bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression under low-oxygen conditions in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 demonstrates Hik31-dependent and -independent responses
Authors: Summerfield Tina C. , Nagarajan Sowmya , Sherman Louis A.
Published: October 2010

We have investigated the response of the cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 during growth at very low O2concentration (bubbled with 99.9 % N2/0.1 % CO2). Significant transcriptional changes upon low-O2incubation included upregulation of a cluster of genes that containedpsbA1and an operon that includes a gene encoding the two-component regulatory histidine kinase, Hik31. This regulatory cluster is of particular interest, since there are virtually identical copies on both the chromosome and plasmid pSYSX. We used a knockout mutant lacking the chromosomal copy ofhik31and studied differential transcription during the aerobic–low-O2transition in this ΔHik31 strain and the wild-type. We observed two distinct responses to this transition, one Hik31 dependent, the other Hik31 independent. The Hik31-independent responses included thepsbA1induction and genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis. In addition, there were changes in a number of genes that may be involved in assembling or stabilizing photosystem (PS)II, and thehoxoperon and the LexA-like protein (Sll1626) were upregulated during low-O2growth. This family of responses mostly focused on PSII and overall redox control. There was also a large set of genes that responded differently in the absence of the chromosomal Hik31. In the vast majority of these cases, Hik31 functioned as a repressor and transcription was enhanced when Hik31 was deleted. Genes in this category encoded both core and peripheral proteins for PSI and PSII, the main phycobilisome proteins, chaperones, the ATP synthase cluster and virtually all of the ribosomal proteins. These findings, coupled with the fact that ΔHik31 grew better than the wild-type under low-O2conditions, suggested that Hik31 helps to regulate growth and overall cellular homeostasis. We detected changes in the transcription of other regulatory genes that may compensate for the loss of Hik31. We conclude that Hik31 regulates an important series of genes that relate to energy production and growth and that help to determine howSynechocystisresponds to changes in O2conditions.
Flexible metabolism in Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana: role of the glyoxylate cycle during insect pathogenesis
Authors: Padilla-Guerrero Israel Enrique , Barelli Larissa , González-Hernández Gloria Angélica , Torres-Guzmán Juan Carlos , Bidochka Michael J.
Published: October 2010

Insect pathogenic fungi such asMetarhizium anisopliaeandBeauveria bassianahave an increasing role in the control of agricultural insect pests and vectors of human diseases. Many of the virulence factors are well studied but less is known of the metabolism of these fungi during the course of insect infection or saprobic growth. Here, we assessed enzyme activity and gene expression in the central carbon metabolic pathway, including isocitrate dehydrogenase, aconitase, citrate synthase, malate synthase (MLS) and isocitrate lyase (ICL), with particular attention to the glyoxylate cycle whenM. anisopliaeandB. bassianawere grown under various conditions. We observed that ICL and MLS, glyoxylate cycle intermediates, were upregulated during growth on 2-carbon compounds (acetate and ethanol) as well as in insect haemolymph. We fused the promoter of theM. anisopliaeICL gene (Ma-icl) to a marker gene (mCherry) and showed thatMa-iclwas upregulated whenM. anisopliaewas grown in the presence of acetate. Furthermore,Ma-iclwas upregulated when fungi were engulfed by insect haemocytes as well as during appressorium formation. Addition of the ICL inhibitor 3-nitroproprionate delayed conidial germination and inhibited appressorium formation. These results show that these insect pathogenic fungi have a flexible metabolism that includes the glyoxylate cycle as an integral part of germination, pathogenesis and saprobic growth.
Photophysical Properties of Terbium Molecular‐based Hybrids Assembled with Novel Ureasil Linkages
Authors: Yan Bing , Qiao Xiao‐Fei
Published: October 2010

Three silica‐based organic–inorganic hybrid systems composed of hydroxyl aromatic derivatives (2‐acetylphenol [HAP], 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbenzoic acid [HMBA], 3‐hydroxy‐meta‐phthalic acid [HMPHTH] complexes) were prepared via a sol–gel process. The active hydroxyl groups of the three ligands grafted by 3‐(triethoxysilyl)‐propyl isocyanate (TESPIC) through hydrogen transfer addition reaction were used as multi‐functional bridge components, which can coordinate to Tb3+ with carbonyl groups, strongly absorb ultraviolet light and effectively transfer energy to Tb3+ through their triplet excited state, as well as undergo polymerization or crosslinking reactions with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), for anchoring terbium ions to silica backbone. NMR, FT‐IR, UV–vis absorption, luminescence spectroscopy was used to investigate the obtained hybrid material. UV excitation in the organic component resulted in strong green emission from Tb3+ ions due to an efficient ligand‐to‐metal energy transfer mechanism.
Intracellular localization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag and GagPol products and virus particle release: relationship with the Gag‐to‐GagPol ratio
Authors: Haraguchi Hiyori , Sudo Sho , Noda Takeshi , Momose Fumitaka , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Morikawa Yuko
Published: October 2010

