bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space-charge-limited hole current in poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) diodes
Authors: Nicolai H. T. , Wetzelaer G. A. H. , Kuik M. , Kronemeijer A. J. , de Boer B. , Blom P. W. M.
Published: April 2010

Characterization of the hole transport in blue-emitting polymers as poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) is strongly hindered by their large ionization potential of ∼6 eV. Using common anodes as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulphonic acid) leads to a strongly injection limited current. We demonstrate that molybdenum trioxide forms an Ohmic hole contact on PFO, enabling the observation of a space-charge-limited current(SCLC). This allows a direct determination of the hole mobility PFO of 1.3×10−9 m2/V s at room temperature, in good agreement with previously reported mobility values determined by time-of-flight measurements.
Automated incremental scheme for explicitly correlated methods
Authors: Friedrich Joachim , Tew David P. , Klopper Wim , Dolg Michael
Published: April 2010

An automated implementation of the incremental scheme for the computation of MP2-F12 and CCSD(F12) energies is presented. The numerical accuracy of the approach is explored for a set of 15 chemical reactions using the limiting case of single orbital one-site domains as a worst case scenario. The results are analyzed by the maximum absolute deviation, the mean absolute error, and the root mean square error, with respect to the standard MP2-F12 and CCSD(F12) results. It is found that the MP2 reaction energies are within 1 kcal/mol accuracy at third order of the expansion, whereas the F12 corrections are already sufficiently accurate at second order. For the CCSD(F12) method 1 kcal/mol accuracy is obtained at fourth order.
The crystal-field splitting of rovibrational Wv(), Yv(), and [ΔJ=10]v() transitions of solid parahydrogen
Authors: Mishra Adya P.
Published: April 2010

The present work is concerned with the theoretical study of the crystal-field splitting of rovibrational Wv(0), Yv(0), and [ΔJ=10]v(0) transitions of solid parahydrogen, by considering three lowest terms in the anisotropic crystal-field interaction potential. The theoretical expressions are derived for the matrix elements of Racah spherical harmonics: C2,0(Ω), C4,0(Ω), and C6,0(Ω). It is observed that the magnitude of the third-order crystal-field parameter ε6c is comparable with that of the lowest-order parameter ε2c. Further the theoretical values of ε2c reported previously are too low. Contrary to the earlier results, the calculated value of ε2c in the present work is seen to be in good agreement with that obtained by fitting experimental data to the Hamiltonian containing three lowest anisotropic interaction terms.
Implementation and assessment of a simple nonlocal van der Waals density functional
Authors: Vydrov Oleg A. , Van Voorhis Troy
Published: April 2010

Recently we developed a nonlocal van der Waals density functional (VV09) that has a simple and well-behaved analytic form. In this article, we report a self-consistent implementation of VV09 with an atom-centered basis set. We compute binding energies for a diverse benchmark set and find that VV09 performs well in combination with Hartree–Fock exchange. We compare VV09 with its precursor, discuss likely sources of inaccuracies in both models, and identify some aspects of the methodology where further refinements are desirable.
Nitrogen vacancies at InN (11¯00) surfaces: A theoretical study
Authors: Terentjevs A. , Catellani A. , Cicero G.
Published: April 2010

We present an ab initio atomistic study of the effects of nitrogen vacancies both in InN bulk and at (11¯00) nonpolar surface and confirm that these defects act as n-type impurities. Based on the dependence of the vacancy formation energy on the distance from the surface, we predict that at thermodynamic equilibrium these defects tend to segregate in the outermost surface layers reaching a concentration which is few orders of magnitude higher than in the bulk phase. Considering out-of-equilibrium growth and in view of the large calculated energy barrier that characterize vacancy diffusion, we also predict that the N enriched layer will extend hundreds of angstroms from the surface for typical growth processes. This vacancy accumulation at surface is consistent with the observed high electron accumulation layer.
Sulfite Reductase Defines a Newly Discovered Bottleneck for Assimilatory Sulfate Reduction and Is Essential for Growth and Development inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sayyar , Haas Florian Heinrich , Allboje Samami Arman , Moghaddas Gholami Amin , Bauer Andrea , Fellenberg Kurt , Reichelt Michael , HÄnsch Robert , Mendel Ralf R. , Meyer Andreas J. , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger
Published: April 2010

