bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of ASR genes in aluminium tolerance mechanisms in rice
Authors: ARENHART RAFAEL AUGUSTO , DE LIMA JULIO CÉSAR , PEDRON MARCELO , CARVALHO FABRICIO E. L. , DA SILVEIRA JOAQUIM ALBENISIO GOMES , ROSA SILVIA BARCELOS , CAVERZAN ANDREIA , ANDRADE CLAUDIA M. B. , SCHÜNEMANN MARIANA , MARGIS ROGÉRIO , MARGIS‐PINHEIRO MÁRCIA
Published: June 2012

Among cereal crops, rice is considered the most tolerant to aluminium (Al). However, variability among rice genotypes leads to remarkable differences in the degree of Al tolerance for distinct cultivars. A number of studies have demonstrated that rice plants achieve Al tolerance through an unknown mechanism that is independent of root tip Al exclusion. We have analysed expression changes of the rice ASR gene family as a function of Al treatment. The gene ASR5 was differentially regulated in the Al‐tolerant rice ssp. Japonica cv. Nipponbare. However, ASR5 expression did not respond to Al exposure in Indica cv. Taim rice roots, which are highly Al sensitive. Transgenic plants carrying RNAi constructs that targeted the ASR genes were obtained, and increased Al susceptibility was observed in T1 plants. Embryogenic calli of transgenic rice carrying an ASR5‐green fluorescent protein fusion revealed that ASR5 was localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Using a proteomic approach to compare non‐transformed and ASR‐RNAi plants, a total of 41 proteins with contrasting expression patterns were identified. We suggest that the ASR5 protein acts as a transcription factor to regulate the expression of different genes that collectively protect rice cells from Al‐induced stress responses.
Peripherally Circulating CD4+ FOXP3+ CXCR3+ T Regulatory Cells Correlate with Renal Allograft Function
Authors: Hoerning A. , Köhler S. , Jun C. , Tebbe B. , Fu J. , Menke J. , Wilde B. , Dolff S. , Feldkamp T. , Briscoe D. M. , Kribben A. , Hoyer P. F. , Witzke O.
Published: June 2012

Peripheral immunoregulation depends on T regulatory cell trafficking into the allograft to modulate the local alloresponse. Little is known about the relevance of trafficking receptors for Tregs after solid organ transplantation in humans. In this study, expression of the peripheral chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR5 on CD4+ FOXP3+ Treg cells was analysed and correlated with allograft function in renal transplant recipients. Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 54 renal transplant recipients receiving a calcineurin inhibitor‐based immunosuppression was performed for CD4, CD25, FOXP3, CXCR3 and CCR5 within the first 18 months post‐transplantation. Correlation analysis of chemokine receptor expression and glomerular filtration rate as calculated by MDRD (eGFR) was performed. Expression of the peripheral homing receptors CXCR3 (r = 0.44, P < 0.05) and CCR5 (r = 0.45, P < 0.05) on FOXP3+ Tregs correlated with renal allograft function (eGFR) in patients receiving tacrolimus (n = 28), but not cyclosporine A (CsA) (n = 26). CsA but not tacrolimus reduced surface expression of CXCR3 on FOXP3+ Tregs in renal transplant recipients as correlated to trough levels (r = −0.42, P < 0.05). In contrast to CD4+ CXCR3+ CD25lo T cells, flow‐sorted CD4+ CXCR3+ CD25hi Tregs isolated from healthy individuals did not produce IFNγ or IL‐17 ex vivo and expressed high levels of GARP mRNA both at baseline as well as after TCR activation indicating functional regulatory activity. Expression of the peripheral trafficking receptors CXCR3 and CCR5 on FOXP3+ Tregs is associated with renal allograft function. These results suggest that Treg trafficking may also depend on the interaction of CXCR3 or CCR5 and their respective ligands.
DREB1A promotes root development in deep soil layers and increases water extraction under water stress in groundnut
Authors: Vadez V. , Rao J. S. , Bhatnagar‐Mathur P. , Sharma K. K.
Published: June 2012

