bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginger DNA transposons in eukaryotes and their evolutionary relationships with long terminal repeat retrotransposons
Authors: Bao Weidong , Kapitonov Vladimir V , Jurka Jerzy
Published: February 2010

Background

In eukaryotes, long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons such as Copia, BEL and Gypsy integrate their DNA copies into the host genome using a particular type of DDE transposase called integrase (INT). The Gypsy INT-like transposase is also conserved in the Polinton/Maverick self-synthesizing DNA transposons and in the 'cut and paste' DNA transposons known as TDD-4 and TDD-5. Moreover, it is known that INT is similar to bacterial transposases that belong to the IS3, IS481, IS30 and IS630 families. It has been suggested that LTR retrotransposons evolved from a non-LTR retrotransposon fused with a DNA transposon in early eukaryotes. In this paper we analyze a diverse superfamily of eukaryotic cut and paste DNA transposons coding for INT-like transposase and discuss their evolutionary relationship to LTR retrotransposons.

Results

A new diverse eukaryotic superfamily of DNA transposons, named Ginger (for 'Gypsy INteGrasE Related') DNA transposons is defined and analyzed. Analogously to the IS3 and IS481 bacterial transposons, the Ginger termini resemble those of the Gypsy LTR retrotransposons. Currently, Ginger transposons can be divided into two distinct groups named Ginger1 and Ginger2/Tdd. Elements from tshe Ginger1 group are characterized by approximately 40 to 270 base pair (bp) terminal inverted repeats (TIRs), and are flanked by CCGG-specific or CCGT-specific target site duplication (ssTSsD) sequences. The Ginger1-encoded transposases contain an approximate 400 amino acid N-terminal portion sharing high amino acid identity to the entire Gypsy-encoded integrases, including the YPYY motif, zinc finger, DDE domain, and, importantly, the GPY/F motif, a hallmark of Gypsy and endogenous retrovirus (ERV) integrases. Ginger1 transposases also contain additional C-terminal domains: ovarian tumor (OTU)-like protease domain or Ulp1 protease domain. In vertebrate genomes, at least two host genes, which were previously thought to be derived from the Gypsy integrases, apparently have evolved from the Ginger1 transposase genes. We also introduce a second Ginger group, designated Ginger2/Tdd, which includes the previously reported DNA transposon TDD-4.

Conclusions

The Ginger superfamily represents eukaryotic DNA transposons closely related to LTR retrotransposons. Ginger elements provide new insights into the evolution of transposable elements and certain transposable element (TE)-derived genes.
Risk of breast cancer among daughters of mothers with diabetes: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Stephansson Olof , Granath Fredrik , Ekbom Anders , Michels Karin B
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Diabetes during pregnancy is related to enhanced fetal growth, which has been associated with increased breast cancer risk. Whether daughters of mothers with a diagnosis of diabetes have an increased risk of breast cancer is not known.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of daughters of mothers with diabetes by linkage of the Swedish Multigeneration, Cause-of-Death and Patient Register between 1952 and 2005. Breast cancer cases were ascertained by linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register between 1958 and 2005. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of breast cancer were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution for the observed cases.

Results

We identified 291,360 daughters of mothers with a diagnosis of diabetes before or after birth between 1952 and 2005. Among the daughters, 7,956 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed between 1964 and 2005. The total time of follow-up was 12,173,821 person years. The expected number of breast cancer cases was 9,204, resulting in an SIR of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.85 to 0.88). The decrease in risk associated with maternal diabetes was stronger for premenopausal (< 55 years of age) than postmenopausal (≥ 55 years of age) breast cancer (SIR 0.83 and 0.91, respectively). Among daughters of mothers with diabetes, a history of breast cancer in the mother increased the risk of breast cancer in the daughter (SIR 1.43, 1.32 to 1.54).

Conclusions

Daughters of mothers with a lifetime history of diabetes were at a decreased risk of breast cancer. The strongest negative association was found among premenopausal breast cancer.
ChIA-PET tool for comprehensive chromatin interaction analysis with paired-end tag sequencing
Authors: Li Guoliang , Fullwood Melissa J , Xu Han , Mulawadi Fabianus Hendriyan , Velkov Stoyan , Vega Vinsensius , Ariyaratne Pramila Nuwantha , Mohamed Yusoff Bin , Ooi Hong-Sain , Tennakoon Chandana , Wei Chia-Lin , Ruan Yijun , Sung Wing-Kin
Published: February 2010

Chromatin interaction analysis with paired-end tag sequencing (ChIA-PET) is a new technology to study genome-wide long-range chromatin interactions bound by protein factors. Here we present ChIA-PET Tool, a software package for automatic processing of ChIA-PET sequence data, including linker filtering, mapping tags to reference genomes, identifying protein binding sites and chromatin interactions, and displaying the results on a graphical genome browser. ChIA-PET Tool is fast, accurate, comprehensive, user-friendly, and open source (available at http://chiapet.gis.a-star.edu.sg).
An alternatively spliced CXCL16 isoform expressed by dendritic cells is a secreted chemoattractant for CXCR6+ cells
Authors: van der Voort Robbert , Verweij Viviènne , de Witte Theo M , Lasonder Edwin , Adema Gosse J , Dolstra Harry
Published: February 2010

A secreted isoform of the chemokine CXCL16 contributes to the interaction between dendritic cells and CXCR6+ lymphocytes.