The role of sulfite reductase (SiR) in assimilatory reduction of inorganic sulfate to sulfide has long been regarded as insignificant for control of flux in this pathway. Two independent Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA insertion lines (sir1-1 and sir1-2), each with an insertion in the promoter region of SiR, were isolated. sir1-2 seedlings had 14% SiR transcript levels compared with the wild type and were early seedling lethal. sir1-1 seedlings had 44% SiR transcript levels and were viable but strongly retarded in growth. In mature leaves of sir1-1 plants, the levels of SiR transcript, protein, and enzymatic activity ranged between 17 and 28% compared with the wild type. The 28-fold decrease of incorporation of 35S label into Cys, glutathione, and protein in sir1-1 showed that the decreased activity of SiR generated a severe bottleneck in the assimilatory sulfate reduction pathway. Root sulfate uptake was strongly enhanced, and steady state levels of most of the sulfur-related metabolites, as well as the expression of many primary metabolism genes, were changed in leaves of sir1-1. Hexose and starch contents were decreased, while free amino acids increased. Inorganic carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur composition was also severely altered, demonstrating strong perturbations in metabolism that differed markedly from known sulfate deficiency responses. The results support that SiR is the only gene with this function in the Arabidopsis genome, that optimal activity of SiR is essential for normal growth, and that its downregulation causes severe adaptive reactions of primary and secondary metabolism.
Smoking‐based selection and influence in gender‐segregated friendship networks: a social network analysis of adolescent smoking
Authors: Mercken Liesbeth , Snijders Tom A.B. , Steglich Christian , Vertiainen Erkki , De Vries Hein
Published: April 2010

Aims  The main goal of this study was to examine differences between adolescent male and female friendship networks regarding smoking‐based selection and influence processes using newly developed social network analysis methods that allow the current state of continuously changing friendship networks to act as a dynamic constraint for changes in smoking behaviour, while allowing current smoking behaviour to be simultaneously a dynamic constraint for changes in friendship networks.

Design  Longitudinal design with four measurements.

Setting  Nine junior high schools in Finland.

Participants  A total of 1163 adolescents (mean age = 13.6 years) who participated in the control group of the ESFA (European Smoking prevention Framework Approach) study, including 605 males and 558 females.

Measurements  Smoking behaviour of adolescents, parents, siblings and friendship ties.

Findings  Smoking‐based selection of friends was found in male as well as female networks. However, support for influence among friends was found only in female networks. Furthermore, females and males were both influenced by parental smoking behaviour.

Conclusions  In Finnish adolescents, both male and female smokers tend to select other smokers as friends but it appears that only females are influenced to smoke by their peer group. This suggests that prevention campaigns targeting resisting peer pressure may be more effective in adolescent girls than boys.
Socio‐economic status predicts drinking patterns but not alcohol‐related consequences independently
Authors: Huckle Taisia , You Ru Quan , Casswell Sally
Published: April 2010

Aim To identify independent relationships between socio‐economic status and drinking patterns and related consequences and to identify socio‐economic groups at risk for heavier consumption.

Design and setting Three comparable national telephone surveys were utilized: 1995, 2000 and 2004. The respondents were aged 18–65 years. Contextual information includes that a number of liberalized alcohol policy changes occurred over the time of the surveys.

Results Educational qualification, income and occupation were associated independently with alcohol consumption. There were indications that the different dimensions of drinking (quantity and frequency) had different relationships with socio‐economic status (SES). For example, lower SES groups drank heavier quantities while higher SES groups drank more frequently. SES, however, did not play a major role predicting drinking consequences once drinking patterns were controlled for, although there were some exceptions. It was the lower‐to‐average SES groups that were at greater risk for drinking heavier quantities compared to other SES groups in the population (as they had sustained increases in the quantities they consumed over time where other SES groups did not).

Conclusion Socio‐economic status was related independently to drinking patterns and there were indications that SES interacted differently with the different dimensions of drinking (quantity and frequency). For the most part, socio‐economic status was not related independently to the experience of alcohol‐related consequences once drinking patterns were accounted for. It was the lower‐to‐average SES groups that were at greater risk for drinking heavier quantities compared to other SES groups in the population.
Parents' decision following the Food and Drug Administration recommendation: the case of over‐the‐counter cough and cold medication
Authors: Hanoch Y. , Gummerum M. , Miron‐Shatz T. , Himmelstein M.
Published: April 2010

Background  In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended against parents administering over‐the‐counter cough and cold medications (OTC‐CCM) to children under 2 years of age because serious and potentially life‐threatening side effects can occur. This study examined the impact of FDA's recommendations against giving children under 2 years old OTC‐CCM.

Methods  We asked parents (n= 377) whether they knew of and trusted the FDA recommendations, as well as whether they intended to follow them. We also examined parents' knowledge, perceptions and behaviours with respect to OTC‐CCM.

Results  About 33% of our sample had never heard of the FDA recommendations. Of those who were aware, 32.9% intended to continue administering OTC‐CCM, and another 36.7% were not sure what to do. Our results indicate that parents who trust the FDA recommendations are significantly more likely to stop giving OTC‐CCM to their children. However, almost half did not trust the FDA recommendations or were not sure whether to trust them. Our results indicate that parents who trust the FDA recommendation are significantly more likely to discontinue using OTC‐CCM. Our data also reveal that many parents give more than one drug simultaneously (32.9%), cannot identify the active ingredient(s) (28.9%) or fail to store the medications in a safe place (86.1%).