Water deficit is a major yield‐limiting factor for many crops, and improving the root system has been proposed as a promising breeding strategy, although not in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The present work was carried out mainly to assess how root traits are influenced under water stress in groundnut, whether transgenics can alter root traits, and whether putative changes lead to water extraction differences. Several transgenic events, transformed with DREB1A driven by the rd29 promoter, along with wild‐type JL24, were tested in a lysimeter system that mimics field conditions under both water stress (WS) and well‐watered (WW) conditions. The WS treatment increased the maximum rooting depth, although the increase was limited to about 20% in JL24, compared to 50% in RD11. The root dry weight followed a similar trend. Consequently, the root dry weight and length density of transgenics was higher in layers below 100‐cm depth (Exp. 1) and below 30 cm (Exp. 2). The root diameter was unchanged under WS treatment, except a slight increase in the 60–90‐cm layer. The root diameter increased below 60 cm in both treatments. In the WW treatment, total water extraction of RD33 was higher than in JL24 and other transgenic events, and somewhat lower in RD11 than in JL24. In the WS treatment, water extraction of RD2, RD11 and RD33 was higher than in JL24. These water extraction differences were mostly apparent in the initial 21 days after treatment imposition and were well related to root length density in the 30–60‐cm layer (R2 = 0.68), but not to average root length density. In conclusion, water stress promotes rooting growth more strongly in transgenic events than in the wild type, especially in deep soil layers, and this leads to increased water extraction. This opens an avenue for tapping these characteristics toward the improvement of drought adaptation in deep soil conditions, and toward a better understanding of genes involved in rooting in groundnut.
Variations in foliar stable carbon isotopes among functional groups and along environmental gradients in China – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang N. , Xu S. S. , Jia X. , Gao J. , Zhang W. P. , Qiu Y. P. , Wang G. X.
Published: June 2012

Variations in foliar stable carbon isotope signatures (δ13C) of different plant functional groups (PFGs) and their relationships with environmental factors in China were investigated in this meta‐analysis. There were some significant, but small differences in δ13C among PFGs categorised by life form (<1‰). Trees (−26.78‰) and shrubs (−26.89‰) had similar mean δ13C that were significantly higher than those of herbs (−27.49‰). Evergreen shrubs (−25.82‰) had significantly higher mean δ13C than deciduous shrubs (−26.92‰). Perennial herbs (−26.83‰) had significantly higher mean δ13C than annual herbs (−27.10‰). Grasses (−26.46‰) had significantly higher mean δ13C than forbs (−26.96‰). For pooled data, δ13C was significantly and negatively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), while it was significantly and positively correlated with latitude and altitude. There was a threshold value of MAP along the gradients, and δ13C did not change significantly with higher rainfall. The δ13C of PFGs changed with altitude, suggesting that increases in δ13C with altitude cannot be generalised. Differences in δ13C between PFGs were generally much <1‰ and therefore insignificant. In contrast, MAP and MAT had relatively large effects on δ13C (more than 4‰ between extremes). The δ13C of some PFGs responded to environmental gradients in the same manner, while their ‘rates’ of change were significantly different in some cases. This information could help predict potential changes in the distribution of PFGs in response to future climate change.
Post‐transcriptional regulation on a global scale: form and function of Csr/Rsm systems
Authors: Romeo Tony , Vakulskas Christopher A. , Babitzke Paul
Published: June 2012

Originally described as a repressor of gene expression in the stationary phase of growth, CsrA (RsmA) regulates primary and secondary metabolic pathways, biofilm formation, motility, virulence circuitry of pathogens, quorum sensing and stress response systems by binding to conserved sequences in its target mRNAs and altering their translation and/or turnover. While the binding of CsrA to RNA is understood at an atomic level, new mechanisms of gene activation and repression by this protein are still emerging. In the γ‐proteobacteria, small non‐coding RNAs (sRNAs) use molecular mimicry to sequester multiple CsrA dimers away from mRNA. In contrast, the FliW protein of Bacillus subtilis inhibits CsrA activity by binding to this protein, thereby establishing a checkpoint in flagellum morphogenesis. Turnover of CsrB and CsrC sRNAs in Escherichia coli requires a specificity protein of the GGDEF‐EAL domain superfamily, CsrD, in addition to the housekeeping nucleases RNase E and PNPase. The Csr system of E. coli contains extensive autoregulatory circuitry, which governs the expression and activity of CsrA. Interaction of the Csr system with transcriptional regulatory networks results in a variety of complex response patterns. This minireview will highlight basic principles and new insights into the workings of these complex eubacterial regulatory systems.
Genetic diversity of planktonic eukaryotes in high mountain lakes (Central Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Triadó‐Margarit Xavier , Casamayor Emilio O.
Published: June 2012

The genetic diversity of planktonic eukaryotic microorganisms (size range 3–40 µm) inhabiting 11 alpine lakes of the Central Pyrenees (Spain) was analysed by cloning and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. The selected lakes covered a wide range of environmental conditions representative of the regional landscape heterogeneity. Overall, we obtained 953 sequences (averaged length 750 bp) that were grouped in 343 representative OTUs (98% identity). The genetic richness was high, and the 18S rRNA gene sequences spread within nine high‐rank taxonomic groups and grouped in 26 eukaryal classes. Most of the sequences affiliated with Stramenopiles (> 55% of total sequences, mostly Chrysophyceae), Cryptophyta and Alveolata (15% each). Three groups had relative abundance < 5%, i.e. Opisthokonta (mostly Fungi), Viridiplantae (mostly Chlorophyceae) and Rhizaria (cercomonads). Finally, minor groups were related to Katablepharidophyta, Euglenozoa and Telonemida. The lakes showed a different community structure being pH, and phosphorous and Chl a concentrations the main environmental drivers. The novelty level was high, and a quarter of the retrieved OTUs were notably divergent (< 97% identity) from any previously known sequence, mainly for Rhizaria and Opisthokonta. More than 50% of the sequences affiliated with clusters exclusively formed by uncultured protists. Cryptophyta and Viridiplantae showed the largest number of sequences closely related to cultured counterparts. This work is the first description of the genetic diversity of eukaryotic assemblages in ultraoligotrophic high mountain lakes, and the study unveils alpine environments as an important reservoir of microbial eukaryotic biodiversity.
Geographic distance and pH drive bacterial distribution in alkaline lake sediments across Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xiong Jinbo , Liu Yongqin , Lin Xiangui , Zhang Huayong , Zeng Jun , Hou Juzhi , Yang Yongping , Yao Tandong , Knight Rob , Chu Haiyan
Published: June 2012