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Gag precursor protein is cleaved by viral protease (PR) within GagPol precursor protein to produce the mature matrix (MA), capsid, nucleocapsid, and p6 domains. This processing is termed maturation and required for HIV infectivity. In order to understand the intracellular sites and mechanisms of HIV maturation, HIV molecular clones in which Gag and GagPol were tagged with FLAG and hemagglutinin epitope sequences at the C‐termini, respectively were made. When coexpressed, both Gag and GagPol were incorporated into virus particles. Temporal analysis by confocal microscopy showed that Gag and GagPol were relocated from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. Mature cleaved MA was observed only at sites on the plasma membrane where both Gag and GagPol had accumulated, indicating that Gag processing occurs during Gag/GagPol assembly at the plasma membrane, but not during membrane trafficking. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging suggested that these were the primary sites of GagPol dimerization. In contrast, with overexpression of GagPol alone an absence of particle release was observed, and this was associated with diffuse distribution of mature cleaved MA throughout the cytoplasm. Alteration of the Gag‐to‐GagPol ratio similarly impaired virus particle release with aberrant distributions of mature MA in the cytoplasm. However, when PR was inactive, it seemed that the Gag‐to‐GagPol ratio was not critical for virus particle release but virus particles encasing unusually large numbers of GagPol molecules were produced, these particles displaying aberrant virion morphology. Taken together, it was concluded that the Gag‐to‐GagPol ratio has significant impacts on either intracellular distributions of mature cleaved MA or the morphology of virus particles produced.
Efficient propagation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy‐type JC virus in COS‐7‐derived cell lines stably expressing Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Nakamichi Kazuo , Kameoka Masanori , Sugiura Shigeki , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Miyoshi Isao , Takegami Tsutomu
Published: October 2010

The high incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in AIDS patients compared with many other immunosuppressive diseases suggests that HIV‐1 infection is strictly related to the activation of JC virus (JCV) propagation. In this report, propagation of PML‐type JCV in COS‐7‐derived cell lines stably expressing HIV‐1 Tat (COS‐tat cells) has been examined. In COS‐tat cells, production of viral particles and replication of genomic DNA were markedly increased compared to COS‐7 cells, as judged by HA and real‐time PCR analyses. These results demonstrate that COS‐tat cells provide a useful model system for studying HIV‐1 Tat‐mediated propagation of PML‐type JCV.
Unique p53 and epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation status in 46 pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinomas
Authors: Chang Yih‐Leong , Wu Chen‐Tu , Shih Jin‐Yuan , Lee Yung‐Chie
Published: October 2010

p53 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are common genes involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, but their roles in lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinomas (LELC) are unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of p53 and EGFR in LELC carcinogenesis. Forty‐six pulmonary LELCs were identified to evaluate p53 and EGFR aberrations. p53 mutations were identified in three patients, which all occurred in exon 8. EGFR mutations were detected in 8 of 46 cases with a majority of exon 21 mutations but without L858R. The other cases harbored mutations in exons 20 and 18. Only one case gained a deletion in exon 19. Notably, EGFR mutation was more commonly observed in patients with tumor size ≤3 cm (P = 0.014). In addition, there was a trend of more common EGFR overexpression in female (22/30) than in male patients (7/16, P = 0.061). However, there was no correlation between p53/EGFR mutations and protein expressions, suggesting the presence of complex mechanisms. p53 and EGFR mutations are uncommon in LELCs, indicating that these genes are not the important events in carcinogenesis for this tumor subtype. The EGFR mutation in 35% patients with LELC tumors <3 cm in size suggests the potential benefits to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors of inoperable LELCs. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 282–287)
Fermented and non‐fermented soy food consumption and gastric cancer in Japanese and Korean populations: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Kim Jeongseon , Kang Moonsu , Lee Jung‐Sug , Inoue Manami , Sasazuki Shizuka , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: October 2010

Soy food is known to contribute greatly to a reduction in the risk of gastric cancer (GC). However, both Japanese and Korean populations have high incidence rates of GC despite the consumption of a wide variety of soy foods. One primary reason is that they consume fermented rather than non‐fermented soy foods. In order to assess the varying effects of fermented and non‐fermented soy intake on GC risk in these populations, we conducted a meta‐analysis of published reports. Twenty studies assessing the effect of the consumption of fermented soy food on GC risk were included, and 17 studies assessing the effect of the consumption of non‐fermented soy food on GC risk were included. We found that a high intake of fermented soy foods was significantly associated with an increased risk of GC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.44, I2 = 71.48), whereas an increased intake of non‐fermented soy foods was significantly associated with a decreased risk of GC (overall summary OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.54–0.77, I2 = 64.27). These findings show that a high level of consumption of non‐fermented soy foods, rather than fermented soy foods, is important in reducing GC risk. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 231–244)
Deficiencies in fat‐soluble vitamins in long‐term users of somatostatin analogue
Authors: Fiebrich H.‐B. , Van Den Berg G. , Kema I. P. , Links T. P. , Kleibeuker J. H. , Van Beek A. P. , Walenkamp A. M. E. , Sluiter W. J. , De Vries E. G. E.
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1398–1404

Background  Somatostatin analogues are administered to control hormone hypersecretion in acromegaly and carcinoid patients. Somatostatin analogues can increase fat in the stools, which can lead to loss of fat‐soluble vitamins. The effect of long‐term somatostatin analogue use on vitamin levels remains unknown.

