bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRANSFORM ANALYSIS FOR POINT PROCESSES AND APPLICATIONS IN CREDIT RISK
Authors: Giesecke Kay , Zhu Shilin
Published: February 2012

This paper develops a formula for a transform of a vector point process with totally inaccessible arrivals. The transform is expressed in terms of a Laplace transform under an equivalent probability measure of the point process compensator. The Laplace transform of the compensator can be calculated explicitly for a wide range of model specifications, because it is analogous to the value of a simple security. The transform formula extends the computational tractability offered by extant security pricing models to a point process and its applications, which include valuation and risk management problems arising in single‐name and portfolio credit risk.
HYSTERESIS IN THE KALECKIAN GROWTH MODEL: A BAYESIAN ANALYSIS FOR THE US MANUFACTURING SECTOR FROM 1984 TO 2007
Authors: Schoder Christian
Published: February 2012

Responding to the Classical criticism of the baseline Kaleckian growth model which is not fully adjusted in the long run, post‐Kaleckians have proposed model variants that imply the economy to converge to a steady state in which the realized and the normal utilization rates as well as the realized and the expected secular rate of sales growth are congruent. Convergence is caused by endogenous adjustments of the conventional rates to their respective realized rates which is theoretically justified by hysteresis effects. Using a dynamic linear specification of the Kaleckian investment function in state‐space form and by the aid of the Kalman filter, this paper studies the endogeneity of the normal utilization rate and the expected secular rate of sales growth empirically for the US manufacturing sector and its sub‐sectors. We find evidence for an endogenous adjustment of both variables.
Smoking for taxes: the triumph of fiscal policy over health in postwar West Germany, 1945–551
Authors: Elliot Rosemary
Published: February 2012

In the postwar period, the West German tobacco industry faced several challenges, not least competition from smuggled Virginia cigarettes. This reflected the Americanization of smoking tastes and threatened domestic tax revenue. The popular preference for ‘American blend’ cigarettes also hindered trade with Greece and Turkey, suppliers of Oriental tobacco to German manufacturers. The proposed solution was tax cuts to stimulate demand for domestically produced cigarettes. These proposals antagonized welfare groups, who saw tax cuts as a threat to the health of the population. The ensuing debates and settlement shed new light on the liberal smoking policies of postwar West Germany.
A Tale of Two Courts: The Judicialization of Electoral Politics in Asia
Authors: DRESSEL BJÖRN , MIETZNER MARCUS
Published: February 2012

This article examines the judicialization of electoral politics in Asia, an important but understudied trend, as demonstrated in Thailand and Indonesia. Though the constitutional courts in both have similar histories and institutional arrangements, their electoral interventions vary radically. We argue that the diffusion or concentration of power among post‐transition elites determines whether the effect of judicial activism will be to shore up or undermine electoral governance. Where power is diffused, as in Indonesia, political actors, less able to impose their own will on the judiciary, seem to prefer a credible referee, which fosters electoral competition. Where power is concentrated, as in Thailand, elites have both the motive and the means to turn judicial activism to antidemocratic ends. By focusing on the ends, rather than the means, of judicial activism, this account goes beyond personalities and institutional design to enhance understanding of the role of the courts in transitional democracies.
Tolerant, If Personal Goals Remain Unharmed: Explaining Supranational Bureaucrats' Attitudes to Organizational Change
Authors: BAUER MICHAEL W.
Published: February 2012

Growth in membership and intensifying responsibilities require much greater adaptability in organizational structures and administrative arrangements at international than at national levels. The ongoing transformation toward multilevel governance seems to empower international organizations and thus shines a new spotlight on international civil servants. We know little, however, about what motivates this growing class of bureaucratic elite. Against this background, this article explores the question as to how officials of the European Commission relate to the recent management modernization within their institution (Kinnock reform). Competing explanatory approaches (opportunity, socialization, and governance views) are used to develop hypotheses about the relationship between Commission officials and their acceptance of or opposition to administrative reform. The main finding is that the individual attitudes of Commission officials toward administrative change can best be explained by the opportunity model, which emphasizes the rational calculation of individual costs and benefits.
Evaluating indices of conservation success: a comparative analysis of outcome‐ and output‐based indices
Authors: Howe C. , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: March 2012

Read the Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Getting what you pay for: the challenge of measuring success in conservation; How can we sell evaluating, analyzing and synthesizing to young scientists?