Continent‐scale biogeography has been extensively studied in soils and marine systems, but little is known about biogeographical patterns in non‐marine sediments. We used barcode pyrosequencing to quantify the effects of local geochemical properties and geographic distance for bacterial community structure and membership, using sediment samples from 15 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau (4–1670 km apart). Bacterial communities were surprisingly diverse, and distinct from soil communities. Four of 26 phyla detected were dominant: Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, albeit 20.2% of sequences were unclassified at the phylum level. As previously observed in acidic soil, pH was the dominant factor influencing alkaline sediment community structure, phylotype richness and phylogenetic diversity. In contrast, archaeal communities were less affected by pH. More geographically distant sites had more dissimilar communities (r = 0.443, P = 0.030). Variance partitioning analysis showed that geographic distance (historical contingencies) contributed more to bacterial community variation (12.2%) than any other factor, although the environmental factors explained more variance when combined (28.9%). Together, our results show that pH is the best predictor of bacterial community structure in alkaline sediments, and confirm that both geographic distance and chemical factors govern bacterial biogeography in lake sediments.
Construct Clean‐Up in Proactivity Research: A Meta‐Analysis on the Nomological Net of Work‐Related Proactivity Concepts and their Incremental Validities
Authors: Tornau Katharina , Frese Michael
Published: June 2012

The overall goal of the meta‐analytic review of the most frequently studied proactivity concepts—personal initiative, proactive personality, taking charge, and voice—was cleaning up the number and overlap of proactivity constructs and examining their construct validity. We provide a unifying framework for proactivity theory and a nomological net. We studied 163 independent samples (N= 36,079). The meta‐analysis found high correlations between proactive personality and personal initiative/personality. Further, there were strong relationships between voice, taking charge, and personal initiative/behavior. For construct clean‐up, we suggest that the two proactive personality constructs can be taken as functionally equivalent and that this is also true to some extent for the three proactive behavior constructs—the latter signify proactive behavior. All proactive concepts showed clear correlations with performance (from .13 to .34 depending upon construct and objectivity level of performance). However, the proactive personality concepts were also highly correlated with the Big Five personality factors and showed very low to no incremental validity for work performance; this is contradictory to prior meta‐analyses on proactive personality and is discussed in detail. In contrast, proactive behavior scales (personal initiative/behavior, taking charge, and voice) predicted job performance well above and beyond personality.
Improving the management of patients with prostate cancer receiving long‐term androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Schulman C. , Irani J. , Aapro M.
Published: June 2012

In many patients with prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is administered over prolonged periods of time. The benefits of long‐term ADT in patients with advanced disease are well established and, more recently, studies have shown that long‐term adjuvant ADT used in combination with radiotherapy improves survival in patients with earlier stages of disease. Nevertheless, clinicians should remain aware of the potential long‐term side effects of ADT and the strategies that can be used to manage or prevent long‐term complications.

One such strategy is intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD), in which patients receive cycles of ADT, the duration of which is usually determined by PSA levels. Accumulating data indicate that this approach improves the tolerability of ADT (particularly sexual dysfunction) and patients' quality of life, without compromising clinical outcomes (progression and survival). Indeed, the latest European Association of Urology guidelines state that IAD should no longer be considered investigational. Nevertheless, some questions remain unanswered, including: who are the most suitable patients for IAD and what are the optimal PSA levels for stopping and restarting treatment?

Osteoporosis (and the resultant increased risk of fractures) is a well‐recognized complication of long‐term ADT. Bone mineral density should be measured before and during long‐term ADT and patients advised to make appropriate lifestyle changes to help preserve bone health. Pharmacological intervention is also an option. Denosumab (an NF‐κB ligand inhibitor) significantly reduces ADT‐induced bone loss and the risk of fractures in patients with non‐metastatic disease. In those whose disease has metastasized, zoledronate and denosumab are licensed to prevent skeletal‐related events and a large randomized study has shown that denosumab is more effective than zoledronate in this setting.
Femoral–gluteal adiposity is not associated with insulin sensitivity in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shay C. M. , Secrest A. M. , Miller R. G. , Strotmeyer E. S. , Goodpaster B. H. , Kelsey S. F. , Orchard T. J.
Published: June 2012

Aims  To quantify and compare associations between femoral–gluteal adiposity and insulin sensitivity in adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus with adults with normal glucose tolerance.

