bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquidity risk exposure for specialised and unspecialised real estate banks
Authors: Giannotti Claudio , Gibilaro Lucia , Mattarocci Gianluca
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare banks specialised on real estate lending with the overall market in order to the test if they are more or less exposed to liquidity risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the approach proposed by the Basel Committee in order to evaluate the bank liquidity exposure, the paper compares the value of these measures between the real estate lending banks (REBs) and all other banks for the Italian market. A panel regression analysis is also performed in order to identify the main drivers of the liquidity risk measures for the two types of banks.

Findings

The paper finds that no significant differences exist between REBs and the overall system if liquidity risk measures used by regulators in order to supervise the banking system are taken into account. Normally liquidity exposure by this type of bank is significantly affected by interbank market dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

The paper considers only one market in order to test the fitness of the regulatory approach for the REBs and does not take into account the off balance sheet exposure.

Practical implications

Even if REBs suffer from a misalignment between the asset and liability duration, the supervisory authority selects measures that do not penalise them.

Originality/value

The paper represents one of the first empirical analyses on the impact of regulatory requirements for liquidity management by the Basel Committee in order to test if the rules proposed could penalise banks specialised in real estate loans.
International mobile roaming in the Arab states
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review how the Arab states individually and especially collectively have tackled the question of persistently high charges for international mobile roaming.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a review of the decisions and decision‐making processes of the League of Arab States, of the Gulf Cooperation Council and of certain of its member states in the matter of international mobile roaming charges.

Findings

The weaknesses of partial liberalisation and of flawed systems of governance of telecommunications markets at the national level are compounded at trans‐national level by divergence of interest. Lack of experience in dealing with consumer issues and competitive analysis have limited the ability of institutions to respond.

Research limitations/implications

Data on roaming markets are very limited, making analysis difficult. Transparency of decision making by international institutions is often weak or selective.

Practical implications

The decision to try to use price caps neglected the opportunity to try to complement the actions of Zain in abolishing roaming surcharges.

Social implications

The regulators and ministers have pursued their own interests with little regard for consumers. They have failed to quantify the likely benefits of their proposed price caps on roaming charges.

Originality/value

This paper complements others on different regions. It sheds some light on telecommunications in the Arab world, a subject which is infrequently addressed in the academic literature.
The restructuring of African mobile telecommunications provision and the prospects for economic development
Authors: Curwen Peter , Whalley Jason
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the recent restructuring of the African mobile telecommunications sector, to examine how mobile telecommunications supports economic development and to assess how such development will be influenced by the restructuring.

Design/methodology/approach

An original database has been compiled and linked to recent merger and acquisition activity in the African telecommunications sector. The theoretical/case study literature on the link between mobile telecommunications and economic development is reviewed. This is then linked to the recent restructuring activity in Africa.

Findings

After something of a lull during the mid‐2000s, M&A activity has once again become frenetic over the past two years. It is too early to be certain of the eventual structure of the African mobile telecommunications sector, but in the medium term the reallocation of networks to well‐funded and efficient operators should provide a spur to renewed economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

The structure of the sector is never in final equilibrium, so it is difficult to assess how long it will take for the benefits for economic growth to show through.

Practical implications

In the past, inadequately funded and managerially limited operators have expanded beyond their capabilities. Hopefully, this time around ambition will not outstrip capability.

Social implications

Economic growth and societal development should be enhanced by recent M&A activity in the African mobile sector.

Originality/value

There are precious few completely up‐to‐date case studies on mobile telecommunications. This will help to fill the existing gap.
Clinical productivity system – a decision support model
Authors: Bennett Casey C.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a data‐driven clinical productivity system that leverages Electronic Health Record (EHR) data to provide productivity decision support functionality in a real‐world clinical setting. The system was implemented for a large behavioral health care provider seeing over 75,000 distinct clients a year.

Design/methodology/approach

The key metric in this system is a “VPU”, which simultaneously optimizes multiple aspects of clinical care. The resulting mathematical value of clinical productivity was hypothesized to tightly link the organization's performance to its expectations and, through transparency and decision support tools at the clinician level, affect significant changes in productivity, quality, and consistency relative to traditional models of clinical productivity.

Findings

In only three months, every single variable integrated into the VPU system showed significant improvement, including a 30 percent rise in revenue, 10 percent rise in clinical percentage, a 25 percent rise in treatment plan completion, a 20 percent rise in case rate eligibility, along with similar improvements in compliance/audit issues, outcomes collection, access, etc.

Practical implications

A data‐driven clinical productivity system employing decision support functionality is effective, because of the impact on clinician behavior relative to traditional clinical productivity systems. Critically, the model is also extensible to integration with outcomes‐based productivity.

