bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole transcriptome analysis of the silicon response of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
Authors: Shrestha Roshan Prakash , Tesson Benoit , Norden-Krichmar Trina , Federowicz Stephen , Hildebrand Mark , Allen Andrew E
Published: September 2012

Background

Silicon plays important biological roles, but the mechanisms of cellular responses to silicon are poorly understood. We report the first analysis of cell cycle arrest and recovery from silicon starvation in the diatomThalassiosira pseudonanausing whole genome microarrays.

Results

Three known responses to silicon were examined, 1) silicified cell wall synthesis, 2) recovery from silicon starvation, and 3) co-regulation with silicon transporter (SIT) genes. In terms of diatom cell wall formation, thus far only cell surface proteins and proteins tightly associated with silica have been characterized. Our analysis has identified new genes potentially involved in silica formation, and other genes potentially involved in signaling, trafficking, protein degradation, glycosylation and transport, which provides a larger-scale picture of the processes involved. During silicon starvation, an overrepresentation of transcription and translation related genes were up-regulated, indicating thatT. pseudonanais poised to rapidly recover from silicon starvation and resume cell cycle progression upon silicon replenishment. This is in contrast to other types of limitation, and provides the first molecular data explaining the well-established environmental response of diatoms to grow as blooms and to out-compete other classes of microalgae for growth. Comparison of our data with a previous diatom cell cycle analysis indicates that assignment of the cell cycle specific stage of particular cyclins and cyclin dependent kinases should be re-evaluated. Finally, genes co-varying in expression with the SITs enabled identification of a new class of diatom-specific proteins containing a unique domain, and a putative silicon efflux protein.

Conclusions

Analysis of theT. pseudonanamicroarray data has provided a wealth of new genes to investigate previously uncharacterized cellular phenomenon related to silicon metabolism, silicon’s interaction with cellular components, and environmental responses to silicon.
Role of tight junction proteins in gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Mönkemüller Klaus , Wex Thomas , Kuester Doerthe , Fry Lucia C , Kandulski Arne , Kropf Siegfried , Roessner Albert , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: September 2012

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with impaired epithelial barrier function that is regulated by cell-cell contacts. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression pattern of selected components involved in the formation of tight junctions in relation to GERD.

Methods

Eighty-four patients with GERD-related symptoms with endoscopic signs (erosive: n = 47) or without them (non-erosive: n = 37) as well as 26 patients lacking GERD-specific symptoms as controls were included. Endoscopic and histological characterization of esophagitis was performed according to the Los Angeles and adapted Ismeil-Beigi criteria, respectively. Mucosal biopsies from distal esophagus were taken for analysis by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of five genes encoding tight junction components [Occludin, Claudin-1, -2, Zona occludens (ZO-1, -2)].

Results

Histopathology confirmed GERD-specific alterations as dilated intercellular spaces in the esophageal mucosa of patients with GERD compared to controls (P < 0.05). Claudin-1 and −2 were 2- to 6-fold upregulation on transcript (P < 0.01) and in part on protein level (P < 0.015) in GERD, while subgroup analysis of revealed this upregulation for ERD only. In both erosive and non-erosive reflux disease, expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1,-2 were not significantly affected. Notably, the induced expression of both claudins did not correlate with histopathological parameters (basal cell hyperplasia, dilated intercellular spaces) in patients with GERD.

Conclusions

Taken together, the missing correlation between the expression of tight junction-related components and histomorphological GERD-specific alterations does not support a major role of the five proteins studied in the pathogenesis of GERD.
Subtle mutations in the SMN1 gene in Chinese patients with SMA: p.Arg288Met mutation causing SMN1 transcript exclusion of exon7
Authors: Yu-jin Qu , Juan Du , Er-zhen Li , Jin-li Bai , Yu-wei Jin , Hong Wang , Fang Song
Published: September 2012

Background

Proximal spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common neuromuscular disorder resulting in death during childhood. Around 81 ~ 95% of SMA cases are a result of homozygous deletions of survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1) gene or gene conversions from SMN1 to SMN2. Less than 5% of cases showed rare subtle mutations in SMN1. Our aim was to identify subtle mutations in Chinese SMA patients carrying a single SMN1 copy.

Methods

We examined 14 patients from 13 unrelated families. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis was carried out to determine the copy numbers of SMN1 and SMN2. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and clone sequencing were used to detect subtle mutations in SMN1. SMN transcript levels were determined using quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

Six subtle mutations (p.Ser8LysfsX23, p.Glu134Lys, p.Leu228X, p.Ser230Leu, p.Tyr277Cys, and p.Arg288Met) were identified in 12 patients. The p.Tyr277Cys mutation has not been reported previously. The p.Ser8LysfsX23, p.Leu228X, and p.Tyr277Cys mutations have only been reported in Chinese SMA patients and the first two mutations seem to be the common ones. Levels of full length SMN1 (fl-SMN1) transcripts were very low in patients carrying p.Ser8LysfsX23, p.Leu228X or p.Arg288Met compared with healthy carriers. In patients carrying p.Glu134Lys or p.Ser230Leu, levels of fl-SMN1 transcripts were reduced but not significant. The SMN1 transcript almost skipped exon 7 entirely in patients with the p.Arg288Met mutation.