DC are professional APCs that initiate and regulate adaptive immune responses by interacting with naïve and memory T cells. Chemokines released by DC play an essential role in T cell recruitment and in the maintenance of antigen-specific T cell-DC conjugates. Here, we characterized the expression of the T cell-attracting chemokine CXCL16 by murine DC. We demonstrate that through alternative RNA splicing, DC not only express the previously characterized transmembrane CXCL16 isoform, which can be cleaved from the cell surface, but also a novel isoform lacking the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. Transfection of HEK293 cells shows that this novel isoform, termed CXCL16v, is not expressed on the cell membrane but is secreted as a protein of ∼10 kDa. Quantitative PCR demonstrates that CXCL16v is broadly expressed in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues resembling the tissue distribution of DC. Indeed, CXCL16v mRNA is expressed significantly by spleen DC and BM-DC. Moreover, we show that mature DC have increased CXCL16v mRNA levels and express transmembrane and soluble CXCL16 proteins. Finally, we show that CXCL16v specifically attracts cells expressing the chemokine receptor CXCR6. Our data demonstrate that mature DC express secreted, transmembrane, and cleaved CXCL16 isoforms to recruit and communicate efficiently with CXCR6+ lymphoid cells.
Directional balancing for seismic and general wavefield interferometry
Authors: Curtis Andrew , Halliday David
Published: February 2010

In passive seismic interferometry using naturally occurring, heterogeneous noise sources and in active-source seismic interferometry where sources can usually only be distributed densely on the exterior of solid bodies, bias can be introduced in Green’s function estimates when amplitudes of energy have directional variations. We have developed an algorithm to remove bias in Green’s function estimates constructed using seismic interferometry when amplitudes of energy used have uncontrollable directional variations. The new algorithm consists of two parts: (1) a method to measure and adjust the amplitudes of physical, incoming energy using an array of receivers and (2) a method to predict and remove nonphysical energy that remains (and can be accentuated) in interferometrically derived Green’s functions after applying the method in step 1. To accomplish step 2, we have created two data-driven methods to predict the nonphysical energy using direct computation or move-out-based methods, and a way to suppress such energy using (in this case) helical least-squares filters. Two-dimensional acoustic scattering examples confirm the algorithm’s effectiveness.
Mechanisms for Hypercalciuria in Pseudohypoaldosteronism Type II-Causing WNK4 Knock-In Mice
Authors: Yang Sung-Sen , Hsu Yu-Juei , Chiga Motoko , Rai Tatemitsu , Sasaki Sei , Uchida Shinichi , Lin Shih-Hua
Published: February 2010

The mechanisms underlying hypercalciuria in pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII) caused by WNK4 mutations remain unclear. In this study, we used Wnk4D561A/+ knock-in mice as a model of human PHAII for investigating the pathogenesis of hypercalciuria in PHAII. Serum and urine biochemistries were obtained from Wnk4+/+ and Wnk4D561A/+ littermates. Expression of the epithelial Ca2+ channels [transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subtype 5 (TRPV5) and TRPV6] and calbindin-D28k (CBP-D28k) in the distal nephron and two upstream Na+ transporters, Na+/H+ exchanger 3 and Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter 2 involved in paracellular Ca2+ reabsorption, were examined by real-time PCR, immunofluorescent staining, and immunoblotting. Compared with Wnk4+/+ littermate controls, Wnk4D561A/+ mice manifested hypercalciuria despite no significant differences in serum creatinine, ionized Ca2+, PTH, and 1,25 hydroxylvitamin D3 levels. There was no significant difference in TRPV5 expression, but a significant increase in TRPV6 and CBP-D28k was observed in Wnk4D561A/+ mice. Despite no significant change in Na+/H+ exchanger 3 expression, Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter 2 expression was significantly attenuated and urine Ca2+ excretion rate in response to furosemide was blunted in Wnk4D561A/+ mice. Decreased Ca2+ reabsorption in the upstream nephron, especially in the thick ascending loops of Henle, with a secondary adaptive increase in TRPV6 and CBP-D28k expression in the distal tubules might be involved in the hypercalciuria of PHAII.
The Increase in Cardiac Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase-4 after Short-Term Dexamethasone Is Controlled by an Akt-p38-Forkhead Box Other Factor-1 Signaling Axis
Authors: Puthanveetil Prasanth , Wang Ying , Wang Fang , Kim Min Suk , Abrahani Ashraf , Rodrigues Brian
Published: February 2010