Aim  To investigate the prevalence of fat‐soluble vitamin deficiencies in long‐term somatostatin analogue users.

Methods  All acromegaly and carcinoid patients using somatostatin analogues for ≥ 18 months visiting the University Medical Center Groningen between December 2008 and April 2009 were eligible. Vitamin levels of fat‐soluble vitamins in blood, clinical and vitamin‐dependent laboratory parameters were collected.

Results  In all, 19 acromegaly and 35 carcinoid patients were included. Twelve patients experienced steatorrhoea; two carcinoid patients experienced night blindness. Forty‐two (78%) were deficient for one or more vitamins, and 32% (n = 17) had multiple deficiencies. Deficiencies for vitamin A, D, E, K1 and E in erythrocytes occurred in 6%, 28%, 15%, 63% and 58% of the patients. Prevalence of vitamin D, E and K1 deficiencies was similar in both patient groups. Treatment duration did not influence vitamin levels. The length of intestinal resection and age correlated negatively with vitamin A levels.

Conclusions  Fat‐soluble vitamin deficiencies are frequent during long‐term somatostatin analogue treatment. Therefore, fat‐soluble vitamins should be monitored in these patients.
A new composite model including metabolic syndrome, alanine aminotransferase and cytokeratin‐18 for the diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Anty R. , Iannelli A. , Patouraux S. , Bonnafous S. , Lavallard V. J. , Senni‐Buratti M. , Ben Amor I. , Staccini‐Myx A. , Saint‐Paul M.‐C. , Berthier F. , Huet P.‐M. , Le Marchand‐Brustel Y. , Gugenheim J. , Gual P. , Tran A.
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1315–1322

Background  Non‐invasive approaches are useful to differentiate simple steatosis from non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in obese and morbidly obese patients.

Aim  To develop a new scoring system to diagnose definitive NASH.

Methods  Preoperative clinical and biological data including serum caspase 3‐generated cytokeratin‐18 fragments (CK18) and surgical liver biopsies were obtained from 464 morbidly obese patients who had undergone bariatric surgery. The cohort was divided into two groups: training group (n = 310) and validation group (n = 154). Definitive NASH was defined according to Kleiner’s classification with a Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease Activity Score (NAS) ≥5.

Results  Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), CK18 fragments and the presence of metabolic syndrome were independent predictors for discriminating patients with NAS ≥5 in the training group. These three parameters were used to carry out a scoring system for the prediction of NAS ≥5. Whereas serum CK18 fragment alone had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve = 0.74, AUROC curves of the scoring system were 0.88 and 0.83 in the training group and the validation group, respectively.

Conclusion  A simple and non‐invasive composite model (the Nice Model) including metabolic syndrome, ALT and CK18 fragments is able to predict accurately a non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score ≥5 in morbidly obese subjects.
Noribogaine, but not 18‐MC, exhibits similar actions as ibogaine on GDNF expression and ethanol self‐administration
Authors: Carnicella Sebastien , He Dao‐Yao , Yowell Quinn V. , Glick Stanley D , Ron Dorit
Published: October 2010

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that has been reported to decrease various adverse phenotypes associated with exposure to drugs of abuse and alcohol in human and rodent models. Unfortunately, ibogaine cannot be used as a medication to treat addiction because of severe side effects. Previously, we reported that the desirable actions of ibogaine to reduce self‐administration of, and relapse to, alcohol consumption are mediated via the upregulation of the expression of the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA), and the consequent activation of the GDNF pathway. The ibogaine metabolite, noribogaine, and a synthetic derivative of ibogaine, 18‐Methoxycoronaridine (18‐MC), possess a similar anti‐addictive profile as ibogaine in rodent models, but without some of its adverse side effects. Here, we determined whether noribogaine and/or 18‐MC, like ibogaine, increaseGDNFexpression, and whether their site of action to reduce alcohol consumption is the VTA. We used SH‐SY5Y cells as a cell culture model and found that noribogaine, like ibogaine, but not 18‐MC, induces a robust increase inGDNFmRNA levels. Next, we tested the effect of intra‐VTA infusion of noribogaine and 18‐MC on rat operant alcohol self‐administration and found that noribogaine, but not 18‐MC, in the VTA decreases responding for alcohol. Together, our results suggest that noribogaine and 18‐MC have different mechanisms and sites of action.
Use of the donor bladder trigone to facilitate pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation
Authors: Flechner Stuart M. , Saad Ismail R. , Tiong Ho Y. , Rabets John , Krishnamurthi Venkatesh
Published: October 2010

