bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A carbon cost–gain model explains the observed patterns of xylem safety and efficiency
Authors: HÖLTTÄ TEEMU , MENCUCCINI MAURIZIO , NIKINMAA EERO
Published: June 2011

Efficient water transport from the soil to the leaves is essential for plant function, while building and maintaining the water transport structure in the xylem require a major proportion of the assimilated carbon of the tree. Xylem transport also faces additional challenges as water in the xylem is under tension and therefore cavitation cannot be completely avoided. We constructed a model that calculates the xylem structure that maximizes carbon‐use efficiency while simultaneously taking into account pit structure in increasing the resistance to water transport and constricting the spreading of embolisms. The optimal xylem structure predicted by the model was found to correspond well to the generally observed trends: xylem conduits grew in size from the apex towards the base while simultaneously decreasing in number, and vulnerability to cavitation increased with conduit size. These trends were caused primarily by the axial water potential gradient in the xylem. The pits have to be less porous near the apex where water potential is lower to restrict the spreading of embolisms, while whole‐plant carbon‐use efficiency demands that conduit size decreases and conduit number increases simultaneously. The model predictions remained qualitatively the same regardless of the exact optimality criterion used for defining carbon‐use efficiency.
De novo genetic variation associated with retrotransposon activation, genomic rearrangements and trait variation in a recombinant inbred line population of Brassica napus derived from interspecific hybridization with Brassica rapa
Authors: Zou Jun , Fu Donghui , Gong Huihui , Qian Wei , Xia Wei , Pires J. Chris , Li RuiYuan , Long Yan , Mason Annaliese S. , Yang Tae‐Jin , Lim Yong P. , Park Beom S. , Meng Jinling
Published: June 2011

Interspecific hybridization is a significant evolutionary force as well as a powerful method for crop breeding. Partial substitution of the AA subgenome in Brassica napus (AnAnCnCn) with the Brassica rapa (ArAr) genome by two rounds of interspecific hybridization resulted in a new introgressed type of B. napus (ArArCnCn). In this study, we construct a population of recombinant inbred lines of the new introgressed type of B. napus. Microsatellite, intron‐based and retrotransposon markers were used to characterize this experimental population with genetic mapping, genetic map comparison and specific marker cloning analysis. Yield‐related traits were also recorded for identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs). A remarkable range of novel genomic alterations was observed in the population, including simple sequence repeat (SSR) mutations, chromosomal rearrangements and retrotransposon activations. Most of these changes occurred immediately after interspecific hybridization, in the early stages of genome stabilization and derivation of experimental lines. These novel genomic alterations affected yield‐related traits in the introgressed B. napus to an even greater extent than the alleles alone that were introgressed from the Ar subgenome of B. rapa, suggesting that genomic changes induced by interspecific hybridization are highly significant in both genome evolution and crop improvement.
A specific role for Arabidopsis TRAPPII in post‐Golgi trafficking that is crucial for cytokinesis and cell polarity
Authors: Qi Xingyun , Kaneda Minako , Chen Jun , Geitmann Anja , Zheng Huanquan
Published: June 2011

Cytokinesis and cell polarity are supported by membrane trafficking from the trans‐Golgi network (TGN), but the molecular mechanisms that promote membrane trafficking from the TGN are poorly defined in plant cells. Here we show that TRAPPII in Arabidopsis regulates the post‐Golgi trafficking that is crucial for assembly of the cell plate and cell polarity. Disruptions of AtTRS120 or AtTRS130, two genes encoding two key subunits of TRAPPII, result in defective cytokinesis and cell polarity in embryogenesis and seedling development. In attrs120 and attrs130, the organization and trafficking in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi interface are normal. However, post‐Golgi trafficking to the cell plate and to the cell wall, but not to the vacuole, is impaired. Furthermore, TRAPPII is required for the selective transport of PIN2, but not PIN1, to the plasma membrane. We revealed that AtTRS130 is co‐localized with RAB‐A1c. Expression of constitutively active RAB‐A1c partially rescues attrs130. RAB‐A1c, which resides at the TGN, is delocalized to the cytosol in attrs130. We propose that TRAPPII in Arabidopsis acts upstream of Rab‐A GTPases in post‐Golgi membrane trafficking in plant cells.
The invasive weed Lantana camara increases fire risk in dry rainforest by altering fuel beds
Authors: BERRY Z C , WEVILL K , CURRAN T J
Published: June 2011

Berry ZC, Wevill K & Curran TJ (2011). The invasive weed Lantana camara increases fire risk in dry rainforest by altering fuel beds. Weed Research51, 525–533.

