bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine Receptors in a Songbird Brain
Authors: Kubikova Lubica , Wada Kazuhiro , Jarvis Erich D.
Published: January 2010

Dopamine is a key neuromodulatory transmitter in the brain. It acts through dopamine receptors to affect changes in neural activity, gene expression, and behavior. In songbirds, dopamine is released into the striatal song nucleus area X, and the levels depend on social contexts of undirected and directed singing. This differential release is associated with differential expression of activity‐dependent genes, such as egr1 (avian zenk), which in mammalian brain are modulated by dopamine receptors. Here we cloned from zebra finch brain cDNAs of all avian dopamine receptors: the D1 (D1A, D1B, D1D) and D2 (D2, D3, D4) families. Comparative sequence analyses of predicted proteins revealed expected phylogenetic relationships, in which the D1 family exists as single exon and the D2 family exists as spliced exon genes. In both zebra finch and chicken, the D1A, D1B, and D2 receptors were highly expressed in the striatum, the D1D and D3 throughout the pallium and within the mesopallium, respectively, and the D4 mainly in the cerebellum. Furthermore, within the zebra finch, all receptors, except for D4, showed differential expression in song nuclei relative to the surrounding regions and developmentally regulated expression that decreased for most receptors during the sensory acquisition and sensorimotor phases of song learning. Within area X, half of the cells expressed both D1A and D2 receptors, and a higher proportion of the D1A‐only‐containing neurons expressed egr1 during undirected but not during directed singing. Our findings are consistent with hypotheses that dopamine receptors may be involved in song development and social context‐dependent behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:741–769, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Derivation of a color space for image color difference measurement
Authors: Johnson Garrett M. , Song Xioyan , Montag Ethan D. , Fairchild Mark D.
Published: January 2010

In digital image reproduction, it is often desirable to compute image difference of reproductions and the original images. The traditional CIE color difference formula, designed for simple color patches in controlled viewing conditions, is not adequate for computing image difference for spatially complex image stimuli. Zhang and Wandell [Proceedings of the SID Symposium, 1996; p 731–734] introduced the S‐CIELAB model to account for complex color stimuli using spatial filtering as a preprocessing stage. Building on S‐CIELAB, iCAM was designed to serve as both a color appearance model and also an image difference metric for complex color stimuli [IS&T/SID 10th Color Imaging Conference, 2002; p 33–38]. These image difference models follow a similar image processing path to approximate the behavior of human observers. Generally, image pairs are first converted into device‐independent coordinates such as CIE XYZ tristimulus values or approximate human cone responses (LMS), and then further transformed into opponent‐color channels approximating white‐black, red‐green, and yellow‐blue color perceptions. Once in the opponent space, the images are filtered with approximations of human contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) to remove information that is invisible to the human visual system. The images are then transformed back to a color difference space such as CIELAB, and pixel‐by‐pixel color differences are calculated. The shape and effectiveness of the CSF spatial filters used in this type of modeling is highly dependent on the choice of opponent color space. For image difference calculations, the ideal opponent color space would be both linear and orthogonal such that the linear filtering is correct and any spatial processing on one channel does not affect the others. This article presents a review of historical opponent color spaces and an experimental derivation of a new color space and corresponding spatial filters specifically designed for image color difference calculations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2010
Are the associations of plasma leptin and adiponectin with type 2 diabetes independent of obesity in older Chinese adults?
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Zhuo Qin , Fu Ping , Piao Jiahua , Tian Yuan , Xu Jie , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: January 2010

Background

China has experienced a rapid increase in diabetes. In this study, we assessed whether the associations of two adipocyte‐derived hormones, leptin and adiponectin, with type 2 diabetes are independent of obesity in older Chinese adults.

Methods

In this matched case–control study, each of the 619 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) cases aged 60–96 years was matched to a control by age, sex, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Before matching, IFG and diabetes cases had significantly lower adiponectin and higher leptin concentrations than the participants with normal glucose. After matching for age, sex, waist circumference and BMI, the differences between cases and controls remained significant (p < 0.001) in adiponectin but not in leptin (p = 0.77). Adjusted odds ratios for the combined outcome of diabetes and IFG were 1.03 (95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.21; p = 0.71) for one standard deviation increase in plasma leptin and 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.69, 0.91; p < 0.001) for one standard deviation increase in plasma adiponectin.