Methods  Individuals with Type 1 diabetes (n = 28) were recruited from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complication study, a 24‐year prospective study of childhood‐onset diabetes, and compared cross‐sectionally with individuals with normal glucose tolerance (n = 56) of similar age, sex and BMI. Insulin sensitivity was defined as whole‐body glucose disposal measured by hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamps. Adiposity was quantified by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results  Individuals with Type 1 diabetes exhibited lower insulin sensitivity (5.8 vs. 8.2 mg min−1 kg fat‐free mass−1, P < 0.01), lower total fat mass (20.1 vs. 29.0 kg, P < 0.001) and lower proportional leg fat mass (36.0 vs.37.7%, P = 0.03), but similar proportional trunk fat (% trunk fat mass) compared with individuals with normal glucose tolerance. Overall, results from linear regression demonstrated that higher % leg fat mass (P < 0.01) and lower % trunk fat mass (P < 0.01) were independently associated with lower insulin sensitivity after adjustments for age, sex, height, total fat mass (kg) and diabetes status. Higher % leg fat mass was independently associated with higher insulin sensitivity in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (P < 0.01) after similar adjustment; significant associations were not observed in Type 1 diabetes.

Conclusions  Reduced insulin sensitivity is a prominent feature of Type 1 diabetes and is associated with total and abdominal adiposity. Compared with adults with normal glucose tolerance, leg fat mass does not show any positive association with insulin sensitivity in Type 1 diabetes.
Clinical evaluation of a new device in the assessment of peripheral sensory neuropathy in diabetes
Authors: Bracewell N. , Game F. , Jeffcoate W. , Scammell B. E.
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1553–1555 (2012)

Aims  Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines state that patients with diabetes should have annual examination of their feet to exclude signs of sensory impairment. The VibraTip is a new disposable device producing a vibratory stimulus, which has been developed in order to screen for peripheral sensory neuropathy in diabetes. This study was designed to evaluate the device by assessing intra‐rater reliability and comparing the ability of the VibraTip to detect or exclude peripheral sensory neuropathy with other bedside methods.

Methods  One hundred and forty‐one patients with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) were examined for diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy using a Neurothesiometer, 10‐g monofilament, a 128‐Hz tuning fork, a Neurotip™ and a VibraTip. The failure to perceive the Neurosthesiometer stimulus at ≥ 25 V in either foot was considered the reference method for the presence of peripheral sensory neuropathy. Receiver operating characteristic curves were produced for each device and the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios for the diagnosis of peripheral sensory neuropathy were calculated. Repeat testing with the VibraTip was performed in 18 patients and intra‐rater reliability assessed using Cronbach alpha.

Results  Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the 10‐g monofilament was significantly better than the 128‐Hz tuning fork (P = 0.0056) and the Neurotip (P = 0.0022), but was no different from the VibraTip (P = 0.3214). The alpha coefficient for the VibraTip was calculated to be 0.882, indicating good reliability.

Conclusions  The VibraTip is a device comparable with the 10‐g monofilament and therefore could be considered a useful tool for screening for peripheral sensory neuropathy in diabetes.
Validity and reliability of a self‐reported measure of medication adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Singapore
Authors: Wang Y. , Lee J. , Toh M. P. H. S. , Tang W. E. , Ko Y.
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e338–e344 (2012)

Aims  A reliable and valid measure is essential for the assessment of medication adherence. Until now, no patient‐reported medication adherence measure has been validated in Singapore. The aim of this study was to validate a modified 4‐item Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale in patients with Type 2 diabetes in Singapore.

Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a sample of outpatients with Type 2 diabetes in Singapore from September to December in 2009. Respondents completed either an English or Chinese version of the modified 4‐item Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale. The scale scores ranged from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating better medication adherence. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Content validity was assessed by expert review. Construct validity was examined using factor analysis and hypothesis testing.

Results  Of the 294 respondents who completed the modified Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale, 13.3, 21.4, 35.7 and 29.6% had a score of 0–1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The internal consistency of the scale was moderate (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.62). Principal component analysis showed that the four items loaded onto one factor (eigenvalue = 1.95). Respondents with higher scores were older (P < 0.001), had lower HbA1c levels (P < 0.001) and had better adherence to physician‐recommended diet (P < 0.001) and physical exercise (P = 0.02).