Conclusion  Parents' confidence in the FDA recommendations predicted whether they would continue or stop administering OTC‐CCM to their children. Our findings illustrate the urgent need for widespread public education about OTC‐CCM products to ensure children's safety.
The effect of the extent of the study region on GIS models of species geographic distributions and estimates of niche evolution: preliminary tests with montane rodents (genus Nephelomys) in Venezuela
Authors: Anderson Robert P. , Raza Ali
Published: April 2010

Aim  Various techniques model a species’ niche and potential distribution by comparing the environmental conditions of occurrence localities with those of the overall study region (via a background or pseudoabsence sample). Here, we examine how changes in the extent of the study region (ignored or under‐appreciated in most studies) affect models of two rodents, Nephelomys caracolus and Nephelomys meridensis.

Location  North‐central South America.

Methods  We used Maxent to model the species' potential distributions via two methods of defining the study region. In Method 1 (typical of most studies to date), we calibrated the model in a large study region that included the ranges of both species. In Method 2, we calibrated the model using a smaller study region surrounding the localities of the focal species, and then applied it to the larger region. Because the study region of Method 1 is likely to include areas of suitable conditions that are unoccupied because of dispersal limitations and/or biotic interactions, this approach is prone to overfitting to conditions found near the occupied localities. In contrast, Method 2 should avoid such problems but may require further assumptions (‘clamping’ in Maxent) to make predictions for areas with environmental conditions beyond those found in the smaller study region. For each method, we calculated several measures of geographic interpredictivity between predictions for the species (cross‐species AUC, cross‐species omission rate, and proportional geographic overlap).

Results  Compared with Method 1, Method 2 revealed a larger predicted area for each species, less concentrated around known localities (especially for N. caracolus). It also led to higher cross‐species AUC values, lower cross‐species omission rates and higher proportions of geographic overlap. Clamping was minimal and occurred primarily in regions unlikely to be suitable.

Main conclusions  Method 2 led to more realistic predictions and higher estimates of niche conservatism. Conclusions reached by many studies depend on the selection of an appropriate study region. Although detailed information regarding dispersal limitations and/or biotic interactions will typically be difficult to obtain, consideration of coarse distributional patterns, topography and vegetational zones often should permit delimitation of a much more reasonable study region than the extremely large ones currently in common use.
Flower‐scent mimicry masks a deadly trap in the carnivorous plant Nepenthes rafflesiana
Authors: Di Giusto Bruno , Bessière Jean‐Marie , Guéroult Michaël , Lim Linda B. L. , Marshall David J. , Hossaert‐McKey Martine , Gaume Laurence
Published: April 2010

1. Nepenthes rafflesiana is a carnivorous vine from Borneo characterized by an ontogenetic pitcher dimorphism with aerial (upper) and ground (lower) pitchers of different morphologies. Previous studies have shown that fragrant upper pitchers of climbing parts of the plant are more effective in trapping flying insects than non‐fragrant lower pitchers, which are essentially restricted to an ant diet. We tested the hypotheses that odours are effective cues for prey attraction in this carnivorous plant and that upper pitchers biochemically mimic flowers in their olfactory cues.

2. The visitor diversity and the scent composition of each pitcher type were determined for different sites and periods during field studies in Borneo. Olfactometer bioassays were conducted using fruit flies and ants as models for flying flower‐visitors and non‐flying visitors, respectively.

3. Fifty‐four volatile compounds were identified and the analysis of their relative quantities in the blends showed significant differences between pitcher types. The blends of lower pitchers contained some aliphatics and terpenoids but were poor in benzenoids. Upper pitchers differed from lower ones in that they attracted a greater quantity and diversity of insects, including a guild of flower‐visitors absent from the visitor spectrum of lower pitchers. Upper pitchers also emitted a greater quantity of odours and a larger spectrum of volatiles, including some terpenoids and benzenoids that often characterize the sweet scents classically found in flower blends. Choice bioassays showed that, in absence of any visual cue, the scents of the nectariferous pitcher rim (peristome) were particularly attractive to ants and flies, and those of upper pitchers were more attractive to flies than those of lower pitchers.

4. Synthesis. This study demonstrates the use of scent by Nepenthes carnivorous plants to mediate prey attraction. The climbing part of the plant produces pitcher‐modified leaves that mimic flower olfactory cues and suggest an evolutionary convergent strategy with that of generalist pollination systems.
Alpha‐tocopherol concentration in the colostrum of nursing women supplemented with retinyl palmitate and alpha‐tocopherol
Authors: Garcia L. , Ribeiro K. , Araújo K. , Pires J. , Azevedo G. , Dimenstein R.
Published: April 2010

Background: Vitamins A and E are recognisably important in the initial stages of life, and the newborn depends on nutritional adequacy of breast milk to meet their needs. These vitamins share routes of transport to the tissues and antagonistic effects have been observed in animals after supplementation with vitamin A. The present study aimed to determine the effect of maternal supplementation with a megadose of retinyl palmitate in the immediate post‐partum on α‐tocopherol concentration in the colostrum.