Conclusion

Without adjustment for obesity related body size measurements of waist circumference and BMI, both adiponectin and leptin are associated with diabetes and IFG. After adjustment, adiponectin is independently associated with diabetes and IFG, but there is no independent association between leptin and either diabetes or IFG. Our findings suggest that adiponectin provides extra‐predictive power beyond obesity while leptin does not independently predict the risk of diabetes and IFG in older Chinese adults. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards an ecology of eating disorders: Creating sustainability through the integration of scientific research and clinical practice
Authors: Clinton David
Published: January 2010

The field of eating disorders is currently at a crossroads and faces important challenges of sustainability. These challenges include problems with the current diagnostic classification of eating disorders and the divide between scientific research and clinical practice. If not addressed, there is a danger that the field will fail to evolve adaptively, risking increased stagnation and reduced relevance. To meet these challenges, researchers and clinicians must work toward a more holistic ecology of eating disorders based on the interaction of theory, research and practice. The present paper proposes six steps towards increased sustainability based on developing clinically relevant diagnosis, using systematic quality assurance, expanding the scope of treatment research and the definition of evidence, promoting therapist development, as well as stimulating diversity and discourse. If we rise to the occasion and face these challenges, then we will be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of clinicians, researchers, and most importantly patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Outage probability of dual‐hop decode‐and‐forward relaying systems over generalized fading channels
Authors: Li Wei‐Guang , Chen Hua‐Min , Chen Ming
Published: January 2010

This paper studies a dual‐hop decode‐and‐forward (DF) relaying system over generalized fading channels which can be modeled by the η‐µ distribution and κ‐µ distribution. Analytical expressions of the outage probability are derived under such two distributions, respectively. Some numerical results are presented and prove that the obtained analytical expressions can be used for evaluating the outage performance of the dual‐hop DF relaying systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear inositide signaling in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Follo Matilde Y. , Mongiorgi Sara , Finelli Carlo , Clissa Cristina , Ramazzotti Giulia , Fiume Roberta , Faenza Irene , Manzoli Lucia , Martelli Alberto M. , Cocco Lucio
Published: January 2010

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are defined as clonal hematopoietic stem‐cell disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis in one or more of the lineages of the bone marrow. Although distinct morphologic subgroups exist, the natural history of MDS is progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the molecular the mechanisms the underlying MDS evolution to AML are not completely understood. Inositides are key cellular second messengers with well‐established roles in signal transduction pathways, and nuclear metabolism elicited by phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) β1 and Akt plays an important role in the control of the balance between cell cycle progression and apoptosis in both normal and pathologic conditions. Recent findings evidenced the role played by nuclear lipid signaling pathways, which could become promising therapeutic targets in MDS. This review will provide a concise and updated revision of the state of art on this topic. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1065–1071, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reorganization in motor cortex after brachial plexus avulsion injury and repair with the contralateral C7 root transfer in rats
Authors: Jiang Su , Li Zhan‐Yu , Hua Xu‐Yun , Xu Wen‐Dong , Xu Jian‐Guang , Gu Yu‐Dong
Published: January 2010

The purpose of our study was to establish the profile of cortical reorganization in whole BPAI on rats and evaluate changes of cortical reorganization after repair of the median nerve with the contralateral C7 root transfer. Forty adult SD rats underwent whole roots avulsion of left brachial plexus, among them 20 received contralateral C7 root transfer to the injured median nerve. Intracortical microstimulation was performed in primary motor cortex (M1) at intervals of 3, 5, 7, and 10 months, postoperatively. The maps of motor cortical responses were constructed. Five normal rats were used as the control. Results showed that stimulating right M1 elicited motion of left vibrissae, submaxilla, neck, back, and left hindlimb after left BPAI, among them neck representation area replaced the forelimb area throughout the reorganization process. The left forelimb representation area was found in the left motor cortex 5 months after the contralateral C7 root transfer and existed in both motor cortexes at 7th postoperative month. The left forelimb representation area was detected only in right motor cortex at 10th month, postoperatively. In conclusions, after the contralateral C7 root transfer for repair of the median nerve in BPAI, the cortical reorganization occurred in a time‐dependent reorganization. The findings from this study demonstrate that brain involves in the functional recovery after BPAI and repair with nerve transfer and suggest that efforts to improve the results from nerve repair should address the peripheral nerve as well as the brain. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2010.
Backup perforator flap derived from a previously transferred musculocutaneous free flap
Authors: Topalan Murat , Guven Erdem , Demirtas Yener
Published: January 2010

Introduction:

Reconstruction of the lower leg commonly requires a free tissue transfer after Gustillo grade IIIB‐IIIC injuries and severe postoncological resections, where, free musculocutaneous flaps (MCF) are preferred for their size and robust blood supply. The anastomoses are performed at more proximal levels to keep them away from the trauma zone. This reasonable maneuver causes the distal of the flap to cover the most critical part of the defect. Any marginal necrosis, then, ends in exposure of the bone or implant. Reported here is the use of a perforator flap derived from a previously transferred free MCF as a backup tissue.

