhance a more efficient exchange of information to understand the complex factors of IT implementation.
Evolutionary and functional analyses of cytochrome P4501A promoter polymorphisms in natural populations
Authors: WILLIAMS LARISSA M. , OLEKSIAK MARJORIE F.
Published: November 2011

The functional importance of variable, transcriptional regulatory sequences within and among natural populations is largely unexplored. We analysed the cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) promoter in three populations of the minnow, Fundulus heteroclitus, because two SNPs in the promoter and first intron of CYP1A are under selection in populations adapted to pollutants. To define the importance of these SNPs, 1630 bp of the CYP1A promoter and first intron and exon were sequenced in eight individuals from three populations: a population from a polluted environment resistant to some aromatic pollutants and two flanking reference populations. CYP1A is induced by many aromatic pollutants, but in populations adapted to pollutants, CYP1A has been shown to be refractory to induction. We were interested in understanding whether variation in the CYP1A promoter explains mechanism(s) of adaptation to these aromatic pollutants. The CYP1A promoter was extremely variable (an average of 9.3% of the promoter nucleotides varied among all populations) and exhibited no fixed differences between populations. As CYP1A is poorly inducible in adapted fish, we hypothesized that CYP1A promoter regions might vary functionally between populations. Unexpectedly, in vitro analysis showed significantly greater transcription from CYP1A promoters found in the population from the polluted environment relative to promoters found in both reference populations. Thus, despite extensive variation among populations and lack of fixed differences between populations, individuals from a polluted environment have significantly enhanced promoter activity. These data demonstrate that intraspecific variation, which provides the raw material for natural selection to act on, can occur while maintaining promoter function.
AGD1, a class 1 ARF‐GAP, acts in common signaling pathways with phosphoinositide metabolism and the actin cytoskeleton in controlling Arabidopsis root hair polarity
Authors: Yoo Cheol‐Min , Quan Li , Cannon Ashley E. , Wen Jiangqi , Blancaflor Elison B.
Published: November 2011

The Arabidopsis thaliana AGD1 gene encodes a class 1 adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor‐gtpase‐activating protein (ARF‐GAP). Previously, we found that agd1 mutants have root hairs that exhibit wavy growth and have two tips that originate from a single initiation point. To gain new insights into how AGD1 modulates root hair polarity we analyzed double mutants of agd1 and other loci involved in root hair development, and evaluated dynamics of various components of root hair tip growth in agd1 by live cell microscopy. Because AGD1 contains a phosphoinositide (PI) binding pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, we focused on genetic interactions between agd1 and root hair mutants altered in PI metabolism. Rhd4, which is knocked‐out in a gene encoding a phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate (PI‐4P) phosphatase, was epistatic to agd1. In contrast, mutations to PIP5K3 and COW1, which encode a type B phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate 5‐kinase 3 and a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, respectively, enhanced the root hair defects of agd1. Enhanced root hair defects were also observed in double mutants to AGD1 and ACT2, a root hair‐expressed vegetative actin isoform. Consistent with our double‐mutant studies, targeting of tip growth components involved in PI signaling (PI‐4P), secretion (RABA4b) and actin regulation (ROP2), were altered in agd1 root hairs. Furthermore, tip cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) oscillations were disrupted in root hairs of agd1. Taken together, our results indicate that AGD1 links PI signaling to cytoskeletal‐, [Ca2+]cyt−, ROP2‐, and RABA4b‐mediated root hair development.
Characterization of four novel HLA alleles, including two in the same haplotype
Authors: Endres R. O. , Hoffman A. D. , Scott I.
Published: November 2011

Characterization of the novel HLA alleles A*02:330, A*11:108, B*40:175, and B*40:176 is described.
Pediatric liver transplantation – Ethical dilemmas in a disabled patient
Authors: Toker A. , Salzer L.
Published: November 2011

Toker A, Salzer L. Pediatric liver transplantation – Ethical dilemmas in a disabled patient.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Allocation of medical resources, especially resources with absolute scarcity such as organs for transplant, is a difficult task. Medical, surgical, and ethical considerations should be evaluated. In solid organ transplantation, ethics committees are the gate keepers that deal with moral philosophy when moral values are in conflict. Often, no good solution to a dilemma in these medical ethics exists. Our case presents split living liver donation for retransplantation in a mentally disabled girl, with few medical ethics principles at stake.
Future candidates for indications of Helicobacter pylori eradication: Do the indications need to be revised?
Authors: Lee Sun‐Young
Published: November 2011