Originality/value

EHR's are only a first step – the problem is turning that data into useful information. Technology can leverage the data in order to produce actionable information that can inform clinical practice and decision‐making. Without additional technology, EHR's are essentially just copies of paper‐based records stored in electronic form.
Credit card use: disposable income and employment status
Authors: Fogel Joshua , Schneider Mayer
Published: March 2011

Purpose

College students often embrace credit card use and do not always consider the potential risks of incurring debt from irresponsible credit card use. This paper aims to focus on this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

College students (n=301) were surveyed and reported their disposable income and employment status. Outcome variables were attitudes toward irresponsible credit card use, compulsive buying, money anxiety, and money price sensitivity.

Findings

It is found that an incremental pattern of greater levels of disposable income and employment was associated with greater credit card use irresponsibility. Greater levels of disposable income were associated with greater levels of compulsive buying and money anxiety. Part‐time employment was associated with the greatest level of money price sensitivity.

Originality/value

The paper shows that college students should seek information about, or counseling for, the responsibilities associated with credit card use and proper handling of personal finances.
The Sources of Plasma Cyclic AMP: Studies in the Rat using Isoprenaline, Nicotinic Acid and Glucagon
Authors: Strange Richard C. , Mjøs O. D.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The effects of intravenous administration of isoprenaline, glucagon and nicotinic acid on plasma concentrations of cyclic AMP in rats are described. In order to determine the relative importance of the liver as a source of extracellular cyclic AMP, the effects of the hormones were investigated in intact and functionally hepatectomised rats. The results showed that hepatectomy did not prevent an isoprenaline‐stimulated increase in plasma cyclic AMP concentrations, although glucagon was without effect on plasma nucleotide concentrations in this group of animals. It is suggested that the liver is essential for the action of glucagon but that isoprenaline can increase plasma cyclic AMP concentrations in hepatectomised animals by increasing extrahepatic release of the nucleotide. Since inhibition of adipose tissue lipolysis with nicotinic acid did not prevent an isoprenaline or glucagon‐stimulated increase in plasma cyclic AMP concentrations, adipose tissue is discounted as a major source of plasma cyclic AMP.
Bile acid metabolism in familial dysbetalipoproteinaemia: studies in subjects with the apolipoprotein E‐2/2 phenotype
Authors: ANGELIN B. , HOLMQUIST L. , LEIJD B. , EINARSSON K.
Published: March 2011

Bile acid kinetics and biliary lipid composition were determined in seven subjects with primary dysbetalipoproteinaemia. They were all homozygous for the apolipoprotein E isoform E‐2 and six of them were hyperlipidaemic (type III hyperlipoproteinaemia). With or without hyperlipidaemia, the apo E‐2/2 phenotype was associated with increased bile acid formation (mean increase compared with 32 normolipidaemic controls, 43%; P<0·025). The biliary lipid composition was not different from that seen in the controls. The results indicate that the uptake by the liver of apo E‐containing remnant particles is of importance for the regulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism in man. It is suggested that hepatic cholesterol synthesis is stimulated in dysbetalipoproteinaemia, and that this leads to a compensatory increase in bile acid synthesis.
The effects of simvastatin on plasma lipoproteins and cholesterol homeostasis in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: HAGEMENAS F. C. , PAPPU A. S. , ILLINGWORTH D. R.
Published: March 2011

We have examined the influence of simvastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase on plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins, the rates of cholesterol biosynthesis and degradation of 125I‐labelled LDL by freshly isolated mononuclear leucocytes and the 24 h urinary excretion of mevalonic acid in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Patients were treated with progressively increasing doses of simvastatin (20, 40, and 80 mg day−1) taken in a twice‐daily dosage for a period of 6 weeks on each dose. Plasma concentrations of LDL cholesterol decreased by 36·6%, 45·6% and 47·1% respectively on the three doses. High‐affinity degradation of 125I‐LDL by freshly isolated mononuclear leucocytes increased significantly on the 20 mg day−1 dosage but no further increase was observed on doses of 40 and 80 mg of simvastatin per day. Rates of 2‐14C acetate incorporation into cholesterol by freshly isolated mononuclear leucocytes (obtained 12–15 h after the last dose of simvastatin) increased by 62%, 71% and 29% in cells isolated from patients on 20, 40, and 80 mg day−1 of simvastatin compared with values at baseline. In contrast, the 24 h excretion of mevalonic acid in the urine fell by 16·9%, 31·4% and 31·9% respectively on these three doses. Our results indicate that the potent hypocholesterolaemic effects of simvastatin are accompanied by increases in high‐affinity LDL receptor‐mediated degradation of LDL and a compensatory increase in cholesterol biosynthesis in freshly isolated mononuclear leucocytes but that rates of mevalonic acid excretion in the urine decrease.
Angiotensin II augments medullary hypoxia and predisposes to acute renal failure
Authors: BREZIS M. , GREENFELD Z. , SHINA A. , ROSEN S.
Published: March 2011

The effects of angiotensin II (AII) upon medullary hypoxic injury and kidney function were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Synthetic AII added to perfusate of isolated rat kidneys reduced perfusion flow from 48 ± 2 ml min−1 (±SE) to 19 ± 1 (P < 0·001) without altering glomerular filtration rate (GFR), raising filtration fraction from 1% to 3% (P < 0·001). AII‐extended hypoxic injury to medullary thick ascending limbs (mTAL) from 66 ± 4% of tubules to 79 ± 3 (P < 0·05) in correlation with filtration fraction (r = 0·8, P < 0·001). Addition of indomethacin (10−4 mol 1−1) further extended medullary hypoxic damage to 89 ± 2% of mTAL (P < 0·001).