Conclusions  The psychometric properties of the modified Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale were less than satisfactory. A ceiling effect was observed. The scale may not be an adequate measure to assess medication adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes in Singapore. Future research could target refining the scale and investigating its use in other patient populations.
How Corporate Social Responsibility Engagement Strategy Moderates the CSR–Financial Performance Relationship
Authors: Tang Zhi , Hull Clyde Eiríkur , Rothenberg Sandra
Published: June 2012

abstract

We propose that firm profits are shaped by how firms engage in corporate social responsibility. Recent research on the corporate social responsibility (CSR)–corporate financial performance (CFP) relationship proposes a variety of contextual and organizational factors to create a more robust link. However, few of these studies explore the role of the CSR engagement strategy. Drawing on absorptive capacity theory and related perspectives such as time compression diseconomies, asset mass efficiencies, and path dependence theory, we argue that when a firm engages in CSR slowly and consistently, focuses on related CSR dimensions, and starts with internal dimensions of CSR, CFP will be enhanced. With longitudinal data collected from 130 firms from 1995 to 2007, we find that firms benefit more when they adopt a CSR engagement strategy that is consistent, involves related dimensions of CSR, and begins with aspects of CSR that are more internal to the firm. The pace of the CSR engagement strategy, however, does not moderate the CSR–CFP relationship. This study helps fill the gap in CSR research by showing that, regardless of contextual factors, a firm can choose the proper strategy to enhance the financial benefits of the CSR engagement.
Has Management Studies Lost Its Way? Ideas for More Imaginative and Innovative Research
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Sandberg Jörgen
Published: June 2012

abstract

Despite the huge increase in the number of management articles published during the three last decades, there is a serious shortage of high‐impact research in management studies. We contend that a primary reason behind this paradoxical shortage is the near total dominance of incremental gap‐spotting research in management. This domination is even more paradoxical as it is well known that gap‐spotting rarely leads to influential theories. We identify three broad and interacting key drivers behind this double paradox: institutional conditions, professional norms, and researchers' identity constructions. We discuss how specific changes in these drivers can reduce the shortage of influential management theories. We also point to two methodologies that may encourage and facilitate more innovative and imaginative research and revisions of academic norms and identities.
Metering for Exposure Stacks
Authors: Gallo O. , Tico M. , Manduchi R. , Gelfand N. , Pulli K.
Published: June 2012

When creating a High‐Dynamic‐Range (HDR) image from a sequence of differently exposed Low‐Dynamic‐Range (LDR) images, the set of LDR images is usually generated by sampling the space of exposure times with a geometric progression and without explicitly accounting for the distribution of irradiance values of the scene. We argue that this choice can produce sub‐optimal results both in terms of the number of acquired pictures and the quality of the resulting HDR image.

This paper presents a method to estimate the full irradiance histogram of a scene, and a strategy to select the set of exposures that need to be acquired. Our selection usually requires a smaller or equal set of LDRs, yet produces higher quality HDR images.
Importance Caching for Complex Illumination
Authors: Georgiev Iliyan , Křivánek Jaroslav , Popov Stefan , Slusallek Philipp
Published: June 2012

Realistic rendering requires computing the global illumination in the scene, and Monte Carlo integration is the best‐known method for doing that. The key to good performance is to carefully select the costly integration samples, which is usually achieved via importance sampling. Unfortunately, visibility is difficult to factor into the importance distribution, which can greatly increase variance in highly occluded scenes with complex illumination. In this paper, we present importance caching – a novel approach that selects those samples with a distribution that includes visibility, while maintaining efficiency by exploiting illumination smoothness. At a sparse set of locations in the scene, we construct and cache several types of probability distributions with respect to a set of virtual point lights (VPLs), which notably include visibility. Each distribution type is optimized for a specific lighting condition. For every shading point, we then borrow the distributions from nearby cached locations and use them for VPL sampling, avoiding additional bias. A novel multiple importance sampling framework finally combines the many estimators. In highly occluded scenes, where visibility is a major source of variance in the incident radiance, our approach can reduce variance by more than an order of magnitude. Even in such complex scenes we can obtain accurate and low noise previews with full global illumination in a couple of seconds on a single mid‐range CPU.
Optimizing Coordinated Ramp Metering: A Preemptive Hierarchical Control Approach
Authors: Zhang Guohui , Wang Yinhai
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  This article describes a coordinated ramp metering algorithm for systematically mitigating freeway congestion. A preemptive hierarchical control scheme with a three‐priority‐layer structure is employed in this algorithm. Ramp metering is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem to enhance system performance. These optimization objectives include promptly tackling freeway congestion, sufficiently utilizing on‐ramp storage capacities, and preventing on‐ramp vehicles from overflowing to local streets, balancing on‐ramp vehicle equity, and maximizing traffic throughputs for the entire system. Instead of relying heavily on accurate estimates of freeway traffic flow evolvement, this new approach models ramp meter control as a linear program and uses real‐time traffic sensor measurements for minimizing the indeterminate impacts from the mainstream flow capacities. VISSIM‐based simulation experiments are performed to examine its practicality and effectiveness using geometric and traffic demand data from one real‐world freeway segment. The simulation test results show that the proposed ramp metering approach performed well in optimizing overall freeway system operations under various traffic conditions. The system‐wide optimal control performance can be achieved to quickly mitigate freeway congestion, prevent traffic from overflowing to local streets, and maximize overall traffic throughputs. The proposed ramp metering approach can dynamically assemble relevant ramp meters to work together and effectively coordinate the individual meter rates to leverage their response strengths for minimizing time to clear the congestion. This study demonstrates that utilization of existing freeway infrastructure can be optimized through the proposed algorithm.
Maternal Religiosity, Family Resources and Stressors, and Parent–Child Attachment Security in Northern Ireland
Authors: Goeke‐Morey Marcie C. , Cairns Ed , Merrilees Christine E. , Schermerhorn Alice C. , Shirlow Peter , Cummings E Mark
Published: June 2012