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori in 1982, the development of several treatment guidelines has allowed a consensus on the indications for H. pylori eradication. Beyond these currently accepted indications, including various upper gastrointestinal disorders and extragastric diseases, a significant amount of new information regarding H. pylori eradication is emerging. Certain types of acute gastritis, such as nodular gastritis, hypertrophic gastritis, Ménétrier's disease, hemorrhagic gastritis, and granulomatous gastritis are reversible after H. pylori eradication. Further, for chronic gastritis, closed‐type atrophic gastritis and complete‐type intestinal metaplasia appear to be more reversible after H. pylori eradication than open‐type atrophic gastritis and incomplete‐type intestinal metaplasia. Eradication can also be considered in subjects younger than 40 years who have a family history of gastric cancer and in subjects with long‐term medications that might lead to bleeding (antiplatelet agents) or atrophy (proton pump inhibitors). Emerging evidence indicates that H. pylori eradication could be an effective treatment for some extragastric diseases that are unresponsive to conventional therapy. In such conditions, routine screening for eradication of H. pylori has not previously been recommended; a “test‐and‐treat” approach is suggested in the aforementioned situations. Given that H. pylori eradication is effective when the gastritis is reversible, future indications should be expanded to include acute gastric lesions that show marked improvement upon H. pylori eradication rather than just focusing on chronic gastric lesions. Future indications for H. pylori eradication should focus more on reversible lesions before preneoplastic conditions develop.
Effect of pretreatment with Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 on first‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy
Authors: Deguchi Ryuzo , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Rimbara Emiko , Noguchi Norihisa , Sasatsu Masanori , Suzuki Takayoshi , Matsushima Masashi , Koike Jun , Igarashi Muneki , Ozawa Hideki , Fukuda Ryuki , Takagi Atsushi
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:  Helicobacter pylori eradication clearly decreases peptic ulcer recurrence rates. H. pylori eradication is achieved in 70–90% of cases, but treatment failures due to poor patient compliance and resistant organisms do occur. Lactobacillus gasseri can suppress both clarithromycin‐susceptible and ‐resistant strains of H. pylori in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pretreatment with L. gasseri‐ containing yogurt on H. pylori eradication. We conducted a randomized, controlled clinical trial in patients with H. pylori infection.

Methods:  A total of 229 patients were randomized into either a 1‐week triple therapy of rabeprazole (10 mg bid), amoxicillin (750 mg bid), and clarithromycin (200 mg bid) or triple therapy plus L. gasseri‐containing yogurt. In the yogurt‐plus‐triple therapy groups, yogurt containing L. gasseri OLL2716 (112 g) was given twice daily for 4 weeks (3 weeks pretreatment and also 1 week during eradication therapy). Clarithromycin resistance was determined by the detection of a mutation in 23S rRNA using nested polymerase chain reaction and the direct sequencing of DNA from pretreatment feces. H. pylori eradication was diagnosed based on the urea breath test and a stool antigen test after 8 weeks of eradication.

Results:  The status of H. pylori susceptibility to clarithromycin was successively determined in 188 out of 229 samples. The rate of infection with clarithromycin‐resistant strains of H. pylori was 27.1%. Overall eradication (intention to treat/per protocol) was 69.3/74.5% for the triple‐only group, and 82.6/85.6% for the yogurt‐plus‐triple group (P = 0.018/P = 0.041). Eradication of primary clarithromycin‐resistant strains tended to be higher for yogurt‐plus‐triple therapy than triple‐only therapy (38.5 vs 28.0%, respectively, P = 0.458).