Glucocorticoids increase pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 (PDK4) mRNA and protein expression, which phosphorylates pyruvate dehydrogenase, thereby preventing the formed pyruvate from undergoing mitochondrial oxidation. This increase in PDK4 expression is mediated by the mandatory presence of Forkhead box other factors (FoxOs) in the nucleus. In the current study, we examined the importance of the nongenomic effects of dexamethasone (Dx) in determining the compartmentalization of FoxO and hence its transcriptional activity. Rat cardiomyocytes exposed to Dx produced a robust decrease in glucose oxidation. Measurement of FoxO compartmentalization demonstrated increase in nuclear but resultant decrease in cytosolic content of FoxO1 with no change in the total content. The increase in nuclear content of FoxO1 correlated to an increase in nuclear phospho-p38 MAPK together with a robust association between this transcription factor and kinase. Dx also promoted nuclear retention of FoxO1 through a decrease in phosphorylation of Akt, an effect mediated by heat shock proteins binding to Akt. Measurement of the nuclear and total expression of sirtuin-1 protein showed no change after Dx. Instead, Dx increased the association of sirtuin-1 with FoxO1, thereby causing a decrease in FoxO acetylation. Manipulation of FoxO1 through agents that interfere with its nuclear shuttling or acetylation were effective in reducing Dx-induced increase in PDK4 protein expression. Our data suggest that FoxO1 has a major PDK4-regulating function. In addition, given the recent suggestions that altering glucose use can set the stage for heart failure, manipulating FoxO could assist in devising new therapeutic strategies to optimize cardiac metabolism and prevent PDK4 induced cardiac complications.
Chronic Prednisolone Treatment Reduces Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity while Perturbing the Fed-to-Fasting Transition in Mice
Authors: Laskewitz Anke J. , van Dijk Theo H. , Bloks Vincent W. , Reijngoud Dirk-Jan , van Lierop Marie-José , Dokter Wim H. , Kuipers Folkert , Groen Albert K. , Grefhorst Aldo
Published: February 2010

Chronic glucocorticoid use for treatment of inflammatory diseases is accompanied by severe side effects in humans (e.g. hyperglycemia and insulin resistance). The present studies were conducted to characterize consequences of chronic treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid prednisolone on insulin sensitivity and blood glucose kinetics in mice. Prednisolone treatment increased fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations, but this apparently reduced insulin sensitivity could not be confirmed in hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies. Therefore, a novel method to study whole body glucose kinetics was used. This method revealed that prednisolone-treated mice show an increased hepatic glucose production (HGP). The increased HGP was accompanied by elevated plasma insulin concentrations, indicating reduced insulin sensitivity of hepatic glucose metabolism in prednisolone-treated mice. Compared with vehicle, prednisolone-treated mice had lower blood glucose concentrations, higher plasma free fatty acids, and higher plasma fibroblast growth factor-21 concentrations in the fed condition, i.e. mimicking a fasting situation. Next, the effects of 24-h fasting on energy metabolism were studied. Compared with controls, fasted prednisolone-treated mice had higher blood glucose concentrations and lower plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. In conclusion, these results indicate that chronic prednisolone treatment reduces insulin sensitivity of HGP, induces a fasting-like phenotype in fed mice, and perturbs the fed-to-fasting transition.
TAF1 Differentially Enhances Androgen Receptor Transcriptional Activity via Its N-Terminal Kinase and Ubiquitin-Activating and -Conjugating Domains
Authors: Tavassoli Peyman , Wafa Latif A. , Cheng Helen , Zoubeidi Amina , Fazli Ladan , Gleave Martin , Snoek Robert , Rennie Paul S.
Published: February 2010

Aberrant expression of androgen receptor (AR) coregulators has been linked to progression of prostate cancers to castration resistance. Using the repressed transactivator yeast two-hybrid system, we found that TATA binding protein-associated factor 1 (TAF1) interacted with the AR. In tissue microarrays, TAF1 was shown to steadily increase with duration of neoadjuvant androgen withdrawal and with progression to castration resistance. Glutathione S-transferase pulldown assays established that TAF1 bound through its acetylation and ubiquitin-activating/conjugating domains (E1/E2) directly to the AR N terminus. Coimmunoprecipitation and ChIP assays revealed colocalization of TAF1 and AR on the prostate-specific antigen promoter/enhancer in prostate cancer cells. With respect to modulation of AR activity, overexpression of TAF1 enhanced AR activity severalfold, whereas small interfering RNA knockdown of TAF1 significantly decreased AR transactivation. Although full-length TAF1 showed enhancement of both AR and some generic gene transcriptional activity, selective AR coactivator activity by TAF1 was demonstrated in transactivation experiments using cloned N-terminal kinase and E1/E2 functional domains. In keeping with AR coactivation by the ubiquitin-activating and -conjugating domain, TAF1 was found to greatly increase the cellular amount of polyubiquitinated AR. In conclusion, our results indicate that increased TAF1 expression is associated with progression of human prostate cancers to the lethal castration-resistant state. Because TAF1 is a coactivator of AR that binds and enhances AR transcriptional activity, its overexpression could be part of a compensatory mechanism adapted by cancer cells to overcome reduced levels of circulating androgens.
A role for juvenile hormone in the prepupal development of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Riddiford Lynn M. , Truman James W. , Mirth Christen K. , Shen Yu-chi
Published: February 2010