Flechner SM, Saad IR, Tiong HY, Rabets J, Krishnamurthi V. Use of the donor bladder trigone to facilitate pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:53–57. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  We performed three cases of donor bladder trigone facilitated transplantation using pediatric en bloc kidneys into adult recipients. The donors were aged 11, 21, and 23 months; two of the donors were male, and the other was a female. In each case, the donor bladder was removed and the trigone was fashioned into a patch that contained both ureters, which was attached to the recipient anterior bladder wall. The recipients of the two male donor transplants healed and have normal voiding with no evidence of vesico‐ureteral reflux. At 14 and 12 months, they have a creatinine of 1.2 and 1.0 mg/dL. The recipient of the female donor transplant developed a pelvic abscess, which necessitated reconstruction of the donor ureters and patch. She is now nine months with a creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL and voiding well. The use of the donor bladder trigone to facilitate pediatric en bloc transplantation can be carried out safely using the male donor urinary tract. However, the use of a female donor for this procedure may be a special circumstance requiring increased attention to sterilize the small donor introitus and avoiding devascularization of the bladder trigone that is adherent to the anterior vaginal wall.
Cognitive and adaptive functioning after liver transplantation for maple syrup urine disease: A case series
Authors: Shellmer D. A. , DeVito Dabbs A. , Dew M. A. , Noll R. B. , Feldman H. , Strauss K. A. , Morton D. H. , Vockley J. , Mazariegos G. V.
Published: October 2010

Shellmer DA, DeVito Dabbs A, Dew MA, Noll RB, Feldman H, Strauss KA, Morton DH, Vockley J, Mazariegos GV. Cognitive and adaptive functioning after liver transplantation for maple syrup urine disease: A case series. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:58–64. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  MSUD is a complex metabolic disorder that has been associated with central nervous system damage, developmental delays, and neurocognitive deficits. Although liver transplantation provides a metabolic cure for MSUD, changes in cognitive and adaptive functioning following transplantation have not been investigated. In this report, we present data from 14 patients who completed cognitive and adaptive functioning testing pre‐ and one yr and/or three yr post‐liver transplantation. Findings show either no significant change (n = 8) or improvement (n = 5) in IQ scores pre‐ to post‐liver transplantation. Greater variability was observed in adaptive functioning scores, but the majority of patients evidenced no significant change (n = 8) in adaptive scores. In general, findings indicate that liver transplantation minimizes the likelihood of additional central nervous system damage, providing an opportunity for possible stabilization or improvement in neurocognitive functioning.
Homosexual Mating Displays in Penguins
Authors: Pincemy Gwénaëlle , Dobson F. Stephen , Jouventin Pierre
Published: October 2010

More than 50 yr ago, field studies recorded the same‐sex pairs (and trios) of penguins displaying to each other during the mating season, using behavior patterns typical of heterosexual mating displays. Such observations led to a hypothesis that due to a lack of sex recognition pairing occurs at random with respect to sex, an idea countered by the argument that sex recognition is highly accurate. No quantification of same‐sex mating displays has tested the frequency of such displays in penguins or tested the hypothesis of random display partners with respect to sex. During their mating season, we studied displaying and paired king penguins, Apenodytes patagonicus, at Kerguelen Island and sexed them using a DNA marker, to quantify any occurrence of this behavior. Indeed, same‐sex courtship displays were common (28.3% of 53 displaying pairs), the great majority of which were between males. Some homosexually displaying males eventually paired with females, but such males were significantly slower in heterosexual pairing than males that did not display homosexually. In two extraordinary cases, same‐sex pairs learned each other’s calls, an essential step in the pairing process. The frequency of such pairs was much lower than among displaying couples, significantly so for males. Finally, the frequency of homosexually displaying pairs was significantly lower than expected from random assortment of displaying birds, for both males and females. We examined possible explanations for same‐sex display and its biological significance. A population sex‐ratio bias in favor of males and high concentration of male sex hormones may help to explain non‐reproductive homosexually displaying pairs.
Bleeding peptic ulcer: characteristics and outcomes in Newcastle, NSW
Authors: Halland M. , Young M. , Fitzgerald M. N. , Inder K. , Duggan J. M. , Duggan A.
Published: October 2010

Background:  Peptic ulcer disease risk factors have changed, as has the impact of treatment on morbidity and mortality. Recent data on clinical presentation and outcome are sparse in Australia.

Aim:  To determine the characteristics and outcome of patients presenting with a bleeding peptic ulcer to a tertiary referral centre.

Methods:  We evaluated patients diagnosed with peptic ulcer bleeding between 2004 and 2008 at a tertiary referral hospital. Variables assessed included demographic data, comorbidities, medication use and Rockall score. Outcomes of interest were the time to endoscopy, peptic ulcer treatment, transfusion requirements, urgent surgery and survival.

Results:  Peptic ulcers were confirmed in 265 patients (55% male), of which 145 were gastric and 119 duodenal. The mean age was 71 years. On admission 38% of patients had haemodynamic instability and 92% had one or more comorbidity. Consumption of ulcerogenic medications at the time of admission was frequent (non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 22%, aspirin 41%, clopidogrel or warfarin 10%) and proton pump inhibitors infrequent (15%). A gastroenterologist managed all patients according to their usual practice. Only a minority of patients received over three units of packed red cells. Few patients were referred for surgery (3%) or died (3%), but both events were significantly higher for the duodenal ulcer group.