Response from the authors: The view from the office is not all bad: conservation evaluation as a ‘sexy’ research goal
Influence of space use on fitness and the reintroduction success of the Laysan teal
Authors: Reynolds M. H. , Hatfield J. S. , Laniawe L. P. , Vekasy M. S. , Klavitter J. L. , Berkowitz P. , Crampton L. H. , Walters J. R.
Published: March 2012

Translocation is an important tool for wildlife conservation and biodiversity restoration, but an inefficient one because of the unpredictability of success. Predictors of success such as habitat quality of the release site and number of individuals released have been identified, but the dynamics of successful translocations remain poorly understood. In particular, little is known about the relationship of individual post‐release movements to population establishment. In 2004, Laysan teal Anas laysanensis were reintroduced by translocating 20 wild birds from Laysan Island to Midway Atoll. Twenty‐two additional wild founders were brought the next year. We monitored the survival, reproductive success and movements of the 42 translocated individuals and their offspring for 4 years. Additionally, we monitored population size from 2004 to 2010. Unlike most translocations, we did not observe elevated post‐release mortality despite flight‐feather trimming to prevent immediate dispersal off‐island: first year survival was > 90% and survival rates until 2009 were 0.65 ± 0.08 for founding adults. Laysan teal flew between the two main islands of Midway Atoll, and offspring had significantly larger maximum movement distances than founders. We monitored 84 nests and observed a significant, negative relationship of home range size to productivity for founding females. Flightless founders did not show fidelity to their release sites, but had strong fidelity to annual home ranges after attaining flight. Although we observed a component Allee effect on mate‐finding, this did not translate into a demographic Allee effect, and generally, the high fitness of founders contributed substantially to successful population establishment. Laysan teal abundance increased linearly until 2009, but showed evidence of population regulation afterwards. The population estimate was 473 (95% confidence interval 439–508) in 2010. On the much larger main Hawaiian Islands, we expect greater post‐release movement, a stronger component Allee effect, lower survival and lower reproductive rates because of predation to preclude successful reintroductions of this species to sites without predator management.
Monitoring sea ice habitat fragmentation for polar bear conservation
Authors: Sahanatien V. , Derocher A. E.
Published: March 2012

Polar bears are a sea ice‐dependent carnivore, sensitive to sea ice habitat loss. Climate change has negatively affected sea ice habitat through much of this species' range. We applied landscape fragmentation analysis to quantify polar bear sea ice habitat loss and fragmentation trends (1979–2008) in Foxe Basin, Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay, Canada. Microwave satellite derived monthly mean sea ice concentration maps were classified into four habitat quality categories, and the trends in fragmentation metrics were analyzed. In all regions where preferred habitat declined, sea ice season length decreased and habitat fragmentation increased. The observed trends may affect polar bear movement patterns, energetics and ultimately population trends. Monitoring of sea ice habitat condition in combination with harvest data can provide a dynamic approach to population management and conservation.
A meta‐analytical review of the effects of elevated CO2 on plant–arthropod interactions highlights the importance of interacting environmental and biological variables
Authors: Robinson Emily A. , Ryan Geraldine D. , Newman Jonathan A.
Published: March 2012

We conducted the most extensive meta‐analysis of plant and animal responses to elevated CO2 to date. We analysed > 5000 data points extracted from 270 papers published between 1979 and 2009. We examined the changes in 19 animal response variables to the main effect of elevated CO2. We found strong evidence for significant variation among arthropod orders and feeding guilds, including interactions in the direction of response. We also examined the main effects of elevated CO2 on: six plant growth and allocation responses, seven primary metabolite responses, eight secondary metabolite responses, and four physical defence responses. We examined these response variable changes under two‐way and three‐way interactions between CO2 and: soil nitrogen, ambient temperature, drought, light availability, photosynthetic pathway, reproductive system, plant growth rate, plant growth form, tissue type, and nitrogen fixation. In general we found smaller effect sizes for many response variables than have been previously reported. We also found that many of the oft‐reported main effects of CO2 obscure the presence of significant two‐ and three‐way interactions, which may help better explain the relationships between the response variables and elevated CO2.

Contents

Summary
321

I.
Introduction
322

II.
Methods
323

III.
Herbivore responses to elevated CO2
328

IV.
Plant responses
329

V.
Searching for general responses to elevated CO2
332

VI.
Limitations and future studies
334

Acknowledgements
335

References
335
Subunit composition of α5‐containing nicotinic receptors in the rodent habenula
Authors: Scholze Petra , Koth Gabriele , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Huck Sigismund
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 551–560.

Gene association studies in humans have linked the α5 subunit gene CHRNA5 to an increased risk for nicotine dependence. In the CNS, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that contain the α5 subunit are expressed at relatively high levels in the habenulo‐interpeduncular system. Recent experimental evidence furthermore suggests that α5‐containing receptors in the habenula play a key role in controlling the intake of nicotine in rodents. We have now analysed the subunit composition of hetero‐oligomeric nAChRs in the habenula of postnatal day 18 (P18) C57Bl/6J control mice and of mice with deletions of the α5, the β2, or the β4 subunit genes. Receptors consisting of α3β4*1 clearly outnumbered α4β2*‐containing receptors not only in P18 but also in adult mice. We found low levels of α5‐containing receptors in both mice (6%) and rats (2.5% of overall nAChRs). Observations in β2 and β4 null mice indicate that although α5 requires the presence of the β4 subunit for assembling (but not of β2), α5 in wild‐type mice assembles into receptors that also contain the subunits α3, β2, and β4.
Retracted: Phosphorylated CaMKII post‐synaptic binding to NR2B subunits in the anterior cingulate cortex mediates visceral pain in visceral hypersensitive rats
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Xu , Liu Haiyan , Cao Zhijun , Chen Shengliang , Cao Bing , Liu Jin
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 662–671.

The NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is up‐regulated in viscerally hypersensitive (VH) rats induced by colonic anaphylaxis. It plays a critical role in modulation of ACC sensitization and visceral pain responses. Given the key role of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in synaptic plasticity and behavior learning and memory, we hypothesize that phosphorylation of CaMKII binding to NR2B mediates visceral pain in VH states. We performed in vivo electroporation of CaMKII siRNA produced inhibition of colorectal distension‐induced visceromotor response in the VH rats. The NR2B, CaMKII and P‐CaMKII‐Thr286 protein levels were increased in 180%, 220% and 304% fold in the post‐synaptic density (PSD) fraction in VH rats separately. Western blotting following co‐immunoprecipitation showed that P‐CaMKII‐Thr286 bound to NR2B in the PSD, which was increased to 267% of control in VH rats. Administration of CaMKII antagonist Antennapedia‐CaMKIINtide suppressed visceromotor response in VH rats in parallel with decrease of NR2B levels and reduction of the NR2B‐P‐CaMKII‐Thr286 protein complex in PSD. In conclusion, CaMKII is a critical signaling molecule in the ACC glutamatergic synaptic transmission and phosphorylation of CaMKII at Thr286, which binds to NR2B subunit at post‐synaptic site, modulates visceral pain in viscerally hypersensitive state.
Stimulation of GluN receptors decreases the surface density of GluN1/GluN2B subunits in cultured neocortical interneurons
Authors: Nörenberg Wolfgang , Lindemeyer A. Kerstin , Wilmes Thomas , Sobottka Helga , Meyer Dieter K.
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 587–596.

Changes in the density of NMDA (GluN) receptors in the neuronal membrane are critical for plasticity, whereas malfunction of precisely regulated GluN receptor activity may be involved in neurotoxicity. In cultured rat neocortical interneurons, we have studied the regulation of the surface density of GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B subunits. Application of 5 μMol NMDA for 24 h followed by a washout period of 24 h decreased the response of GluN receptors for at least 2 days. The reduction was caused by a decrease in the surface density of GluN1/GluN2B subunits, whereas GluN2A subunits remained unaffected. Our data indicate that long but reversible low level activation of GluN receptors can cause long‐term changes in their subunit composition in cultured interneurons.
GluA and GluN receptors regulate the surface density of GluN receptor subunits in cultured neocortical interneurons
Authors: Meyer Dieter K. , Lindemeyer A. Kerstin , Wilmes Thomas , Sobottka Helga , Nörenberg Wolfgang
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 597–606.

In cultured rat neocortical interneurons, we have studied the effect of long‐term application of NMDA or AMPA on the surface density of the NMDA (GluN) receptor subunits GluN1 and GluN2B. Stimulation of Ca2+‐permeable AMPA (GluA) receptors located on the interneurons decreased the response of GluN receptors. The reduction was caused by a decrease in the surface density of GluN1/GluN2B subunits. In contrast, stimulation of GluN receptors located on the interneurons enhanced the surface density of GluN1/GluN2B subunits. Both effects could be induced by network activation.
Prodigiosin down‐regulates SKP2 to induce p27KIP1 stabilization and antiproliferation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Hsieh Hsin‐Ying , Shieh Jeng‐Jer , Chen Chun‐Jung , Pan Mu‐Yun , Yang Shu‐Yi , Lin Shin‐Chang , Chang Jo‐Shu , Lee Alan Yueh‐Luen , Chang Chia‐Che
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE High levels of SKP2 are a poor prognostic factor in multiple human cancers and mostly correlate with low p27KIP1 levels. Prodigiosin is a bacterial tripyrrole pigment with strong pro‐apoptotic activity. Induction of cell cycle blockade underlies one of its anticancer actions but the mechanisms involved are unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of the SKP2–p27KIP1 axis in prodigiosin's cytostatic effect on human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Prodigiosin's effects on cell cycle progression and long‐term cell proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cells were characterized by flow cytometry and colony formation assay, respectively. Real‐time RT‐PCR and promoter activity analyses were performed for assessing transcriptional control, while cycloheximide chase analysis evaluated protein stability. Immunoblotting was employed for mechanistic study.

KEY RESULTS Prodigiosin increased p27KIP1 expression mainly by stabilizing p27KIP1 through transcriptional repression of SKP2. Importantly, SKP2 overexpression or p27KIP1 depletion restored the colony forming capacity of prodigiosin‐treated cells. Furthermore, prodigiosin induced PKB dephosphorylation, leading to PKB inhibition as revealed by decreased serine 9 phosphorylation of GSK‐3β. Constitutive PKB activation reduced prodigiosin‐induced SKP2 repression. Prodigiosin also down‐regulated E2F1 (mediates PI3K/PKB‐induced SKP2 transcription), but E2F1 overexpression failed to restore SKP2 expression in prodigiosin‐treated cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Transcriptional repression of SKP2 and the consequent accumulation of p27KIP1 are essential for prodigiosin's antiproliferative action. Mechanistically, prodigiosin induces PKB inhibition to down‐regulate SKP2 in a GSK‐3β‐ and E2F1‐independent manner. Our findings further implicate the potential for developing prodigiosin as a novel class of SKP2‐targeting anticancer agent.
Bayesian Lasso for Semiparametric Structural Equation Models
Authors: Guo Ruixin , Zhu Hongtu , Chow Sy‐Miin , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: February 2012