The invasive weed, Lantana camara, dominates numerous tropical and sub‐tropical ecosystems and affects many aspects of ecosystem functioning, one of them being susceptibility to fire intrusion. The process by which L. camara might alter fire regimes in dry rainforest was examined by considering two potential mechanisms: (i) by being more ignitable than native species or (ii) by altering the structure and distribution of biomass to facilitate fire spread. We hypothesised that L. camara might alter fire regimes by both mechanisms. Measurements of leaf dry matter content, twig dry matter content and burn durations in laboratory trials implied that L. camara was less ignitable than native dry rainforest species. Fuel bed depths, leaf litter depths, percentage cover by fuels and amount of medium‐size class fuels were higher in dry rainforest invaded by L. camara than in non‐invaded forests. This suggests that the mechanism by which L. camara alters the fire regime in dry rainforest is by shifting the distribution of available fuels closer to the ground and providing a more continuous fuel layer in the understory. Management should focus on targeting L. camara removal around forest edges adjacent to frequently burned savannas and in areas of high conservation value.
Euphemisms and hypocrisy in corporate philanthropy
Authors: la Cour Anders , Kromann Joakim
Published: June 2011

Over the past two decades, a growing number of large multinational corporations have come to view philanthropy as an important part of their business operations. This has stimulated research on the many different strategies that are pursued by these corporations in their attempts to become more philanthropic while remaining economically responsible. In this situation, some researchers have argued, corporations run the risk of being caught out as hypocrites. Through an analysis of the corporate social responsibility reports of the biggest multinational corporations, this article shows how the risk of hypocrisy is managed communicatively through the use of euphemisms. The article argues that the use of euphemisms makes it possible to communicate both economically and philanthropically without manifest contradictions. Euphemisms, however, are also risky in their own right.
Governance Inc.
Authors: Veldman Jeroen
Published: June 2011

The use of the nomer ‘corporate’ is hardly an issue in contemporary scholarship on corporate governance. I will argue that this nomer is important for two main reasons. First, the corporate form distinguishes itself from any other form of business representation. In this sense, it is important to know exactly how this form is different to understand how conceptions of ‘corporate governance’ relate to different forms of representation. Second, it is my contention that the use of a particular understanding of incorporation directly informs the concept of internal governance in terms of constituency, structure, ownership and the locus of corporate agency. It is in this sense that I argue that the identification of corporate constituencies and the allocation of agency and ownership is a precondition of business ethics. With this aim in mind, I explore the governance in corporations as the result of the legal understanding of incorporation and the separate legal entity. I explore two historical positions from which five legal positions on the separate legal entity can be derived. These five positions provide reference points for the attribution of ownership and agency between the separate legal entity and the aggregation of individuals that together make up the corporation. Incorporation, as the legal act that constitutes the corporation, can then be shown to adopt multiple and mutually exclusive positions. These positions are central to the debate on the respective claims to agency and ownership between the separate legal entity and the aggregation of individuals. I then end the article by arguing that all concepts of incorporation create legal and economic issues regarding the allocation of ownership and agency, which makes their understanding and the choice behind them important for theories of governance.
Acetyl‐L‐Carnitine ameliorates spatial memory deficits induced by inhibition of phosphoinositol‐3 kinase and protein kinase C
Authors: Jiang Xia , Tian Qing , Wang Yue , Zhou Xin‐Wen , Xie Jia‐Zhao , Wang Jian‐Zhi , Zhu Ling‐Qiang
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 864–878.

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) plays a crucial role in memory deficits and tau hyperphosphorylation as seen in Alzheimer’s disease, the most common dementia in the aged population. We reported that ventricular co‐injection of wortmannin and GF‐109203X (WT/GFX) can induce tau hyperphosophorylation and memory impairment of rats through activation of GSK‐3 [Liu S. J., Zhang A. H., Li H. L., Wang Q., Deng H. M., Netzer W. J., Xu H. X. and Wang J. Z. (2003) J. Neurochem. 87, 1333]. In the present study, we found that feeding the rats with Acetyl‐L‐Carnitine (ALCAR, 50 mg/day·rat, per os) for 2 weeks rescued the WT/GFX‐induced spatial memory retention impairment of the rats by antagonizing GSK‐3β activation independent of Akt, PKCζ and Erk1/2. We also found that ALCAR arrested microtubule‐associated protein tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple Alzheimer’s disease sites in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, ALCAR enhanced the expression of several memory‐associated proteins including c‐Fos, synapsin I in rat hippocampus. These results suggest that ALCAR could ameliorate WT/GFX‐induced spatial memory deficits through inhibition tau hyperphosphorylation and modulation of memory‐associated proteins.
SKF‐83566, a D1‐dopamine receptor antagonist, inhibits the dopamine transporter
Authors: Stouffer Melissa A. , Ali Solav , Reith Maarten E. A. , Patel Jyoti C. , Sarti Federica , Carr Kenneth D. , Rice Margaret E.
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 714–720.