Uninephrectomized rats kept in metabolic cages were given AII by continuous infusion (0·1–0·8 μg min−1) and indomethacin (10 mg kg−1 day−1) for 24 h. Creatinine clearance declined from 1·3 ± 0·1 ml min−1 to 0·6 ± 0·06 (P < 0·001). Morphological examination revealed either selective necrosis of mTAL (in 12 ± 4% of tubules) or luminal collapse (in 63 ± 8%). Both necrosis and collapse correlated inversely with creatinine clearance and with each other (r = −0·5, P < 0·001), the latter correlation suggesting protection from hypoxic injury by cessation of solute delivery.

By increasing filtration fraction and decreasing blood flow, AII decreases renal oxygen supply while maintaining oxygen consumption for solute reasborption. AII may predispose to acute renal failure by augmenting medullary hypoxia.
Identification of factor VIII gene mutations in patients with severe haemophilia A in Venezuela: identification of seven novel mutations
Authors: ALBÁNEZ S. , RUIZ‐SÁEZ A. , BOADAS A. , DE BOSCH N. , PORCO A.
Published: March 2011

Summary.  Haemophilia A is caused by mutations in the gene encoding coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). In severe Haemophilia A (sHA), two inversions are responsible for approximately 50% of the genetic alterations (intron 22 and intron 1 inversions). The other mutations are extremely diverse and each affected family generally has its own mutation. Our aim was to detect the genetic alterations present in the FVIII gene (F8) in 54 unrelated male patients with sHA in Venezuela. We initially detected the presence of the intron 22 inversion by performing inverse PCR, and the negative patients for this inversion were analysed for the intron 1 inversion by PCR. Patients negative for both inversions were analysed using Conformation Sensitive Gel Electrophoresis for mutations in all exons, promoter region and 3′‐UTR. sHA causative mutations were identified in 49 patients. Intron‐22 and ‐1 inversions were detected in 41% and 0% of patients respectively. Besides these two mutations, 25 different mutations were identified, including nine nonsense, four small deletions, two small insertions, four missense, three splicing mutations and three large deletions. Seven novel mutations were identified, including two nonsense mutations, two small deletions, one small insertion, one missense mutation and one splicing mutation. Thirty one percent of the patients with identified mutations developed inhibitors against exogenous FVIII. This is the first report of F8 mutations in patients with sHA in Venezuela; the data from this study suggests that the spectrum of gene defects found in these patients is as heterogeneous as reported previously for other populations.
Ocular anomalies in a herd of Exmoor ponies in Canada
Authors: Pinard Chantale L. , Basrur Pari K.
Published: March 2011

Objective To characterize the ocular anomalies, determine their recurrence in families and assess the mode of inheritance of the most prevalent anomalies through pedigree analysis in a herd of Exmoor ponies.

Animals studied Thirty Exmoor ponies residing in south‐western Ontario, Canada.

Procedures Ophthalmic examination was performed using direct ophthalmoscopy, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy, pre‐ and post‐pupillary dilation. Following compilation of ocular findings, pedigree analysis was conducted to assess the recurrence pattern of specific anomalies in families and the data were tested for significance for breed prevalence and gender dependence, using Fisher’s exact test.

Results Twenty‐eight purebred ponies and two cross‐breds, ranging from 14 days to 31 years were examined. A prominent brow above the eyes characteristic of this breed was a consistent periocular feature of adult ponies. In nine ponies, eyelid sarcoid, iris nevus, Mittendorf’s dot, hyaloid artery remnant, and hyper‐reflective vitreal strands were detected while the lesions recorded in the remaining 21 included macroblepharon, persistent pupillary membranes, iris hypoplasia, cataracts, focal choroidal or retinal pigment epithelium hypoplasia and optic nerve head coloboma. The most common ocular finding was cataracts seen mainly in females. Statistical tests on prevalence data confirmed a significant breed and sex association. Pedigree analysis favored a sex‐linked mode of inheritance for cataracts in this line of Exmoor ponies.