Methods: Healthy parturient women at a Brazilian public maternity were recruited for the study and divided into two groups: control (n = 37) and supplemented (n = 36). Blood and colostrum samples were collected up to 16 h post‐partum. The supplemented group was administered with a retinyl palmitate capsule and, 24 h after the first collection, the second colostrum sample was obtained in the two groups for analysis of α‐tocopherol. The cut‐off points for deficiency are <1.05 μmol L−1for retinol and <11.6 μmol L−1for α‐tocopherol.

Results: The mean (SD) serum concentration of 1.77 (0.50) μmol L−1for retinol and 30.81 (6.46) μmol L−1for α‐tocopherol indicates an adequate biochemical status. The supplemented group showed an increase of α‐tocopherol in the colostrum 24 h after supplementation (P = 0.04), and this finding was not observed in the control group.

Conclusions: Supplementation with a 200 000 IU megadose of vitamin A did not negatively affect α‐tocopherol levels in colostrum.
Research charting a course for evidence‐based clinical dietetic practice in diabetes
Authors: Delahanty L. M.
Published: April 2010

Nutrition and lifestyle interventions have been a critical component in three of the four largest clinical trials that focused on diabetes in the past two decades. Evidence of the effectiveness of nutrition and lifestyle interventions with resepect to achieving diabetes‐related outcomes for diabetes prevention and a reduction in diabetes complications for people with diabetes is clearly mounting. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (1983–1993), the Diabetes Prevention Program (1996–2001) and the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) Trial (2001–2012) have been providing key evidence for the dietitian’s role in delivering effective nutrition and lifestyle interventions for people with prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The dietitians in these multicentre efficacy trials contributed to this evidence base by expanding their roles beyond implementing the protocol defined goal‐based nutrition and lifestyle interventions to conducting ancillary research and using problem‐solving strategies that tailor counselling approaches toward participants’ barriers to goal achievement. As lifestyle coaches and case managers, dietitians had the opportunity to work with the same group of study participants over extended periods of time and use their clinical and research expertise to uncover important insights and strategies that helped achieve clinical goals related to glycaemia control, weight loss and activity. The present review will ‘chart the course’ of how the evidence base for nutrition and lifestyle interventions emanated from these trials and discuss the implications for clinical dietetic practice. Dietitians can use insights gleaned from these experiences with the research process to expand their roles and guide cutting edge evidence‐based clinical dietetic practice in diabetes.
Estimation of inhibitory quotient using a comparative equilibrium dialysis assay for prediction of viral response to hepatitis C virus inhibitors
Authors: Mo H. , Yang C. , Wang K. , Wang Y. , Huang M. , Murray B. , Qi X. , Sun S.‐C. , Deshpande M. , Rhodes G. , Miller M. D.
Published: April 2010

Summary.  The relationship of inhibitory quotient (IQ) with the virologic response to specific inhibitors of human hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the best method to correct for serum protein binding in calculating IQ have not been addressed. A common method is to determine a fold shift by comparing the EC50 values determined in cell culture in the absence and presence of human serum (fold shift in EC50), but this method has a number of disadvantages. In the present study, the fold shifts in drug concentrations between 100% human plasma (HP) and cell culture medium (CCM) were directly measured using a modified comparative equilibrium dialysis (CED) assay for three HCV protease inhibitors (PIs) and for a novel HCV inhibitor GS‐9132. The fold shift values in drug concentration between the HP and CCM (CED ratio) were ∼1 for SCH‐503034, VX‐950 and GS‐9132 and 13 for BILN‐2061. These values were ∼3–10‐fold lower than the fold shift values calculated from the EC50 assay for all inhibitors except BILN‐2061. Using the CED values, a consistent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationship was observed for the four HCV inhibitors analysed. Specifically, an approximate 1 log10 reduction in HCV RNA was achieved with an IQ close to 1, while 2–3 and greater log10 reductions in HCV RNA were achieved with IQ values of 3–5 and greater, respectively. Thus, use of CED to define IQ provides a predictive and quantitative approach for the assessment of the in vivo potency of HCV PIs and GS‐9132. This method provides a framework for the evaluation of other classes of drugs that are bound by serum proteins but require the presence of serum for in vitro evaluation.
Genome‐wide analysis of the H‐NS and Sfh regulatory networks in Salmonella Typhimurium identifies a plasmid‐encoded transcription silencing mechanism
Authors: Dillon Shane C. , Cameron Andrew D. S. , Hokamp Karsten , Lucchini Sacha , Hinton Jay C. D. , Dorman Charles J.
Published: April 2010