Dopamine (DA) is an important transmitter in both motor and limbic pathways. We sought to investigate the role of D1‐receptor activation in axonal DA release regulation in dorsal striatum using a D1‐receptor antagonist, SKF‐83566. Evoked DA release was monitored in rat striatal slices using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry. SKF‐83566 caused a concentration‐dependent increase in peak single‐pulse evoked extracellular DA concentration, with a maximum increase of ∼ 65% in 5 μM SKF‐83566. This was accompanied by a concentration‐dependent increase in extracellular DA concentration clearance time. Both effects were occluded by nomifensine (1 μM), a dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitor, suggesting that SKF‐83566 acted via the DAT. We tested this by examining [3H]DA uptake into LLc‐PK cells expressing rat DAT, and confirmed that SKF‐83566 is a competitive DAT inhibitor with an IC50 of 5.7 μM. Binding studies with [3H]CFT, a cocaine analog, showed even more potent action of SKF‐83566 at the DAT cocaine binding site (IC50 = 0.51 μM). Thus, data obtained using SKF‐83566 as a D1 DA‐receptor antagonist may be confounded by concurrent DAT inhibition. More positively, however, SKF‐83566 might be a candidate to attenuate cocaine effects in vivo because of the greater potency of this drug at the cocaine versus DA binding site of the DAT.
Amyloid‐beta levels are significantly reduced and spatial memory defects are rescued in a novel neuroserpin‐deficient Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mouse model
Authors: Fabbro Shay , Schaller Kristin , Seeds Nicholas W.
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 928–938.

Amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Several proteases including plasmin are thought to promote proteolytic cleavage and clearance of Aβ from brain. The activity of both plasmin and tissue plasminogen activator are reduced in Alzheimer’s disease brain, while the tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor neuroserpin is up‐regulated. Here, the relationship of tissue plasminogen activator and neuroserpin to Aβ levels is explored in mouse models. Aβ1‐42 peptide injected into the frontal cortex of tissue plasminogen activator knockout mice is slow to disappear compared to wildtype mice, whereas neuroserpin knockout mice show a rapid clearance of Aβ1‐42. The relationship of neuroserpin and tissue plasminogen activator to Aβ plaque formation was studied further by knocking‐out neuroserpin in the human amyloid precursor protein‐J20 transgenic mouse. Compared to the J20‐transgenic mouse, the neuroserpin‐deficient J20‐transgenic mice have a dramatic reduction of Aβ peptides, fewer and smaller plaques, and more active tissue plasminogen activator associated with plaques. Furthermore, neuroserpin‐deficient J20‐transgenic mice have near normal performances in the Morris water maze, in contrast to the spatial memory defects seen in J20‐transgenic mice. These results support the concept that neuroserpin inhibition of tissue plasminogen activator plays an important role both in the accumulation of brain amyloid plaques and loss of cognitive abilities.
Detecting a leachate plume in an aeolian sand landscape using a DUALEM‐421 induction probe to measure electrical conductivity followed by inversion modelling
Authors: Triantafilis J. , Roe J. A. E. , Monteiro Santos F. A.
Published: June 2011

Solid waste poses a serious health risk when it is disposed of inadequately because water‐based solutions derived from the decomposition of solid waste products (leachate) can enter groundwater systems via plumes. To assess the public health risk and potential ecological impacts, we require knowledge on the pedological and hydrogeological settings in which waste is disposed. This is particularly the case in coarse textured highly permeable soil. To rapidly collect data, geophysical methods such as direct current (dc) resistivity techniques have been used. Moreover, non‐contact electromagnetic (EM) induction instruments have also been employed. The aim of this research was to demonstrate how the inversion using a 1‐dimensional inversion algorithm with lateral constraints of the apparent electrical conductivity (σa) measured in the horizontal coplanar (HCP) and perpendicular co‐planar arrays (PRP) of a DUALEM‐421 EM induction probe can be used to develop a two‐dimensional model of the true electrical conductivity (σ) within a Quaternary aeolian sand in the Tuggerah Soil Landscape southeast of Sydney in Australia. Our results from 2D models of σ accord with estimates of bulk electrical conductivity (σb) of a leachate plume and uncontaminated groundwater, the stratigraphy of the Tuggerah soil landscape unit and the depth of sand used to landscape the decommissioned landfill. Further research is needed to determine the origin of the plume and a quasi‐3D modelling approach is applicable.
Predicting the degree of phosphorus saturation using the ammonium acetate–EDTA soil test
Authors: Houben D. , Meunier C. , Pereira B. , Sonnet Ph.
Published: June 2011

As a result of the important role played by phosphorus (P) in surface water eutrophication, the susceptibility of soils to release P requires evaluation. The degree of phosphorus saturation, assessed by oxalate extraction (DPSox), has been used as an indicator. However, most laboratories do not include DPSox in routine soil tests because of cost and time. This study evaluates the suitability of the ammonium acetate extraction in the presence of EDTA (AAEDTA), the standard soil test P (STP) in Wallonia (Southern Belgium), to predict DPSox; we also compared it with the Mehlich 3 extraction. Ninety‐three topsoil samples were collected in agricultural soils throughout Wallonia. Good correlations were found between the AAEDTA and the Mehlich 3 methods for P, Fe and Al (r = 0.85, 0.77 and 0.86, respectively). An exponential relationship was found between PAAEDTA and DPSox. Results of principal component analysis and regression demonstrated that STP can be used to predict DPSox (r = 0.93) after logarithmic transformation. Soil test Al was also a good indicator of the P sorption capacity (PSCox) of soils (r = 0.86). Including the clay fraction in regression equations only slightly improved the prediction of PSCox (r = 0.90), while other readily available data (such as pH or organic carbon) did not significantly improve either DPSox or PSCox predictions.
Assessment of cardiac output measurement in dogs by transpulmonary pulse contour analysis
Authors: Shih Andre , Maisenbacher Herbert W. , Bandt Carsten , Ricco Carolina , Bailey James , Rivera Jess , Estrada Amara
Published: June 2011

Objective
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To determine if metatarsal artery pressure (COmet) is comparable to femoral artery pressure (COfem) as the input for transpulmonary pulse contour analysis (PiCCO) in anesthetized dogs, using the lithium dilution method (LiDCO) as a standard for cardiac output (CO) measurement.