SummaryThere has been great interest in developing nonlinear structural equation models and associated statistical inference procedures, including estimation and model selection methods. In this paper a general semiparametric structural equation model (SSEM) is developed in which the structural equation is composed of nonparametric functions of exogenous latent variables and fixed covariates on a set of latent endogenous variables. A basis representation is used to approximate these nonparametric functions in the structural equation and the Bayesian Lasso method coupled with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used for simultaneous estimation and model selection. The proposed method is illustrated using a simulation study and data from the Affective Dynamics and Individual Differences (ADID) study. Results demonstrate that our method can accurately estimate the unknown parameters and correctly identify the true underlying model.
Benefits, Challenges, and Enabling Conditions of Collective Action to Promote Sustainable Production and Marketing of Products from Africa's Dry Forests
Authors: Paumgarten Fiona , Kassa Habtemariam , Zida Mathurin , Moeliono Moira
Published: March 2012

Collective action has been identified, by governments and nongovernmental organizations, as a mechanism to improve smallholder farmers' bargaining power and access to input and output markets. In many developing countries, supporting collective action has and continues to be an important policy instrument. However, in the collection and marketing of forest products, recognition of and support for producer organizations, is limited. Data, from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and an analysis of formal producer organizations' functioning and organizational aspects, were used to examine the motives, benefits, challenges, and enabling conditions of collective action in promoting the sustainable production and marketing of shea, frankincense, and honey from dry forests in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Zambia, respectively. Lessons and key recommendations, including those related to policy, are presented on how collective action through formal producer organizations could be assisted to promote responsible forest products collection and marketing practices that benefit small‐scale producers in Africa's dry forests.
Changing the Tobacco Use Management System: Blending Systems Thinking with Actor–Network Theory
Authors: Young David , Borland Ron , Coghill Ken
Published: March 2012

Managing “wicked” issues like the tobacco epidemic is addressed using a combination of Open Systems Thinking (OST) and Actor–Network Theory (ANT). OST was used to construct a model of the tobacco problem as a management system acting in a broader environment. This highlighted several problems with the current system but provided no mechanism for reform. ANT, the “sociology of translation,” was used for understanding how change occurs. Unlike systems thinking, ANT focuses the contest for change on heterogeneous networks of human and nonhuman actors that must be constructed through a process of defining and defending models of change, building alliances, gaining public acceptance, and finally achieving institutional acceptance of the reform (or of some compromise). We then show how this dual approach can shed light on a current challenge in controlling tobacco, the issue of product regulation, and the broader issue of harm reduction versus harm elimination.
Preferences, Knowledge, and Citizen Probability Assessments of the Terrorism Risk of Nuclear Power
Authors: Li Quan , Fuhrmann Matthew , Early Bryan R. , Vedlitz Arnold
Published: March 2012

How does the American public assess risk when it comes to national security issues? This paper addresses this question by analyzing variation in citizen probability assessments of the terrorism risk of nuclear power plants. Drawing on the literature on how motivated reasoning, selective information processing, and domain‐specific knowledge influence public opinion, we argue that heterogeneous issue preferences and knowledge of nuclear energy and homeland security have important explanatory power. Using original data from a unique 2009 national survey in the United States, we show that Americans are divided in their probability assessments of the terrorism risk of nuclear power plants. Consistent with our theoretical expectations, individuals who support using nuclear power to meet rising energy demands, who are generally less concerned with terrorism, or who are more knowledgeable about terrorism and nuclear security tend to provide lower assessments of the likelihood that nuclear power plants increase terrorist attacks, and vice versa. The findings have implications for the literature on public opinion, risk assessment, energy policy and planning, and homeland security.
Policy Tool Interactions and the Adoption of State Renewable Portfolio Standards
Authors: Yi Hongtao , Feiock Richard C.
Published: March 2012

We contribute to extant policy theory by focusing on interrelationships between existing policies and innovation. In particular, we call attention to the link between supply‐side incentives and demand‐side innovation, which has not been systematically investigated. Our research expectation is that supply‐side policies generally will complement demand‐side policy, leading to a positive impact on the adoption of demand‐side innovations. We test this idea by examining adoptions of renewable portfolio standards (RPS), a demand‐pull approach targeted to renewable energy generation by utilities, in the American states from 1991 to 2008. Event history models show that an index of supply‐side financial incentives has a strong positive influence on RPS adoption. We do not find support for the hypothesis that this effect is contingent on in‐state carbon‐based energy generation. In conclusion, we argue that the study of policy adoption needs to give greater consideration to the interrelationships among policy instruments.
Introduction: Experience and Inquiétude
Authors: Willen Sarah S. , Seeman Don
Published: February 2012