The conjugative IncHI1 plasmid pSfR27 from Shigella flexneri 2a strain 2457T encodes the Sfh protein, a paralogue of the global transcriptional repressor H‐NS. Sfh allows pSfR27 to be transmitted to new bacterial hosts with minimal impact on host fitness, providing a ‘stealth’ function whose molecular mechanism has yet to be determined. The impact of the Sfh protein on the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium transcriptome was assessed and binding sites for Sfh in the Salmonella Typhimurium genome were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Sfh did not bind uniquely to any sites. Instead, it bound to a subset of the larger H‐NS regulatory network. Analysis of Sfh binding in the absence of H‐NS revealed a greatly expanded population of Sfh binding sites that included the majority of H‐NS target genes. Furthermore, the presence of plasmid pSfR27 caused a decrease in H‐NS interactions with the S. Typhimurium chromosome, suggesting that the A + T‐rich DNA of this large plasmid acts to titrate H‐NS, removing it from chromosomal locations. It is proposed that Sfh acts as a molecular backup for H‐NS and that it provides its ‘stealth’ function by replacing H‐NS on the chromosome, thus minimizing disturbances to the H‐NS‐DNA binding pattern in cells that acquire pSfR27.
Differences in Rubisco content and its synthesis in leaves at different positions in Eucalyptus globulus seedlings
Authors: SUZUKI YUJI , KIHARA‐DOI TOMONORI , KAWAZU TETSU , MIYAKE CHIKAHIRO , MAKINO AMANE
Published: April 2010

The dynamics of ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) content and turnover during leaf development are not well understood in woody plants. Rubisco synthesis, N influx and the mRNA levels of Rubisco‐encoding genes were determined as a function of leaf position in 4.5‐month‐old Eucalyptus globulus seedlings. Rubisco concentration was slightly higher in the top leaves as leaf expansion progressed and was almost maximal in the uppermost fully expanded leaves. Rubisco concentration remained almost constant in the fully expanded leaves at the top and middle positions and then became slightly low at the lowest positions. Rubisco synthesis was active only in the top leaves. These results suggest that Rubisco turnover rate is low in the middle leaves, leading to the maintenance of Rubisco contents, and that Rubisco degradation primarily occurs in the lowest leaves. Changes in the RBCS and rbcL mRNA levels were roughly parallel with Rubisco synthesis, but N influx was more closely correlated with Rubisco synthesis. These results suggest that N influx rather than the transcript abundance of Rubisco‐encoding genes is of primary importance in regulating the rate of Rubisco synthesis. Additionally, expression of RBCS multigene family in E. globulus leaves was discussed.
Identification of a nitrate‐responsive cis‐element in the Arabidopsis NIR1 promoter defines the presence of multiple cis‐regulatory elements for nitrogen response
Authors: Konishi Mineko , Yanagisawa Shuichi
Published: April 2010

Nitrate is a major nitrogen source for land plants and also acts as a signaling molecule that induces changes in growth and gene expression. To identify the cis‐acting DNA element involved in nitrate‐responsive gene expression, we analyzed the promoter of the Arabidopsis gene encoding nitrite reductase (NIR1). A region from positions −188 to −1, relative to the translation start site, was found to contain at least one cis‐element necessary for the nitrate‐dependent activation of the promoter, in which the activity of nitrate transporter NRT2.1 and/or NRT2.2 plays a critical role. To define this nitrate‐responsive cis‐element (NRE), we compared the sequences of several nitrite reductase gene promoters from various higher plants and identified a conserved sequence motif as the putative NRE. A synthetic promoter in which the four copies of a 43‐bp sequence containing the motif were fused to the 35S minimal promoter was found to direct nitrate‐responsive transcription. Furthermore, mutations within this conserved motif in the native NIR1 promoter markedly reduced the nitrate‐responsive activity of the promoter, indicating that the 43‐bp sequence is an NRE that is both necessary and sufficient for nitrate‐responsive transcription. We also show that both the native NIR1 promoter and the synthetic promoter display a similar level of sensitivity to nitrate, but respond differentially to exogenously supplied glutamine, indicating independent modulation of NIR1 expression by NRE‐mediated nitrate induction and feedback repression mediated by other cis‐element(s). These findings thus define the presence of multiple cis‐elements involved in the nitrogen response in Arabidopsis.
Regulation of epithelial cell proliferation by bronchial fibroblasts obtained from mild asthmatic subjects
Authors: Semlali A. , Jacques E. , Rouabhia M. , Milot J. , Laviolette M. , Chakir J.
Published: April 2010

To cite this article: Semlali A, Jacques E, Rouabhia M, Milot J, Laviolette M, Chakir J. Regulation of epithelial cell proliferation by bronchial fibroblasts obtained from mild asthmatic subjects. Allergy 2010; 65: 1438–1445.

Background:  Bronchial epithelium is considered a key player in coordinating airway wall remodelling. The function of epithelial cells can be modulated by the underlying fibroblasts through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms.

Objective:  To investigate the effect of phenotypic changes in bronchial fibroblasts from asthmatic subjects on epithelial cell proliferation.

Methods:  Epithelial cells and fibroblasts derived from bronchial biopsies of asthmatic and healthy controls were cultured in an engineered model. Proliferation was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium‐bromid (MTT). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 were measured by western blots. Total and active forms of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 were measured using ELISA and bioassay. TGF‐β was inhibited using a recombinant TGF‐β soluble receptor II protein.