Design
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Prospective randomized study.

Setting
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University research laboratory.

Animals
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Ten healthy purpose‐bred mixed breed dogs were anesthetized and instrumented to measure direct blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, and CO.

Interventions
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The CO was measured using LiDCO and PiCCO techniques. Animals had their right femoral and left distal metatarsal artery catheterized for proximal (COfem) and distal (COmet) PiCCO analysis, respectively. Measurements were obtained from each animal during low, normal, and high CO states by changing amount of inhalant anesthetics and heart rate. Measurements were converted to CO indexed to body weigh (CIBW=CO/kg) for statistical analysis. Agreement was determined using Bland and Altman analysis and concordance correlation coefficients.

Measurements and Main Results
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Thirty paired measurements were taken. The LiDCO CIBW (± SD) was 68.7 ± 30.3, 176.0 ± 53.0, and 211.1 ± 76.5 mL/kg/min during low, normal, and high CO states, respectively. There was a significant effect of CIBW state on bias and relative bias with COmet (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Bias of the COmet method (± SD) was −116.6 (70.5), 20.1(76.4), and 91.3 (92.0) mL/kg/min at low, normal, and high CIBW, respectively. Bias of the COfem (± SD) was −20.3 (19.0), 8.6 (70.9), and −2.9 (83.0) mL/kg/min at low, normal, and high CIBW, respectively. The mean relative bias for COfem was −6.7 ± 44% (limits of agreements: −81.2 to 67.9%).

Conclusion
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Compared with lithium dilution, the pulse contour analysis provides a good estimation of CO, but requires femoral artery catheterization in anesthetized dogs.
Targeting the Renin Angiotensin System in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Cravedi Paolo , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Ruggenenti Piero
Published: June 2011

Patients on chronic dialysis therapy have a dramatic excess cardiovascular risk compared to any other population, including those with overt diabetic nephropathy. Despite this, patients on dialysis are almost invariably excluded from trials evaluating the cardioprotective effect of novel treatments. Consistent evidence is available that inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system, such as angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), are more cardioprotective than other antihypertensive agents in patients with chronic renal disease or diabetes (with or without renal involvement), but whether this applies also to patients on dialysis is unknown. However, clear evidence is available that ACE inhibitors and ARBs reduce morbidity and mortality in patients on dialysis with heart failure (HF) or atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, these drugs may preserve residual renal function in those with preterminal kidney failure as well as vascular access and peritoneal membrane function in those on extracorporeal or peritoneal dialysis, respectively. These drugs also show an excellent tolerability profile in this population. Thus, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are indicated in patients on dialysis with HF or AF. Available evidence suggests that they should be first‐choice therapy in patients on dialysis with hypertension, though trials are still needed to formally demonstrate their superior cardioprotective effect over other antihypertensives in this population.
Measures of Current Alcohol Consumption and Problems: Two Independent Twin Studies Suggest a Complex Genetic Architecture
Authors: Dick Danielle M. , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Rose Richard J. , Kaprio Jaakko , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Twin studies demonstrate that measures of alcohol consumption (AC) show evidence of genetic influence, suggesting they may be useful in gene identification efforts. The extent to which these phenotypes will be informative in identifying susceptibility genes involved in alcohol dependence depends on the extent to which genetic influences are shared across measures of AC and alcohol problems. Previous studies have demonstrated that AC reported for the period of heaviest lifetime drinking shows a large degree of genetic overlap with alcohol dependence; however, many studies with genetic material assess current AC. Further, there are many different aspects of AC that can be assessed (e.g., frequency of use, quantity of use, and frequency of intoxication).

Methods:  Here, we use data from 2 large, independent, population‐based twin samples, FinnTwin 16 and The Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders, to examine the extent to which genetic influences are shared across many different measures of AC and alcohol problems.

Results:  Genetic correlations across current AC measures and alcohol problems were high across both samples. However, both samples suggest a complex genetic architecture with many different genetic factors influencing various aspects of current AC and problems.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that careful attention must be paid to the phenotype in efforts to “replicate” genetic effects across samples or combine samples for meta‐analyses of genetic effects influencing susceptibility to alcohol‐related outcomes.
Alcohol in Pregnancy: Attitudes, Knowledge, and Information Practice Among Midwives in Denmark 2000 to 2009
Authors: Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Kesmodel Pia S.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Most pregnant women in Denmark say they have not talked to their midwives about alcohol in pregnancy, and they have mostly been advised that some alcohol intake is all right. From 1999 to 2007, the Danish National Board of Health advised pregnant women that some alcohol intake was acceptable. Since 2007, the recommendation has been alcohol abstinence. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes toward, knowledge about, and information practice concerning alcohol drinking in pregnancy among midwives in Denmark in 2000 and 2009 and how their answers related to the 2 different official recommendations at the time.