Patients and methods:

Distal marginal necrosis exposing vital structures were encountered after six free MCF transfers during the last 6 years. These were highly complicated cases in which no regional flap options were available and a second free flap was unfeasible due to recipient vessel problems. A perforator flap was elevated on the perforator vessel(s) penetrating the underlying muscle of the previous MCF and either advanced or transposed to cover the defect. Donor sites on MCF were closed primarily.

Results:

Wound dehiscence that healed secondarily was observed in two cases. The knee prosthesis was removed in one case due to uncontrolled osteomyelitis. No complications were detected in other three cases.

Conclusion:

The described flap can be a leg saver whenever a previously transferred free MCF fails to cover the distal site of the defect. The flap can be advanced for 3–5 cm and allows more than 90 degrees of rotation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:457–461, 2010.
Firms’ main market, human capital, and wages
Authors: Alcalá Francisco , Hernández Pedro J.
Published: January 2010

The literature on the exporter wage premium has focused on an exporter/non-exporter dichotomy. Instead, this paper provides first evidence that there is a more continuous destination-market effect. Using Spanish data, we estimate wage premia for establishments selling to the national, European Union, and rest of the world markets (with respect to wages in local-market establishments). Controlling for worker and establishment characteristics, output-market wage premia are increasing in market remoteness and employee education. Establishment human capital is also increasing in output-market remoteness. The paper builds a theoretical model that provides a potential explanation for these empirical results, which is also consistent with the recent evidence on the positive relationship between output-market remoteness and quality of exports.
Where the Spirits Dwell: Possession, Christianization, and Saints' Shrines in Late Antiquity
Authors: Frankfurter David
Published: January 2010

With its clear-glass, brightly-lit, whitewashed interior, Harvard Divinity School's Andover Chapel reflects all the values of elite Protestant culture in New England history: quiet prayer, thoughtful sermons, an approach to God through the heart rather than the senses, and a minimum of iconic reminders that the space is Christian. And it was here, in April 2007, that this author beheld the Voudoun spirits Danbala and Ogoun arrive through several experienced mediums. The ceremony had not really been intended to call down the spirits, only to praise them in a kind of broad sampling of Haitian Voudoun songs.1 But the altar was full of their treats, the room was full, the drummers were good, the singing was loud, and the mediums were expert. So the spirits arrived: various Danbalas slithering across the floor and a very martial Ogoun huffing and puffing around the altar to get his rum. And they were greeted, with awed interest by the Harvard students, familiarity by the Haitians, and annoyed tolerance by one Adventist woman.
Annihilation and Deification in Beguine Theology and Marguerite Porete's Mirror of Simple Souls
Authors: Marin Juan
Published: January 2010

In 1309 ecclesiastical leaders condemned as heresy Marguerite Porete's rejection of moral duty, her doctrine that “the annihilated soul is freed from the virtues.”1 They also condemned her book, the Mirror of Simple Souls, which includes doctrines associated decades earlier with a “new spirit” heresy spreading “blasphemies” such as that “a person can become God” because “a soul united to God is made divine.”2 In his study, The Heresy of the Free Spirit, Robert E. Lerner identifies these two doctrines of annihilation and deification as characteristic of the “free spirit” heresy condemned at the 1311 Council of Vienne. The council claimed that this heresy's sympathizers belonged to an “abominable sect of certain evil men known as beghards and some faithless women called beguines.”3 Lerner found that this group was composed of a disproportionate number of women, including Marguerite Porete. Many of the men were also involved with the group of pious laywomen known as beguines.4 Lerner shows that among those charged with heresy, many sympathized with a “ ‘free-spirit style’ of affective mysticism particularly congenial to thirteenth century religious women.”5 He suggests that beguines in particular radicalized affective spirituality into what he calls an “extreme mysticism.”6 Here I wish to follow Lerner's suggestion that we ought to search for the roots of Porete's doctrines among the beguines. I will argue that distinctive doctrines of annihilation and deification sprouted from a fertile beguine imagination, one that nourished Porete's own distinctive and influential ideas in the Mirror of Simple Souls.7 It is among the beguines that we find the first instance in Christianity of a women's community creating an original form of theological discourse.
The impact of a subordinate L1 on L2 auditory processing in adult bilinguals
Authors: NGUYEN-HOAN MINH , TAFT MARCUS
Published: January 2010

For bilinguals born in an English-speaking country or who arrive at a young age, English (L2) often becomes their dominant language by adulthood. This study examines whether such adult bilinguals show equivalent performance to monolingual English native speakers on three English auditory processing tasks: phonemic awareness, spelling-to-dictation and auditory comprehension. The study contrasts three bilingual language groups differing in their L1: morphosyllabic/logographic L1 (Cantonese), morphosyllabic/alphabetic (Vietnamese) L1 and non-morphosyllabic/alphabetic L1 (Other). Particularly on the tasks that involved nonwords, the morphosyllabic bilingual groups performed most poorly, suggesting an effect of L1 phonological structure on English processing despite L1 having become subordinate to L2. The results indicate that even when a bilingual is born, raised and educated in their L2 environment, native equivalence in L2 is not assured.
Climate simulations with a new air‐sea turbulent flux parameterization in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3)
Authors: Ban Junmei , Gao Zhiqiu , Lenschow Donald H.
Published: January 2010

This study examines climate simulations with the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model version 3 (NCAR CAM3) using a new air‐sea turbulent flux parameterization scheme. The current air‐sea turbulent flux scheme in CAM3 consists of three basic bulk flux equations that are solved simultaneously by an iterative computational technique. We recently developed a new turbulent flux parameterization scheme where the Obukhov stability length is parameterized directly by using a bulk Richardson number, an aerodynamic roughness length, and a heat roughness length. Its advantages are that it (1) avoids the iterative process and thus increases the computational efficiency, (2) takes account of the difference between z0m and z0h and allows large z0m/z0h, and (3) preserves the accuracy of iteration. An offline test using Tropical Ocean–Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean‐Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) data shows that the original scheme overestimates the surface fluxes under very weak winds but the new scheme gives better results. Under identical initial and boundary conditions, the original CAM3 and CAM3 coupled with the new turbulent flux scheme are used to simulate the global distribution of air‐sea surface turbulent fluxes, and precipitation. Comparisons of model outputs against the European Remote Sensing Satellites (ERS), the Objectively Analyzed air‐sea Fluxes (OAFlux), and Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) show that: (1) the new scheme produces more realistic surface wind stress in the North Pacific and North Atlantic trade wind belts and wintertime extratropical storm track regions; (2) the latent heat flux in the Northern Hemisphere trade wind zones shows modest improvement in the new scheme, and the latent heat flux bias in the western boundary current region of the Gulf Stream is reduced; and (3) the simulated precipitation in the new scheme is closer to observation in the Asian monsoon region.
Evaluation of a Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging System for Whole Body Composition Analysis in Rodents
Authors: Nixon Joshua P. , Zhang Minzhi , Wang ChuanFeng , Kuskowski Michael A. , Novak Colleen M. , Levine James A. , Billington Charles J. , Kotz Catherine M.
Published: January 2010

We evaluated the EchoMRI‐900 combination rat and mouse quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) body composition method in comparison to traditional whole‐body chemical carcass composition analysis (CCA) for measurements of fat and fat‐free mass in rodents. Live and postmortem (PM) QMR fat and lean mass measurements were obtained for lean, obese and outbred strains of rats and mice, and compared with measurements obtained using CCA. A second group of rats was measured before and after 18 h food or water deprivation. Significant positive correlations between QMR and CCA fat and lean mass measurements were shown for rats and mice. Although all live QMR fat and lean measurements were more precise than CCA for rats, values obtained for mice significantly differed from CCA for lean mass only. QMR performed PM slightly overestimated fat and lean values relative to live QMR but did not show lower precision than live QMR. Food deprivation reduced values for both fat and lean mass; water deprivation reduced estimates of lean mass only. In summary, all measurements using this QMR system were comparable to those obtained by CCA, but with higher overall precision, similar to previous reports for the murine QMR system. However, PM QMR measurements slightly overestimated live QMR values, and lean and fat mass measurements in this QMR system are influenced by hydration status and animal size, respectively. Despite these caveats, we conclude that the EchoMRI QMR system offers a fast in vivo method of body composition analysis, well correlated to but with greater overall precision than CCA.
Properties and antityrosinase activity of sericin from various extraction methods
Authors: Aramwit Pornanong , Damrongsakkul Siriporn , Kanokpanont Sorada , Srichana Teerapol
Published: January 2010