Conclusions Although the ocular anomalies detected in this group have been previously reported in other breeds of horses, this is the first report of equine cataracts showing a familial trend suggestive of a sex‐linked genetic defect.
Intracranial extension of retrobulbar blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis) in a dog
Authors: Baron Matthew L. , Hecht Silke , Westermeyer Hans D. , Mankin Joseph M. , Novak Janelle M. , Donnell Robert L.
Published: March 2011

Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis) is a fungal disease that is endemic in the southern United States. This case report illustrates the clinical, MRI and histopathologic findings in a dog with invasion of a retrobulbar blastomycotic lesion into the calvarium. A 5‐year‐old intact female Weimaraner was referred for a 2‐month history of change in behavior and recent onset of visual deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed a large (5.8 × 2.0 × 2.5 cm) mass extending from the left orbit through a circular defect in the left cranioventral aspect of the calvarium caudally to the level of the pituitary fossa and interthalamic adhesion. The mass was heterogeneously iso‐ to hypointense on T2‐W images, slightly hypointense on T1‐W images, did not attenuate on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, and did not show evidence of susceptibility artifact on T2*‐W gradient recalled echo (GRE) images. Vasogenic edema and associated mass effect were noted. The mass showed strong homogeneous contrast enhancement with well‐defined margins and had thickening of the adjacent meninges (dural tail sign). Based on MRI findings a malignant neoplastic process was considered most likely and the patient was placed on oral prednisone to decrease peri‐tumoral inflammation. The dog initially improved but was euthanized 3 weeks later for worsening clinical signs. Histopathologic assessment of the mass revealed marked pyogranulomatous optic neuritis with intralesional fungal yeasts consistent with blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis). To our knowledge this is the first report of invasion of a retrobulbar blastomycotic lesion into the calvarium in a dog.
Climate Change and the Threat of Disaster: The Moral Case for Taking Out Insurance at Our Grandchildren's Expense
Authors: Rendall Matthew
Published: March 2011

Is drastic action against global warming essential to avoid impoverishing our descendants? Or does it mean robbing the poor to give to the rich? We do not yet know. Yet most of us can agree on the importance of minimising expected deprivation. Because of the vast number of future generations, if there is any significant risk of catastrophe, this implies drastic and expensive carbon abatement unless we discount the future. I argue that we should not discount. Instead, the rich countries should stump up the funds to support abatement both for themselves and the poor states of the world. Yet to ask the present generation to assume all the costs of drastic mitigation.is unfair. Worse still, it is politically unrealistic. We can square the circle by shifting part of the burden to our descendants. Even if we divert investment from other parts of the economy or increase public debt, future people should be richer, so long as we avert catastrophe. If so, it is fair for them to assume much of the cost of abatement. What we must not do is to expose them to the threat of disaster by not doing enough.
The development of anticipatory cognitive control processes in task‐switching: An ERP study in children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Manzi Alberto , Nessler Doreen , Czernochowski Daniela , Friedman David
Published: March 2011

To investigate the development of advance task‐set updating and reconfiguration, behavioral and event‐related potential (ERP) data were recorded in children (9–10 years), adolescents (13–14 years), and young adults (20–27 years) in a cued task‐switching paradigm. In pure blocks, the same task was repeated. In mixed blocks, comprised of stay and switch trials, two tasks were intermixed. Age differences were found for stay‐pure performance (mixing costs) in the 600‐ms but not in the 1200‐ms cue‐target interval (CTI). Children showed larger reaction time mixing costs than adults. The ERPs suggested that the larger costs were due to delayed anticipatory task‐set updating in children. Switch‐stay performance decrements (switch costs) were age‐invariant in both CTIs. However, ERP data suggested that children reconfigured the task‐set on some stay trials, rather than only on switch trials, suggesting the continued maturation of task‐set reconfiguration processes.
Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Large‐Scale Ecological Restoration in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: Calmon Miguel , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Paese Adriana , Aronson James , Castro Pedro , da Silva Sabrina C. , Rodrigues Ricardo R.
Published: March 2011

Over the past 150 years, Brazil has played a pioneering role in developing environmental policies and pursuing forest conservation and ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems. In particular, the Brazilian Forest Act, first drafted in 1934, has been fundamental in reducing deforestation and engaging private land owners in forest restoration initiatives. At the time of writing (December 2010), however, a proposal for major revision of the Brazilian Forest Act is under intense debate in the National Assembly, and we are deeply concerned about the outcome. On the basis of the analysis of detailed vegetation and hydrographic maps, we estimate that the proposed changes may reduce the total amount of potential areas for restoration in the Atlantic Forest by approximately 6 million hectares. As a radically different policy model, we present the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact (AFRP), which is a group of more than 160 members that represents one of the most important and ambitious ecological restoration programs in the world. The AFRP aims to restore 15 million hectares of degraded lands in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome by 2050 and increase the current forest cover of the biome from 17% to at least 30%. We argue that not only should Brazilian lawmakers refrain from revising the existing Forest Law, but also greatly step up investments in the science, business, and practice of ecological restoration throughout the country, including the Atlantic Forest. The AFRP provides a template that could be adapted to other forest biomes in Brazil and to other megadiversity countries around the world.
Use of Multicriteria Decision Analysis to Support Weight of Evidence Evaluation
Authors: Linkov Igor , Welle Paul , Loney Drew , Tkachuk Alex , Canis Laure , Kim J. B. , Bridges Todd
Published: March 2011

Weight of evidence (WOE) methods are key components of ecological and human health risk assessments. Most WOE applications rely on the qualitative integration of diverse lines of evidence (LOE) representing impact on ecological receptors and humans. Recent calls for transparency in assessments and justifiability of management decisions are pushing the community to consider quantitative methods for integrated risk assessment and management. This article compares and contrasts the type of information required for application of individual WOE techniques and the outcomes that they provide in ecological risk assessment and proposes a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework for integrating individual LOE in support of management decisions. The use of quantitative WOE techniques is illustrated for a hypothetical but realistic case study of selecting remedial alternatives at a contaminated aquatic site. Use of formal MCDA does not necessarily eliminate biases and judgment calls necessary for selecting remedial alternatives, but allows for transparent evaluation and fusion of individual LOE. It also provides justifiable methods for selecting remedial alternatives consistent with stakeholder and decision‐maker values.
Impact of fatty acid status on immune function of children in low‐income countries
Authors: Prentice Andrew M. , van der Merwe Liandré
Published: March 2011

In vitro and animal studies point to numerous mechanisms by which fatty acids, especially long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), can modulate the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. These data strongly suggest that improving the fatty acid supply of young children in low‐income countries might have immune benefits. Unfortunately, there have been virtually no studies of fatty acid/immune interactions in such settings. Clinical trial registers list over 150 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving PUFAs, only one in a low‐income setting (the Gambia). We summarize those results here. There was evidence for improved growth and nutritional status, but the primary end point of chronic environmental enteropathy showed no benefit, possibly because the infants were still substantially breastfed. In high‐income settings, there have been RCTs with fatty acids (usually LCPUFAs) in relation to 18 disease end points, for some of which there have been numerous trials (asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis). For these diseases, the evidence is judged reasonable for risk reduction for childhood asthma (but not in adults), as yielding possible benefit in Crohn's disease (insufficient evidence in ulcerative colitis) and for convincing evidence for rheumatoid arthritis at sufficient dose levels, though formal meta‐analyses are not yet available. This analysis suggests that fatty acid interventions could yield immune benefits in children in poor settings, especially in non‐breastfed children and in relation to inflammatory conditions such as persistent enteropathy. Benefits might include improved responses to enteric vaccines, which frequently perform poorly in low‐income settings, and these questions merit randomized trials.
The Study of Chinese Philosophy in the English Speaking World
Authors: Jiang Xinyan
Published: March 2011

This paper proposes that the study of Chinese philosophy in the English speaking world has evolved in the three stages, i.e., the stage of preliminary introduction, the stage of communication, and the stage of deep study. The paper also tentatively investigates how problematic methodology in the study of Chinese philosophy and the prevalent conception of philosophy contribute to the marginalization of Chinese philosophy in the English speaking world and suggests some possible ways for the study of Chinese philosophy to emerge from the current difficult situation. At the end this paper emphasizes that no matter whether the study of Chinese philosophy can make the English speaking philosophical world accept Chinese philosophy as genuine philosophy, increased understanding and appreciation of the important and unique contribution of Chinese philosophy is its significant accomplishment nevertheless.
Associations of HLA‐DRB1 alleles with anti‐citrullinated protein antibody‐positive and anti‐citrullinated protein antibody‐negative rheumatoid arthritis in northern east part of Turkey
Authors: UÇAR Fahri , ÇAPKIN Erhan , KARKUCAK Murat , YÜCEL Burcu , SÖNMEZ Mehmet , ALVER Ahmet , KAKLIKKAYA Neşe , TOSUN Mehmet , ALEMDAROĞLU Emel , SOLAK Mustafa
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1 alleles with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and production of antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP antibody) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in Turkish RA patients.

Methods:  We studied 291 RA patients and 253 controls. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes hybridization method. Serum levels of anti‐CCP antibody, IgM‐RF and high sensitive C‐reactive protein titers were measured by commercial kits using immunological methods.

Results:  We found that HLA‐DRB1*04 and *09 alleles were associated in anti‐CCP+ and anti‐CCP+ RA patients (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively), while DRB1*01 and *04 were determined to be higher in RF+ RA patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, DRB1*11 and DRB1*13 alleles were determined to be lower in RF and anti‐CCP/RF+ RA patients (P < 0.001 for both). HLA‐DRB1*04 was identified as a common responsible allele for susceptibility to the disease in anti‐CCP, RF and anti‐CCP/RF− RA patients (P = 0.0018, P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0023, respectively). HLA‐DRB1*13 allele alone was found to be protective against to anti‐CCP+ and RF− RA (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.006, respectively). On the contrary, there was no protective allele in anti‐CCP/RF− RA as well as anti‐CCP− RA patients.