Conclusion:  The characteristics and outcomes in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding have changed. Peptic ulcer disease remains a public health problem with modifiable risk factors, such as Helicobacter pylori infection and NSAIDs, which should be targeted to reduce the burden of illness.
Physical exercise increases Notch activity, proliferation and cell cycle exit of type‐3 progenitor cells in adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Brandt Moritz D. , Maass Antonia , Kempermann Gerd , Storch Alexander
Published: October 2010

In adult hippocampal neurogenesis of mice, the proliferation of precursor cells can be stimulated by voluntary exercise (wheel‐running). Physical activity has an additional effect on late progenitor cells (type‐3) by promoting cell survival and further maturation. Notch1 is a key regulator of various steps in neuronal development, including the inhibition of cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells, as well as promoting the survival and dendritic branching of newborn neurons. We here report that physical activity increased the proportion and absolute number of doublecortin+ (DCX) type‐2b and type‐3 progenitor cells that showed an activated Notch1 pathway. In contrast, the fraction of dividing cells with nuclear Notch intracellular domain expression indicating an activated Notch pathway was not affected by physical exercise. We used double labeling with two halogenated thymidine analogs, iododeoxyuridine and chlorodeoxyuridine, to distinguish between cell cycle exit and continued division at the progenitor cell level. After 7 days of physical exercise, the proliferative activity of precursor cells was increased, whereas the proportion of type‐2b/3 cells re‐entering S‐phase was reduced. Consistent with this observation, the proportion of DCX+ cells that expressed the marker of postmitotic immature granule cells (calretinin) was enhanced. Running promotes both the proliferation and cell cycle exit of DCX+ type‐3 precursors, possibly by preferentially stimulating a last neurogenic cell division. These pro‐proliferative effects are independent of Notch1, whereas the running‐induced survival and cell cycle exit of type‐3 progenitor cells might by mediated by Notch1 activity.
Dynamics of brain responses to phobic‐related stimulation in specific phobia subtypes
Authors: Caseras Xavier , Mataix‐Cols David , Trasovares Maria Victoria , López‐Solà Marina , Ortriz Hector , Pujol Jesus , Soriano‐Mas Carles , Giampietro Vincent , Brammer Michael J , Torrubia Rafael
Published: October 2010

Very few studies have investigated to what extent different subtypes of specific phobia share the same underlying functional neuroanatomy. This study aims to investigate the potential differences in the anatomy and dynamics of the blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) responses associated with spider and blood‐injection‐injury phobias. We used an event‐related paradigm in 14 untreated spider phobics, 15 untreated blood‐injection‐injury phobics and 17 controls. Phobic images successfully induced distress only in phobic participants. Both phobic groups showed a similar pattern of heart rate increase following the presentation of phobic stimuli, this being different from controls. The presentation of phobic images induced activity within the same brain network in all participants, although the intensity of brain responses was significantly higher in phobics. Only blood‐injection‐injury phobics showed greater activity in the ventral prefrontal cortex compared with controls. This phobia group also presented a lower activity peak in the left amygdala compared with spider phobics. Importantly, looking at the dynamics of BOLD responses, both phobia groups showed a quicker time‐to‐peak in the right amygdala than controls, but only spider phobics also differed from controls in this parameter within the left amygdala. Considering these and previous findings, both phobia subtypes show very similar responses regarding their immediate reaction to phobia‐related images, but critical differences in their sustained responses to these stimuli. These results highlight the importance of considering complex mental processes potentially associated with coping and emotion regulation processes, rather than exclusively focusing on primary neural responses to threat, when investigating fear and phobias.
EMPLOYERS' ON‐LINE RECRUITMENT AND SCREENING PRACTICES
Authors: BRENČIČ VERA , NORRIS JOHN B.
Published: October 2010

We find that not all employers use on‐line search tools when they post their vacancies on on‐line job boards, even though the tools that are offered by the job boards are free and purportedly facilitate search. Drawing on descriptions of vacancies collected from the on‐line job boardMonster.com, we find that the on‐line recruitment and screening tools that are offered byMonster.comare more likely to be used when employers actively engage in search or use the job board frequently. Consistent with a standard search model, both vacancy and employer attributes explain the duration of a vacancy's posting onMonster.com.(JELJ2, M1)
LIVING IN TWO NEIGHBORHOODS—SOCIAL INTERACTION EFFECTS IN THE LABORATORY
Authors: FALK ARMIN , FISCHBACHER URS , GÄCHTER SIMON
Published: October 2010

Field evidence suggests that people belonging to the same group often behave similarly, that is, behavior exhibits social interaction effects. We conduct a laboratory experiment that avoids the identification problem present in the field and allows us to study the behavioral logic of social interaction effects. Our novel design feature is that each subject is simultaneously a member of two randomly assigned and identical groups where only members (“neighbors”) are different. We study behavior in a coordination game with multiple equilibria and a public goods game, which has only one equilibrium in material payoffs. We speak of social interactions if the same subject at the same time makes group‐specific decisions that depend on their respective neighbors' decisions. We find that a majority of subjects exhibit social interaction effects both when the game has multiple equilibria in material payoffs and when it only has one equilibrium. (JEL C91, H41, K42, H26)
Synergistic effects of environmental risk factors and gene mutations in Parkinson’s disease accelerate age‐related neurodegeneration
Authors: Peng Jun , Oo May Lin , Andersen Julie K.
Published: October 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115,1363–1373.