Results:  Proliferation of epithelial cells from asthmatics (AE) is increased when cells were cultured with fibroblasts from normal controls (NF). Fibroblasts from asthmatics (AF) significantly decreased the proliferation of epithelial cells from healthy subjects (NE). Activation of p21, p27, EGFR and TGF‐β1 reflects the proliferation data by decreasing in AE cultured with NF and increasing in NE cultured with AF. Neutralization of TGF‐β increased proliferation of epithelial cells cultured in the asthmatic model.

Conclusion:  Fibroblasts from asthmatic subjects regulate epithelial cell prolifearation, and TGF‐β signalling may represent one of the pathway involved in these interactions.
Predictive factors for the persistence of cow’s milk allergy
Authors: Santos Alexandra , Dias Andrea , Pinheiro José António
Published: April 2010

Santos A, Dias A, Pinheiro JA. Predictive factors for the persistence of cow’s milk allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 1127–1134. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is usually transient, but recent studies have shown a later acquisition of tolerance to CM. Our aims were to characterize a population of Portuguese children with CMA and to identify predictive factors for the persistence of this food allergy. Children with CMA observed in our Paediatric Allergy Clinic between 1997 and 2006 were selected. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. The group of children who tolerated CM before the age of 2 was compared with the group of children who tolerated CM beyond that age or persisted with CMA until the end of the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictive factors for the persistence of CMA beyond the age of 2. In the subgroup of children with IgE‐mediated CMA, the acquisition of tolerance was analysed using Cox regression. In this population of 139 children, the majority presented more than one symptom (73%) affecting more than one organ (51%), with cutaneous (81%), gastrointestinal (55%), respiratory (16%) manifestations and/or anaphylaxis (3%). Thirty‐two per cent developed asthma, 20% atopic eczema, 20% rhinoconjunctivitis and 19% other food allergies over time. The acquisition of tolerance was different in the whole population versus the subgroup with IgE‐mediated CMA: 34%versus 0% at the age of 2, 55%versus 22% at the age of 5 and 68%versus 43% at the age of 10. Immediate allergic symptoms, asthma and other food allergies were independent factors for the persistence of CMA beyond the age of 2. Higher maximum weal diameter on skin prick test to CM and higher maximum level of specific IgE to CM were associated with reduced likelihood of acquiring tolerance in the subgroup of children with IgE‐mediated CMA. In conclusion, children with IgE‐mediated CMA acquire tolerance to CM at older age. Clinical parameters and allergy tests may be helpful in defining prognosis. CM‐allergic children tend to develop other atopic conditions and need specialized follow‐up in the long term.
Solanum tarijense reaction to Phytophthora infestans and the role of plant defence molecules
Authors: Korgan S. , Wolski E. A. , Cicore P. , Suarez P. , Capezio S. , Huarte M. A. , Andreu A. B.
Published: April 2010

With 3 figures and 2 tables

Late blight is the main disease of potatoes around the world. Because of the difficulties in applying effective control methods, the introduction of resistant cultivars represents a safe strategy. The potato species Solanum tarijense represents an attractive resistance source as its adaptation to long days is promissory, producing tubers of good size and aspect. Deposition of structural compounds like lignin and callose were described as a non‐specific resistance mechanism. In this work, we measured polyphenoloxidases (PPO) and peroxidases (POX) activities and the accumulation of phenols, lignin and callose and their correlation with the resistance levels of S. tarijense. Clones Oka 6320.9 and Oka 5632.11 showed low infection rates and these were correlated with a higher accumulation of phenols, lignin and callose and a strong induction of PPO and POX activities. However, in highly infected clones, a lower or no accumulation of these compounds was observed. These results demonstrate a correlation between the amount of defence molecules and the resistance levels according to the detached‐leaf assay. However, more field experiments are required to validate these results.
Managing forests, livestock, and crops under global warming: a micro‐econometric analysis of land use changes in Africa*
Authors: Seo S. Niggol
Published: April 2010

This paper examines potential land use changes in Africa under climate change by building an integrated model of crop management, animal husbandry, and forestry. Using micro‐level decisions from around 9000 household surveys in 11 countries, we analyze the choice of land types across the landscape with a multinomial discrete choice model. The choices and future adaptation measures are analyzed as a mosaic based on the typology of Agro‐Ecological Zones. The results indicate that if climate becomes hotter and drier, Africa will adapt by increasing a joint production of crops and animals, especially in the lowland savannahs. On the other hand, if climate becomes wetter, it will switch more to forests, either with crops or with both crops and livestock, especially in the mid and high elevation humid zones. Forestry will play a significant role in adaptation when a substantial increase in precipitation makes animal husbandry an unattractive alternative.
The logic of collective action and Australia’s climate policy*
Authors: Pezzey John C.V. , Mazouz Salim , Jotzo Frank
Published: April 2010