Methods:  In 2000, we invited all midwives in the antenatal care center at Aarhus University Hospital. Ninety‐four percent were interviewed about their attitudes toward and beliefs and knowledge about alcohol during pregnancy. Questions were also asked about information on alcohol provided to pregnant women. Identical questions were asked to all midwives (100%) in the antenatal care center in 2009.

Results:  In 2000, most midwives (69%) considered some alcohol intake in pregnancy acceptable, mostly on a weekly level, and only 28% advised abstinence. Binge drinking, on the other hand, was considered harmful by most. There was considerable inter‐person variation in the participants’ attitudes and what they recommended to pregnant women. In 2009, substantially more midwives (48%) considered abstinence to be best, and significantly, more midwives (61%) gave this advice to pregnant women. Participants had received information on alcohol mostly in a professional context. Their knowledge about the official recommendations about alcohol was good, but many did not inform about the official recommendation.

Conclusions:  The attitudes toward and beliefs and knowledge about drinking in pregnancy among midwives have changed along with a change in official policy. The change was mostly independent of personal characteristics of the midwives, including age, gender, and place of work.
Do Women Differ from Men on Alcoholics Anonymous Participation and Abstinence? A Multi‐Wave Analysis of Treatment Seekers
Authors: Witbrodt Jane , Delucchi Kevin
Published: June 2011

Background:  Given the widespread use of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other similar groups in the United States and the increasing membership of women, this study compares women with men on their meeting attendance and AA‐prescribed behaviors, factors associated with that AA participation, and tests how these relate to women’s and men’s abstinence across time.

Methods:  All consecutive new admissions (age ≥ 18) from county‐wide public and private treatment programs representing the larger population of treatment seekers were approached to be in the study at treatment entry. Those consenting at baseline (n = 926) were sought for follow‐up interviews 1, 3, 5, and 7 years later. Generalized linear models were used to test whether various help‐seeking factors were associated with AA participation differentially by gender and, controlling for AA and other confounders, whether women differ from men on abstinence.

Results:  At each follow‐up interview, women and men attended AA at similar rates and similarly practiced specific AA behaviors, and they were alike on most factors associated with AA participation and abstention across time including abstinence goal, drink volume, negative consequences, prior treatment, and encouragement to reduce drinking. Relative to men, women with higher drug severity were less likely to participate in AA. Although higher AA participation was a predictor of abstinence for both genders, men were less likely to be abstinent across time. Men were also more likely to reduce their AA participation across time.

Conclusions:  These findings add to an emerging literature on how women compare with men on factors related to AA participation and subsequent drinking outcomes across time. Findings have clinical implications for service providers referring clients to such groups.
Affective and Cognitive Factors Influencing Sensitivity to Probabilistic Information
Authors: Tyszka Tadeusz , Sawicki Przemyslaw
Published: June 2011

In study 1 different groups of female students were randomly assigned to one of four probabilistic information formats. Five different levels of probability of a genetic disease in an unborn child were presented to participants (within‐subject factor). After the presentation of the probability level, participants were requested to indicate the acceptable level of pain they would tolerate to avoid the disease (in their unborn child), their subjective evaluation of the disease risk, and their subjective evaluation of being worried by this risk. The results of study 1 confirmed the hypothesis that an experience‐based probability format decreases the subjective sense of worry about the disease, thus, presumably, weakening the tendency to overrate the probability of rare events. Study 2 showed that for the emotionally laden stimuli, the experience‐based probability format resulted in higher sensitivity to probability variations than other formats of probabilistic information. These advantages of the experience‐based probability format are interpreted in terms of two systems of information processing: the rational deliberative versus the affective experiential and the principle of stimulus‐response compatibility.
Index Insurance, Probabilistic Climate Forecasts, and Production
Authors: Carriquiry Miguel A. , Osgood Daniel E.
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Index insurance and probabilistic seasonal forecasts are becoming available in developing countries to help farmers manage climate risks in production. Although these tools are intimately related, work has not been done to formalize the connections between them. We investigate the relationship between the tools through a model of input choice under uncertainty, forecasts, and insurance. While it is possible for forecasts to undermine insurance, we find that when contracts are appropriately designed, there are important synergies between forecasts, insurance, and effective input use. Used together, these tools overcome barriers preventing the use of imperfect information in production decision making.
Modeling Adverse Birth Outcomes via Confirmatory Factor Quantile Regression
Authors: Burgette Lane F. , Reiter Jerome P.
Published: June 2011

Summary We describe a Bayesian quantile regression model that uses a confirmatory factor structure for part of the design matrix. This model is appropriate when the covariates are indicators of scientifically determined latent factors, and it is these latent factors that analysts seek to include as predictors in the quantile regression. We apply the model to a study of birth weights in which the effects of latent variables representing psychosocial health and actual tobacco usage on the lower quantiles of the response distribution are of interest. The models can be fit using an R package called factorQR.
R‐Curve Behavior of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐29 mol% PbTiO3 Single Crystals: The Effect of Crystallographic Orientation and Grain Structure
Authors: Webber Kyle G. , Seo Yo‐Han , Lee Ho‐Yong , Aulbach Emil , Jo Wook , Rödel Jürgen
Published: June 2011