To elucidate the role of juvenile hormone (JH) in metamorphosis of Drosophila melanogaster, the corpora allata cells, which produce JH, were killed using the cell death gene grim. These allatectomized (CAX) larvae were smaller at pupariation and died at head eversion. They showed premature ecdysone receptor B1 (EcR-B1) in the photoreceptors and in the optic lobe, downregulation of proliferation in the optic lobe, and separation of R7 from R8 in the medulla during the prepupal period. All of these effects of allatectomy were reversed by feeding third instar larvae on a diet containing the JH mimic (JHM) pyriproxifen or by application of JH III or JHM at the onset of wandering. Eye and optic lobe development in the Methoprene-tolerant (Met)-null mutant mimicked that of CAX prepupae, but the mutant formed viable adults, which had marked abnormalities in the organization of their optic lobe neuropils. Feeding Met27 larvae on the JHM diet did not rescue the premature EcR-B1 expression or the downregulation of proliferation but did partially rescue the premature separation of R7, suggesting that other pathways besides Met might be involved in mediating the response to JH. Selective expression of Met RNAi in the photoreceptors caused their premature expression of EcR-B1 and the separation of R7 and R8, but driving Met RNAi in lamina neurons led only to the precocious appearance of EcR-B1 in the lamina. Thus, the lack of JH and its receptor Met causes a heterochronic shift in the development of the visual system that is likely to result from some cells ‘misinterpreting’ the ecdysteroid peaks that drive metamorphosis.
Runx1 and Runx2 cooperate during sternal morphogenesis
Authors: Kimura Ayako , Inose Hiroyuki , Yano Fumiko , Fujita Koji , Ikeda Toshiyuki , Sato Shingo , Iwasaki Makiko , Jinno Tetsuya , Ae Keisuke , Fukumoto Seiji , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Itoh Hiroshi , Imamura Takeshi , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Chung Ung-il , Martin James F. , Iseki Sachiko , Shinomiya Ken-ichi , Takeda Shu
Published: February 2010

Chondrocyte differentiation is strictly regulated by various transcription factors, including Runx2 and Runx3; however, the physiological role of Runx1 in chondrocyte differentiation remains unknown. To examine the role of Runx1, we generated mesenchymal-cell-specific and chondrocyte-specific Runx1-deficient mice [Prx1 Runx1f/f mice and α1(II) Runx1f/f mice, respectively] to circumvent the embryonic lethality of Runx1-deficient mice. We then mated these mice with Runx2 mutant mice to obtain mesenchymal-cell-specific or chondrocyte-specific Runx1; Runx2 double-mutant mice [Prx1 DKO mice and α1(II) DKO mice, respectively]. Prx1 Runx1f/f mice displayed a delay in sternal development and Prx1 DKO mice completely lacked a sternum. By contrast, α1(II) Runx1f/f mice and α1(II) DKO mice did not show any abnormal sternal morphogenesis or chondrocyte differentiation. Notably, Runx1, Runx2 and the Prx1-Cre transgene were co-expressed specifically in the sternum, which explains the observation that the abnormalities were limited to the sternum. Histologically, mesenchymal cells condensed normally in the prospective sternum of Prx1 DKO mice; however, commitment to the chondrocyte lineage, which follows mesenchymal condensation, was significantly impaired. In situ hybridization analyses demonstrated that the expression of α1(II) collagen (Col2a1 — Mouse Genome Informatics), Sox5 and Sox6 in the prospective sternum of Prx1 DKO mice was severely attenuated, whereas Sox9 expression was unchanged. Molecular analyses revealed that Runx1 and Runx2 induce the expression of Sox5 and Sox6, which leads to the induction of α1(II) collagen expression via the direct regulation of promoter activity. Collectively, these results show that Runx1 and Runx2 cooperatively regulate sternal morphogenesis and the commitment of mesenchymal cells to become chondrocytes through the induction of Sox5 and Sox6.
Activation of the skeletogenic gene regulatory network in the early sea urchin embryo
Authors: Sharma Tara , Ettensohn Charles A.
Published: February 2010

The gene regulatory network (GRN) that underlies the development of the embryonic skeleton in sea urchins is an important model for understanding the architecture and evolution of developmental GRNs. The initial deployment of the network is thought to be regulated by a derepression mechanism, which is mediated by the products of the pmar1 and hesC genes. Here, we show that the activation of the skeletogenic network occurs by a mechanism that is distinct from the transcriptional repression of hesC. By means of quantitative, fluorescent whole-mount in situ hybridization, we find that two pivotal early genes in the network, alx1 and delta, are activated in prospective skeletogenic cells prior to the downregulation of hesC expression. An analysis of the upstream regulation of alx1 shows that this gene is regulated by MAPK signaling and by the transcription factor Ets1; however, these inputs influence only the maintenance of alx1 expression and not its activation, which occurs by a distinct mechanism. By altering normal cleavage patterns, we show that the zygotic activation of alx1 and delta, but not that of pmar1, is dependent upon the unequal division of vegetal blastomeres. Based on these findings, we conclude that the widely accepted double-repression model is insufficient to account for the localized activation of the skeletogenic GRN. We postulate the existence of additional, unidentified repressors that are controlled by pmar1, and propose that the ability of pmar1 to derepress alx1 and delta is regulated by the unequal division of vegetal blastomeres.
LSm1-7 complexes bind to specific sites in viral RNA genomes and regulate their translation and replication
Authors: Galão Rui Pedro , Chari Ashwin , Alves-Rodrigues Isabel , Lobão Daniela , Mas Antonio , Kambach Christian , Fischer Utz , Díez Juana
Published: February 2010