Conclusion:  This study confirmed that the major cause of treatment failure is resistance to clarithromycin. A 4‐week treatment with L. gasseri‐containing yogurt improves the efficacy of triple therapy in patients with H. pylori infection.
Clear cell meningioma with histologically aggressive appearance and clinically aggressive behavior: A case report
Authors: Hori Satoshi , Hayashi Nakamasa , Ishizawa Shin , Hayashi Shinichi , Sato Hikari , Nagao Seiya , Akioka Naoki , Nagai Shoichi , Nishikata Manabu , Endo Shunro
Published: November 2011

Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is an uncommon variant of meningioma, corresponding to WHO grade II. We present a case of CCM with histologically aggressive appearance and clinically aggressive behavior. The tumor demonstrated rapid regrowth and brain metastasis. The histological progression from the ordinal CCM to the atypical area and higher MIB‐1 index was observed. We assume that the short time of recurrence and metastasis may result from atypical histological features in our case. If the CCM has a histologically aggressive appearance as in our case, we suggest that postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy should be performed despite total resection of the tumor.
Cortical activity patterns predict robust speech discrimination ability in noise
Authors: Shetake Jai A. , Wolf Jordan T. , Cheung Ryan J. , Engineer Crystal T. , Ram Satyananda K. , Kilgard Michael P.
Published: November 2011

The neural mechanisms that support speech discrimination in noisy conditions are poorly understood. In quiet conditions, spike timing information appears to be used in the discrimination of speech sounds. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that spike timing is also used to distinguish between speech sounds in noisy conditions that significantly degrade neural responses to speech sounds. We tested speech sound discrimination in rats and recorded primary auditory cortex (A1) responses to speech sounds in background noise of different intensities and spectral compositions. Our behavioral results indicate that rats, like humans, are able to accurately discriminate consonant sounds even in the presence of background noise that is as loud as the speech signal. Our neural recordings confirm that speech sounds evoke degraded but detectable responses in noise. Finally, we developed a novel neural classifier that mimics behavioral discrimination. The classifier discriminates between speech sounds by comparing the A1 spatiotemporal activity patterns evoked on single trials with the average spatiotemporal patterns evoked by known sounds. Unlike classifiers in most previous studies, this classifier is not provided with the stimulus onset time. Neural activity analyzed with the use of relative spike timing was well correlated with behavioral speech discrimination in quiet and in noise. Spike timing information integrated over longer intervals was required to accurately predict rat behavioral speech discrimination in noisy conditions. The similarity of neural and behavioral discrimination of speech in noise suggests that humans and rats may employ similar brain mechanisms to solve this problem.
How is High Trust in China Possible? Comparing the Origins of Generalized Trust in Three Chinese Societies
Authors: Steinhardt H. Christoph
Published: November 2011

Although China is an outlier in terms of generalized trust, it has attracted little scholarly attention so far. Employing survey data from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, this article seeks to address this gap. The article makes use of the comparative leverage provided by political and socio-cultural variation to investigate two plausible reasons for the high levels of measured trust in Mainland China: a spillover from high institutional confidence; and problems of measurement validity. The study finds a comparatively strong link between institutional confidence and trust in Mainland China, which suggests that high confidence in institutions contributes to high levels of generalized trust in this context. By situating the Chinese case in the debate on the institutional foundation of generalized trust, the article suggests a heuristic to interpret this finding and points out its theoretical implications. The findings on measurement validity are mixed. While the results do not suggest that political fear causes a significant distortion in measured trust levels, the study finds circumstantial evidence for a culturally induced response bias to the standard item in Mainland China. This would have crucial implications for comparative research on generalized trust beyond the Chinese context.
Market and State‐supported Sustainability: A Tale of Two Rural Communities in Iowa and Italy
Authors: Trabalzi Ferruccio , De Rosa Marcello
Published: November 2011

The aim of the article is to compare, using surveys, interviews and participant observation, long‐term development strategies in two rural communities, one in Iowa (Amana Colonies) and the other in southern Italy (Val Comino). The Amana Colonies have chosen a market model whereas the Val Comino uses a model supported with funds from the European Community. Both strategies prioritise local ability to co‐ordinate actions across geographical and institutional scales. The findings suggest that the efficiency of the two strategies is wearing out and their long‐term sustainability is in question. In the case of southern Italy, this is because powerful members in local institutions operate on conventions of clientelism and corporativism; in the Amanas it is because shareholders who live in the community are interested in preserving the identity of the territory whereas those who do not are interested in the corporation's dividends.