The crack growth resistance behavior of single crystal and polycrystalline 0.71Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.29PbTiO3 (PMN‐29%PT) was determined with compact‐tension specimens. Two different single crystal orientations were produced by the solid‐state crystal growth technique (SSCG) and characterized, allowing for the direct comparison to polycrystalline material. Single crystal R‐curve behavior was observed to be anisotropic, which is explained by the effects of ferroelasticity and stress‐induced phase transformations on toughening. Results of the polycrystalline samples display comparable toughness to that observed in single crystal measurements.
Beyond immediate hypersensitivity: evolving roles for IgE antibodies in immune homeostasis and allergic diseases
Authors: Burton Oliver T. , Oettgen Hans C.
Published: June 2011

Summary:  Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies have long been recognized as the antigen‐specific triggers of allergic reactions. This review briefly introduces the established functions of IgE in immediate hypersensitivity and then focuses on emerging evidence from our own investigations as well as those of others that IgE plays important roles in protective immunity against parasites and exerts regulatory influences in the expression of its own receptors, FcεRI and CD23, as well as controlling mast cell homeostasis. We provide an overview of the multifaceted ways in which IgE antibodies contribute to the pathology of food allergy and speculate regarding potential mechanisms of action of IgE blockade.
Anaphylaxis: a history with emphasis on food allergy
Authors: Boden Stephen R. , Wesley Burks A.
Published: June 2011

In the century since Paul Portier and Charles Richet described their landmark findings of severe fatal reactions in dogs re‐exposed to venom after vaccination with sea anemone venom, treatment for anaphylaxis continues to evolve. The incidence of anaphylaxis continues to be difficult to measure. Underreporting due to patients not seeking medical care as well as failure to identify anaphylaxis affects our understanding of the magnitude of the disease. Treatment with intramuscular epinephrine continues to be the recommended first‐line therapy, although studies indicate that education of both the patients and the medical community is needed. Adverse food reactions continue to be the leading cause of anaphylaxis presenting for emergency care. Current therapy for food‐induced anaphylaxis is built on the foundation of strict dietary avoidance, rapid access to injectable epinephrine, and education to recognize signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Investigation into therapy with oral and sublingual immunotherapy as well as other modalities holds hope for improved treatment of food‐induced anaphylaxis.
Rhinoviruses, allergic inflammation, and asthma
Authors: Gavala Monica L. , Bertics Paul J. , Gern James E.
Published: June 2011

Summary:  Viral infections affect wheezing and asthma in children and adults of all ages. In infancy, wheezing illnesses are usually viral in origin, and children with more severe wheezing episodes are more likely to develop recurrent episodes of asthma and to develop asthma later in childhood. Children who develop allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (allergic sensitization) and those who wheeze with human rhinoviruses (HRV) are at especially high risk for asthma. In older children and adults, HRV infections generally cause relatively mild respiratory illnesses and yet contribute to acute and potentially severe exacerbations in patients with asthma. These findings underline the importance of understanding the synergistic nature of allergic sensitization and infections with HRV in infants relative to the onset of asthma and in children and adults with respect to exacerbations of asthma. This review discusses clinical and experimental evidence of virus–allergen interactions and evaluates theories which relate immunologic responses to respiratory viruses and allergens to the pathogenesis and disease activity of asthma. Greater understanding of the relationship between viral respiratory infections, allergic inflammation, and asthma is likely to suggest new strategies for the prevention and treatment of asthma.
The role of oxidative stress and innate immunity in O3 and endotoxin‐induced human allergic airway disease
Authors: Peden David B.
Published: June 2011

Summary:  Ozone (O3) and endotoxin are common environmental contaminants that cause asthma exacerbation. These pollutants have similar phenotype response characteristics, including induction of neutrophilic inflammation, changes in airway macrophage immunophenotypes, and ability to enhance response to inhaled allergen. Evoked phenotyping studies of volunteers exposed to O3 and endotoxin were used to identify the response characteristics of volunteers to these pollutants. New studies support the hypotheses that similar innate immune and oxidant processes modulate response to these agents. These include TLR4 and inflammasome‐mediated signaling and cytokine production. Innate immune responses are also impacted by oxidative stress. It is likely that continued discovery of common molecular processes which modulate response to these pollutants will occur. Understanding the pathways that modulate response to pollutants will also allow for discovery of genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate response to these pollutants and determine risk of disease exacerbation. Additionally, defining the mechanisms of response will allow rational selection of interventions to examine. Interventions focused on inhibition of Toll‐like receptor 4 and inflammasome represent promising new approaches to preventing pollutant‐induced asthma exacerbations. Such interventions include specific inhibitors of innate immunity and antioxidant therapies designed to counter the effects of pollutants on cell signaling.
A Possible Coagulation‐Independent Mechanism for Pregnancy Loss Involving β2glycoprotein 1‐Dependent Antiphospholipid Antibodies and CD1d
Authors: Iwasawa Yuki , Kawana Kei , Fujii Tomoyuki , Schust Danny J. , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Kawana Yukiko , Sayama Seisuke , Miura Shiho , Matsumoto Junko , Adachi Katsuyuki , Hyodo Hironobu , Yamashita Takahiro , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji
Published: June 2011