LSm1-7 complexes promote cellular mRNA degradation, in addition to translation and replication of positive-strand RNA viruses such as the Brome mosaic virus (BMV). Yet, how LSm1-7 complexes act on their targets remains elusive. Here, we report that reconstituted recombinant LSm1-7 complexes directly bind to two distinct RNA-target sequences in the BMV genome, a tRNA-like structure at the 3′-untranslated region and two internal A-rich single-stranded regions. Importantly, in vivo analysis shows that these sequences regulate the translation and replication of the BMV genome. Furthermore, both RNA-target sequences resemble those found for Hfq, the LSm counterpart in bacteria, suggesting conservation through evolution. Our results provide the first evidence that LSm1-7 complexes interact directly with viral RNA genomes and open new perspectives in the understanding of LSm1-7 functions.
Structure and functional implications of a complex containing a segment of U6 RNA bound by a domain of Prp24
Authors: Martin-Tumasz Stephen , Reiter Nicholas J. , Brow David A. , Butcher Samuel E.
Published: February 2010

U6 RNA plays a critical role in pre-mRNA splicing. Assembly of U6 into the spliceosome requires a significant structural rearrangement and base-pairing with U4 RNA. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this process requires the essential splicing factor Prp24. We present the characterization and structure of a complex containing one of Prp24's four RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains, RRM2, and a fragment of U6 RNA. NMR methods were used to identify the preferred U6 binding sequence of RRM2 (5′-GAGA-3′), measure the affinity of the interaction, and solve the structure of RRM2 bound to the hexaribonucleotide AGAGAU. Interdomain contacts observed between RRM2 and RRM3 in a crystal structure of the free protein are not detectable in solution. A structural model of RRM1 and RRM2 bound to a longer segment of U6 RNA is presented, and a partial mechanism for Prp24's annealing activity is proposed.
Enhancing the Motivational Affordance of Information Systems: The Effects of Real-Time Performance Feedback and Goal Setting in Group Collaboration Environments
Authors: Jung J. H. , Schneider Christoph , Valacich Joseph
Published: February 2010

Increasing globalization has created tremendous opportunities and challenges for organizations and societies. Consequently, a broad range of information technologies to better support the collaboration of diverse, and increasingly distributed, sets of participants is ever more utilized. Arguably, the success of such technology-mediated collaboration is dependent upon the quality of each individual's contributions; however, although individuals' motivations to do their best could be significantly influenced by the design of a system's human–computer interface, this area has received little attention within the context of group collaboration environments. We fill this gap by integrating research from human–computer interaction, motivation, and technology-supported group work to theoretically derive mechanisms for increasing each individual's motivation within a collective setting. Specifically, we manipulate the interface of a computer-mediated idea generation system (a widely used collaboration tool) to enhance the system's motivational affordance, i.e., the system's properties that fulfill users' motivational needs. Results from two studies demonstrate that by embedding the theoretically derived mechanisms “providing feedback” and “designing for optimal challenge” into the collaboration environment, significant performance gains were realized. The results suggest that even slight manipulations of the human–computer interface can contribute significantly to the successful design of a wide variety of group collaboration environments.
Prior Consequences and Subsequent Risk Taking: New Field Evidence from the Taiwan Futures Exchange
Authors: Liu Yu-Jane , Tsai Chih-Ling , Wang Ming-Chun , Zhu Ning
Published: February 2010

We use a data set from market participants in the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index options markets to demonstrate a strong positive relationship between prior trading outcomes and subsequent risk taking. In particular, investors in this market take above-average risks in afternoon trading after morning gains. The phenomenon is prevalent in all three types of market makers' accounts and across different types of market participants. Our findings are consistent with the argument that prior outcomes affect subsequent risk taking through a relationship that is sensitive to the model parameters (i.e., expected return, trading period, and curvature of the value function), because prospect theory can predict both increased and decreased levels of subsequent risk taking. We provide possible explanations behind the phenomenon and discuss reasons for the variety of findings in the existing literature.
Reference Groups and Product Line Decisions: An Experimental Investigation of Limited Editions and Product Proliferation
Authors: Amaldoss Wilfred , Jain Sanjay
Published: February 2010