This study explores the associations between mothers' religiosity, and families' and children's functioning in a stratified random sample of 695 Catholic and Protestant mother–child dyads in socially deprived areas in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a region which has experienced centuries of sectarian conflict between Protestant Unionists and Catholics Nationalists. Findings based on mother and child surveys indicated that even in this context of historical political violence associated with religious affiliation, mothers' religiosity played a consistently positive role, including associations with multiple indicators of better family functioning (i.e., more cohesion and behavioral control and less conflict, psychological distress, and adjustment problems) and greater parent–child attachment security. Mothers' religiosity also moderated the association between parent–child attachment security and family resources and family stressors, enhancing positive effects of cohesion and mother behavioral control on mother–child attachment security, and providing protection against risks associated with mothers' psychological distress. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for understanding the role of religiosity in serving as a protective or risk factor for children and families.
The Performance of Socially Responsible Funds: Does the Screening Process Matter?
Authors: Capelle‐Blancard Gunther , Monjon Stéphanie
Published: June 2012

In this study, we examine whether the financial performances of socially responsible investment (SRI) mutual funds are related to the features of the screening process. Based on a sample of French SRI funds, we find evidence that a greater screening intensity slightly reduces financial performance (but the relationship runs in the opposite direction when screening gets tougher). Further, we show that only sectoral screens – such as avoiding ‘sin’ stocks – decrease financial performance, while transversal screens – commitment to UN Global Compact Principles, ILO/Rights at Work, etc. – have no impact. Lastly, when the quality of the SRI selection process is proxied by the rating provided by Novethic, its impact is not significant, while a higher strategy distinctiveness amongst SRI funds, which also gives information on the quality of the selection process, is associated with better financial performance.
Systematic social observation of children’s neighborhoods using Google Street View: a reliable and cost‐effective method
Authors: Odgers Candice L. , Caspi Avshalom , Bates Christopher J. , Sampson Robert J. , Moffitt Terrie E.
Published: June 2012

Background:  Children growing up in poor versus affluent neighborhoods are more likely to spend time in prison, develop health problems and die at an early age. The question of how neighborhood conditions influence our behavior and health has attracted the attention of public health officials and scholars for generations. Online tools are now providing new opportunities to measure neighborhood features and may provide a cost effective way to advance our understanding of neighborhood effects on child health.

Method:  A virtual systematic social observation (SSO) study was conducted to test whether Google Street View could be used to reliably capture the neighborhood conditions of families participating in the Environmental‐Risk (E‐Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study. Multiple raters coded a subsample of 120 neighborhoods and convergent and discriminant validity was evaluated on the full sample of over 1,000 neighborhoods by linking virtual SSO measures to: (a) consumer based geo‐demographic classifications of deprivation and health, (b) local resident surveys of disorder and safety, and (c) parent and teacher assessments of children’s antisocial behavior, prosocial behavior, and body mass index.

Results:  High levels of observed agreement were documented for signs of physical disorder, physical decay, dangerousness and street safety. Inter‐rater agreement estimates fell within the moderate to substantial range for all of the scales (ICCs ranged from .48 to .91). Negative neighborhood features, including SSO‐rated disorder and decay and dangerousness corresponded with local resident reports, demonstrated a graded relationship with census‐defined indices of socioeconomic status, and predicted higher levels of antisocial behavior among local children. In addition, positive neighborhood features, including SSO‐rated street safety and the percentage of green space, were associated with higher prosocial behavior and healthy weight status among children.

Conclusions:  Our results support the use of Google Street View as a reliable and cost effective tool for measuring both negative and positive features of local neighborhoods.
Social influence on sustainable consumption: evidence from a behavioural experiment
Authors: Salazar Helen Arce , Oerlemans Leon , van Stroe‐Biezen Saskia
Published: June 2012

Although social influence on consumers’ behaviour has been recognized and documented, the vast majority of empirical consumer studies about sustainable products considers mainly, if not only, individual characteristics (socio‐demographic attributes, individual environmental attitudes, etc.), to explain the decision to buy sustainable products. Making use of experimental methods, this paper studies the social influence that peer groups like colleagues, family and friends may exert in the decision to choose for environmentally friendly products rather than conventional ones. We also test for different types of social influence, in particular for ‘herd behaviour’ vs. ‘social learning’. In our experimental setting, the relevance of peer effects is corroborated. We find clear evidence for ‘herd behaviour’ and the data indirectly support the presence of ‘social learning’ effects. The results also suggest heterogeneous impact of specific social groups.
Melasma in men
Authors: Vachiramon Vasanop , Suchonwanit Poonkiat , Thadanipon Kunlawat
Published: June 2012

Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis that results in localized hyperpigmentation, commonly found on the face. This condition is much more common in women than men. There are some features of melasma in men that seem to differ from those seen in women. However, there is a paucity of data on this topic. The aim of this article is to review the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of melasma in men. It is important for dermatologists to understand some unique aspects of melasma in this group to provide appropriate care for patients who suffer from this frustrating condition.
Subcision for treatment of rolling acne scars in Iraqi patients: a clinical study
Authors: AL‐Dhalimi Muhsin A , Arnoos Ahmad A
Published: June 2012

Background  Acne scarring is a common dermatologic problem causing a great cosmetic disfigurement. Subcision is one of the effective modalities for treatment of rolling acne scars.

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcision for rolling acne scars in Iraqi patients.

Patients and Methods  Forty patients (21 males and 19 females) with moderate to severe grades of facial rolling acne scars were enrolled in this study. Subcision was done for all patients. Patients were followed up at 2, 6, 12 weeks, and 6 months after the last session. The response to treatment was evaluated by objective and subjective methods.

Results  Thirty‐four patients completed the study and follow up period. Eight of them were complaining of severe and 26 of moderate grade of acne scars. At the end of the study, 18 (52.94%) patients had mild grade, 15 (44.11%) patients had moderate grade, and one (2.92%) patient had severe grade. This change was statistically highly significant (P‐value = 0.0000001). The average scar score before treatment was 13.264 ± 1.675; and it improved to 9.47 ± 2.71 after 6 months (P‐value = 0.0000001). Regarding the photographic assessment, the difference in the visual analogue scale before and after the treatment was statistically highly significant (P‐value = 0.0000001). All patients were satisfied regarding the improvement after treatment with varying degrees. All reported side‐effects were mild and transient.

Conclusion  Subcision is a safe, easy to perform, well‐tolerated, and valuable surgical technique for treatment of rolling acne scars.
Dietary restriction attenuates age‐associated muscle atrophy by lowering oxidative stress in mice even in complete absence of CuZnSOD
Authors: Jang Young C. , Liu Yuhong , Hayworth Christopher R. , Bhattacharya Arunabh , Lustgarten Michael S. , Muller Florian L. , Chaudhuri Asish , Qi Wenbo , Li Yan , Huang Jing‐Yi , Verdin Eric , Richardson Arlan , Van Remmen Holly
Published: June 2012

Age‐related loss of muscle mass and function, sarcopenia, has a major impact on the quality of life in the elderly. Among the proposed causes of sarcopenia are mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulated oxidative damage during aging. Dietary restriction (DR), a robust dietary intervention that extends lifespan and modulates age‐related pathology in a variety of species, has been shown to protect from sarcopenia in rodents. Although the mechanism(s) by which DR modulates aging are still not defined, one potential mechanism is through modulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. To directly test the protective effect of DR against oxidative stress–induced muscle atrophy in vivo, we subjected mice lacking a key antioxidant enzyme, CuZnSOD (Sod1) to DR (60% of ad libitum fed diet). We have previously shown that the Sod1−/− mice exhibit an acceleration of sarcopenia associated with high oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and severe neuromuscular innervation defects. Despite the dramatic atrophy phenotype in the Sod1−/− mice, DR led to a reversal or attenuation of reduced muscle function, loss of innervation, and muscle atrophy in these mice. DR improves mitochondrial function as evidenced by enhanced Ca2+ regulation and reduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, we show upregulation of SIRT3 and MnSOD in DR animals, consistent with reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress and reduced oxidative damage in muscle tissue measured as F2‐isoprostanes. Collectively, our results demonstrate that DR is a powerful mediator of mitochondrial function, mitochondrial ROS production, and oxidative damage, providing a solid protection against oxidative stress–induced neuromuscular defects and muscle atrophy in vivo even under conditions of high oxidative stress.
Equity Analysts and the Market's Assessment of Risk
Authors: LUI DAPHNE , MARKOV STANIMIR , TAMAYO ANE
Published: June 2012

The traditional view of equity analysts is that they are a source of new information about future cash flows. We broaden this view by demonstrating that equity analysts are also a substantive source of new information about priced risk. In particular, we document that, when announced, changes in analyst risk ratings distinctly and significantly affect equity returns, and are generally followed by significant changes in Fama–French factor loadings. Also, while less frequent than credit rating changes, equity risk rating changes are timelier, and with a larger overall stock price impact than credit rating changes.
RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 7: Clinical guidelines
Authors: Fletcher Daniel J. , Boller Manuel , Brainard Benjamin M. , Haskins Steven C. , Hopper Kate , McMichael Maureen A. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Rush John E. , Smarick Sean D.
Published: June 2012

Objective

To present a series of evidence‐based, consensus guidelines for veterinary CPR in dogs and cats.