Conclusions

Our study reveals a distinct spectrum of subtle mutations in SMN1 of Chinese SMA patients from that of other ethnicities. The p.Arg288Met missense mutation possibly influences the correct splicing of exon 7 in SMN1. Mutation analysis of the SMN1 gene in Chinese patients may contribute to the identification of potential ethnic differences and enrich the SMN1 subtle mutation database.
microRNA-146a inhibits G protein-coupled receptor-mediated activation of NF-κB by targeting CARD10 and COPS8 in gastric cancer
Authors: Crone Stephanie Geisler , Jacobsen Anders , Federspiel Birgitte , Bardram Linda , Krogh Anders , Lund Anders H , Friis-Hansen Lennart
Published: September 2012

Background

Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. Inflammatory signals originating from gastric cancer cells are important for recruiting inflammatory cells and regulation of metastasis of gastric cancer. Several microRNAs (miRNA) have been shown to be involved in development and progression of gastric cancer. miRNA-146a (miR-146a) is a modulator of inflammatory signals, but little is known about its importance in gastric cancer. We therefore wanted to identify targets of miR-146a in gastric cancer and examine its biological roles.

Results

The expression of miR-146a was evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and found up-regulated in the gastrin knockout mice, a mouse model of gastric cancer, and in 73% of investigated human gastric adenocarcinomas. Expression of miR-146a by gastric cancer cells was confirmed by in situ hybridization. Global analysis of changes in mRNA levels after miR-146a transfection identified two transcripts, caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 10 (CARD10) and COP9 signalosome complex subunit 8 (COPS8), as new miR-146a targets. qPCR, Western blotting and luciferase assays confirmed these transcripts as direct miR-146a targets. CARD10 and COPS8 were shown to be part of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induces NF-kappaB activation via this pathway and over-expression of miR-146a inhibited LPA-induced NF-kappaB activation, reduced LPA-induced expression of tumor-promoting cytokines and growth factors and inhibited monocyte attraction.

Conclusions

miR-146a expression is up-regulated in a majority of gastric cancers where it targets CARD10 and COPS8, inhibiting GPCR-mediated activation of NF-kappaB, thus reducing expression of NF-kappaB-regulated tumor-promoting cytokines and growth factors. By targeting components of several NF-kappaB-activating pathways, miR-146a is a key component in the regulation of NF-kappaB activity.
Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in embryonic stem cell converted tumor cells
Authors: Peng Xinrong , Liu Tao , Wang Ying , Yan Qiaoling , Jin Huajun , Li Linfang , Qian Qijun , Wu Mengchao
Published: September 2012

Background

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent stem cells and can form tumors containing cells from all three germ layers. Similarities between pluripotent stem cells and malignant tumor cells have been identified. The purpose of this study was to obtain ESCs-converted tumor cell lines and to investigate the mechanism of malignancy in pluripotent stem cells.

Methods

Mouse ESCs were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to obtain tumors from which a tumor-like cell line (ECCs1) was established by culturing the cells in chemical-defined N2B27 medium supplied with two small molecular inhibitors CHIR99021 and PD0325901 (2i). The ECCs1 were then subcutaneously injected into nude mice again to obtain tumors from which another tumor-like cells line (ECCs2) was established in the same 2i medium. The malignant degree of ESCs, ECCs1 and ECCs2 was compared and the underlying mechanism involved in the malignancy development of ESCs was examined.

Results

The three ESCs, ECCs1 and ECCs2 cell lines were cultured in the same 2i condition and showed some likeness such as Oct4-expression and long-term expansion ability. However, the morphology and the tumor-formation ability of the cell lines were different. We identified that ECCs1 and ECCs2 gradually acquired malignancy. Moreover, Wnt signaling-related genes such as CD133 and β-catenin expression were up-regulated and Frizzled related protein (FRP) was down-regulated during the tumor development of ESCs.

Conclusions

The two tumor-like cell lines ECCs1 and ECCs2 stand for early malignant development stage of ESCs and the ECCs2 was more malignant than the ECCs1. Moreover, we identified that Wnt/β-catenin signaling played an important role in the malignancy process of ESCs.
Sox1 marks an activated neural stem/progenitor cell in the hippocampus
Authors: Venere Monica , Han Young-Goo , Bell Robert , Song Jun S. , Alvarez-Buylla Arturo , Blelloch Robert
Published: September 2012

The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus continues generating new neurons throughout life. These neurons originate from radial astrocytes within the subgranular zone (SGZ). Here, we find that Sox1, a member of the SoxB1 family of transcription factors, is expressed in a subset of radial astrocytes. Lineage tracing using Sox1-tTA;tetO-Cre;Rosa26 reporter mice shows that the Sox1-expressing cells represent an activated neural stem/progenitor population that gives rise to most if not all newly born granular neurons, as well as a small number of mature hilar astrocytes. Furthermore, a subpopulation of Sox1-marked cells have long-term neurogenic potential, producing new neurons 3 months after inactivation of tetracycline transactivator. Remarkably, after 8 weeks of labeling and a 12-week chase, as much as 44% of all granular neurons in the dentate gyrus were derived from Sox1 lineage-traced adult neural stem/progenitor cells. The fraction of Sox1-positive cells within the radial astrocyte population decreases with age, correlating with a decrease in neurogenesis. However, expression profiling shows that these cells are transcriptionally stable throughout the lifespan of the mouse. These results demonstrate that Sox1 is expressed in an activated stem/progenitor population whose numbers decrease with age while maintaining a stable molecular program.
WAG2 represses apical hook opening downstream from gibberellin and PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 5
Authors: Willige Björn C. , Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Zourelidou Melina , Schwechheimer Claus
Published: September 2012