Conclusion:  This study indicates that associate and protective HLA‐DRB1 allele distributions are different in autoantibody (anti‐CCP or RF or anti‐CCP/RF)+ RA and autoantibody− RA patients, with exceptions of DRB1*04 and DRB1*13.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: Forensics Follows New Clues
Authors: Dove Alan
Published: March 2011

Forensic DNA analysis has already revolutionized criminal investigation. Now researchers and toolmakers are building faster, more sensitive DNA fingerprinting platforms while adding entirely new techniques to detectives' toolkits.
Metabolic Engineering of Clostridium cellulolyticum for Production of Isobutanol from Cellulose
Authors: Higashide Wendy , Li Yongchao , Yang Yunfeng , Liao James C.
Published: March 2011

Producing biofuels directly from cellulose, known as consolidated bioprocessing, is believed to reduce costs substantially compared to a process in which cellulose degradation and fermentation to fuel are accomplished in separate steps. Here we present a metabolic engineering example for the development of a
Clostridium cellulolyticum
strain for isobutanol synthesis directly from cellulose. This strategy exploits the host's natural cellulolytic activity and the amino acid biosynthesis pathway and diverts its 2-keto acid intermediates toward alcohol synthesis. Specifically, we have demonstrated the first production of isobutanol to approximately 660 mg/liter from crystalline cellulose by using this microorganism.
High resolution MRI guided endovascular intervention of basilar artery disease
Authors: Jiang Wei-Jian , Yu Wengui , Ma Ning , Du Bin , Lou Xin , Rasmussen Peter A
Published: March 2011

Background and aim

High resolution MR imaging (HRMRI) has been used to study intracranial atherosclerotic plaques. How HRMRI guided our decision making process in endovascular intervention of basilar artery (BA) atherosclerotic disease is reported.

Methods

3 patients with symptomatic BA atherosclerotic disease underwent BA wall HRMRI under a 3 T MR scanner. Endovascular intervention was then performed utilizing HRMRI findings to guide therapy and to aid in planning the intervention.

Results

HRMRI clearly identified the eccentric atherosclerotic plaque at the opposite side of the adjacent right anterior inferior cerebellar artery in one patient and left posterior cerebral artery in one patient, and eccentric atherosclerotic plaque protruding BA lumen at the opposite side of the adjacent right anterior inferior cerebellar artery in the remaining patient. The BA stenosis was stented without compromise of the adjacent branch arteries in the three patients.

Conclusion

HRMRI may be used to delineate the eccentric atherosclerotic plaque and the ostia of the major side branches of BA. The HRMRI findings seem helpful in guiding BA stenting with reduced complication risk.
The Peroxisomal3-keto-acyl-CoA thiolase BGene Expression Is under the Dual Control of PPARα and HNF4α in the Liver
Authors: Chamouton J. , Hansmannel F. , Bonzo J. A. , Clémencet M. C. , Chevillard G. , Battle M. , Martin P. , Pineau T. , Duncan S. , Gonzalez F. J. , Latruffe N. , Mandard S. , Nicolas-Francès V.
Published: March 2011

PPARα and HNF4α are nuclear receptors that control gene transcription by direct binding to specific nucleotide sequences. Using transgenic mice deficient for either PPARα or HNF4α, we show that the expression of the peroxisomal3-keto-acyl-CoA thiolase B(Thb) is under the dependence of these two transcription factors. Transactivation and gel shift experiments identified a novel PPAR response element within intron 3 of theThbgene, by which PPARα but not HNF4α transactivates. Intriguingly, we found that HNF4α enhanced PPARα/RXRα transactivation from TB PPRE3 in a DNA-binding independent manner. Coimmunoprecipitation assays supported the hypothesis that HNF4α was physically interacting with RXRα. RT-PCR performed with RNA from liver-specific HNF4α-null mice confirmed the involvement of HNF4α in the PPARα-regulated induction ofThbby Wy14,643. Overall, we conclude that HNF4α enhances the PPARα-mediated activation ofThbgene expression in part through interaction with the obligate PPARα partner, RXRα.
Monoclonal Antibodies for Non‐Hodgkin′s Lymphoma: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Motta Giulia , Cea Michele , Moran Eva , Carbone Federico , Augusti Valeria , Patrone Franco , Nencioni Alessio
Published: March 2011

Monoclonal antibodies have been the most successful therapeutics ever brought to cancer treatment by immune technologies. The use of monoclonal antibodies in B‐cell Non‐Hodgkin′s lymphomas (NHL) represents the greatest example of these advances, as the introduction of the anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab has had a dramatic impact on how we treat this group of diseases today. Despite this success, several questions about how to optimize the use of monoclonal antibodies in NHL remain open. The best administration schedules, as well as the optimal duration of rituximab treatment, have yet to be determined. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms underlying resistance to rituximab is also necessary in order to improve the activity of this and of similar therapeutics. Finally, new antibodies and biological agents are entering the scene and their advantages over rituximab will have to be assessed. We will discuss these issues and present an overview of the most significant clinical studies with monoclonal antibodies for NHL treatment carried out to date.
Physical Aspects of Healthy Aging: Assessments of Three Measures of Balance for Studies in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Ceria-Ulep Clementina D. , Grove John , Chen Randi , Masaki Kamal H. , Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Donlon Tim A. , Guralnik Jack , Willcox Bradley J. , Willcox D. Craig , Nigg Claudio , Curb J. David
Published: March 2011