The present study investigated the chemical properties and antityrosinase activities of SS (silk sericin) extracted from different Thai silk strains via various extraction methods. Different silk strains contain distinct SS with various amino acid compositions, which are significantly influenced by the extraction method used. Urea extraction of SS was the only method that provided clearly distinguishable bands and had the most significant impact on SS conformation as illustrated by FTIR (Fourier‐transform infrared) spectra. The use of urea or either acidic or alkaline chemicals in the extraction process also influenced SS thermal behaviour. With regard to biological activity, SS extracted using urea exhibited the highest antityrosinase activity, whereas alkali‐degraded SS showed no inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase. Pigments, primarily flavonoids and carotenoids from silk cocoons, were also found to enhance tyrosinase inhibition of SS.
Adsorption of Ink-Jet Inks and Anionic Dyes onto Mg-Al-NO3 Layered Double Hydroxides of Variable Mg:Al Molar Ratio
Authors: Auxilio Anthony R. , Andrews Philip C. , Junk Peter C. , Spiccia Leone
Published: January 2010

Layered double hydroxides are materials that show promise as adsorbing media for ink-jet printing. In this work, layered double hydroxides with nitrate as interlayer anions and with variable Mg:Al molar ratios ranging from 2.2 to 8.1 have been synthesized at constant pH by the coprecipitation method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscopy, and helium pycnometry techniques. The ability of these materials to adsorb ink-jet inks (BCI-Cyan, BCI-Yellow, and BCI-Magenta) and anionic dyes (CI Acid Blue 9 (AB9), CI Acid Yellow 23 (AY23), and CI Acid Red 37 (AR37)) were investigated. BCI-Yellow was found to have high affinity for material with an Mg:Al molar ratio between 2.2 and 4.0, whereas BCI-Cyan and BCI-Magenta showed a high affinity when the Mg:Al molar ratio was between 4.8 and 5.5. The adsorption isotherms for AB9, AY23, and AR37 on the material with Mg:Al molar ratios 2.2–5.5 exhibited H-type curves, indicating a very strong interaction between the adsorbate and adsorbent. Although there was no clear systematic correlation between the MgsAl molar ratio and the Cm (dye capacity) and Ka (dye affinity), the optimum Mg:Al molar ratio was 4.0, and this material has the potential to be used in Ink-Receptive Layer formulation.
HJURP binds CENP-A via a highly conserved N-terminal domain and mediates its deposition at centromeres
Authors: Shuaib Muhammad , Ouararhni Khalid , Dimitrov Stefan , Hamiche Ali
Published: January 2010

The human histone H3 variant, CENP-A, replaces the conventional histone H3 in centromeric chromatin and, together with centromere-specific DNA-binding factors, directs the assembly of the kinetochore. We purified the prenucelosomal e-CENP-A complex. We found that HJURP, a member of the complex, was required for cell cycle specific targeting of CENP-A to centromeres. HJURP facilitated efficient deposition of CENP-A/H4 tetramers to naked DNA in vitro. Bacterially expressed HJURP binds at a stoichiometric ratio to the CENP-A/H4 tetramer but not to the H3/H4 tetramer. The binding occurred through a conserved HJURP short N-terminal domain, termed CBD. The novel characteristic identified in vertebrates that we named TLTY box of CBD, was essential for formation of the HJURP-CENP-A/H4 complex. Our data identified HJURP as a vertebrate CENP-A chaperone and dissected its mode of interactions with CENP-A.
The Late Endosome is Essential for mTORC1 Signaling
Authors: Flinn Rory J. , Yan Ying , Goswami Sumanta , Parker Peter J. , Backer Jonathan M.
Published: January 2010

The multisubunit mTORC1 complex integrates signals from growth factors and nutrients to regulate protein synthesis, cell growth, and autophagy. To examine how endocytic trafficking might be involved in nutrient regulation of mTORC1, we perturbed specific endocytic trafficking pathways and measured mTORC1 activity using S6K1 as a readout. When early/late endosomal conversion was blocked by either overexpression of constitutively active Rab5 (Rab5CA) or knockdown of the Rab7 GEF hVps39, insulin- and amino acid–stimulated mTORC1/S6K1 activation were inhibited, and mTOR localized to hybrid early/late endosomes. Inhibition of other stages of endocytic trafficking had no effect on mTORC1. Overexpression of Rheb, which activates mTOR independently of mTOR localization, rescued mTORC1 signaling in cells expressing Rab5CA, whereas hyperactivation of endogenous Rheb in TSC2−/− MEFs did not. These data suggest that integrity of late endosomes is essential for amino acid– and insulin-stimulated mTORC1 signaling and that blocking the early/late endosomal conversion prevents mTOR from interacting with Rheb in the late endosomal compartment.
Molecular Signature of Differential Virulence in Natural Isolates of Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Wang Dongping , Korban Schuyler S. , Zhao Youfu
Published: January 2010

Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight, is considered to be a genetically homogeneous species based on physiological, biochemical, phylogenetic, and genetic analysis. However, E. amylovora strains exhibiting differential virulence are isolated from nature. The exopolysaccharide amylovoran and type III secretion system (T3SS) are two major yet separate virulence factors in E. amylovora. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between E. amylovora virulence and levels of virulence gene expression. Four wild-type strains (Ea1189, Ea273, Ea110, and CFBP1430), widely used in studies of E. amylovora pathogenesis, have been analyzed and compared. E. amylovora strains Ea273 and Ea110 elicited higher severity of disease symptoms than those of Ea1189 and CFBP1430 on apple cv. Golden Delicious and G16 apple root stock plants but not on susceptible Gala plants. In addition, Ea273 and Ea110 elicited severe hypersensitive responses within shorter periods of time at lower inoculum concentrations than those of Ea1189 and CFBP1430 on tobacco plants. Further molecular analyses have revealed that amylovoran production and expression of both amylovoran (amsG) and T3SS (dspE and hrpL) genes were significantly higher in Ea273 and Ea110 than those in Ea1189 and CFBP1430. Other phenotypes such as swarming motility in these four strains also differed significantly. These results indicate that E. amylovora strains of different origin can be divided into subgroups based on molecular signatures of virulence gene expression. Therefore, these molecular signatures may be used to differentiate E. amylovora strains, which may have taxonomical and evolutionary implications.
Attention to elders' voice in non-human primates
Authors: Lemasson Alban , Gandon Enora , Hausberger Martine
Published: January 2010

The observed respect and attention to elders' speech in traditional cultures appears to have a ‘universal’ component which questions its possible biological bases. Animals present differential attention to the vocalizations of other individuals according to their characteristics but little is known about the potential propensity to pay more attention to vocalizations of elders. On the basis of several hundreds of vocal exchanges recorded, here we show that aged female Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli), despite being significantly less ‘loquacious’ than their younger adult counterparts, elicit many more responses when calling. These findings show that attention to elders' vocal production appears in non-human primates, leading to new lines of questioning on human culture and language evolution.
Differential effects of fluvastatin alone or in combination with ezetimibe on lipoprotein subfractions in patients at high risk of coronary events
Authors: Stojakovic T. , De Campo A. , Scharnagl H. , Sourij H. , Schmölzer I. , Wascher T. C. , März W.
Published: January 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (3): 187–194

Background  Ezetimibe, a cholesterol‐absorption inhibitor, significantly lowers low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) when administered in addition to statin treatment. The effect of ezetimibe on the incidence and progression of vascular disease is elusive. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of fluvastatin plus ezetimibe on lipoprotein subfractions in patients with type 2 diabetes and/or coronary heart disease.

Materials and methods  Ninety patients with LDL‐C between 100 and 160 mg dL−1 were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, single‐blind, single‐centre study. A total of 84 patients were treated with either fluvastatin 80 mg (n = 28) alone or in combination with ezetimibe 10 mg (n = 56) for 12 weeks to determine the effects on lipids, apolipoproteins and LDL subfractions by equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00814723.

Results  Total cholesterol, LDL‐C and apolipoprotein B were significantly more reduced in the combined therapy group. High density lipoproteins increased in the fluvastatin‐only group and decreased in the combined therapy group. There was a significant difference between the two groups in buoyant and intermediate, but not in dense LDL particles.