Some luxury goods manufacturers offer limited editions of their products, whereas some others market multiple product lines. Researchers have found that reference groups shape consumer evaluations of these product categories. Yet little empirical research has examined how reference groups affect the product line decisions of firms. Indeed, in a field setting it is quite a challenge to isolate reference group effects from contextual effects and correlated effects. In this paper, we propose a parsimonious model that allows us to study how reference groups influence firm behavior and that lends itself to experimental analysis. With the aid of the model, we investigate the behavior of consumers in a laboratory setting where we can focus on the reference group effects after controlling for the contextual and correlated effects. The experimental results show that in the presence of strong reference group effects, limited editions and multiple products can help improve firms' profits. Furthermore, the trends in the purchase decisions of our participants point to the possibility that they are capable of introspecting close to two steps of thinking at the outset of the game and then learning through reinforcement mechanisms.
Idea Generation and the Quality of the Best Idea
Authors: Girotra Karan , Terwiesch Christian , Ulrich Karl T.
Published: February 2010

In a wide variety of settings, organizations generate a number of possible solutions to a problem—ideas—and then select a few for further development. We examine the effectiveness of two group structures for such tasks—the team structure, in which the group works together in time and space, and the hybrid structure, in which individuals first work independently and then work together. We define the performance of a group as the quality of the best ideas identified. Prior research has defined performance as the average quality of ideas or the number of ideas generated, ignoring what most organizations seek, a few great ideas. We build a theory that relates organizational phenomena to four different variables that govern the quality of the best ideas identified: (1) the average quality of ideas generated, (2) the number of ideas generated, (3) the variance in the quality of ideas generated, and (4) the ability of the group to discern the quality of the ideas. We test this theory with an experiment. We find that groups organized in the hybrid structure are able to generate more ideas, to generate better ideas, and to better discern the quality of the ideas they generate. Moreover, we find that the frequently recommended brainstorming technique of building on others' ideas is counterproductive; teams exhibiting such buildup neither create more ideas, nor are the ideas that build on previous ideas better.
Topical Lidocaine Gel and Mammography Methotrexate Overdose Safety Caps that do not Protect Children
Authors: Cohen Michael R.
Published: February 2010

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Acebutolol: Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: February 2010

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. A summary of the most relevant data is provided, including background, study design, patient population, dosage information, therapy duration, results, safety, and therapeutic considerations. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to hospital pharmacy@drugfacts.com .
New Drugs Approved by the FDA New Dosage Forms and Indications Approved by the FDA Agents Pending FDA Approval New Drug/Biologics License Applications Filed by Manufacturer Supplemental Applications Filed by Manufacturer Significant Labeling Changes or “Dear Health Care Professional” Letters Related to Safety
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: February 2010

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let us know at hospitalpharmacy@drugfacts.com .
How Web 2.0 Literate Are You?
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: February 2010

We believe that, by now, even the pharmacists who try to avoid computers are at least vaguely aware of major changes in the ways the Internet has been used in the last 5 years. If you miss your favorite TV show, you can go to Hulu.com (or directly to the network Web site) to catch up. Arguing with your significant other about factual information is never necessary; as one of the de facto portals to accessing information, Google.com receives over 31 billion searches per month. Do not argue; just “Google” it. There are now more text messages being sent every day than there are people on the planet, and many are reporting that they spend more time online at home than they previously spent watching television. What does all of this mean for the health care profession?
Subclinical delusional ideation and appreciation of sample size and heterogeneity in statistical judgment
Authors: Galbraith Niall D. , Manktelow Ken I. , Morris Neil G.
Published: February 2010

Previous studies demonstrate that people high in delusional ideation exhibit a data‐gathering bias on inductive reasoning tasks. The current study set out to investigate the factors that may underpin such a bias by examining healthy individuals, classified as either high or low scorers on the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI). More specifically, whether high PDI scorers have a relatively poor appreciation of sample size and heterogeneity when making statistical judgments. In Expt 1, high PDI scorers made higher probability estimates when generalizing from a sample of 1 with regard to the heterogeneous human property of obesity. In Expt 2, this effect was replicated and was also observed in relation to the heterogeneous property of aggression. The findings suggest that delusion‐prone individuals are less appreciative of the importance of sample size when making statistical judgments about heterogeneous properties; this may underpin the data gathering bias observed in previous studies. There was some support for the hypothesis that threatening material would exacerbate high PDI scorers' indifference to sample size.
Time course of inhibitory processes in bilingual language processing
Authors: Martín María Cruz. , Macizo Pedro. , Bajo Teresa.
Published: February 2010