Objectives. To investigate the reliability and correlations with age of the balance components of the EPESE, NHANES, and the Good Balance Platform System (GBPS) in a normal population of adults.Design. Cross-sectional.Setting. Urban Medical Center in the Pacific.Participants. A random sample of 203 healthy offspring of Honolulu Heart Program participants, ages 38–71.Measurements. Subjects were examined twice at visits one week apart using the balance components of the EPESE, NHANES, and the good balance system tests.Results. The EPESE and NHANES batteries of tests were not sufficiently challenging to allow successful discrimination among subjects in good health, even older subjects. The GBPS allowed objective quantitative measurements, but the test-retest correlations generally were not high. The GBPS variables correlated with age only when subjects stood on a foam pad; they also were correlated with anthropometric variables.Conclusion. Both EPESE and NHANES balance tests were too easy for healthy subjects. The GBPS had generally low reliability coefficients except for the most difficult testing condition (foam pad, eyes closed). Both height and body fat were associated with GBPS scores, necessitating adjusting for these variables if using balance as a predictor of future health.
Bioactivity Determination of Native and Variant Forms of Therapeutic Interferons
Authors: Larocque Louise , Bliu Alex , Xu Ranran , Diress Abebaw , Wang Junzhi , Lin Rongtuan , He Runtao , Girard Michel , Li Xuguang
Published: March 2011

The traditional antiviral assays for the determination of interferon potency are reported to have considerable variability between and within assays. Although several reporter gene assays based on interferon‐inducible promoter activities have been reported, data from comprehensive validation studies are lacking and few studies have been conducted to analyze the variant forms of interferons, which could have undesirable clinical implications. Here, a reporter gene assay employing a HEK293 cell line stably transfected with luciferase gene under the control of interferon‐stimulated response element promoter was developed and validated. The assay was found to be more sensitive, with a larger detection range than the antiviral assay. Several cytokines tested did not interfere with the test, suggesting the assay possesses a certain degree of selectivity. Moreover, the robustness of the assay was demonstrated by minimal variations in the results generated by different analysts and cell passage number (up to 52 passages). Finally, the method was employed to analyze several interferon variants (interferon‐α 2a) and we found that the aggregated form has completely lost its potency; while a modest loss of bioactivity in oxidized interferon was observed (approx. 23%), the deamidated form essentially retained its activity.
PAPR Reduction Approach Based on Channel Estimation Pilots for Next Generations Broadcasting Systems
Authors: Ho Anh-Tai , Helard Jean-François , Nasser Youssef , Louet Yves
Published: March 2011

A novel peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction technique for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is addressed. Instead of using dedicated pilots for PAPR reduction as with tone reservation (TR) method selected by the DVB-T2 standard, we propose to use existing pilots used for channel estimation. In this way, we avoid the use of reserved tone pilots and then improve the spectral efficiency of the system. In order to allow their recovery at the receiver, these pilots have to follow particular laws which permit their blind detection and avoid sending side information. In this work, we propose and investigate a multiplicative law operating in discrete frequency domain. The operation in discrete domain aims at reducing degradation due to detection and estimation error in continuous domain. Simulation results are performed using the new DVB-T2 standard parameters. Its performance is compared to the DVB-T2 PAPR gradient algorithm and to the second-order cone programming (SOCP) competitive technique proposed in the literature. We show that the proposed technique is efficient in terms of PAPR reduction value and of spectral efficiency while the channel estimation performance is maintained.
Molecular and Biological Characterization of Chinese Sacbrood Virus LN Isolate
Authors: Mingxiao Ma , Ming Li , Jian Cheng , Song Yang , Shude Wang , Pengfei Li
Published: March 2011

Chinese sacbrood virus (CSBV) was purified from diseased insects, and its genome was cloned and sequenced. The genomic RNA of CSBV is 8863 nucleotides in length and contains a single large open reading frame encoding a 319.614 kDa polyprotein. The coding sequence is flanked by a 178-nucleotide 5′nontranslated leader sequence and a 142-nucleotide 3′nontranslated region, followed a poly(A) tail. Four major structural proteins, VP1,VP2, VP3 and VP4, were predicted in the N-teminal of the polyprotein. The C-terminal part of the polyprotein contains sequence motifs which is a typical and well-characterized picornavirus nonstructural proteins: an RNA helicase, a chymotrypsin-like 3C protease, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Genetic analysis shows that the CSBV-LN had a 13-amino-acid deletion at amino acid positions 710–719 and 727–729 in comparison with CSBV-GZ and SBV-UK, and the SBV-UK had a 7-amino-acid deletion at amino acid positions 2124–2132 in comparison with CSBV-GZ and CSBV-LN, and the CSBV-GZ and CSBV-LN had a 6-amino-acid deletion at amino acid positions 2143–2150 in comparison with SBV-UK. Phylogenetic analysis using RdRp of selected picorna-like viruses shows that CSBV/SBV and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) tend to group together, which possesses an RNA of similar size and gene order.
3D Finite Elements Modelling for Design and Performance Analysis of UO2 Pellets
Authors: Demarco Gustavo L. , Marino Armando C.
Published: March 2011