We analyse the long‐term efficiency of the emissions target and of the provisions to reduce carbon leakage in the Australian Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, as proposed in March 2009, and the nature and likely cause of changes to these features in the previous year. The target range of 5–15 per cent cuts in national emission entitlements during 2000–2020 was weak, in that on balance it is too low to minimise Australia’s long‐term mitigation costs. The free allocation of output‐linked, tradable emissions permits to emissions‐intensive, trade‐exposed (EITE) sectors was much higher than proposed earlier, or shown to be needed to deal with carbon leakage. It plausibly means that EITE emissions can rise by 13 per cent during 2010–2020, while non‐EITE sectors must cut emissions by 34–51 per cent (or make equivalent permit imports) to meet the national targets proposed, far from a cost‐effective outcome. The weak targets and excessive EITE assistance illustrate the efficiency‐damaging power of collective action by the ‘carbon lobby’. Resisting this requires new national or international institutions to assess lobby claims impartially, and more government publicity about the true economic importance of carbon‐intensive sectors.
It's Politics, Stupid: The 2002–2004 UK Firefighters' Dispute
Authors: Seifert Roger , Sibley Tom
Published: April 2010

This is an account of the 2002–2004 firefighters' dispute in the UK based on interviews with key figures, attendance at meetings and scrutiny of contemporary sources. Our emphasis is on the political nature of the dispute with the case made that senior members of the Labour government sought to ‘politicize’ the industrial action in order to undermine the credibility of the union leadership, win over public opinion and set down a marker for public sector unions. In particular the government aggressively pursued centralization; that is, national leaders took over the running of the dispute from the local authority employers in order to maintain central government control over the process of ‘modernization’. Moreover, their various interventions confirm the Hay thesis that the Labour Party leadership now openly and uniformly seeks to defeat union industrial action.
Collective Voice under Decentralized Bargaining: A Comparative Study of Work Reorganization in US and German Call Centres
Authors: Doellgast Virginia
Published: April 2010

This article compares the process of and outcomes from work reorganization in US and German call centres, based on four matched case studies in the telecommunications industry. Both German cases adopted high‐involvement employment systems with broad skills and worker discretion, while the US cases relied on a narrow division of labour, tight discipline and individual incentives. These outcomes are explained by differences in institutional supports for collective voice. Works councils in the German companies used their stronger participation rights to limit monitoring and encourage upskilling at a time when US managers were rationalizing similar jobs. Findings demonstrate that industrial relations institutions can have a substantial influence on employment systems in work settings characterized by decentralized bargaining and strong cost pressures.
Age‐related changes in motor unit number estimates in adult patients with Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A
Authors: Van Dijk J. P. , Verhamme C. , Van Schaik I. N. , Schelhaas H. J. , Mans E. , Bour L. J. , Stegeman D. F. , Zwarts M. J.
Published: April 2010

Background:  Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is known as a demyelinating hereditary neuropathy. Secondary axonal dysfunction is the most important determinant of disease severity. In adult patients, clinical progression may be because of further axonal deterioration as was shown with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude reductions over time. The motor unit number estimation (MUNE) technique may be more accurate to determine the number of axons as it is not disturbed by the effect of reinnervation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the number and size of motor units in relation to age in patients and controls.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional design, we assessed arm and hand strength and performed electrophysiological examinations, including CMAP amplitudes and MUNE of the thenar muscles using high‐density surface EMG in 69 adult patients with CMT1A and 55 age‐matched healthy controls.

Results:  In patients, lower CMAP amplitudes and MUNE values were related to hand weakness. The CMAP amplitude and MUNE value of the thenar muscles were significantly lower in patients than in controls. CMAP amplitudes declined with age in controls, but not in patients. MUNE values declined with age in both patients and controls.

Conclusions:  The age‐dependent decrease in the number of motor units was not significantly different between patients with CMT1A and controls, indicating that loss of motor units in adult patients is limited.
Intervertebral disc, sensory nerves and neurotrophins: who is who in discogenic pain?
Authors: García‐Cosamalón José , Del Valle Miguel E. , Calavia Marta G. , García‐Suárez Olivia , López‐Muñiz Alfonso , Otero Jesús , Vega José A.
Published: April 2010

The normal intervertebral disc (IVD) is a poorly innervated organ supplied only by sensory (mainly nociceptive) and postganglionic sympathetic (vasomotor efferents) nerve fibers. Interestingly, upon degeneration, the IVD becomes densely innervated even in regions that in normal conditions lack innervation. This increased innervation has been associated with pain of IVD origin. The mechanisms responsible for nerve growth and hyperinnervation of pathological IVDs have not been fully elucidated. Among the molecules that are presumably involved in this process are some members of the family of neurotrophins (NTs), which are known to have both neurotrophic and neurotropic properties and regulate the density and distribution of nerve fibers in peripheral tissues. NTs and their receptors are expressed in healthy IVDs but much higher levels have been observed in pathological IVDs, thus suggesting a correlation between levels of expression of NTs and density of innervation in IVDs. In addition, NTs also play a role in inflammatory responses and pain transmission by increasing the expression of pain‐related peptides and modulating synapses of nociceptive neurons at the spinal cord. This article reviews current knowledge about the innervation of IVDs, NTs and NT receptors, expression of NTs and their receptors in IVDs as well as in the sensory neurons innervating the IVDs, the proinflammatory role of NTs, NTs as nociception regulators, and the potential network of discogenic pain involving NTs.
Characterization of eight different tetracyclines: advances in fluorescence bone labeling
Authors: Pautke Christoph , Vogt Stephan , Kreutzer Kilian , Haczek Cornelia , Wexel Gabriele , Kolk Andreas , Imhoff Andreas B. , Zitzelsberger Horst , Milz Stefan , Tischer Thomas
Published: April 2010