Conclusions  Addition of ezetimibe to fluvastatin resulted in a further reduction of buoyant and intermediate, but not of dense LDL compared with fluvastatin alone.
Inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Amor Sandra , Puentes Fabiola , Baker David , Van Der Valk Paul
Published: January 2010

Summary Neurodegeneration, the slow and progressive dysfunction and loss of neurons and axons in the central nervous system, is the primary pathological feature of acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, neurotropic viral infections, stroke, paraneoplastic disorders, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. Despite different triggering events, a common feature is chronic immune activation, in particular of microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system. Apart from the pathogenic role of immune responses, emerging evidence indicates that immune responses are also critical for neuroregeneration. Here, we review the impact of innate and adaptive immune responses on the central nervous system in autoimmune, viral and other neurodegenerative disorders, and discuss their contribution to either damage or repair. We also discuss potential therapies aimed at the immune responses within the central nervous system. A better understanding of the interaction between the immune and nervous systems will be crucial to either target pathogenic responses, or augment the beneficial effects of immune responses as a strategy to intervene in chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
Circadian Timekeeping and Multiple Timescale Neuroendocrine Rhythms
Authors: Bonnefont X.
Published: January 2010

The hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland regulate major functions such as reproduction, as well as body growth and metabolism. Their efficiency of action highly depends on their temporal profile of release in the blood stream. This review summarises the recent evidence suggesting that the circadian clock genes that pace our daily rhythms may also contribute to the regulation of pituitary pulsatility, even in the non 24‐h range. This inter‐relation between molecular circadian oscillators and endocrine rhythmicities is discussed in light of the longstanding literature that has considered the involvement of the central circadian pacemaker located within the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Other arguments that suggest a role for circadian clock genes outside the suprachiasmatic nuclei are also presented, with a special emphasis on endocrine pituitary cells and hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurones that directly pace pituitary secretion rates.
Predicting epistasis: an experimental test of metabolic control theory with bacterial transcription and translation
Authors: Maclean R. C.
Published: January 2010

Epistatic interactions between mutations are thought to play a crucial role in a number of evolutionary processes, including adaptation and sex. Evidence for epistasis is abundant, but tests of general theoretical models that can predict epistasis are lacking. In this study, I test the ability of metabolic control theory to predict epistasis using a novel experimental approach that combines phenotypic and genetic perturbations of enzymes involved in gene expression and protein synthesis in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These experiments provide experimental support for two key predictions of metabolic control theory: (i) epistasis between genes involved in the same pathway is antagonistic; (ii) epistasis becomes increasingly antagonistic as mutational severity increases. Metabolic control theory is a general theory that applies to any set of genes that are involved in the same linear processing chain, not just metabolic pathways, and I argue that this theory is likely to have important implications for predicting epistasis between functionally coupled genes, such as those involved in antibiotic resistance. Finally, this study highlights the fact that phenotypic manipulations of gene activity provide a powerful method for studying epistasis that complements existing genetic methods.
Cytonuclear conflict in interpopulation hybrids: the role of RNA polymerase in mtDNA transcription and replication
Authors: Ellison C. K. , Burton R. S.
Published: January 2010

Organismal fitness requires functional integration of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Structural and regulatory elements coevolve within lineages and several studies have found that interpopulation hybridization disrupts mitonuclear interactions. Because mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRPOL) plays key roles in both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and transcription, the interaction between mtRPOL and coevolved regulatory sites in the mtDNA may be central to mitonuclear integration. Here, we generate interpopulation hybrids between divergent populations of the copepod Tigriopus californicus to obtain lines having different combinations of mtRPOL and mtDNA. Lines were scored for mtDNA copy number and ATP6 (mtDNA) gene expression. We find that there is a genotype-dependent negative association between mitochondrial transcriptional response and mtDNA copy number. We argue that an observed increase in mtDNA copy number and reduced mtDNA transcription in hybrids reflects the regulatory role of mtRPOL; depending on the mitonuclear genotype, hybridization may disrupt the normal balance between transcription and replication of the mitochondrial genome.
Administration of medication in the acute mental health ward: Perspective of nurses and patients
Authors: Duxbury Joy A. , Wright Karen , Bradley Diane , Barnes Pamela
Published: January 2010

The administration of medication is an important therapeutic intervention. However, concerns have been raised about the management of this procedure in the acute area. Therefore, a survey was conducted with registered nurses (n = 24) and patients (n = 57) from three acute admission wards in an inner city hospital in the north west of England. Semistructured interviews were conducted immediately following medication administration and then analyzed using thematic analysis. Nurses' views were categorized into three themes: ward environment, communication, and sharing of information. Nurses reported that policies and procedures provided clear guidance, but that the task remained stressful and the role of other professionals affected the integrity of the procedure. Patients' views were categorized into four themes: effects and side‐effects of medication, the process of administration, therapeutic relationships, and the sharing of information. Most patients were accepting of the administration of their medication, but called for improvements in information sharing and side‐effect management. Information sharing is pivotal in establishing therapeutic relationships, but the time of administration might not be the most appropriate occasion for this.
Knowledge in development: epistemic machineries in a global context
Authors: Evers Hans‐Dieter , Kaiser Markus , Müller Christine
Published: January 2010