Design

Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality, and development of consensus on conclusions for application of the concepts to clinical practice. Questions in five domains were examined: Preparedness and Prevention, Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Monitoring, and Post‐Cardiac Arrest Care. Standardized worksheet templates were used for each question, and the results reviewed by the domain members, by the RECOVER committee, and opened for comments by veterinary professionals for 4 weeks. Clinical guidelines were devised from these findings and again reviewed and commented on by the different entities within RECOVER as well as by veterinary professionals.

Setting

Academia, referral practice and general practice.

Results

A total of 74 worksheets were prepared to evaluate questions across the five domains. A series of 101 individual clinical guidelines were generated. In addition, a CPR algorithm, resuscitation drug‐dosing scheme, and postcardiac arrest care algorithm were developed.

Conclusions

Although many knowledge gaps were identified, specific clinical guidelines for small animal veterinary CPR were generated from this evidence‐based process. Future work is needed to objectively evaluate the effects of these new clinical guidelines on CPR outcome, and to address the knowledge gaps identified through this process.
Metabolic map and bioactivation of the anti‐tumour drug noscapine
Authors: Fang Zhong‐Ze , Krausz Kristopher W , Li Fei , Cheng Jie , Tanaka Naoki , Gonzalez Frank J
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Noscapine is a promising anti‐tumour agent. The purpose of the present study was to describe the metabolic map and investigate the bioactivation of noscapine.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics was used to analyse the in vitro incubation mixtures, urine and faeces samples from mice treated with noscapine. Recombinant drug‐metabolizing enzymes were employed to identify those involved in noscapine metabolism. Hepatic GSH levels and serum biochemistry were also carried out to determine reactive metabolites of noscapine.

KEY RESULTS Several novel phase I metabolites of noscapine were detected after oral gavage of mice, including an N‐demethylated metabolite, two hydroxylated metabolites, one metabolite undergoing both demethylation and cleavage of the methylenedioxy group and a bis‐demethylated metabolite. Additionally, several novel glucuronides were detected, and their structures were elucidated through MS/MS fragmentology. Recombinant enzymes screening showed the involvement of several cytochromes P450, flavin‐containing mono‐oxygenase 1 and the UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A9 and UGT2B7, in noscapine metabolism. In vitro glutathione trapping revealed the existence of an ortho‐quinone reactive intermediate formed through further oxidation of a catechol metabolite. However, this bioactivation process of noscapine does not occur in vivo. Similar to this result, altered glutathione levels in liver and serum biochemistry revealed no evidence of hepatic damage, thus indicating that, at least in mice, noscapine does not induce hepatotoxicity through bioactivation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS A comprehensive metabolic map and bioactivation evaluation provides important information for the development of noscapine as an anti‐tumour drug.
Modulation of gastrointestinal function by MuDelta, a mixed µ opioid receptor agonist/ µ opioid receptor antagonist
Authors: Wade PR , Palmer JM , McKenney S , Kenigs V , Chevalier K , Moore BA , Mabus JR , Saunders PR , Wallace NH , Schneider CR , Kimball ES , Breslin HJ , He W , Hornby PJ
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE Loperamide is a selective µ opioid receptor agonist acting locally in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as an effective anti‐diarrhoeal but can cause constipation. We tested whether modulating µ opioid receptor agonism with δ opioid receptor antagonism, by combining reference compounds or using a novel compound (‘MuDelta’), could normalize GI motility without constipation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH MuDelta was characterized in vitro as a potent µ opioid receptor agonist and high‐affinity δ opioid receptor antagonist. Reference compounds, MuDelta and loperamide were assessed in the following ex vivo and in vivo experiments: guinea pig intestinal smooth muscle contractility, mouse intestinal epithelial ion transport and upper GI tract transit, entire GI transit or faecal output in novel environment stressed mice, or four weeks after intracolonic mustard oil (post‐inflammatory). Colonic δ opioid receptor immunoreactivity was quantified.

KEY RESULTS δ Opioid receptor antagonism opposed µ opioid receptor agonist inhibition of intestinal contractility and motility. MuDelta reduced intestinal contractility and inhibited neurogenically‐mediated secretion. Very low plasma levels of MuDelta were detected after oral administration. Stress up‐regulated δ opioid receptor expression in colonic epithelial cells. In stressed mice, MuDelta normalized GI transit and faecal output to control levels over a wide dose range, whereas loperamide had a narrow dose range. MuDelta and loperamide reduced upper GI transit in the post‐inflammatory model.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MuDelta normalizes, but does not prevent, perturbed GI transit over a wide dose‐range in mice. These data support the subsequent assessment of MuDelta in a clinical phase II trial in patients with diarrhoea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome.