bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing range mismatching of interacting species under global change is related to their ecological characteristics
Authors: Schweiger Oliver , Heikkinen Risto K. , Harpke Alexander , Hickler Thomas , Klotz Stefan , Kudrna Otakar , Kühn Ingolf , Pöyry Juha , Settele Josef
Published: December 2011

Aim  We investigate the importance of interacting species for current and potential future species distributions, the influence of their ecological characteristics on projected range shifts when considering or ignoring interacting species, and the consistency of observed relationships across different global change scenarios.

Location  Europe.

Methods  We developed ecological niche models (generalized linear models) for 36 European butterfly species and their larval host plants based on climate and land‐use data. We projected future distributional changes using three integrated global change scenarios for 2080. Observed and projected mismatches in potential butterfly niche space and the niche space of their hosts were first used to assess changing range limitations due to interacting species and then to investigate the importance of different ecological characteristics.

Results  Most butterfly species were primarily limited by climate. Species dwelling in warm areas of Europe and tolerant to large variations in moisture conditions were projected to suffer less from global change. However, a gradient from climate to host plant control was apparent, reflecting the range size of the hosts. Future projections indicated increased mismatching of already host‐plant‐limited butterflies and their hosts. Butterflies that utilize plants with restricted ranges were projected to suffer most from global change. The directions of these relationships were consistent across the scenarios but the level of spatial mismatching of butterflies and their host plants increased with the severity of the scenario.

Main conclusions  Future changes in the co‐occurrence of interacting species will depend on political and socio‐economic development, suggesting that the composition of novel communities due to global change will depend on the way we create our future. A better knowledge of ecological species characteristics can be utilized to project the future fate and potential risk of extinction of interacting species leading to a better understanding of the consequences of changing biotic interactions. This will further enhance our abilities to assess and mitigate potential negative effects on ecosystem functions and services.
The socio‐economic modelling of the ALARM scenarios with GINFORS: results and analysis for selected European countries
Authors: Stocker Andrea , Omann Ines , Jäger Jill
Published: December 2011

Aim  This paper identifies socio‐economic driving forces of biodiversity change and analyses their political and economic dynamics by modelling socio‐economic parts of three scenario storylines developed for the ALARM (assessing large‐scale risks for biodiversity with tested methods) project. In the BAMBU (business‐as‐might‐be‐usual) scenario policy decisions already made in the European Union (EU) are implemented and enforced, but no additional measures are introduced. The GRAS (growth applied strategy) scenario describes a future world orientated towards economic growth and complete deregulation. And finally, SEDG (sustainable European development goal) is a normative scenario focusing on the achievement of sustainable development.

Methods  The GINFORS (global inter‐industry forecasting system) model is applied to quantify the effects of different sets of policy measures representing the three scenarios. It allows investigation of the inter‐relations between socio‐economic driving forces and the state of the environment.

Results  The presented results for the 25 EU countries focus on the following variables: unemployment, material extraction, energy supply and CO2 emissions. The lowest amount of unemployment is in the SEDG scenario, where it steadily decreases from 2005 to 2020. In BAMBU it falls to a level that is also below that of 2005. In GRAS, the number of unemployed people in 2020 is clearly over the value of 2005. The development of total material extraction from 2005 to 2020 is nearly stable in BAMBU, while it clearly increases in GRAS. Only in SEDG is there a reduction in resource use. None of the scenarios achieves a substantial reduction in energy use. However, the development of CO2 emissions shows a decoupling from energy supply. For BAMBU there is a slight decline in CO2 emissions over time, for GRAS they increase but with a slightly smaller growth rate than energy supply. In SEDG the emissions are reduced. The decoupling trends can be explained by a shift to more renewable energy sources in all scenarios, with the highest share in SEDG.

Main conclusions  The results indicate that a growth‐oriented policy design, such as presented in the GRAS scenario, is not compatible with the conservation of biodiversity. Only in the SEDG scenario do the policy measures support the idea of a sustainable development, but in some respects they are still not ambitious enough.
Asymmetric trading by insiders – comparing abnormal returns and earnings prediction in Spain and Australia
Authors: Goncharov Igor , Hodgson Allan , Lhaopadchan Suntharee , Sanabria Sonia
Published: December 2011

This paper examines whether the ‘external governance’ imposed by comparative financial accounting standards reduces the trading advantage of insiders. We do this by directly comparing insider trading returns and insider’s ability to predict future earnings from accruals in Spain and Australia. Results show higher excess returns and greater prediction of future earnings from conditioned insider trading in Australia that is then utilized by financial analysts to lower forecast errors – particularly in contrarian‐based accruals trading. Possible explanations include: (i) a high asymmetric quality for market‐based accruals, (ii) information transfer from informed insiders to uninformed insiders and financial analysts and (iii) a more timely dissemination of financial information in Spain through different ownership and governance structures.
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATES BY GENDER: UNIT ROOT OR STRUCTURAL BREAKS?
Authors: Ozdemir Zeynel Abidin , Balcilar Mehmet , Tansel Aysit
Published: December 2011

This paper examines the possibility of unit roots in the presence of endogenously determined multiple structural breaks in the total, female and male labour force participation rates (LFPR) for Australia, Canada and the USA. We extend the procedure of Gil‐Alana for a single structural break to the case of multiple structural breaks at endogenously determined dates using the principles suggested by Bai and Perron. We use the Robinson LM test to determine the fractional order of integration. We find that endogenously determined structural breaks render the total, female and male LFPR series stationary or at best mean‐reverting.
MicroRNAs as tumour suppressors in canine and human melanoma cells and as a prognostic factor in canine melanomas
Authors: Noguchi S. , Mori T. , Hoshino Y. , Yamada N. , Maruo K. , Akao Y.
Published: December 2011

Malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most aggressive cancers in dogs and in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms of its development and progression remain unclear. Presently, we examined the expression profile of microRNAs (miRs) in canine oral MM tissues and paired normal oral mucosa tissues by using the microRNA‐microarray assay and quantitative RT‐PCR. Importantly, a decreased expression of miR‐203 was significantly associated with a shorter survival time. Also, miR‐203 and ‐205 were markedly down‐regulated in canine and human MM cell lines tested. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of miR‐205 had a significant inhibitory effect on the cell growth of canine and human melanoma cells tested by targeting erbb3. Our data suggest that miR‐203 is a new prognostic factor in canine oral MMs and that miR‐205 functions as a tumour suppressor by targeting erbb3 in both canine and human MM cells.
Met interacts with EGFR and Ron in canine osteosarcoma
Authors: McCleese J. K. , Bear M. D. , Kulp S. K. , Mazcko C. , Khanna C. , London C. A.
Published: December 2011

The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) Met is known to be over‐expressed in canine osteosarcoma (OSA). In human cancers, the RTKs Met, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Ron are frequently co‐expressed and engage in heterodimerization, altering signal transduction and promoting resistance to targeted therapeutics. We found that EGFR and Ron are expressed in canine OSA cell lines and primary tissues, EGFR and Ron are frequently phosphorylated in OSA tumour samples, and Met is co‐associated with EGFR and Ron in canine OSA cell lines. Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulation induced amplification of ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in OSA cells and Met was phosphorylated following TGFα stimulation providing evidence for receptor cross‐talk. Lastly, treatment of OSA cells with combined gefitinib and crizotinib inhibited cell proliferation in an additive manner. Together, these data support the notion that Met, EGFR and Ron interact in OSA cells and as such, may represent viable targets for therapeutic intervention.
The Challenge of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Prevention in Hemodialysis Therapy
Authors: Parker Mark G. , Doebbeling Bradley N.
Published: December 2011

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have challenged care process and resource utilization in the acute hospital care setting for nearly 30 years. These infections have become important causes of morbidity, mortality, and a source of concern in the primary and emergency care context over the past decade. As individuals receiving recurrent therapy with features of both ambulatory care and acute care, hemodialysis patients are exposed to numerous opportunities for MRSA acquisition. Surprisingly, high prevalence rates for MRSA colonization have been demonstrated for both hemodialysis patients and their care providers. The necessity of vascular access and the persistent high prevalence of endovascular catheter use among patients repeatedly exposed to healthcare settings provide the perfect milieu for the troubling rates of MRSA infection, particularly bloodstream infections, in outpatient dialysis care. Dialysis industry shifts, including increased requirements for compliance and reporting in other areas of dialysis care, tax resources for infection prevention processes. Multifaceted strategies that include reassessment of vascular access care, attention to the interruption of MRSA transmission dynamics, and emphasis on organizational learning processes are needed to accomplish a meaningful reduction in the morbidity, mortality, and cost associated with MRSA infections in dialysis care.
Acute down‐regulation of adenosine A1 receptor activity in status epilepticus
Authors: Hamil Nicola E. , Cock Hannah R. , Walker Matthew C.
Published: December 2011

Purpose:  Status epilepticus (SE) remains a potentially devastating condition that quickly becomes refractory to antiepileptic drug treatment and arises as a result of a failure of the brain’s endogenous antiepileptic mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms and how they are disrupted in SE is necessary in order to identify novel therapeutic approaches. Adenosine is considered an endogenous anticonvulsant. Extracellular concentrations increase coinciding with seizure termination; activation of A1 receptors (A1Rs) reduces seizure‐induced damage and epileptiform activity. The present study examines the effectiveness of focal drug delivery in a model of limbic SE that closely resembles the human condition and describes, for the first time, alterations in A1R signaling during prolonged seizures that may contribute to the progression from self‐terminating seizures to self‐sustaining SE (SSSE).

Methods:  We developed a rat perforant path stimulation model in which 50% of rats develop SSSE and tested whether modulation of A1Rs influenced SSSE development when drugs were infused to the dentate gyrus. We further determined the ability of A1Rs to modulate perforant path to granule cell transmission in hippocampal slices taken from sham‐operated control and post‐SE animals.

Key Findings:  Adenosine (3 μm) and the A1R‐selective agonist 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; 10 μm) reduced the severity of SSSE as measured by spike count, electroencephalography power and behavioral seizure score. In addition, CCPA suppressed the progression to SSSE. Surprisingly, the A1R‐selective antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 1 μm) had no effect on the severity of or progression to SSSE, suggesting a lack of intrinsic A1R activation. Immunohistochemistry revealed no alterations in total A1R expression. However, we observed a marked down‐regulation of A1R modulation of neurotransmission in vitro, indicating acute A1R desensitization.

Significance:  These findings indicate that A1R activation can prevent the progression to SE and suggest that reduced A1R signaling promotes the transition of seizures to SSSE.
Kindling‐induced asymmetric accumulation of hippocampal 7S SNARE complexes correlates with enhanced glutamate release
Authors: Matveeva Elena A. , Davis Verda A. , Whiteheart Sidney W. , Vanaman Thomas C. , Gerhardt Greg A. , Slevin John T.
Published: December 2011

Purpose:  To correlate kindling‐associated alterations of the neurotransmitter secretory machinery, glutamate release in the trisynaptic hippocampal excitatory pathway, and the behavioral evolution of kindling‐induced epileptogenesis.

Method:  Neurotransmitter release requires the fusion of vesicle and plasma membranes; it is initiated by formation of a stable, ternary complex (7SC) of SNARE [soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptor] proteins. Quantitative Western blotting was used to monitor levels of 7SC and SNARE regulators [NSF, SV2 (synaptic vesicle protein 2)] in hippocampal synaptosomes from amygdala‐kindled animals. Hippocampal synaptic glutamate release was measured in vivo with a unique microelectrode array (MEA) that uses glutamate oxidase to catalyze the breakdown of glutamate into a reporter molecule.

Key Findings:  Ipsilateral hippocampal accumulation of 7SC developed with onset of amygdalar kindling, but became permanent only in animals stimulated to at least Racine stage 3; the ratio peaked and did not increase with more than two consecutive stage 5 seizures. Chronic 7SC asymmetry was seen in entorhinal cortex and the hippocampal formation, particularly in dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1, but not in the other brain areas examined. There was a strong correlation between asymmetric 7SC accumulation and increased total hippocampal SV2. Following a 30‐day latent period, amplitudes of spontaneous synaptic glutamate release were enhanced in ipsilateral DG and reduced in ipsilateral CA3 of kindled animals; increased volleys of synaptic glutamate activity were seen in ipsilateral CA1.

Significance:  Amygdalar kindling is associated with chronic changes in the flow of glutamate signaling in the excitatory trisynaptic pathway and with early but permanent changes in the mechanics of vesicular release in ipsilateral hippocampal formation.
Beyond General Intelligence (IQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The Role of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on Cross‐Border Leadership Effectiveness in a Globalized World
Authors: Rockstuhl Thomas , Seiler Stefan , Ang Soon , Van Dyne Linn , Annen Hubert
Published: December 2011

Emphasizing the importance of cross‐border effectiveness in the contemporary globalized world, we propose that cultural intelligence—the leadership capability to manage effectively in culturally diverse settings—is a critical leadership competency for those with cross‐border responsibilities. We tested this hypothesis with multisource data, including multiple intelligences, in a sample of 126 Swiss military officers with both domestic and cross‐border leadership responsibilities. Results supported our predictions: (1) general intelligence predicted both domestic and cross‐border leadership effectiveness; (2) emotional intelligence was a stronger predictor of domestic leadership effectiveness, and (3) cultural intelligence was a stronger predictor of cross‐border leadership effectiveness. Overall, results show the value of cultural intelligence as a critical leadership competency in today's globalized world.
Contested Ecologies: Environmental Activism and Urban Space in Immigrant Paris
Authors: NEWMAN ANDREW
Published: December 2011

In 2007, the City of Paris unveiled theJardins d'Éole, a new park built in a low‐income, predominately immigrant district of the city. The park resulted from an environmentalist mobilization led by residents and is an innovative example of sustainable urban design. This article highlights the spatial contestation surrounding the mobilization to build and design the park, and its impact upon class‐based, gendered, and ethno‐racial inequalities in Paris. It suggests that a complex environmental arena is reshaping the urbanization process in contradictory ways, at times providing residents a new means to confront injustices, while at other moments reproducing socio‐spatial inequalities.
“I'll Show You My Wounds”: Engaging Suffering through Film
Authors: Guevara Alberto , Nouvet Elysée
Published: December 2011

This article draws on the authors’ experience making a film about pesticide‐afflicted ex‐banana plantation workers in Nicaragua. Addressed are the practical, ethical, and aesthetic possibilities and challenges of visualizing the bodily dimensions of social inequality through film. How can one represent bodily dimensions of structural violence given the particularity of all visceral knowledge? How can one, in the making of films that travel across cultural and class boundaries, make local epistemologies of suffering felt? Susan Sontag has noted that the West has developed a pornographic appetite for the suffering of others. This appetite connects into a wider economy Gomez‐Peña has called the “mainstream bizarre,” one in which all that is different—bodies, experiences, persons—in their infinite guises and regardless of their authors’ intentions, are consumed in a manner in which they are emptied of political agency. While acknowledging the representational risks and potential pitfalls associated with the graphic showing of affliction, the authors present their strategies and reasoning for doing just this. It is the presence, rather than the absence, of the suffering body that can communicate Nicaraguan pesticide‐afflicted protesters’ intention of making their pain visible and mediate local body‐centered epistemologies of social inequality.
Preparation and Dielectric Property of Al and N Co‐Doped SiC Powder by Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Su Xiaolei , Zhou Wancheng , Xu Jie , Wang Junbo , He Xinhai , Fu Chong , Li Zhimin
Published: December 2011

As an absorber of microwave, the Al and N co‐doped SiC powders have been synthesized by combustion synthesis in a nitrogen or argon atmosphere, using silicon and carbon black as the raw material, polytetrafluoroethylene as the chemical activator, aluminum and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as the doping resource, respectively. XRD, SEM, EDS, and Raman spectra were utilized in analyzing phases, morphology, and chemical composition. Results show that the prepared powders are the Al and N co‐doped SiC powders. The electric permittivities of prepared powders were determined in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. When the molar ratio of Al to NH4Cl change from 0.5 to 1, the electric permittivities of prepared powders in a nitrogen atmosphere decrease and reach the least values for the prepared powders in an argon atmosphere. The dielectric loss mechanism has been discussed.
Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia applicability in myocardial infarction prevention and recovery
Authors: Sanchis‐Gomar Fabian , Viña Jose , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: December 2011

Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) has been the focus of important research in cardioprotection, and it has been associated with several mechanisms. Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia inhibits prolyl hydroxylases (PHD) activity, increasing the stabilization of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) and activating crucial adaptative genes. It has been hence suggested that IHH might be a simple intervention, which may offer a thoughtful benefits to patients with acute myocardial infarction and no complications. Nevertheless, several doubts exist as to whether IHH is a really safe technique, with little to no complications in post‐myocardial infarction patients. Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia might produce instead unfavourable changes such as impairment of vascular hemodynamics and hypertensive response, increased risk of hemoconcentration and thrombosis, cardiac rhythm perturbations, coronary artery disease and heart failure, insulin resistance, steatohepatitis and even high‐altitude pulmonary oedema in susceptible or nonacclimatized patients. Although intermittent and chronic exposures seem effective in cardioprotection, IHH safety issues have been mostly overlooked, so that assorted concerns should be raised about the opportunity to use IHH in the post‐myocardial infarction period. Several IHH protocols used in some studies were also aggressive, which would hamper their widespread introduction within the clinical practice. As such, further research is needed before IHH can be widely advocated in myocardial infarction prevention and recovery.
Bone quality and quantity of the anterior maxillary trabecular bone in dental implant sites
Authors: Wakimoto Mari , Matsumura Tatsushi , Ueno Takaaki , Mizukawa Nobuyoshi , Yanagi Yoshinobu , Iida Seiji
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of implant sites on the edentulous alveolar ridge in the anterior maxilla. We studied the bone quantity and quality of implant sites at the anterior maxilla using CT images for the 33 implant sites on patients who underwent dental implant therapy in our Department since 2006.

Materials and methods:

Computed tomography (CT) images of 33 patients (20 women: 13 men) encompassing 33 implant sites were chosen and examined. The recipient sites for implant placement were determined based on CT data using an implant planning software (Simplant 11.0). The mean bone density values in Hounsfield unit (HU) were recorded using Simplant for both the simulated implant areas and the trabecular bone width. We classified the edentulous alveolar ridge and bone quality according to a classification based on Lekholm and Zarb (1985).

Results:

Incisors had higher bone densities than canines. Women had lower bone densities than men. Canines displayed greater trabecular bone density and alveolar bone widths than incisors. No maxillary sites were judged to have a bone quality of 1 in this group. Quality 3 accounted for 69.7% of the total samples.

Conclusions:

An assessment of bone quality in the anterior alveolar ridge may well reflect age‐related systemic pathological conditions and should be used in dental implant treatment planning to avoid associated risk factors.
Effects of coumestrol administration to maternal mice during pregnancy and lactation on renal Ca metabolism in neonatal mice
Authors: UEDA Michihisa , HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro , SUGIMOTO Miki , IKEDA Shuntaro , KUME Shinichi
Published: December 2011

The present study was conducted to clarify the effects of coumestrol administration to maternal mice during pregnancy and lactation on serum Ca and Ca metabolism in their neonatal mice. From 6.5 to 16.5 days post coitus and from 3 to 10 days after parturition, maternal mice were administered at 200 µg/kg body weight/day of coumestrol. Coumestrol administration did not affect weight gains, serum Ca and the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) protein in the kidney of neonatal mice, but weight gains of maternal mice were decreased by coumestrol administration. Coumestrol administration increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of epithelial Ca channels 1 (ECaC1) and VDR in the kidney of neonatal mice, and also increased the mRNA expressions of ECaC2 in the kidney and small intestine of male neonatal mice. The mRNA expressions of ECaC1, ECaC2, calbindin‐D9k (CaBP‐9k) and estrogen receptor (ER)α in the kidney and VDR in the small intestine of male neonatal mice were higher than those of female mice. Thus, coumestrol administration to maternal mice during pregnancy and lactation may affect renal Ca metabolism in neonatal mice, especially male neonatal mice via maternal milk.
Activating Knowledge for Patient Safety Practices: A Canadian Academic‐Policy Partnership
Authors: Harrison Margaret B. , Nicklin Wendy , Owen Marie , Godfrey Christina , McVeety Janice , Angus Val
Published: December 2011

Background: Over the past decade, the need for healthcare delivery systems to identify and address patient safety issues has been propelled to the forefront. A Canadian survey, for example, demonstrated patient safety to be a major concern of frontline nurses (Nicklin & McVeety 2002). Three crucial patient safety elements, current knowledge, resources, and context of care have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO 2009). To develop strategies to respond to the scope and mandate of the WHO report within the Canadian context, a pan‐Canadian academic‐policy partnership has been established.

Approach: This newly formed Pan‐Canadian Partnership, the Queen's Joanna Briggs Collaboration for Patient Safety (referred throughout as “QJBC” or “the Partnership”), includes the Queen's University School of Nursing, Accreditation Canada, the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and is supported by an active and committed advisory council representing over 10 national organizations representing all sectors of the health continuum, including patients/families advocacy groups, professional associations, and other bodies. This unique partnership is designed to provide timely, focused support from academia to the front line of patient safety.

QJBC has adopted an “integrated knowledge translation” approach to identify and respond to patient safety priorities and to ensure active engagement with stakeholders in producing and using available knowledge. Synthesis of evidence and guideline adaptation methodologies are employed to access quantitative and qualitative evidence relevant to pertinent patient safety questions and subsequently, to respond to issues of feasibility, meaningfulness, appropriateness/acceptability, and effectiveness.

Summary: This paper describes the conceptual grounding of the Partnership, its proposed methods, and its plan for action. It is hoped that our journey may provide some guidance to others as they develop patient safety models within their own arenas.
Sudden near‐fatal tracheal aspiration of an undiagnosed nasal foreign body in a small child
Authors: Mishra Pragnyadipta , Bhakta Pradipta , Kumar Sudesh , Al Abri Rashid , Burad Jyoti
Published: December 2011

Foreign body aspiration is a commonly encountered emergency in children. Foreign body can lodge in any site from supra‐glottis to the terminal bronchioles. Symptoms might range from none to respiratory compromise, cardiac arrest and even death depending on location and size. We report successful management of a child who aspirated a nasal foreign body during physical examination in an outpatient department causing complete airway obstruction with special mention about different management options available for managing near total respiratory arrest from an aspirated foreign body in the ED.
Pharmacokinetics of Clindamycin in the Plasma and Dialysate after Intraperitoneal Administration of Clindamycin Phosphoester to Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: An Open‐Label, Prospective, Single‐Dose, Two‐Institution Study
Authors: Chang Min J. , Namgung Hyunguk , Choi Hye D. , Song Young R. , Kim Sung G. , Oh Jung M. , Shin Wan G.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of clindamycin and the dose of clindamycin phosphate necessary to treat peritonitis after intraperitoneal administration of clindamycin phosphate to patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This was an open‐label, prospective, single‐dose study conducted at the two levels of institutional clinical care in South Korea. Twelve patients (six men and six women; all older than 25 years), mean CAPD duration of 38.2 months with various origins without peritonitis, received 600 mg clindamycin phosphate mixed with only the first 2‐L dialysate (1.5% dextrose). The 1.5%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 1.5% dextrose dialysates were serially exchanged every 6 hr. If patients were non‐anuric, 24‐hr urine samples were also collected. Clindamycin phosphate was incompletely activated to clindamycin in the dialysate. The clindamycin concentration in the dialysate was greater than the effective concentration (5 μg/mL) at 6.87 μg/mL up to 6 hr. So, 600 mg clindamycin phosphate per every 6 hr dialysate is effective for treatment of peritonitis. It has been reported that the clindamycin concentrations in the dialysate may be higher in CAPD patients with peritonitis. Thus, we can expect that intraperitoneal administration of <600 mg clindamycin phosphate per every 6 hr dialysate could be maintained over 5 μg/mL in patients with peritonitis. The transfer of clindamycin was unidirectional from the dialysate to the plasma.
Phospholipase C Mediates Cadmium‐Dependent Apoptosis in HEK 293 Cells
Authors: Lawal Akeem O. , Ellis Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Cadmium is a heavy metal that is known to cause toxicity to cells and, at low concentrations, can initiate apoptosis. This study was undertaken with the aim of defining the role of phospholipase C (PLC) in mediating cadmium‐induced apoptosis in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells. We have shown that intracellular Ca2+ levels increased significantly in HEK 293 cells after 24‐hr exposure to Cd. The activity of the calcium‐dependent protease calpain rose by four times. The PLC–specific inhibitor, U73122, prevented the Cd‐dependent increase in Ca2+ levels and also abolished Cd‐dependent calpain and caspase 3 activation as well as Cd‐dependent mitochondrial Bax accumulation. Inhibition of PLC also leads to an increased cell viability following exposure to Cd. Taken together, the results show that the PLC pathway is involved in mediating Cd‐induced apoptosis in HEK 293 cells.
Aberrant expression and clinical correlation of Notch signaling molecules in breast cancer of Chinese population
Authors: MA Daoxin , DONG Xuebin , ZANG Shaolei , MA Rong , ZHAO Ping , GUO Dongmei , DAI Jianjian , CHEN Feng , YE Jingjing , JI Chunyan
Published: December 2011

Aims:  Notch signaling molecules play crucial roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis, yet their function in breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods:  Samples and clinical data from 62 breast cancer patients were collected. After total RNA isolation, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied to analyze the expression of Notch receptors (Notch1, Notch3 and Notch4) and ligands (DLL4 and JAG1), and their clinical association. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the intracellular domain of Notch1 (Notch1‐IC) expression.

Results:  Notch1 was the dominant receptor while DLL4 was the dominant ligand. The Notch molecules expression pattern for infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) was similar to that for infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) except for JAG1, while Notch1 standard coefficients in ILC were statistically higher than that in IDC. Immunohistochemical results showed that Notch1‐IC protein expression paralleled the mRNA level. Breast cancer patients' clinical parameters suggested that Notch1 expression was higher in stage II disease and lower in more advanced stages. The Notch3 positive rate was higher in patients with lower levels of Notch1, and the Notch3 positive rate was lower in patients with higher levels of Notch1. No apparent correlation of Notch molecules with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) was found. Though high Notch1 and Notch3 RNA levels tended to correlate with c‐erbB2 expression, no statistical significance was found.

Conclusion:  Notch molecules are useful biomarkers in breast cancer especially for Notch1 and DLL4, and Notch1 is expressed differently in different stages of human breast cancer.
Expression of telomere binding proteins in gastric cancer and correlation with clinicopathological parameters
Authors: GAO Jinbo , ZHANG Jinghui , LONG Yaoping , LU Xiaoming
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of telomere repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1), TRF2 and protection of telomeres 1 (POT1) in gastric cancer and their relationships with clinicopathological features and telomerase activity.

Methods:  In total 36 gastric cancer tissue and paired adjacent normal tissue were analyzed. The mRNA expression of telomere binding proteins TRF1, TRF2 and POT1 were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and telomerase activity was assessed by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol/enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results:  The expression of POT1 was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in adjacent normal tissue (P < 0.001). Levels of TRF2 mRNA were significantly higher in bigger tumors (diameter ≥ 5 cm) than in small tumors (diameter < 5 cm) (P = 0.043). POT1 mRNA transcription levels were higher in tumors with lymph nodes metastases than in those without lymph nodes metastases (P = 0.048). POT1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor stage (P = 0.008). A higher level of expression of POT1 was observed in late‐stage tumors (III, IV) than in early stage tumors (I, II). Telomerase activity was significantly higher in gastric cancers than in corresponding normal tissue (P < 0.001). Moreover, POT1 expression was significantly positive correlated with telomerase activity (r = 0.572, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  POT1 was overexpressed in gastric cancer and may be associated with stomach carcinogenesis and gastric cancer progression.
Endothelial cell damage induces a blood–alveolus barrier breakdown in the development of radiation‐induced lung injury
Authors: QIU Jun , LI Jian , HE Tian‐Chu
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To investigate the role of endothelial cell damage in radiation‐induced lung injury.

Methods:  A total of 60 male Sprague–Dawley rats were irradiated to the right hemithorax with a single dose of 0, 7.0 or 14.4 Gy. Serial studies were performed before and at 1, 7, 30 and 90 days after radiation, respectively. Pathological studies were carried out to detect changes in the lung after irradiation. Western blot studies were conducted to detect the expression of CD34 and of CD105 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results:  Compared to controls, the irradiated rat lung showed a dose‐dependent and time‐dependent decrease in the expression of CD34. The level of CD105 was significantly reduced by irradiation except at 90 days after radiation. The expression of VEGF increased 1 day after radiation, and then decreased from day 30 onwards, to be lower than the control group at 90 days. Pulmonary fibrosis was observed at 90 days after 14.4 Gy exposure; however, most of these phenomena were not observed in the 7.0 Gy group.

Conclusion:  These results support the notion that endothelial cells play an important role in radiation‐induced lung injury, and may be critical to breakdown of the blood–alveolus barrier and microcirculation dysfunction related to radiation‐induced inflammation and fibrosis.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES TREATED WITH GAMMA RADIATION, PULSED ELECTRIC FIELD AND ULTRA‐HIGH PRESSURE
Authors: MOHAMED HUSSEIN M.H. , DIONO BEATRICE H.S. , YOUSEF AHMED E.
Published: December 2011

Understanding the mode of action of gamma (γ) radiation, pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultra‐high pressure (UHP) against targeted pathogens should help improve implementation of these technologies. Listeria monocytogenes Scott A was treated with γ radiation, PEF and UHP at doses that caused equal lethality (3‐log inactivation). These doses were 0.57 kGy at 5C (γ radiation), 30 kV/cm at 22C for 216 µs (PEF) and 400 MPa at 24 ± 1C for 6 min (UHP). When structural changes in cells of L. monocytogenes were compared using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the nucleoid region of γ ‐irradiated cells appeared to have spread throughout the cytoplasm. UHP‐treated cells showed aggregated cytoplasm, indicating extensive protein denaturing. Structural differences between PEF‐treated and untreated cells were minimal, as revealed by TEM. Electrophoresis of genomic DNA from γ‐irradiated L. monocytogenes showed considerable fragmentation. These DNA lesions were not detected when L. monocytogenes was treated with PEF or UHP. When irradiated cells were analyzed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis, the banding pattern changed into smearing. In conclusion, γ radiation, PEF and UHP targeted different loci in the cell, and thus synergy between these treatments against L. monocytogenes is likely.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Recently, there is an increase in the use of gamma (γ) radiation and ultra‐high pressure (UHP) in food processing as alternatives to heat. Other promising technologies, such as pulsed electric field (PEF), are in the experimental stage. This is a side‐by‐side investigation of γ radiation, UHP and PEF that helps in understanding the mechanism of bacterial inactivation by these technologies. The study could also help food processors in determining the suitability of these technologies for particular applications.
Size and Characteristic of Housing Bubbles in China's Major Cities: 1999–2010
Authors: Yu Huayi
Published: December 2011

There is some disagreement in the published literature regarding the definition and the measurement of housing bubbles in China. Extending the analytical framework of Black et al. (2006), the present paper measures the housing bubbles of China's 35 major cities from the second quarter of 1999 to the second quarter of 2010. The results indicate that the housing bubbles in China's 35 major cities were relatively small in the sample interval, but the bubbles in eastern metropolises, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Ningbo, have been relatively big since 2005. The changing tendency of housing bubbles in most cities highly corresponds with the changes in real estate policies. This paper decomposes the housing bubbles of the 35 cities, and finds a great proportion of irrational bubbles rather than rational intrinsic bubbles generated by price speculation. Based on empirical analysis, this paper proposes policy recommendations for preventing the generation and expansion of housing bubbles.
Excess Liquidity, Housing Price Booms and Policy Challenges in China
Authors: Guo Shen , Li Chen
Published: December 2011

Incorporating asymmetric cost and benefit of supplying excess liquidity into an otherwise standard time inconsistency model, this paper offers an explanation of the excess liquidity and housing price booms recently experienced in China. We find that the central bank's incentive to stimulate economic growth with excess liquidity fuels real estate prices and accelerates inflation bias. Therefore, the central bank should free itself from the pressure to achieve an economic growth rate higher than the potential level, and assign an appropriate weight to the real estate price fluctuations in the central bank's objective function, so that the central bank's policy of stimulating economic growth with excess liquidity can be constrained.
Estimation of China's Embodied CO2 Emissions during 2000–2009
Authors: Ma Shuzhong , Chen Ying
Published: December 2011

The problem of CO2 embodied in international trade has attracted increasing attention in China. To analyze this issue, the present paper directly calculates emission factors for 15 industries in 2002, 2005 and 2007. We then examine a consumption‐based system and a single‐region input–output model to estimate China's embodied emissions during 2000–2009. Our results show that, when a consumption‐based system is adopted, China's emissions are lower than those reported by some international organizations. The rapid growth in China's exports is a key determinant of China's rising total emissions. All countries should strengthen their cooperation in improving their current greenhouse gas inventories. Furthermore, China needs to encourage trade in low‐carbon products and technology.
Arbeitgebereinstellungen zu Compliance im Bereich der Sozialversicherung in Schanghai
Authors: Nyland Chris , Thomson S. Bruce , Zhu Cherrie J.
Published: December 2011

Auszug

Arbeitgeber zu bewegen, ihre Verpflichtungen im Rahmen der Sozialversicherung zu erfüllen (Compliance), ist in Schwellenländern mit schwacher Regulierung eine besonders schwierige Aufgabe. Unter Verwendung qualitativer Erkenntnisse aus acht in Schanghai in der Volksrepublik China durchgeführten Fallstudien wird in diesem Artikel untersucht, wie Arbeitgeber auf Versuche des Staates reagieren, sie zu erwünschtem Verhalten in Bezug auf die Sozialversicherung zu animieren. Aus den Wahrnehmungen und Reaktionen der Arbeitgeber auf die etablierten politischen Handlungskonzepte und Regulierungsstrukturen ließen sich fünf Problembereiche ableiten: Ausarbeitung einer wirksamen Politik, gleiche Ausgangsbedingungen, Kostenkontrolle, Unternehmensreputation sowie Personalanwerbung und ‐bindung. Ferner lassen die Ergebnisse darauf schließen, dass es drei Unternehmensmerkmale gibt, die das Verhalten beeinflussen könnten: Risikofaktoren, Qualifikationen der Beschäftigten und Besitzverhältnis. Es wurde damit gerechnet, dass sich die Unternehmensgröße auf das Compliance‐Verhalten auswirkt; diesbezüglich ließ sich jedoch kein eindeutiges Muster nachweisen.
Beitragseinziehung und Beitragspflicht in der sozialen Sicherheit: Verbesserung der Governance zur Ausweitung des Sozialschutzes
Authors: Enoff Louis D. , McKinnon Roddy
Published: December 2011