The geometry of a fuel pellet is a compromise among the intention to maximize UO2 content and minimize the temperature gradient taking into account the thermomechanical behaviour, the economy, and the safety of the fuel management during and after irradiation. “Dishings”, “shoulders”, “chamfers”, and/or “a central hole” on a cylinder with an improved l/d relation (length of the pellet/diameter) are introduced in order to optimize the shape of the pellet. The MeCom tools coupled with the BaCo code constitutes a complete system for the 3D analysis of the stress strain state of the pellet under irradiation. CANDU and PHWR MOX fuel will be used to illustrate the excellent qualitative agreement between experimental data and calculations by using these computational tools.
B7-H4 Expression in Human Melanoma: Its Association with Patients' Survival and Antitumor Immune Response
Authors: Quandt Dagmar , Fiedler Eckhard , Boettcher Diana , Marsch Wolfgang Ch , Seliger Barbara
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Cancers have developed a number of strategies to escape immune responses including the differential expression of costimulatory molecules of the B7 family. B7-H3 and B7-H4 have recently been described in different tumor entities but the relevance for melanoma has not yet been studied so far.

Experimental Design: Using immunohistochemistry, B7-H3 and B7-H4 expression was studied on 29 melanoma lesions. Survival curves and log-rank tests were used to test the association of protein expression with survival. Cell lines were evaluated for B7-H3 and B7-H4 expression by PCR and flow cytometry. Functional T-cell–tumor coculture assays were carried out with in vitro generated tumor transfectants.

Results: B7-H3 and B7-H4 expression was detected in primary tumor lesions (29 of 29 and 28 of 29) and in metastases (28 of 29 and 26 of 29). The numbers of CD68+ macrophages were significantly lower in patients with low B7-H4 expression, whereas CD8+ T-cell infiltrates were independent of expression levels. Furthermore, a survival benefit for patients with B7-H4 low expressing melanoma was found, whereas B7-H3 was not associated with any clinical parameter. All 23 melanoma cell lines analyzed expressed B7-H3 and B7-H4 mRNA and protein, but B7-H4 was restricted to intracellular compartments. On silencing of B7-H3 by specific shRNA tumor-associated antigen–specific T cell responses were unaltered. Overexpression of B7-H4 on melanoma cells did not alter the cytotoxicity of different CD8+ effector cells, but drastically inhibited cytokine production.

Conclusions: Our study provides for the first time evidence of B7-H4 expression on melanoma cells as a mechanism controlling tumor immunity which is associated with patients' survival. Clin Cancer Res; 17(10); 3100–11. ©2011 AACR.
Macronutrient Absorption Characteristics in Humans With Short Bowel Syndrome and Jejunocolonic Anastomosis: Starch Is the Most Important Carbohydrate Substrate, Although Pectin Supplementation May Modestly Enhance Short Chain Fatty Acid Production and Fluid Absorption
Authors: Atia Antwan , Girard‐Pipau Fernand , Hébuterne Xavier , Spies William G. , Guardiola Antonella , Ahn Chul W. , Fryer Jon , Xue Fengtian , Rammohan Meena , Sumague Mariquita , Englyst Klaus , Buchman Alan L.
Published: March 2011

Background: Diet may play an important role in the management of patients with short bowel syndrome who have colon in continuity. However, macronutrient absorption has not been well characterized, and the most appropriate dietary constituents have not been well defined. Objective: To define carbohydrate absorption characteristics in patients with short bowel syndrome and determine the potential role of pectin as a dietary substrate. Methods: The authors studied the effect of a custom pectin‐based supplement in 6 subjects (3 male/3 female) aged 29–67 years with jejunocolonic anastomosis, 4 of whom required long‐term parental nutrition. Small intestinal absorption capacity, macronutrient and fluid balance, gastrointestinal transit time, and energy consumption were measured. Results: Data showed that 53% nitrogen, 50% fat, and 32% total energy were malabsorbed. In contrast, the majority (92%) of total carbohydrate was utilized. Fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were increased, an indication of increased fermentation. Although only 4% of starch was recovered in stool, it is indicative of considerable starch malabsorption, thus providing the main carbohydrate substrate, for colonic bacterial fermentation. In contrast, nonstarch polysaccharide was a relatively minor fermentation substrate with only 49% utilized. Eighty percent of the pectin was fermented. Supplementation was associated with increased total SCFAs, acetate, and propionate excretion. There was a trend observed toward greater fluid absorption (−5.9% ± 54.4% to 26.9% ± 25.2%) following pectin supplementation. Nonsignificant increases in gastric emptying time and orocolonic transit time were observed. Conclusion: Despite malabsorption, starch is the primary carbohydrate substrate for colonic bacterial fermentation in patients with short bowel syndrome, although soluble fiber intake also enhances colonic SCFA production.