Citation Iwasawa Y, Kawana K, Fujii T, Schust DJ, Nagamatsu T, Kawana Y, Sayama S, Miura S, Matsumoto J, Adachi K, Hyodo H, Yamashita T, Kozuma S, Taketani Y. A possible coagulation‐independent mechanism for pregnancy loss involving β2glycoprotein 1‐dependent antiphospholipid antibodies and CD1d. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 54–65

Problem  β2glycoprotein1 (β2GP1)‐dependent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) increase the risk for recurrent pregnancy loss. We address whether anti‐β2GP1 antibodies can interact with phosphatidylserine (PS)‐bearing CD1d on trophoblast cells and induce local inflammation.

Methods  CD1d‐bearing choriocarcinoma cells were used in flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation experiments. CD1d‐mediated cytokine induction was assessed using antibody cross‐linking. Cytokine production during co‐culture of decidual lymphocytes with CD1d‐bearing cells was also examined.

Results  Trophoblast surface‐expressed CD1d forms a complex with PS‐bound β2GP1. Anti‐β2GP1 mAb cross‐linking causes IL12p70 release from CD1d‐bearing cells. IL12p70 release from CD1d‐bearing trophoblast cells was also induced during co‐culture with human decidual lymphocytes. The addition of anti‐β2GP1 mAb to co‐cultures resulted in a three‐fold increase in IL12p70 secretion. IFNγ secretion from decidual lymphocytes was also induced during co‐culture with anti‐β2GP1 mAbs.

Conclusions  β2GP1‐dependent IL12 release from CD1d‐bearing trophoblast in the presence of aPL may link the antiphospholipid syndrome to pregnancy loss via an inflammatory mechanism.
Multi‐targeted activity of maslinic acid as an antimalarial natural compound
Authors: Moneriz Carlos , Mestres Jordi , Bautista José M. , Diez Amalia , Puyet Antonio
Published: June 2011

Most drugs against malaria that are available or under development target a single process of the parasite infective cycle, favouring the appearance of resistant mutants which are easily spread in areas under chemotherapeutic treatments. Maslinic acid (MA) is a low toxic natural pentacyclic triterpene for which a wide variety of biological and therapeutic activities have been reported. Previous work revealed that Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic cultures were inhibited by MA, which was able to hinder the maturation from ring to schizont stage and, as a consequence, prevent the release of merozoites and the subsequent invasion. We show here that MA effectively inhibits the proteolytic processing of the merozoite surface protein complex, probably by inhibition of PfSUB1. In addition, MA was also found to inhibit metalloproteases of the M16 family by a non‐chelating mechanism, suggesting the possible hindrance of plasmodial metalloproteases belonging to that family, such as falcilysin and apicoplast peptide‐processing proteases. Finally, in silico target screening was used to search for other potential binding targets that may have remained undetected. Among the targets identified, the method recovered two for which experimental activity could be confirmed, and suggested several putative new targets to which MA could have affinity. One of these unreported targets, phospholipase A2, was shown to be partially inhibited by MA. These results suggest that MA may behave as a multi‐targeted drug against the intra‐erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium, providing a new tool to investigate the synergistic effect of inhibiting several unrelated processes with a single compound, a new concept in antimalarial research.
Comparing the performance of traditional direct laryngoscope with three indirect laryngoscopes: A prospective manikin study in normal and difficult airway scenarios
Authors: Ong Jiann‐Ruey , Chong Chee‐Fah , Chen Chien‐Chih , Wang Tzong‐Luen , Lin Chiu‐Mei , Chang Shi‐Chuan
Published: June 2011

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of three indirect laryngoscopes, Truview EVO2 laryngoscope, Clarus Levitan fiberoptic stylet and AirwayScope AWS, in comparison with direct Macintosh laryngoscope (ML) when performed in normal and difficult airway scenarios.

Methods: This prospective comparative study recruited 30 emergency physicians familiar with direct laryngoscopic intubation. Intubations were performed on manikin and were repeated twice for both scenarios. The primary end points were intubation time and rate of failed intubation. Glottis visualization was graded on Cormack and Lehane score and VAS.

Results: In normal airway scenario: AWS had shortest intubation time (6.0 s) followed by ML (8.7 s); VAS score of ML and AWS was lower (easier to use) than the other two devices; Cormack and Lehane score was similar for all devices. In difficult airway scenario: AWS had shortest intubation time (5.9 s); VAS score of AWS was lower than the other three devices; TVL, FOS, AWS had better Cormack and Lehane score than ML. Intubation time, rate of failed intubation, and Cormack and Lehane score were similar between attempts in both scenarios. Learning effect was significant in FOS in both scenarios and in TVL in normal airway scenario.