In recent decades, human experience has become focus or frame for a wide variety of projects in psychological anthropology and beyond. Like “culture,” which it arguably seeks to either qualify or displace, the concept of “experience” has generated its own interpretive literature, competing schools of analysis, and internal resistances. We propose that the anthropology of experience has achieved a degree of recognition and maturity that renders genealogical reflection, stocktaking, and agenda setting both possible and necessary. Although the anthropology of experience, like experience itself, does not (and perhaps should not) lend itself to easy definition as a singular or unified theoretical paradigm, it does involve a fluid constellation of themes shared by what are traditionally regarded as parallel or divergent lines of inquiry: what might be glossed imperfectly as the phenomenological and psychoanalytic schools within sociocultural anthropology. Here we aim neither for naïve synthesis nor a mathematical sum of parts, but for more adequate ways of depicting and making sense of what Dewey calls “the inclusive integrity of ‘experience.’” This will require more concerted attention to the sources of ethnographic inquiétude—the gaps, silences, limits, and opacities—that either preoccupy or remain overlooked within both traditions. [experience, subjectivity, intersubjectivity, phenomenological anthropology, psychoanalytic anthropology, inquiétude]
Commentary: Redescriptions
Authors: Desjarlais Robert
Published: February 2012

In this comment I consider the generative tensions between phenomenological and psychodynamic approaches in anthropology. I propose several reasons for the recent interest in phenomenological perspectives, and suggest several ways that there might be a productive interplay between the two approaches. [phenomenology, psychoanalysis, ethnography, subjectivity, intersubjectivity]
Predictive score for early preterm birth in decisions about emergency cervical cerclage in singleton pregnancies
Authors: FUCHS FLORENT , SENAT MARIE‐VICTOIRE , FERNANDEZ HERVÉ , GERVAISE AMÉLIE , FRYDMAN RENÉ , BOUYER JEAN
Published: February 2012

Objective. To develop a simple score for assessing the risk of early preterm delivery before 32 weeks in women with singleton pregnancies receiving emergency cervical cerclage. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. French tertiary care center from 1994 to 2006. Population. A total of 134 pregnant women underwent emergency cervical cerclage procedure at 15–26 weeks. The analysis concerned 85 singleton pregnancies after exclusion of women with a dilated cervix without visible membranes, or presenting for revision of failed prophylactic cerclage, or who had either preterm premature rupture of membranes or clinical signs of chorioamnionitis. Methods. Multivariate logistic regression methods with rounded coefficients were used to develop a score to predict early preterm delivery before 32 weeks. Main outcome measures. Early preterm delivery before 32 weeks. Results. The score, ranging from 0 to 15 points, was based on the following four criteria independently associated with early preterm delivery: obstetric history; cervical dilatation; membranes bulging into the vagina; and infection. Each score value was associated with a predicted probability of early preterm birth. Conclusions. The score and its associated early preterm probabilities may be a valuable tool to help physicians in advising women about the need for emergency cerclage.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes, the JP2 clone and cytolethal distending toxin genes in a Thai population
Authors: Bandhaya Panwadee , Saraithong Prakaimuk , Likittanasombat Khanchit , Hengprasith Bunlue , Torrungruang Kitti
Published: March 2012

Aim

To examine the genetic diversity of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Thai adults.

Materials and Methods

Subgingival plaque samples from 453 subjects were analysed for A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes, the presence of the high leukotoxin‐producing JP2 clone and cytolethal distending toxin genes (cdtABC) using the polymerase chain reaction technique. In subjects who were positive for cdtABC, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to identify a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the cdtB gene at amino acid position 281. The extent and severity of periodontal disease were compared between subjects harbouring different A. actinomycetemcomitans genotypes.