This study examines the time course of inhibitory processes in Spanish–English bilinguals, using the procedure described in Macizo, Bajo, and Martín. Bilingual participants were required to decide whether pairs of English words were related. Critical word pairs contained a word that shared the same orthography across languages but differed in meaning (interlingual homographs such as pie, meaning foot in Spanish). In Expts 1 and 2, participants were slower to respond to homographs presented along with words related to the Spanish meaning of the homograph as compared to control words. This result agrees with the view that bilinguals non‐selectively activate their two languages irrespective of the language they are using. In addition, bilinguals also slowed their responses when the English translation of the Spanish homograph meaning was presented 500 ms after responding to homographs (Expt 1). This result suggests that bilinguals inhibited the irrelevant homograph meaning. However, the inhibitory effect was not observed in Expt 2 when the between‐trial interval was fixed to 750 ms which suggests that inhibition decayed over time.
Relation of Natriuretic Peptides and Midregional Proadrenomedullin to Cardiac Chamber Volumes by Computed Tomography in Patients without Heart Failure: From the ROMICAT Trial
Authors: Truong Quynh A , Siegel Emily , Karakas Mahir , Januzzi James L , Bamberg Fabian , Mahabadi Amir A , Dasdemir Selcuk , Brady Thomas J , Bergmann Andreas , Kunde Jan , Nagurney John T , Hoffmann Udo , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: February 2010

Background: Stress myocyte biomarkers are used prognostically in patients with cardiovascular disease. We examined associations between amino-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), midregional pro–A-type natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), and midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) concentrations and cardiac chamber volumes in chest pain patients without heart failure by use of computed tomography (CT).

Methods: At the time of 64-slice CT scan, we acquired plasma and serum samples for these biomarkers from 346 patients [mean (SD) age 53 (12) years, 65% men]. Left atrial volume (LAV) and left ventricular volumes at end-diastole (LVEDV) and end-systole (LVESV) were measured and indexed to body surface area (LAVI, LVEDI, LVESI).

Results: Concentrations of both natriuretic peptides were correlated with LAV and LAVI (r = 0.19–0.32, all P ≤ 0.0005) and MR-proADM with LV volumes and indices (r = −0.14 to −0.21, all P ≤ 0.01). NT-proBNP and MR-proANP concentrations were higher in the top quartiles of patients than the lowest quartiles using LAV and LAVI, whereas MR-proADM concentrations were lower in the top quartiles of LV measures. In adjusted analyses, patients had 2- to 4-fold increased risk of LA enlargement for every incremental increase in log10NT-proBNP [LAV odds ratio (OR) 2.4, P = 0.03; LAVI OR 4.0, P = 0.003] and 10- to 13-fold increased risk of LA enlargement for every incremental increase in log10MR-proANP (LAV OR 10.7, P = 0.009; LAVI OR 13.1, P = 0.004).

Conclusions: In patients without heart failure, both NT-proBNP and MR-proANP concentrations are independently associated with LA enlargement, whereas MR-proADM concentrations are correlated with LV volumes. This may partially explain the well-recognized value of natriuretic peptides for use in risk stratification.
Evaluation and Repair of Thin Brick Veneer Facades
Authors: Leafblad Janelle L. , Searls Carolyn L.
Published: February 2010

Thin brick veneer is an exterior cladding system of brick from 3/8 to 3/4 in. thick attached to a substrate, used to imitate standard size brick veneer walls. There are three basic types of adhered installations with many variations within each type: brick precast into panels, panelized wall systems, and site-adhered thin brick. The most widely used system is thin brick site-adhered to exterior cement plaster or concrete walls with a bonding mortar, often with open joints. Building codes provide little guidance for adhered veneer. We have observed debonding of individual brick units, debonding of brick panels, cracking and spalling of brick due to corrosion of underlying elements, and water leakage. Repairs to thin brick veneer systems often consist of testing for loose brick units, removing and re-adhering brick units, and pointing the joints between brick units. The objectives of this paper are to review available construction systems using adhered thin brick veneer, codes and standards, discuss our experience in investigating failures of these systems, and present our recommendations for repairs and for new construction.
Three-Dimensional Assessment of the Eruption Path of the Canine in Individuals with Bone-Grafted Alveolar Clefts Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Oberoi Snehlata , Gill Pawandeep , Chigurupati Radhika , Hoffman William Y. , Hatcher David C. , Vargervik Karin
Published: February 2010

Objective

To evaluate the eruption path of the permanent maxillary canine during a 1-year period after secondary alveolar bone grafting and to (1) compare the canine eruption path on the cleft and noncleft side, (2) examine the number of congenially missing lateral incisors and the rate of canine impaction, and (3) examine the relationship between the eruption status of the canine and timing of alveolar bone grafting relative to age and canine root development using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

Cone beam computed tomography scans for 17 nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), and four bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) consecutive cases of alveolar bone grafting surgery were obtained after orthodontic expansion and before alveolar bone grafting and at least 1 year postsurgery on the Hitachi MercuRay CBCT machine. The DICOM files were imported into Dolphin 3D Imaging 10.5 and reoriented for consistency. The X, Y, and Z coordinates were determined for the canine cusp tip and root tip on both the cleft and noncleft sides. The direction of movement of the canine in 1 year was determined.

Results

Most canines on both the cleft and noncleft sides moved incisally, facially, and mesially. Twelve percent of the canines on the cleft side appeared to require surgical exposure. Eighty percent of the canines had less than half root development at the time of bone grafting. The amount of root development did not affect the outcome in terms of eruption amount or direction.