When penetrating the soil during germination, dicotyledonous plants protect their shoot apical meristem through the formation of an apical hook. Apical hook formation is a dynamic process that can be subdivided into hook formation, maintenance and opening. It has previously been established that these processes require the transport and signaling of the phytohormone auxin, as well as the biosynthesis and signaling of the phytohormones ethylene and gibberellin (GA). Here, we identify a molecular mechanism for an auxin-GA crosstalk by demonstrating that the auxin transport-regulatory protein kinase WAG2 is a crucial transcription target during apical hook opening downstream from GA signaling. We further show that WAG2 is directly activated by PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 5 (PIF5), a light-labile interactor of the DELLA repressors of the GA pathway. We find that wag2 mutants are impaired in the repression of apical hook opening in dark-grown seedlings and that this phenotype correlates with GA-regulated WAG2 expression in the concave (inner) side of the apical hook. Furthermore, wag2 mutants are also impaired in the maintenance or formation of a local auxin maximum at the site of WAG2 expression in the hook. WAG2 is a regulator of PIN auxin efflux facilitators and, in line with previous data, we show that this kinase can phosphorylate the central intracellular loop of all PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins regulating apical hook opening. We therefore propose that apical hook opening is controlled by the differential GA-regulated accumulation of WAG2 and subsequent local changes in PIN-mediated auxin transport.
Transcriptional regulatory networks in epiblast cells and during anterior neural plate development as modeled in epiblast stem cells
Authors: Iwafuchi-Doi Makiko , Matsuda Kazunari , Murakami Kazuhiro , Niwa Hitoshi , Tesar Paul J. , Aruga Jun , Matsuo Isao , Kondoh Hisato
Published: September 2012

Somatic development initiates from the epiblast in post-implantation mammalian embryos. Recent establishment of epiblast stem cell (EpiSC) lines has opened up new avenues of investigation of the mechanisms that regulate the epiblast state and initiate lineage-specific somatic development. Here, we investigated the role of cell-intrinsic core transcriptional regulation in the epiblast and during derivation of the anterior neural plate (ANP) using a mouse EpiSC model. Cells that developed from EpiSCs in one day in the absence of extrinsic signals were found to represent the ANP of ~E7.5 embryos. We focused on transcription factors that are uniformly expressed in the E6.5 epiblast but in a localized fashion within or external to the ANP at E7.5, as these are likely to regulate the epiblast state and ANP development depending on their balance. Analyses of the effects of knockdown and overexpression of these factors in EpiSCs on the levels of downstream transcription factors identified the following regulatory functions: cross-regulation among Zic, Otx2, Sox2 and Pou factors stabilizes the epiblastic state; Zic, Otx2 and Pou factors in combination repress mesodermal development; Zic and Sox2 factors repress endodermal development; and Otx2 represses posterior neural plate development. All of these factors variably activate genes responsible for neural plate development. The direct interaction of these factors with enhancers of Otx2, Hesx1 and Sox2 genes was demonstrated. Thus, a combination of regulatory processes that suppresses non-ANP lineages and promotes neural plate development determines the ANP.
The Drosophila Arf1 homologue Arf79F is essential for lamellipodium formation
Authors: Humphreys Daniel , Liu Tao , Davidson Anthony C. , Hume Peter J. , Koronakis Vassilis
Published: September 2012

The WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) drives the polymerisation of actin filaments located beneath the plasma membrane to generate lamellipodia that are pivotal to cell architecture and movement. By reconstituting WRC-dependent actin assembly at the membrane, we recently discovered that several classes of Arf family GTPases directly recruit and activate WRC in cell extracts, and that Arf cooperates with Rac1 to trigger actin polymerisation. Here, we demonstrate that the Class 1 Arf1 homologue Arf79F colocalises with the WRC at dynamic lamellipodia. We report that Arf79F is required for lamellipodium formation in Drosophila S2R+ cells, which only express one Arf isoform for each class. Impeding Arf function either by dominant-negative Arf expression or by Arf double-stranded RNA interference (dsRNAi)-mediated knockdown uncovered that Arf-dependent lamellipodium formation was specific to Arf79F, establishing that Class 1 Arfs, but not Class 2 or Class 3 Arfs, are crucial for lamellipodia. Lamellipodium formation in Arf79F-silenced cells was restored by expressing mammalian Arf1, but not by constitutively active Rac1, showing that Arf79F does not act via Rac1. Abolition of lamellipodium formation in Arf79F-silenced cells was not due to Golgi disruption. Blocking Arf79F activation with guanine nucleotide exchange factor inhibitors impaired WRC localisation to the plasma membrane and concomitant generation of lamellipodia. Our data indicate that the Class I Arf GTPase is a central component in WRC-driven lamellipodium formation.
A method for quantifying intervertebral disc signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging
Authors: Nagashima Masaki , Abe Hitoshi , Amaya Kenji , Matsumoto Hideo , Yanaihara Hisashi , Nishiwaki Yuji , Toyama Yoshiaki , Matsumoto Morio
Published: September 2012

Background

Quantification of intervertebral disc degeneration based on intensity of the nucleus pulposus in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often uses the mean intensity of the region of interest (ROI) within the nucleus pulposus. However, the location and size of ROI have varied in different reports, and none of the reported methods can be considered fully objective.