Conclusions: AWS performed best in normal and difficult airways. ML performed better than TVL and FOS in normal airways. Performances of ML, TVL and FOS were similar in difficult airways. Skills with AWS could be mastered rapidly. TVL and FOS required more practice to gain expertise.
Pharmacophore Modeling and Density Functional Theory Analysis for A Series of Nitroimidazole Compounds with Antitubercular Activity
Authors: Tawari Nilesh R. , Degani Mariam S.
Published: June 2011

In an attempt to highlight structural features required for potent antitubercular activity, five pharmacophoric features were developed for PA‐824 and its analogs. The generated pharmacophore indicated importance of a nitro group, three hydrogen bond acceptor features, and a distal aromatic ring for potent activity. The model based on pharmacophore alignment has good correlation coefficient for the training set (r2 = 0.81, SD = 0.31, F = 122.9, N = 152), which was evaluated using a test set (Q2 = 0.77, root‐mean‐square error = 0.35, Pearson‐R = 0.88, N = 49). Structure‐activity relationship investigation further revealed that hydrophobic substitutions at the para‐position of distal aromatic ring could lead to more potent analogs. The most active and inactive compounds were further studied using density functional theory at B3LYP/3‐21*G level. The calculated electrostatic profile indicated that these compounds possess maximum negative potential in the vicinity of nitro group extending laterally to the imidazole ring. Furthermore, the calculated electron affinity values indicate the stability of radical anions, which could form upon one electron reduction in the biological system, thus, indicating the electron acceptor capacity of these compounds. Results of this study are expected to be useful in the design of novel potent nitroimidazoles as antitubercular agents.
Evaluation of a four‐session cognitive–behavioural intervention for menopausal hot flushes
Authors: Hunter Myra S. , Liao K. Lih‐Mei
Published: June 2011

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a four‐session cognitive–behavioural treatment (CBT) for hot flushes—a symptom commonly experienced by menopausal women for whom hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the main treatment option. A patient preference design was used to compare CBT (N = 24), HRT (N = 12) and no‐treatment (NT) (N = 16) groups, with a randomized comparison of CBT participants into treatment vs. waiting (followed by treatment) conditions. A monitoring control condition was also included.

Hot flush measures did not change after monitoring, or after the wait condition, nor for the NT group. CBT and HRT significantly reduced hot flush frequency, but CBT also significantly reduced anxiety and hot flush problem ratings. Changes were maintained at three‐month follow‐up. The development of psychological treatments appears feasible and warranted in view of treatment effects and patient preferences.
The relationship between coping style, tinnitus severity and emotional distress in a group of tinnitus sufferers
Authors: Budd Richard J. , Pugh Rachel
Published: June 2011

A self‐report questionnaire was constructed to assess the coping style of tinnitus sufferers (N = 116) attending a specialist out‐patient tinnitus clinic. The questionnaire assessed the frequency with which sufferers reported using each of 40 coping strategies. The sufferers' responses to this questionnaire were factor analysed, revealing three tinnitus coping styles. These were labelled: ‘maladaptive coping’, ‘effective coping’ and ‘passive coping’. The relationship between these coping styles, tinnitus severity and adjustment was examined. Coping style was found to be strongly associated with both tinnitus severity and adjustment and some tentative clinical implications are drawn from these results.
Coping and psychopathology in surgery patients: A comparison of accident patients with other surgery patients
Authors: Koutsosimou Melpomeni , McDonald Angus S. , Davey Graham C. L.
Published: June 2011

Within one week of surgery, traffic accident patients were compared with a variety of other surgery patients on measures of anxiety, depression, general psychological health and coping strategies. Even when differences in age and gender between groups were controlled for, patients who had just undergone surgery following traffic accidents reported significantly greater use of emotion‐focused coping strategies than all other groups except a gynaecological group, and significantly less use of task‐oriented and avoidance coping strategies than all other groups except general surgery. There were no significant differences in levels of depression or anxiety between the accident group and the other main surgery groups. It is argued that the use of emotion‐focused coping in accident patients represents either a direct vulnerability factor for accidents, or an indicator of underlying psychopathology which in turn may represent a primary vulnerability factor.
Gender and consumption of alcohol: The impact of body composition, sensation seeking and coping styles
Authors: Watten Reidulf G.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To investigate the influence of body composition, sensation seeking and basic coping styles on gender differences in alcohol habits, i.e. (1) beverage preferences, (2) consumed amounts of alcohol per drinking occasion and (3) yearly consumption of alcohol.

Design. Matched sample factorial design. A male and a female sample of adults were matched for age and education.

Methods. The dependent variables were alcohol habits and the independent variables were body composition, basic coping styles and sensation seeking. Using factorial ANOVAs with the independent variables as covariates (regression approach), we tested possible differences in alcohol habits of the male (N = 132) and the female (N = 225) sample.

Results. Controlling for gender differences in body composition and coping styles reduced considerably the male excess in consumption of beer and liquor per drinking occasion, while the female excess of wine increased. The male excess in total yearly consumption of beer was reduced, but not removed. There were no significant gender differences in total yearly consumption of alcohol after controlling for the independent variables.

Conclusions. Controlling for total body water, basic coping styles and sensation seeking, reduces considerably, but does not remove, gender differences in alcohol habits. In future studies on gender and alcohol, coping styles and factors allowing calculation of body composition should be routinely registered.