Conclusions

Most canines on both the cleft and noncleft side moved incisally, facially, and mesially.
Validation of the NVSCA Registry for Common Oral Clefts: Study Design and First Results
Authors: Rozendaal Anna M. , Luijsterburg Antonius J.M. , Mohangoo Ashna D. , Ongkosuwito Edwin M. , Anthony Sabine , Vermeij-Keers Christi
Published: February 2010

Objective

Since 1997 the Dutch Association for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies (NVSCA) has maintained a national registry of congenital craniofacial anomalies. This study validates data on three common oral cleft categories (cleft lip/alveolus = CL/A; cleft lip/alveolus and palate = CL/AP; and cleft palate = CP) and general items.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

All 15 Dutch cleft palate teams registered presurgery patients with common oral clefts (n = 2553) from 1997 to 2003.

Patients

A random sample of 250 cases was used; 13 cases were excluded.

Main Outcome Measures

The corresponding medical data were reviewed; these medical data served to validate the NVSCA registry data. Prevalence comparisons, 2 × 2 tables and validity measures were performed.

Results

The cleft categories most accurately recorded were CL/A and CP. Both categories had an observed agreement of 98%, kappa of 0.94, and a sensitivity and specificity of 97%. Cleft lip/alveolus and palate had an observed agreement of 95%, kappa of 0.89, a sensitivity of 90%, and a specificity of 99%. Regarding the general items, observed agreement and kappa were highest for adoption/foster child (99%; 0.76) and lowest for remarks about pregnancy (63%; 0.20). Sensitivity ranged from 25% (consanguinity) to 97% (white mother) and specificity was high for all items (93%) except for white father and mother (approximately 35%).

Conclusions

The NVSCA registry is a valuable tool for quality improvement and research because validity on all three common oral cleft categories is very good. Validity on the general items is reasonable to satisfying and appears to be related to the type of information.
Three-Dimensional Morphologic Nasal Surface Characteristics that Predict the Extremes of Esthetics in Patients with Repaired Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Russell Kathy A. , Milne Andrew D. , Varma Devesh , Josephson Keith , Lee J. Michael
Published: February 2010

Objective

The purposes of this study were (1) to develop imaging methods and objective numeric parameters to describe nose morphology, and (2) to correlate those parameters with nasal esthetics for patients with clefts.

Methods

A total of 28 patients with repaired complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) and 20 age- and gender-matched individuals without clefts were identified. A panel of orthodontists rated and ranked nasal esthetics from nose casts for the cleft group. Best and worst esthetic cleft groups were established from the cast assessments. Three-dimensional surface coordinates of the casts were digitally mapped with an electromagnetic tracking device. Digitized nasal images were oriented, voxelated, sliced, and mathematically curve-fitted. Maximum difference, percent area difference, and maximum and minimum derivative differences between cleft and noncleft and between right and left nose sides were calculated. Differences in parameters between groups were assessed with the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t tests, and correlations with esthetics were assessed with the Spearman rank correlation test.

Results

Differences were seen between cleft and noncleft and best and worst esthetic groups for all four parameters ( p < .05). The best esthetic cleft group had (1) lower percent area difference ( p < .0001), (2) lower maximum difference ( p < .001), and (3) smaller differences in slope of the nose in the coronal plane ( p < .0001) than the worst esthetic cleft group.

Conclusions

Maximum difference and maximum derivative difference and, to a lesser degree, percent area difference can be used to identify differences between cleft and noncleft nasal morphology and to assess levels of nasal esthetics for patients with CUCLP.
Desorption kinetics of naphthalene from sediment particles: batch and stepwise desorption approach
Authors: Hsieh P.-C. , Lee C.-L. , Chiu A.-A.
Published: February 2010

We investigated three major parameters in simulating desorption behaviours: the pre-contamination period, dilution by clean water mass (dilution ratio) and the length of the time interval between dilutions, in both batch and stepwise desorption experiments using particles pre-contaminated with a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, naphthalene (NAPH). We found that the dilution ratio plays a major role in batch desorption, whereas the pre-contamination period plays a major role in stepwise desorption (SD). In addition, the diffusion process was found to be the rate-determining step for our study of SD kinetics. Based on the results of our batch experiments, we were able to derive a mathematical expression capable of correlating the SD rate constant with the length of time interval between dilutions. This expression can be applied in numerical modelling of various naturally occurring processes such as the dispersion and dilution of a heavily contaminated water mass in a marine environment due to an oil spill incident.
Adsorption of malathion on thermally treated egg shell material
Authors: Elwakeel Khalid Z. , Yousif Ahmed M.
Published: February 2010

Thermally treated egg shell materials were prepared at different temperatures. The samples were investigated by means of FT-IR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorption behaviour of malathion on egg shell and its thermally treated samples was studied using batch method and gave uptake capacities up to 0.964 mmol/g. Adsorption kinetics as well as the adsorption isotherms were discussed. Regeneration of the loaded adsorbent beads towards the successive cycles was also clarified. The adsorption of malathion is maintained untill the third cycle without a significant activity loss.