Purpose

To develop a more objective method of establishing ROIs for quantitative evaluation of signal intensity in the nucleus pulposus using T2-weighted MRI.

Material and Methods

A 1.5-T scanner was used to obtain T2-weighted mid-sagittal images. A total of 288 intervertebral discs from 48 patients (25 men, 23 women) were analyzed. Mean age was 47.4 years (range, 17-69 years). All discs were classified into five grades according to Pfirrmann et al. Discs in grades I and II were defined as bright discs, and discs in grades IV and V were defined as dark discs. Eight candidate methods of ROI determination were devised. The method offering the highest degree of discrimination between bright and dark discs was investigated among these eight methods.

Results

The method with the greatest degree of discrimination was as follows. The quadrangle formed by anterior and posterior edges of the upper and lower end plates in contact with the intervertebral disc to be measured was defined as the intervertebral area. A shape similar to the intervertebral area but with one-quarter the area was drawn. The geometrical center of the shape was matched to the center of intensity, and this shape was then used as the ROI. Satisfactory validity and reproducibility were obtained using this method.

Conclusion

The present method offers adequate discrimination and could be useful for longitudinal tracking of intervertebral disc degeneration with sufficient reproducibility.
MDCT has the potential to predict percutaneous coronary intervention outcome in swine model: microscopic validation
Authors: Saeed Maythem , Hetts Steven W , Do Loi , Sullivan Sammir , Wilson Mark W
Published: September 2012

Background

Volumes and sizes of dislodged coronary microemboli vary during PCI so their effects at the left ventricular (LV) and cellular levels cannot be quantified. Furthermore, biopsy for tissue characterization is not an option in PCI patients.

Purpose

To characterize and validate microinfarct size, LAD territory where microinfarct were found using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), histochemical staining and microscopy as a function of microemboli volumes and to scale the effects of microemboli volumes on LV function.

Material and Methods

Under X-ray guidance, a 3F catheter was inserted into LAD coronary artery of 14 pigs for delivering 16 mm3 or 32 mm3 of 40-120 μm microemboli. MDCT imaging/histochemical staining/ microscopy were performed 3 days later and used to characterize regional and global structural and functional changes in LV by threshold/planimetric methods.

Results

MDCT and ex-vivo methods were able to quantify microinfarct size and LAD territory where microinfarct was found as a function of volumes. However, MDCT and histochemical staining significantly underestimated microinfarct size and territory where microinfarct was found compared with microscopy. MDCT demonstrated the functional changes and showed a moderate correlation between LV ejection fraction and microinfarct size (r = 0.53). Microscopy provided higher spatial resolution for measuring islands of necrotic cells, which explains the difference in measuring structural changes.

Conclusion

MDCT showed the difference in microinfarct size and LAD territory as a function of microemboli volumes and scaled the changes in LV function. This experimental study gives clinicians a reference for the effects of defined microemboli volumes on myocardial viability and LV function and the under-estimation of microinfarct on MDCT.
Capitalism and the Ivory Tower: The Gordian Knot Between Money and Science
Authors: Messer-Yaron Hagit
Published: September 2012

Transferring knowledge and technology from academia to industry requires bridging the natural gap between the two sectors: industry, which is fueled by profit to the shareholders; and academia, whose currency is knowledge. The technology transfer process is an essential component of contemporary academic life in most modern countries. However, despite the common argument, it is not necessarily a win-win process.

In this paper we shall detail who wins and who loses in this process. In particular, we will study the role of governments, which, on the one hand, finance research and are the only source for supporting basic science, and, on the other hand, dictate and impose policy

We will specify some guidelines for responsible technology transfer policy, which contributes to reconciliation of money and science.
Relationship between Palate-Vomer Development and Maxillary Growth in Submucous Cleft Palate Patients
Authors: Ren Shuxin , Ma Lian , Sun Zhipeng , Qian Jing
Published: September 2012

Objective

Experimental and clinical findings suggest that the vomer is involved in facial development and might contribute to the short and retrusive maxilla in cleft patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vomer development and maxillary growth in unoperated submucous cleft palate (SMCP) patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Participants

Thirty unoperated SMCP patients were included. The criteria for clinical diagnosis were: bifid uvula, a translucent zone in the midline of the soft palate, and a touchable “V” notch on the posterior border of the bony palate. There were 19 female and 11 male patients, with an age range from 3 to 25 years.

Interventions

All patients were imaged using spiral computed tomography (CT) while in centric occlusion before the surgeries.

Main Outcome Measures

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction models were created, and dentoalveolar relationships were rated by three experienced doctors according to the GOSLON score principles. The patients then were divided into three groups: 1 - normal occlusion, 2 - edge-to-edge bite, and 3 - crossbite. The vomer-palate fusion rate was calculated on 3D CT images and represented the vomer development.

Results

The sagittal extent of the palatal cleft and the malformation of vomer in SMCP were greatly varied. The vomer-palate fusion rate in the crossbite group (occlusal score = 3) was significantly lower than that in the normal occlusion group ( P .027).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that correlation exists between vomer development and sagittal maxillary growth in unoperated SMCP patients.
The assessment of carbonation effect on chloride diffusion in concrete based on artificial neural network model
Authors: Delnavaz Ali , Ramezanianpour Ali Akbar
Published: September 2012

In this paper the effect of carbonation on chloride diffusivity in concrete is investigated. An artificial neural network model was used to determine the relation between chloride diffusion coefficients and concrete mix design in carbonated and non-carbonated concretes. The models were trained by results of chloride profile experiments. Input parameters were water-to-binder ratios, the amount of silica fume, rapid chloride ion permeability test and capillary absorption coefficient. The output parameter was chloride diffusion coefficient. The neural network models are multi-layer perceptron models and they differ in the number of hidden layers and neurons.
State Cigarette Excise Tax, Secondhand Smoke Exposure, and Periodontitis in US Nonsmokers
Authors: Sanders Anne , Slade Gary
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We assessed the relationship of state cigarette excise tax with cigarette sales, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, and periodontitis among US lifetime nonsmokers.

Methods. Cigarette excise tax and per capita sales data from 1983 to 1998 were obtained for 50 states and the District of Columbia. Periodontal data were analyzed for 3137 adults in 28 states from 3 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles (1999–2004). Measures of periodontal pocket depth and attachment level were used to classify people with moderate or severe periodontitis. SHS exposure was classified according to gender- or race/ethnicity–specific thresholds of serum cotinine concentration. Statistical analysis adjusted for the complex survey design.

Results. For each additional $0.10 in excise tax, predicted sales decreased by 0.74 packs per person per month and adjusted odds of moderate or severe periodontitis decreased 22% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62, 0.97). For each pack sold per person per month, adjusted odds of SHS exposure increased 28% (95% CI = 1.17, 1.40) and adjusted odds of periodontitis increased 15% (95% CI = 1.03, 1.29). Odds of periodontitis for those exposed to SHS were elevated 2-fold relative to those who were unexposed (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.30, 3.20).

Conclusions. Cigarette excise tax may protect nonsmokers against periodontitis.
Association Between Socioeconomic Position Discrimination and Psychological Distress: Findings From a Community-Based Sample of Gay and Bisexual Men in New York City
Authors: Gamarel Kristi E. , Reisner Sari L. , Parsons Jeffrey T. , Golub Sarit A.
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We examined the association between discrimination and mental health distress, focusing specifically on the relative importance of discrimination because of particular demographic domains (i.e., race/ethnicity, socioeconomic position [SEP]).

Methods. The research team surveyed a sample of gay and bisexual men (n = 294) at a community event in New York City. Participants completed a survey on demographics, discrimination experiences in the past 12 months, attributed domains of discrimination, and mental health distress.

Results. In adjusted models, discrimination was associated with higher depressive (B = 0.31; P < .01) and anxious (B = 0.29; P < .01) symptoms. A statistically significant quadratic term (discrimination-squared; P < .01) fit both models, such that moderate levels of discrimination were most robustly associated with poorer mental health. Discrimination because of SEP was associated with higher discrimination scores and was predictive of higher depressive (B = 0.22; P < .01) and anxious (B = 0.50; P < .01) symptoms. No other statistically significant relationship was found between discrimination domains and distress.

Conclusions. In this sample, SEP emerged as the most important domain of discrimination in its association with mental health distress. Future research should consider intersecting domains of discrimination to better understand social disparities in mental health.
HIV/AIDS Surveillance Data for New York City West Indian–Born Blacks: Comparisons With Other Immigrant and US-Born Groups
Authors: Hoffman Susie , Ransome Yusuf , Adams-Skinner Jessica , Leu Cheng-Shiun , Terzian Arpi
Published: September 2012

Objectives. Although the risk of HIV among New York City West Indian–born Black immigrants often is assumed to be high, population-based data are lacking, a gap we aimed to address.

Methods. Using 2006–2007 HIV/AIDS surveillance data from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and population data from the US Census American Community Survey 2007, we compared the rate of newly reported HIV diagnoses, prevalence of people living with HIV/AIDS, and distribution of transmission risk categories in West Indian–born Blacks, 2 other immigrant groups, and US-born Blacks and Whites.

Results. The age-adjusted rate of newly reported HIV diagnoses for West Indian–born Blacks was 43.19 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 38.92, 49.10). This was higher than the rate among US-born Whites (19.96; 95% CI = 18.63, 21.37) and Dominican immigrants and lower than that among US-born Blacks (109.48; 95% CI = 105.02, 114.10) and Haitian immigrants. Heterosexual transmission was the largest risk category in West Indian–born Blacks, accounting for 41% of new diagnoses.

Conclusions. Although much lower than in US-born Blacks, the rate of newly reported HIV diagnoses in West Indian–born Blacks exceeds that among US-born Whites. Additional work is needed to understand the migration-related sources of risk.
The Decrease in the Unintentional Injury Mortality Disparity Between American Indians/Alaska Natives and Non–American Indians/Alaska Natives in New Mexico, 1980 to 2009
Authors: Hubbard Glenda , Pokhrel Pallavi , Nielsen Larry , Landen Michael
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We tracked the unintentional injury death disparity between American Indians/Alaska Natives and non–American Indians/Alaska Natives in New Mexico, 1980 to 2009.

Methods. We calculated age-adjusted rates and rate ratios for unintentional injury deaths and their external causes among American Indians/Alaska Natives and non–American Indians/Alaska Natives. We tested trend significance with the Mann–Kendall test.

Results. The unintentional injury death rate ratio of American Indians/Alaska Natives to non–American Indians/Alaska Natives declined from 2.9 in 1980–1982 to 1.5 in 2007–2009. The rate among American Indians/Alaska Natives decreased 47.2% from 1980–1982 to 1995–1997. Among non–American Indians/Alaska Natives, the rate declined 25.3% from 1980–1982 to 1992–1994, then increased 31.9% from 1992–1994 to 2007–2009. The motor vehicle traffic and pedestrian death rates decreased 57.8% and 74.6%, respectively, among American Indians/Alaska Natives from 1980–1982 to 2007–2009.

Conclusions. The unintentional injury death rate disparity decreased substantially from 1980–1982 to 2007–2009 largely because of the decrease in motor vehicle crash and pedestrian death rates among American Indians/Alaska Natives and the increase in the poisoning death rate among non–American Indians/Alaska Natives.
A Case Study of the Impact of Inaccurate Cause-of-Death Reporting on Health Disparity Tracking: New York City Premature Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Johns Lauren E. , Madsen Ann M. , Maduro Gil , Zimmerman Regina , Konty Kevin , Begier Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

Objectives. Heart disease death overreporting is problematic in New York City (NYC) and other US jurisdictions. We examined whether overreporting affects the premature (< 65 years) heart disease death rate disparity between non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites in NYC.

Methods. We identified overreporting hospitals and used counts of premature heart disease deaths at reference hospitals to estimate corrected counts. We then corrected citywide, age-adjusted premature heart disease death rates among Blacks and Whites and a White–Black premature heart disease death disparity.

Results. At overreporting hospitals, 51% of the decedents were White compared with 25% at reference hospitals. Correcting the heart disease death counts at overreporting hospitals decreased the age-adjusted premature heart disease death rate 10.1% (from 41.5 to 37.3 per 100 000) among Whites compared with 4.2% (from 66.2 to 63.4 per 100 000) among Blacks. Correction increased the White–Black disparity 6.1% (from 24.6 to 26.1 per 100 000).

Conclusions. In 2008, NYC’s White–Black premature heart disease death disparity was underestimated because of overreporting by hospitals serving larger proportions of Whites. Efforts to reduce overreporting may increase the observed disparity, potentially obscuring any programmatic or policy-driven advances.
A Transnational Study of Migration and Smoking Behavior in the Mexican-Origin Population
Authors: Tong Elisa , Saito Naomi , Tancredi Daniel J. , Borges Guilherme , Kravitz Richard L. , Hinton Ladson , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Breslau Joshua
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We examined migration-related changes in smoking behavior in the transnational Mexican-origin population.

Methods. We combined epidemiological surveys from Mexico (Mexican National Comorbidity Survey) and the United States (Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys). We compared 4 groups with increasing US contact with respect to smoking initiation, persistence, and daily cigarette consumption: Mexicans with no migrant in their family, Mexicans with a migrant in their family or previous migration experience, migrants, and US-born Mexican Americans.

Results. Compared with Mexicans with a migrant in their family or previous migration experience, migrants were less likely to initiate smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.38, 0.83) and less likely to be persistent smokers (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.26, 0.63). Among daily smokers, the US-born smoked more cigarettes per day than did Mexicans with a migrant in their family or previous migration experience for men (7.8 vs 6.5) and women (8.6 vs 4.3).

Conclusions. Evidence suggests that smoking is suppressed among migrants relative to the broader transnational Mexican-origin population. The pattern of low daily cigarette consumption among US-born Mexican Americans, noted in previous research, represents an increase relative to smokers in Mexico.
Walking to School in Japan and Childhood Obesity Prevention: New Lessons From an Old Policy
Authors: Mori Nagisa , Armada Francisco , Willcox D. Craig
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We analyzed the Japan’s walking-to-school practice implemented in 1953 for lessons useful to other cities and countries.

Methods. We reviewed background documents (gray literature, online government information, local policy documents, and regulations) for existing regulations in several urban settings. We also contacted boards of education.

Results. Each municipality has a board of education in charge of public schools, which considers the geography, climate, and the transport situation to determine the method of commuting. Because there is high availability of schools in urban areas and most are located within walking range of the children’s homes, walking is the most common method. There are different safety initiatives depending on the district’s characteristics. Parents, school staff, and local volunteers are involved in supervision.

Conclusions. The walk-to-school practice has helped combat childhood obesity by providing regular physical activity. Recommendations to cities promoting walking to school are (1) base interventions on the existing network of schools and adapt the provision to other local organizations, (2) establish safety measures, and (3) respond specifically to local characteristics. Besides the well-established safety interventions, the policy’s success may also be associated with Japan’s low crime rate.
Improving Population Health Through Integration of Primary Care and Public Health: Providing Access to Physical Activity for Community Health Center Patients
Authors: Silva Matthew , Cashman Suzanne , Kunte Parag , Candib Lucy M.
Published: September 2012

Objectives. Our community health center attempted to meet public health goals for encouraging exercise in adult patients vulnerable to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases by partnering with a local YMCA.

Methods. During routine office visits, providers referred individual patients to the YMCA at no cost to the patient. After 2 years, the YMCA instituted a $10 per month patient copay for new and previously engaged health center patients.

Results. The copay policy change led to discontinuation of participation at the YMCA by 80% of patients. Patients who persisted at the YMCA increased their visits by 50%; however, more men than women became frequent users after institution of the copay. New users after the copay were also more likely to be younger men. Thus the copay skewed the population toward a younger group of men who exercised more frequently. Instituting a fee appeared to discourage more tentative users, specifically women and older patients who may be less physically active.

Conclusions. Free access to exercise facilities (rather than self-paid memberships) may be a more appropriate approach for clinicians to begin engaging inexperienced or uncertain patients in regular fitness activities to improve health.
Leading Causes of Unintentional and Intentional Injury Mortality: United States, 2000–2009
Authors: Rockett Ian R. H. , Regier Michael D. , Kapusta Nestor D. , Coben Jeffrey H. , Miller Ted R. , Hanzlick Randy L. , Todd Knox H. , Sattin Richard W. , Kennedy Leslie W. , Kleinig John , Smith Gordon S.
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We have described national trends for the 5 leading external causes of injury mortality.

Methods. We used negative binomial regression and annual underlying cause-of-death data for US residents for 2000 through 2009.

Results. Mortality rates for unintentional poisoning, unintentional falls, and suicide increased by 128%, 71%, and 15%, respectively. The unintentional motor vehicle traffic crash mortality rate declined 25%. Suicide ranked first as a cause of injury mortality, followed by motor vehicle traffic crashes, poisoning, falls, and homicide. Females had a lower injury mortality rate than did males. The adjusted fall mortality rate displayed a positive age gradient. Blacks and Hispanics had lower adjusted motor vehicle traffic crash and suicide mortality rates and higher adjusted homicide rates than did Whites, and a lower unadjusted total injury mortality rate.

Conclusions. Mortality rates for suicide, poisoning, and falls rose substantially over the past decade. Suicide has surpassed motor vehicle traffic crashes as the leading cause of injury mortality. Comprehensive traffic safety measures have successfully reduced the national motor vehicle traffic crash mortality rate. Similar efforts will be required to diminish the burden of other injury.
Strengthening Public Health and Primary Care Collaboration Through Electronic Health Records
Authors: Calman Neil , Hauser Diane , Lurio Joseph , Wu Winfred Y. , Pichardo Michelle
Published: September 2012

Electronic health records (EHRs) have great potential to serve as a catalyst for more effective coordination between public health departments and primary care providers (PCP) in maintaining healthy communities.

As a system for documenting patient health data, EHRs can be harnessed to improve public health surveillance for communicable and chronic illnesses. EHRs facilitate clinical alerts informed by public health goals that guide primary care physicians in real time in their diagnosis and treatment of patients.

As health departments reassess their public health agendas, the use of EHRs to facilitate this agenda in primary care settings should be considered. PCPs and EHR vendors, in turn, will need to configure their EHR systems and practice workflows to align with public health priorities as these agendas include increased involvement of primary care providers in addressing public health concerns.
Adopting an Active Lifestyle During Adulthood and Health-Related Quality of Life: The Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: van Oostrom Sandra H. , Smit Henriëtte A. , Wendel-Vos G. C. Wanda , Visser Marjolein , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Picavet H. Susan J.
Published: September 2012

Objectives. We examined health-related quality of life in adults who became physically active at recommended levels over a 10-year period compared with adults with different physical activity patterns.

Methods. We examined men and women aged 26 to 70 years (mean [SD] = 47.4 [10.1]) in the Doetinchem Cohort Study 3 times between 1995 and 2009. We distinguished participants who became physically active (n = 618), remained active (n = 1286), remained inactive (n = 727), became physically inactive (n = 535), or with varying activity levels (n = 455) over 10 years. We used multivariable linear regression analyses to determine differences in health-related quality of life (survey similar to the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) at 10-year follow-up.

Results. Adults who became physically active reported better physical functioning, vitality, and general health after 10 years than did persistently inactive adults and adults who became inactive. They also reported less bodily pain and better social functioning than adults who became inactive. No differences were observed with adults who remained active or with varying activity levels.

Conclusions. Adopting a physically active lifestyle may result in a better health-related quality of life, comparable to remaining physically active over 10 years.
Teaching Negotiation Skills within an Accounting Curriculum
Authors: Aldhizer George R.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this article is to expose accounting faculty to an accounting negotiation course to inspire them to consider teaching such a course. Professional standards recognize the auditor's dual responsibility to detect material misstatements and to ensure their appropriate resolution. However, accounting education has focused primarily on the first responsibility of designing and performing appropriate audit procedures to detect material misstatements, and not on negotiation skills to ensure their proper resolution (Trotman et al. 2005). This article provides a detailed overview of the author's half-semester graduate elective accounting negotiation course that may become a required course in the near future.

Data Availability: Interested parties can obtain copies of all course materials by contacting the author.
Dating of the Reo site (Island of Saaremaa, Estonia) with silicate and iron microspherules points to an exact age of the fall of the Kaali meteorite
Authors: Moora Tanel , Raukas Anto , Stankowski Wojciech
Published: September 2012

Pollen analyses and radiocarbon dates from the bottom sediments in the Kaali main crater suggested that the crater group is at least 4000–5000 years old. Investigations of silicate impact micro-spherules in surrounding mires (Raukas et al. 1995) put the age about 7500–7600 yr BP. Recently we found both silicate and iron microspherules from organic sediments below well-dated beach ridge in Reo site what supports the conclusions that the most realistic age of the Kaali craters is 7600±50 14C BP (8335–8537 cal BP) and the meteorite fall was from SSE to NNW.
Hopf Algebra Symmetries of an Integrable Hamiltonian for Anyonic Pairing
Authors: Links Jon
Published: September 2012

Since the advent of Drinfel’d’s double construction, Hopf algebraic structures have been a centrepiece for many developments in the theory and analysis of integrable quantum systems. An integrable anyonic pairing Hamiltonian will be shown to admit Hopf algebra symmetries for particular values of its coupling parameters. While the integrable structure of the model relates to the well-known six-vertex solution of the Yang–Baxter equation, the Hopf algebra symmetries are not in terms of the quantum algebra Uq(sl(2)). Rather, they are associated with the Drinfel’d doubles of dihedral group algebras D(Dn).
The Emerging Roles of ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling Enzymes in Nucleotide Excision Repair
Authors: Czaja Wioletta , Mao Peng , Smerdon Michael J.
Published: September 2012

DNA repair in eukaryotic cells takes place in the context of chromatin, where DNA, including damaged DNA, is tightly packed into nucleosomes and higher order chromatin structures. Chromatin intrinsically restricts accessibility of DNA repair proteins to the damaged DNA and impacts upon the overall rate of DNA repair. Chromatin is highly responsive to DNA damage and undergoes specific remodeling to facilitate DNA repair. How damaged DNA is accessed, repaired and restored to the original chromatin state, and how chromatin remodeling coordinates these processes in vivo, remains largely unknown. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers (ACRs) are the master regulators of chromatin structure and dynamics. Conserved from yeast to humans, ACRs utilize the energy of ATP to reorganize packing of chromatin and control DNA accessibility by sliding, ejecting or restructuring nucleosomes. Several studies have demonstrated that ATP-dependent remodeling activity of ACRs plays important roles in coordination of spatio-temporal steps of different DNA repair pathways in chromatin. This review focuses on the role of ACRs in regulation of various aspects of nucleotide excision repair (NER) in the context of chromatin. We discuss current understanding of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling by various subfamilies of remodelers and regulation of the NER pathway in vivo.
Evaluation of the Combined Effects of Stilbenoid from Shorea gibbosa and Vancomycin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Basri Dayang Fredalina , Luoi Chan Kin , Azmi Abdul Muin , Latip Jalifah
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study is to determine the combined effects of stilbenoids from Shorea gibbosa and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A total of nine pure compounds, five stilbenoid dimers ε-viniferin, ampelopsin A, balanocarpol, laevifonol and diptoindonesin G and four stilbenoid trimers a-viniferin, johorenol A, ampelopsin E and vaticanol G were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against ATCC 33591 and a HUKM clinical isolate. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for each active compound were determined using the serial microdilution and plate-streak techniques. The combined effect of stilbenoids with vancomycin against MRSA was evaluated using the checkerboard assay to determine their fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index values. The MIC value of a-viniferin on both MRSA strains was 100 μg/mL, whereas those of johorenol A on ATCC 33591 and HUKM strain were 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL, respectively. The MIC values of ampelopsin E and vaticanol G were higher than 400 μg/mL. Out of the five stilbenoid dimers, only ε-viniferin was capable of inhibiting the growth of both MRSA strains at MIC 400 μg/mL. The MBC value of ε-viniferin, a-viniferin and johorenol A showed bacteriostatic action against MRSA. The FIC index value of ε-viniferin and a-viniferin in combination with vancomycin showed an additive effect (0.5 < FIC ≤ 2.0) against both MRSA strains. Johorenol A-vancomycin combination was also additive against HUKM strain, but it showed synergistic interaction with vancomycin against ATCC 33591 (FIC < 0.5). Stilbenoid compounds from Shorea gibbosa have anti-MRSA activity and huge potential as an alternative phytotherapy in combating MRSA infections.