Results

Eighty six subjects (19%) were positive for A. actinomycetemcomitans. The JP2 clone was not detected. Serotype c was the most prevalent (57%), followed by serotypes a (33%) and b (7%). Among A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive subjects, 27% were positive for cdtABC. All cdtABC‐positive subjects possessed the SNP in the cdtB, which is involved with increased toxin activity. The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, but not a specific genotype, was significantly related to increased probing depth and periodontal attachment loss.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the previous findings that genotype distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans varies between ethnic groups. However, no clear relationship between a specific genotype and periodontal conditions was observed.
Quercetin enhancement of arsenic‐induced apoptosis via stimulating ROS‐dependent p53 protein ubiquitination in human HaCaT keratinocytes
Authors: Shen Shing‐Chuan , Lee Woan‐Rouh , Yang Liang‐Yo , Tsai Hsiou‐Hsin , Yang Ling‐Ling , Chen Yen‐Chou
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  In this study, QUE, but not the structurally related chemical, rutin, enhanced the cytotoxicity of arsenic trioxide (As+3) against the viability of normal human HaCaT keratinocytes via induction of apoptosis. QUE enhancement of As+3‐mediated apoptosis was accompanied by increased intracellular peroxide production according to a DCFH‐DA analysis, and DNA ladders induced by QUE/As+3 were inhibited by adding the antioxidative compound, N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC). A loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential by QUE/As+3 was observed according to DiOC6 staining in concert with increased Bax protein and cytosolic cytochrome (Cyt) c protein expression in HaCaT cells, which was prevented by the addition of NAC. A decrease in the p53 protein with increased protein ubiquitination was detected in QUE/As+3‐treated HaCaT cells, and this was prevented by the addition of NAC. The decrease in the p53 protein by QUE/As+3 was reversed by adding the proteasome inhibitor, MG132. L‐Buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) enhanced the cytotoxicity of As+3 against the viability of HaCaT cells with reduced p53 protein through inducing protein ubiquitination and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potential in HaCaT cells. Additionally, QUE and BSO enhanced the cytotoxic effects of monomethylarsonous acid (MMA+3) but not other arsenic compounds in accordance with increased p53 protein ubiquitination in HaCaT cells. QUE plus As+3 stimulation of apoptosis in human HaCaT keratinocytes via activating ROS‐dependent p53 protein ubiquitination may offer a rationale for the use of QUE to improve the clinical efficacy of arsenics in treating psoriasis.
Melatonin attenuates hypochlorous acid‐mediated heme destruction, free iron release, and protein aggregation in hemoglobin
Authors: Maitra Dhiman , Abdulhamid Ibrahim , Diamond Michael P. , Saed Ghassan M. , Abu‐Soud Husam M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  In inflammatory diseases, where hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is elevated, iron homeostasis is disturbed, resulting in accumulation of free iron. Free iron is toxic by virtue of its ability to generate free radicals through the Fenton reaction. HOCl is generated by myeloperoxidase, (MPO) using chloride and hydrogen peroxide as substrates. Recent studies demonstrate that HOCl binds to the heme moiety of hemoglobin (Hb), which generates a transient ferric species whose formation and decay kinetics indicate it participates in protein aggregation, heme destruction, and free iron release. Here, we show that melatonin prevents HOCl‐mediated Hb heme destruction and protein aggregation, using a combination of UV‐vis spectrophotometry, ferrozine colorimetric assay, and in‐gel heme staining. We also show that melatonin treatment prevents HOCl‐mediated loss of red blood cell (RBC) viability, indicating biologic relevance of this finding. The mechanism by which melatonin prevents HOCl‐mediated Hb heme destruction is by direct scavenging of HOCl and/or through the destabilization of the higher Hb oxidative states intermediates, ferryl porphyrin radical cation Hb‐Fe(IV)=O+π• and Hb‐Fe(IV)=O, which are formed through the reaction of HOCl with Hb. Our work establishes a direct mechanistic link between melatonin and its protective effect in chronic inflammatory diseases. Collectively, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and as a MPO inhibitor, melatonin can also exert its protective effect by inhibiting HOCl‐mediated heme destruction of hemoproteins and subsequent free iron release.
A novel calcium aluminate‐melatonin scaffold enhances bone regeneration within a calvarial defect
Authors: Clafshenkel William P. , Rutkowski James L. , Palchesko Rachelle N. , Romeo Jared D. , McGowan Ken A. , Gawalt Ellen S. , Witt‐Enderby Paula A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Over 500,000 bone graft or bio‐implant procedures are performed annually in the United States. It has been reported that osseous autograft procurement may result in donor site complications and bio‐implant allografts have been associated with disease transmission. Ceramic scaffolds are only osteoconductive, limiting their clinical use. The objective of this study was to create a bone filler substitute with regenerating properties similar to natural bone. Therefore, melatonin and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) were utilized for their known osteoinductive properties. It was hypothesized that melatonin and/or PRP would enhance the osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of calcium aluminate (CA) scaffolds to promote bone regeneration in a model of calvarial defects. The biocompatibility of CA and CA‐Mel scaffolds was tested in vitro and in vivo. Data show that CA‐Mel scaffolds, in comparison with CA scaffolds, enhanced the adhesion, viability, and proliferation of normal human osteoblasts cells but not that of NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Data also showed that human adult mesenchymal stem cells grown on CA or CA‐Mel scaffolds showed a time‐dependent induction into osteoblasts over 14 days revealed through scanning electron microscopy and by alkaline phosphatase analyses. Implantation of CA‐Mel scaffolds into critical size calvarial defects in female, ovariectomized rats showed that the CA‐Mel scaffolds were biocompatible, allowed for tissue infiltration, and showed evidence of scaffold biodegradation by 3 and 6 months. Bone regeneration, assessed using fluorochrome labeling at 3 and 6 months, was greatest in animals implanted with the CA‐Mel scaffold. Overall, results from this study show that CA‐Mel scaffolds were osteoconductive and osteoinductive.
Slow Resorption of Anorganic Bovine Bone by Osteoclasts in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation
Authors: Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Hernández‐Cortés Pedro , Mesa Francisco , Carranza Nelson , Juodzbalys Gintaras , Aguilar Mariano , O'Valle Francisco
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Different biomaterials have been suggested for guided bone regeneration (GBR). These might show the ideal properties to let a new bone formation in the grafted area. Among these ideal features, it is essential their controlled resorption in order to be replaced for new vital bone. Bovine bone has been used widely as a good biomaterial for GBR, however there is still an interesting controversy about its resorbable capacity. In this sense, the objective of this study was to examine the behavior of anorganic bovine bone (ABB) in long‐term maxillary sinus graft healing and study its relationship with morphological and morphometrical variables.