As Parkinson’s disease appears to be a multifactoral disorder, the use of animal models to investigate combined effects of genetic and environmental risk factors are of great importance especially in the context of aging which is the single major risk factor for the disorder. Here, we assessed the combined effects of neonatal iron feeding and environmental paraquat exposure on age‐related nigrostriatal degeneration in transgenic mice expressing the A53T familial mutant form of human α‐synuclein within these neurons. We report here that A53T α‐synuclein mice exhibit greater susceptibility to paraquat. Increased oral intake of iron in the neonatal period leads to a progressive age‐related enhancement of dopaminergic neurodegeneration associated with paraquat neurotoxicity. Furthermore, neurodegeneration associated with these combined genetic and environmental risk factors could be attenuated by systemic treatment with the bioavailable antioxidant compound EUK‐189. These data suggest that environmental factors previously identified as contributors to neurodegeneration associated with sporadic Parkinson’s disease may also be candidates for observed variations in symptoms and disease progression in monogenic forms and that this may mechanistically involve increased levels of oxidatively‐induced post‐translational nitration of α‐synuclein.
Phosphorylation of APP‐CTF‐AICD domains and interaction with adaptor proteins: signal transduction and/or transcriptional role – relevance for Alzheimer pathology
Authors: Schettini Gennaro , Govoni Stefano , Racchi Marco , Rodriguez Guido
Published: October 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1299–1308.

In recent decades, the study of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and of its proteolytic products carboxy terminal fragment (CTF), APP intracellular C‐terminal domain (AICD) and amyloid beta has been mostly focussed on the role of APP as a producer of the toxic amyloid beta peptide. Here, we reconsider the role of APP suggesting, in a provocative way, the protein as a central player in a putative signalling pathway. We highlight the presence in the cytosolic tail of APP of the YENPTY motif which is typical of tyrosine kinase receptors, the phosphorylation of the tyrosine, serine and threonine residues, the kinases involved and the interaction with intracellular adaptor proteins. In particular, we examine the interaction with Shc and Grb2 regulators, which through the activation of Ras proteins elicit downstream signalling events such as the MAPK pathway. The review also addresses the interaction of APP, CTFs and AICD with other adaptor proteins and in particular with Fe65 for nuclear transcriptional activity and the importance of phosphorylation for sorting the secretases involved in the amyloidogenic or non‐amyloidogenic pathways. We provide a novel perspective on Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, focussing on the perturbation of the physiological activities of APP‐CTFs and AICD as an alternative perspective from that which normally focuses on the accumulation of neurotoxic proteolytic fragments.
Caring for critically ill children within an adult environment – an educational strategy†
Authors: Offord Rebecca J.
Published: October 2010

Within the author's workplace, a predominantly adult general Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a small number of critically ill children are admitted each year. This causes difficulties for adult nurses because they are required to utilize specialist paediatric knowledge and skills that are practised on an infrequent basis only. This can lead them to experience feelings of stress, anxiety and a lack of confidence when caring for this distinct patient group. To address these issues, an education strategy was planned and implemented, which required staff members to attend a study day, organize a one day clinical placement and achieve a personal learning objective pertaining to paediatrics. This involved collaboration between key stakeholders, links to the lead paediatric centre, incorporation of local organizational strategy and the use of effective change management skills. Written candidate evaluation and low‐level quantitative data demonstrate an increase in knowledge and confidence amongst nurses following the study day. Whilst the study day forms part of a more global educational concept, and not a ‘stand alone’ initiative, the full benefits of the encompassing programme are yet to be fully established. The author recommends the implementation of a similar programme within other acute care areas that occasionally admit critically ill children.
Subverting Essentialisms
Authors: Kuykendall Eléanor H.
Published: October 2010

A critical analysis of Diana Fuss'sEssentially Speaking: Feminism, Nature, and Difference(1989a) and Elizabeth Grosz'sSexual Subversions: Three French Feminists(1989).
Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Instrumentalism beyond Dewey
Authors: Upin Jane S.
Published: October 2010

Charlotte Perkins Gilman and John Dewey were both pragmatists who recognized the need to restructure the environment to bring about social progress. Gilman was even more of a pragmatist than Dewey, however, because she addressed problems he did not identify—much less confront. Her philosophy is in accord with the spirit of Dewey's work but in important ways, it is more consistent, more comprehensive and more radical than his instrumentalism.
The Intersection of Pragmatism and Feminism
Authors: Duran Jane
Published: October 2010

I cite areas of pragmatism and feminism that have an intersection with or an appeal to the other, including the notions of the universal and/or normative, and foundationalist lines in general. I deal with three areas from each perspective and develop the notion of their intersection. Finally, the paper discusses the importance of a pragmatic view for women's lives and the importance of psychoanalytic theory for finding another area where pragmatism and feminism mesh.
Ecofeminism and Nonhumans: Continuity, Difference, Dualism, and Domination
Authors: Hawkins Ronnie Zoe
Published: October 2010

The dualistic structures permeating western culture emphasize radical discontinuity between humans and nonhumans, but receptive attention to nonhuman others discloses both continuity and difference prevailing between other forms of life and our own. Recognizing that agency and subjectivity abound within nature alerts us to our potential for dominating and oppressing nonhuman others, as individuals and as groups. Reciprocally, seeing ourselves as biological beings may facilitate reconstructing our social reality to undo such destructive relationships.
The Lines of Reason
Authors: Phelan Shane
Published: October 2010

Linda Nicholson's bookThe Play of Reason: From the Modern to the Postmodernadmirably integrates history and philosophy to demonstrate the historical characteristics of reason and arguments in its name. I argue that she nonetheless retains a modernist dependence on the specter of unreason to document the reasonableness of her own positions. This specter continually recreates hegemonic “reasons.” Feminist theory, I argue, should confront more fully its continued dependence on the other of reason.
Enduring Freedom: Globalizing Children's Rights
Authors: Mui Constance L. , Murphy Julien S.
Published: October 2010

Events surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States raise compelling moral questions about the effects of war and globalization on children in many parts of the world. This paper adopts Sartre's notion of freedom, particularly its connection with materiality and intersubjectivity, to assess the moral responsibility that we have as a global community toward our most vulnerable members. We conclude by examining important first steps that should be taken to address the plight of children.
No More Like Pallas Athena: Displacing Patrilineal Accounts of Modern Feminist Political Theory
Authors: Jose Jim
Published: October 2010

The history of modern feminist political theories is often framed in terms of the already existing theories of a number of radical nineteenth-century men philosophers such as James Mill, John Stuart Mill, Charles Fourier, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engels. My argument takes issue with this way of framing feminist political theory by demonstrating that it rests on a derivation that remains squarely within the logic of malestream political theory. Each of these philosophers made use of a particular discursive trope that linked the idea of women's emancipation with the idea of social progress. I argue that this trope reproduced the masculinist signification and symbolism inherent in their particular political philosophies. I argue for a more positive, less masculinist, account of the history of feminist political thought.
“We Won't Know Who You Are”: Contesting Sex Designations in New York City Birth Certificates
Authors: Currah Paisley , Moore Lisa Jean
Published: October 2010

This article examines shifts in the legal, medical, and common-sense logics governing the designation of sex on birth certificates issued by the City of New York between 1965 and 2006. In the initial iteration, the stabilization of legal sex categories was organized around the notion of “fraud”; in the most recent iteration, “permanence” became the measure of authenticity. We frame these legal constructions of sex with theories about the “natural attitude” toward gender.
Fluctuations in the prevalence of chromate allergy in Denmark and exposure to chrome‐tanned leather
Authors: Carøe Caroline , Andersen Klaus E. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Mortz Charlotte G.
Published: October 2010

Background. A recent Danish study showed a significant increase in the prevalence of chromate contact allergy after the mid‐1990s, probably as a result of exposure to leather products.

Objectives. To reproduce the results by analysing data from the period 1992–2009 at Odense University Hospital, Denmark. The temporal development in the occurrence of chromate contact allergy and assumed causative exposures were investigated.

Patients, Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of patch test data was performed (n = 8483), and medical charts from patients with chromate allergy (n = 231) were reviewed. Comparisons were made using the χ2‐test. A test of the reproducibility of the TRUE Test® was also performed. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations.

Results. No significant changes in the prevalence or exposure sources of chromate allergy during 1992–2009 were identified. Leather shoes (24.4%) were the most frequent exposure sources in chromate allergy, and were mainly registered in women, although the difference between men and women was not significant (P = 0.07). Cement and leather glove exposure occurred significantly more often in men than in women (P = 0.002). Foot dermatitis (40.3%) was the most frequent anatomical location, apart from hand eczema (60.6%). The reproducibility of the TRUE Test® was 93.3%.

Conclusions. Apart from hand eczema, the most frequent clinical picture of chromate allergy was foot dermatitis caused by leather shoe exposure. A tendency for an increasing prevalence of chromate contact allergy from 1997 was shown, but no significant change was detectable.
Breeding phenology determines evolutionary transitions in migratory behaviour in finches and allies
Authors: Tökölyi Jácint , Barta Zoltán
Published: October 2010