Polychrome sequential labeling with fluorochromes is a standard technique for the investigation of bone formation and regeneration processes in vivo. However, for human application, only tetracycline and its derivates are approved as fluorochromes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the fluorescence characteristics of the different tetracycline derivates to assess the feasibility of sequential in vivo bone labeling using distinguishable fluorochromes. Eight different tetracycline derivates were injected subcutaneously into growing rats as a single dose or sequentially in different combinations. After preparation of resin‐embedded undecalcified bone sections, the fluorescence properties of the tetracycline derivates in bone were analyzed using conventional fluorescence microscopy, spectral image analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Each tetracycline derivate exhibited a characteristic fluorescence spectrum, but the differences between them were small. Chlortetracycline could be discriminated reliably from all other derivates and could therefore be combined with any other tetracycline derivate for reliably distinguishable double labeling. Tetracycline itself exhibited the brightest fluorescence of all the investigated derivates. Interestingly, in conventional microscopy the same tetracycline derivative can appear in different colours to the human eye, even if spectral analysis confirmed identical emission peaks. In conclusion, the data suggest that fluorescence double labeling of bone is feasible using appropriate tetracycline derivates in combination with spectral imaging modalities.
A comparative study of gland cells implicated in the nerve dependence of salamander limb regeneration
Authors: Kumar Anoop , Nevill Graham , Brockes Jeremy P. , Forge Andrew
Published: April 2010

Limb regeneration in salamanders proceeds by formation of the blastema, a mound of proliferating mesenchymal cells surrounded by a wound epithelium. Regeneration by the blastema depends on the presence of regenerating nerves and in earlier work it was shown that axons upregulate the expression of newt anterior gradient (nAG) protein first in Schwann cells of the nerve sheath and second in dermal glands underlying the wound epidermis. The expression of nAG protein after plasmid electroporation was shown to rescue a denervated newt blastema and allow regeneration to the digit stage. We have examined the dermal glands by scanning and transmission electron microscopy combined with immunogold labelling of the nAG protein. It is expressed in secretory granules of ductless glands, which apparently discharge by a holocrine mechanism. No external ducts were observed in the wound epithelium of the newt and axolotl. The larval skin of the axolotl has dermal glands but these are absent under the wound epithelium. The nerve sheath was stained post‐amputation in innervated but not denervated blastemas with an antibody to axolotl anterior gradient protein. This antibody reacted with axolotl Leydig cells in the wound epithelium and normal epidermis. Staining was markedly decreased in the wound epithelium after denervation but not in the epidermis. Therefore, in both newt and axolotl the regenerating axons induce nAG protein in the nerve sheath and subsequently the protein is expressed by gland cells, under (newt) or within (axolotl) the wound epithelium, which discharge by a holocrine mechanism. These findings serve to unify the nerve dependence of limb regeneration.
Management of Velopharyngeal Disorders. A Case Series
Authors: GN Anandakrishna , Gali Sivaranjani
Published: April 2010

Patients with acquired defects or congenital malformations of the palate exhibit disturbances in speech, including hypernasality, nasal emission, and decreased intelligibility of speech. Maxillofacial prosthetic treatment can reestablish the palatopharyngeal integrity to provide the potential for acceptable speech. This article describes a case series of patients with palatopharyngeal disorders and their treatment approaches.
Evaluating Racial Disparities in Hurricane Katrina Relief Using Direct Trailer Counts in New Orleans and FEMA Records
Authors: Craemer Thomas
Published: April 2010

Are charges of racial disparities in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s relief efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina accurate? Limited publicly available data on trailer distribution in New Orleans are compared to an on‐site trailer count and to a complete trailer count from aerial photographs of New Orleans. The Lower Ninth Ward in Orleans Parish (98 percent Black prior to Hurricane Katrina) had significantly fewer trailers than neighboring Arabi in St. Bernard Parish (95 percent White prior to Hurricane Katrina). To control for administrative differences between parishes and socioeconomic factors, two affluent neighborhoods within Orleans Parish, Pontchartrain Park (97 percent Black prior to Hurricane Katrina) and Lakeview (94 percent White prior to Hurricane Katrina), are compared. The conclusion: racial discrepancies remain large and substantial. A number of hypotheses are developed and the implications discussed.