Materials and Methods: Seventeen maxillary sinus augmentation procedures were performed in patients. Bone cores were obtained from implant receptor sites at 6 months, 3 years, and 7 years of implant placement for histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP]/cathepsin K/CD68) studies.

Results: The percentages of bone, ABB particles, connective tissue, osteocytes, and osteoblasts in maxillary sinus grafts were similar at 6 months, 3 years, and 7 years. A progressive and significant decrease was detected in osteoclasts (p = .05, Kruskal‐Wallis test), TRAP and cathepsin K expression (p = .014 and p = .021, respectively), and osteoid lines (p = .038).

Conclusion: According to these data, a decrease in osteoclasts over time may, partially, explain the ABB persistence observed in core biopsies. Further studies with more cases and different graft maturation times are required to elucidate the resorption rates and cell events underlying these phenomena.
Doing what's important: Valued activities for older New Zealand Māori and non‐Māori
Authors: Wright‐St Clair Valerie A , Kepa Mere , Hoenle Stefanie , Hayman Karen , Keeling Sally , Connolly Martin , Broad Joanna , Dyall Lorna , Kerse Ngaire
Published: February 2012

Aim:  This project explored the usability of the World Health Organisation, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) for describing older Māori and non‐Māori people's self‐nominated important activities.

Method:  Within a feasibility‐for‐cohort study, 112 participants, 33 Māori, aged 75–79 years, and 79 non‐Māori, aged 85 years, nominated their three most important activities. Verbatim responses were coded using the ICF classifications and described using non‐parametric statistics.

Results:  Men and women mostly named domestic life, interpersonal relationships and recreation and leisure activities. While Māori frequently named extended family relationship activities as being most important, non‐Māori named more recreation and leisure activities.

Conclusions:  The ICF is useful for classifying older New Zealanders' important activities, although some activities of older Māori were not specified in the original version used. While important activity patterns were similar for men and women, those related to ancestral connectivity and community collectivity were most important for Māori.
Standard Operating Procedures: Pubertas Tarda/Delayed Puberty—Male
Authors: Maggi Mario , Buvat Jaques
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Delayed puberty (DP) is a condition characterized by the lack of sexual maturation in boys (testis volume <4 mL) at a chronological age that is 2.5 standard deviations above the mean age of puberty in a normal population.

Aim

To review the etiology, pathogenesis diagnosis, and the available treatments for DP in males.

Methods

A systematic search of published evidence was performed using Medline (1969 to September 2011).

Main Outcome Measures

The most important evidence regarding DP and the available treatment options were reviewed and discussed. Whenever possible, levels of evidence are reported.

Results

The prevalence of DP in 14-year-old boys in the United States is less than 2%, almost double of same figure in females. The etiology of DP is complex including genetic, functional, or nonidentifiable defects. The correct diagnosis should include an accurate medical history and physical examination along with specific laboratory tests. In addition, bone age radiographs are frequently helpful. If a specific disorder can be identified, therapy should be targeted at that disorder. Short-term testosterone therapy can be offered to boys with constitutional DP after a variable time of expectant observation essentially dictated by the patient's distress. Reassurance and continued observation, to ensure that the expected sexual maturation occurs, are often sufficient. In all other cases, exogenous gonadotropins, either recombinant or extracted, induce full gonadal maturation, while long-term testosterone therapy is the treatment of choice for hypergonadotropic hypogonadism or for hypothalamic or pituitary gonadotropin deficiency until fertility is attained.

Conclusions

DP is a frequent condition that if not correctly diagnosed, may cause serious clinical and psychological consequences. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment provide normal pubertal development.
Testing decreasing variabililty of cockroach forewings through time using four Recent species: Blattella germanica, Polyphaga aegyptiaca, Shelfordella lateralis and Blaberus craniifer, with implications for the study of fossil cockroach forewings
Authors: Ross Andrew J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Vršanský (2000) considered there is decreasing variability in the forewings of cockroaches through time, based on a study of fossil and Recent species. This study tests his theory, based on a study of four Recent species of cockroaches: Blattella germanica (Blattellidae), Polyphaga aegyptiaca (Polyphagidae), Shelfordella lateralis (Blattidae) and Blaberus craniifer (Blaberidae). The new results, based on the coefficient of variation (CV) of the number of veins, indicate that Recent species can be more variable than fossil species and therefore do not support the theory. The results also show that at least 30 complete wings of the same species are required for a reliable CV value that is comparable between species.
A new institution devoted to insect science: The Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity
Authors: Kawahara Akito Y. , Emmel Thomas C. , Miller Jacqueline , Warren Andrew D.
Published: March 2012

Abstract  The Florida Museum of Natural History's McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida, has become one of the world's largest institutions for research on butterflies and moths, and an important research facility for insect science. The facility was constructed by combining the staff and merging the Lepidoptera holdings from the Allyn Museum of Entomology, the Florida State Collection of Arthropods and other University of Florida collections, and now includes over ten million specimens from all over the world, rivaling some of the largest Lepidoptera research collections globally. The facility includes a team of domestic and international researchers studying many areas of lepidopterology, including behavior, biodiversity, biogeography, ecology, genomics, physiology, systematics and taxonomy. In this paper, we introduce the McGuire Center, its staff, and the many research activities for researchers across entomological disciplines.
Conceptual Models for Carbonate Aquifers
Authors: White William B.
Published: March 2012