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Gestützt auf Umfragedaten von Organisationen der sozialen Sicherheit und weiterer Stellen zur Beitragseinziehung will dieser Artikel die Weitergabe von Wissen und guter Praxis in der Beitragserhebung und Durchsetzung der Einhaltung der damit einhergehenden Beitragsbestimmungen fördern. Während die Beitragserhebung und Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eine große Bedeutung für Sozialschutz, Politik und Steuern haben, stellt der vorliegende Artikel diese Ziele in den Rahmen einer verwaltungstechnischen Good Governance. Aus der Datenlage ist ersichtlich, dass meist sieben Kernfaktoren gemeinsam die Grundlage für die erfolgreiche Beitragseinziehung und Durchsetzung der Bestimmungen bilden. Ein solcher Erfolg vermag nicht allein eine Verbesserung der Angemessenheit von Leistungen, der finanziellen Solidität und des öffentlichen Ansehens der Programme zu gewährleisten; des Weiteren können damit auch nationale und internationale Bemühungen zur Ausweitung der Deckung durch die soziale Sicherheit unterstützt werden. Letztendlich bestimmt und begrenzt das nationale politische Umfeld den Erfolg und die Dimension eines solchen Vorhabens, worauf die meisten Organisationen der sozialen Sicherheit wenig oder keinen Einfluss haben.
The peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumour: a case report
Authors: Bowers L.M. , Cohen D.M. , Fetner A. , Bhattacharyya I.
Published: December 2011

An 11‐year‐old male presented with a localised erythematous gingival enlargement of the anterior maxillary gingiva and an associated deep facial pocket. Biopsy specimens were obtained. Histopathological examination of the submitted tissue showed a cystic lining consisting of proliferating odontogenic epithelium with spindle‐shaped cells forming small ductules and well‐formed duct‐like structures lined by pseudo‐stratified columnar epithelium. A diagnosis of peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (PAOT) was rendered. The PAOT is a rare entity that can present as an erythematous gingival swelling, similar to an epulis or fibroma. Dentists should be aware that unusual pathological entities can have a variety of presentations and that definitive diagnosis may require submission of tissue for histopathological examination.
The missing link: Leadership, identity, and the social brain
Authors: van Vugt Mark
Published: December 2011

How the cohesion of a social network is being maintained in spite of having different layers of social interaction is an important question. I argue that the evolution of both (political) hierarchy and social identity play a crucial role in scaling up and bonding social networks. Together they are missing links in the social brain hypothesis, and further research is needed to understand the functions of leadership and social identity.
T-Shape Tube Hydroforming of Magnesium Alloys With Different Outlet Diameters
Authors: Hwang Yeong-Maw , Wang Kuo-Hsing , Kang Nai-Shin
Published: December 2011

Good die surface shapes improve the flow pattern of the tube material, reduce stress concentration of the products, and decrease the forming load. The objective of this paper is to propose a design guideline for die surface shapes in T-shape protrusion hydroforming of magnesium alloys with different outlet diameters and propose an adaptive control algorithm to determine appropriate loading paths for the forming process. The finite element analysis is used to simulate the flow pattern of the tube during tube hydroforming process. The analytical flow line distribution of the tube is utilized to determine the speed ratio of the counter punch to the axial feeding at the protrusion stage of the hydroforming process. Experiments of T-shape warm hydroforming of magnesium alloy AZ61 tubes with a 1/2 outlet diameter ratio are conducted. Loading paths determined by the proposed adaptive simulation algorithm is adopted in the tube hydroforming (THF) experiments. From the comparisons of the product shape, thickness distribution, and flow line configuration between the analytical and experimental values, the validity of the proposed die design guidelines and control algorithms is verified.
Preform Design for Tube Hydroforming Based on Wrinkle Formation
Authors: Yang Chen , Ngaile Gracious
Published: December 2011

A two-stage preforming process based on wrinkle formation is developed for the tube hydroforming process to accumulate material in the forming zone, thus reducing the thinning rate and improving the formability. In preforming stage one, the wrinkle onset is triggered with limited axial compression. In preforming stage two, the wrinkle grows stably and uniformly to a certain height. Then, the preformed wrinkles are flattened to conform to the die shape in the final tube hydroforming process. An analytical model based on bifurcation analysis and postbuckling analysis of the elastic-plastic circular cylinder under axial compression and internal pressure is used to study the wrinkle evolution characteristics in tube hydroforming. The analytical results offer valuable guidance to the process design of the two-stage preforming process. To validate this methodology, preform die sets for two axisymmetric parts were designed and tube hydroforming experiments were carried out on SS 304 tubing. Through this methodology, an expansion rate of 71% was achieved.
A Parameter Investigation Into the Thompson Constant-Velocity Coupling
Authors: Watson I. T. , Gangadhara Prusty B. , Olsen J. , Farrell D.
Published: December 2011

The Thompson coupling is a relatively recent design of constant-velocity coupling, that is, principally based on the double Cardan mechanism. An extra mechanism comprising a spherical pantograph serves to align the intermediate shaft of this coupling and so maintains the constant velocity of the double Cardan mechanism, in a modular fashion. This technical note serves to introduce basic closed form expressions for the coupling’s geometry—which may then be used to derive linkage accelerations and dynamic forces. The expressions are derived using standard identities in spherical geometry. The resulting dynamic model then informs a basic conceptual design optimization, which object is intended to reduce induced driveline vibrations, when the coupling is articulated at nonzero angles of torque transmission.