The breeding season of long‐distance migratory birds often starts later and is shorter than in resident or short‐distance species breeding at the same latitude, but the reason for this is unclear. Here we investigate the association between migration distance and breeding phenology in a group of passerine birds, the finches and their allies, using phylogenetic comparative methods. We confirm that migration distance is related to aspects of the species’ breeding phenology after controlling for the effect of potentially confounding variables. Directional phylogenetic analyses suggest that evolutionary transitions in migration distance are determined by the breeding phenology. A relatively long migration distance is more likely to evolve in birds with a late, short breeding season, whereas transitions to short distance migration are more likely to occur in lineages with an early, long breeding season. These results suggest that migration distance is constrained by breeding phenology and not vice versa. Thus, breeding phenology may be an important ultimate factor shaping the evolution of migratory strategies.
Poor performance in physical education – a risk factor for bully victimization. A case‐control study
Authors: Bejerot Susanne , Edgar Johan , Humble Mats B
Published: October 2010

Aim:  Poor social skills are a risk factor for becoming bullied, which could explain why this frequently occurs to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Poor social skills tend to coexist with clumsiness. According to a pilot study, poor performance in physical education (PE) was correlated with bully victimization.

Methods:  Sixty‐nine healthy university students reported performance in PE and bully victimization in childhood. In addition, the participants responded to questionnaires for ADHD and ASDs to assess personality traits related to increased risk for bully victimization.

Results:  Below average performance in PE was a risk factor of being bullied in school with an odds ratio of 3.6 [95% confidence interval: 1.23–10.5; p = 0.017]. Strong correlations between poor performance in PE and long duration of victimization (p = 0.007) and poor performance in PE and high frequency of victimization (p = 0.008) were found. Autistic traits were related to performance below average in PE.

Conclusion:  Poor motor skills are a strong risk factor for becoming bullied. Prevention programmes that identify, protect and empower the clumsy children could be an important step to avoid bullying of the most vulnerable children.
Identification of factors associated with a need for rehabilitation for patients over 65 years following admission to a general and vascular surgical service
Authors: Smyth Duncan , Connor Saxon
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To identify factors that predict admission to a rehabilitation hospital for patients over 65 years of age.

Methods:  This study reviewed the destinations of all patients over 65 years admitted to a Department of General and Vascular Surgery over 1 year to analyse factors associated with subsequent admission to a rehabilitation hospital. Data recorded included demographic characteristics, type of admission, length of stay at the primary hospital, operation, speciality type, previous admission to rehabilitation hospital, diagnoses and procedures.

Results:  Of the 2632 patients examined, 8.7% were subsequently admitted to a rehabilitation hospital. Multivariate analysis showed that previous admission to the rehabilitation hospital, increasing age, number of diagnoses and admission under vascular service were all independently associated with admission for rehabilitation.

Conclusions:  Factors associated with increased risk of requiring transfer to a rehabilitation hospital can be identified. This allows early recognition of at‐risk patients.
University of the Third Age in Australia and New Zealand: Capitalising on the cognitive resources of older volunteers
Authors: Swindell Rick , Vassella Ken , Morgan Lee , Sayer Tony
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To quantify and ascribe a dollar value to University of the Third Age (U3A) volunteerism in Australia and New Zealand (NZ).

Methods:  Retired researchers and U3A leaders from both countries cooperated via the Internet to devise and manage a comprehensive survey of U3A activities in 2008.

Results:  In total, 164 of 265 independent U3As in Australasia provided detailed counts of all activities carried out by their volunteers. In 2008, Australian U3As were supported by 871 000 volunteer hours and NZ U3As were supported by 69 000 volunteer hours. A notional value of $20 per volunteer hour is rationalised. It values U3A volunteerism at $21 million for Australia and $1.9 million for NZ.

Conclusion:  Expert retirees who are engaged in meaningful voluntary activities in their U3As provide valuable in‐kind contributions to the well‐being of members and to the national economy.
WALNUT AS FAT REPLACER AND FUNCTIONAL COMPONENT IN SUCUK
Authors: ERCOŞKUN HÜDAYI , DEMIRCI‐ERCOŞKUN TUĞBA
Published: October 2010

The effects on chemical, physical and sensory quality attributes of the substitution of beef fat with walnut paste were studied in sucuk. Four sucuk formulations were prepared as follows; one control using 90% beef and 10% beef fat and three treatments by replacing 15, 30 and 45% of beef fat with walnut paste. The addition of walnut paste increased the dry matter and decreased the fat contents of the products. The cholesterol content of control samples was 91.21 ± 0.563, whereas 15, 30 and 45% walnut‐substituted samples were 87.81 ± 0.830, 85.78 ± 0.466 and 83.29 ± 0.321, respectively. The addition of walnut to sucuk improved the fatty acid profile compared with control sucuks. Sucuks with walnut had a healthier polyunsaturated fatty acid profile, a lower ω‐6/ω‐3 ratio, and a lower atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index due to the walnut ratio, but increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values. Substitution of beef fat of sucuk with walnut did not affect the sensory properties of sucuk, including consistency, appearance and taste–flavor, except color.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results suggest that the development of beef fat with walnut paste in the production of sucuk with low levels of cholesterol and total lipids could give a healthier option to consumers. Using walnut in sucuk may lower fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol contents and enhance the product with fiber and natural antioxidants. Additionally, this study indicated that walnut may be a good fat replacer in fermented sausages and opened a door for new research with different nuts.