The very diverse types of ground‐water behavior in carbonate terrains can be classified by relating the flow type to a particular hydrogeologic environment each exhibiting a characteristic cave morphology. The ground water may move by diffuse flow, by retarded flow, or by free flow. Diffuse flow occurs in less soluble rocks such as extremely shaley limestones or crystalline dolomites. Integrated conduits are rare. Caves tend to be small, irregular, and often little more than solutionally widened joints. Retarded flows occur in artesian environments and in situations where unfavorable stratigraphy forces ground water to be confined to relatively thin beds. Network cave patterns are characteristic since hydrodynamic forces are damped by the external controls. Solution occurs along many available joints. Free flowing aquifers are those in which solution has developed a subsurface drainage system logically regarded as an underground extension of surface streams. These streams may have fully developed surface tributaries as well as recharge from sinkholes and general infiltration. Characteristic cave patterns are those of integrated conduit systems which are often truncated into linear, angulate, and branchwork caves. Free Flow aquifers may be further subdivided into Open aquifers lying beneath karst plains and Capped aquifers in which significant parts of the drainage net lie beneath an insoluble cap rock. Other geologic factors such as structure, detailed lithology, relief, and locations of major streams, control the details of cave morphology and orientation of the drainage network.
Absolute and Relative Restriction and Consumer Behavior: Implications for Understanding Global Consumption
Authors: HILL RONALD PAUL , MARTIN KELLY D.
Published: February 2012

Our premise is that researchers have much to gain from an understanding of the global marketplace experiences of impoverished consumers. We argue that influences of absolute and relative restriction, across peoples and societies, are particularly critical. Therefore, this research makes progress by evaluating consumer data from diverse cultures and nations using hierarchical linear models, revealing ways restriction through poverty and consumption impacts well‐being. We find that understanding both absolute and relative poverty is necessary for a more complete picture. Specifically, interactions show that absolute restriction moderates relationships between relative restriction and consumption and well‐being by muting or exacerbating the effects.
Synthesis, Structure–Activity Relationship, and Pharmacophore Modeling Studies of Pyrazole‐3‐Carbohydrazone Derivatives as Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitors
Authors: Wu Deyan , Jin Fangfang , Lu Weiqiang , Zhu Jin , Li Cui , Wang Wei , Tang Yun , Jiang Hualiang , Huang Jin , Liu Guixia , Li Jian
Published: March 2012

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease and a major challenge to healthcare systems around the world. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐4), a serine protease, has been rapidly emerging as an effective therapeutic target for the treatment for T2DM. In this study, a series of novel DPP‐4 inhibitors, featuring the pyrazole‐3‐carbohydrazone scaffold, have been discovered using an integrated approach of structure‐based virtual screening, chemical synthesis, and bioassay. Virtual screening of SPECS Database, followed by enzymatic activity assay, resulted in five micromolar or low‐to‐mid‐micromolar inhibitory level compounds (1–5) with different scaffold. Compound 1 was selected for the further structure modifications in considering inhibitory activity, structural variability, and synthetic accessibility. Seventeen new compounds were synthesized and tested with biological assays. Nine compounds (6e, 6g, 6k–l, and 7a–e) were found to show inhibitory effects against DPP‐4. Molecular docking models give rational explanation about structure–activity relationships. Based on eight DPP‐4 inhibitors (1–5, 6e, 6k, and 7d), the best pharmacophore model hypo1 was obtained, consisting of one hydrogen bond donor (HBD), one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), and two hydrophobic (HY) features. Both docking models and pharmacophore mapping results are in agreement with pharmacological results. The present studies give some guiding information for further structural optimization and are helpful for future DPP‐4 inhibitors design.
Multicomplex‐Based Pharmacophore‐Guided 3D‐QSAR Studies of N‐Substituted 2′‐(Aminoaryl)Benzothiazoles as Aurora‐A Inhibitors
Authors: He Gu , Qiu Minghua , Li Rui , Ouyang Liang , Wu Fengbo , Song Xiangrong , Cheng Li , Xiang Mingli , Yu Luoting
Published: March 2012

Aurora‐A has been known as one of the most important targets for cancer therapy, and some Aurora‐A inhibitors have entered clinical trails. In this study, combination of the ligand‐based and structure‐based methods is used to clarify the essential quantitative structure–activity relationship of known Aurora‐A inhibitors, and multicomplex‐based pharmacophore‐guided method has been suggested to generate a comprehensive pharmacophore of Aurora‐A kinase based on a collection of crystal structures of Aurora‐A–inhibitor complex. This model has been successfully used to identify the bioactive conformation and align 37 structurally diverse N‐substituted 2′‐(aminoaryl)benzothiazoles derivatives. The quantitative structure–activity relationship analyses have been performed on these Aurora‐A inhibitors based on multicomplex‐based pharmacophore‐guided alignment. These results may provide important information for further design and virtual screening of novel Aurora‐A inhibitors.