Knowledge has become a decisive and competitive resource for local and global development, especially since the paradigm “knowledge for development” was initiated and promoted by the World Bank in 1998–1999. Through the use of novel management structures and technologically supported social networks, development organisations and development experts are central actors in producing and steering global knowledge. In the various regions of the world development experts have established a powerful transnational epistemic community and play a strategic role in knowledge sharing. In the process of electronic modification, knowledge is moderated, codified and standardised to facilitate distribution and possible acquisition. We will portray the emergence of this particular global knowledge architecture and its modes of knowledge engineering. The article indicates that these new efforts of development cooperation, with their ambitious aim of closing the North–South knowledge gap and the digital divide, reproduce exactly those disparities that they seek to overcome. Strategies conceived with the best of intentions end up creating a knowledge trap. The article will give empirical evidence from South‐East and Central Asia as well as from West Africa. We plead for a strategy of diversity in development cooperation and for a new constellation in valuing global and local knowledge in the creation of substantial, strong and dynamic knowledge societies.
Knowledge societies, seen from the South: local learning and innovation challenges
Authors: Maciel Maria Lucia , Albagli Sarita
Published: January 2010

Together with the apparently infinite possibilities of knowledge diffusion offered by the expansion of information and communication technologies, new forms of social polarisation and economic exclusion are created. The fundamental contradiction of the present mode of knowledge globalisation is that while a few countries, firms and institutions are the main generators of knowledge and innovation, most are being relegated to the role of users. Yet the barriers to the expansion of this mode are precisely the limited capacities to absorb, use and process new knowledge. The article presents and discusses the main currents of thought on this issue, particularly considering the view and the contributions from the South, stressing the need to build a conceptual framework and a political strategy to promote the relations between production and circulation of knowledge and socioeconomic development. This debate is enriched with the results of empirical studies on local knowledge flows and innovation in Brazil. The research focused on local learning and innovation, considering the specific conditions of developing countries. The results point out key elements of these processes: formal and informal communication channels and socially shared codes, values and languages fostering local knowledge flows and favourable socio‐cultural, historical and institutional conditions for learning by interacting.
Food‐reward signalling in the suprachiasmatic clock
Authors: Mendoza Jorge , Clesse Daniel , Pévet Paul , Challet Etienne
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1489–1499.

Under special restricted feeding conditions the mammalian circadian clock, contained in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), can be entrained by food. During food restriction, hungry animals are very motivated to obtain food. This motivational state could be a key component in altering the SCN timing by feeding. In order to comprehend how hedonic signals of food affect the SCN clock, we evaluated the effects of a daily palatable snack on the behavioural rhythm of mice fed ad libitum with regular food, and housed under constant darkness conditions. As light synchronization of the SCN is modulated by feeding/metabolic cues, the effects of a palatable meal coupled to a light pulse were tested on behavioural and molecular rhythms. A daily palatable snack entrained behavioural rhythms of mice in constant darkness conditions. Furthermore, palatable meal access at the activity onset reduced light‐induced behavioural phase‐delays and Period genes expression in the SCN. In addition, an increase in the dopamine content and Period genes expression in the forebrain of mice was observed, concomitant with a c‐FOS activation in dopaminergic and orexinergic neurons, suggesting that the effects of a palatable snack on the SCN clock are mediated by the reward/arousal central systems. In conclusion, this study establishes an underlying sensitivity of the master circadian clock to changes in motivational states related to palatable food intake.
Health status and health‐related behaviors in epilepsy compared to other chronic conditions—A national population‐based study
Authors: Hinnell Claire , Williams Jeanne , Metcalfe Amy , Patten Scott B. , Parker Robyn , Wiebe Samuel , Jetté Nathalie
Published: January 2010

Purpose:  The negative impact of epilepsy is disproportionate to its prevalence. Our objectives were to determine if health‐related behaviors (HRBs) and health status differ between patients with epilepsy, migraine, or diabetes.

Methods:  The 2001–2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (N = 400,055) was used to explore health status and HRBs in patients with epilepsy, migraine, and diabetes and in the general population. Weighted estimates of association were produced as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Logistic regression was used to explore the association between demographic variables and HRBs in epilepsy.

Results:  The prevalence of active epilepsy, migraine, and diabetes was 0.6%, 8.4%, and 3.8%, respectively. Those with epilepsy and diabetes were more likely than migraineurs to perceive their health as poor and to be physically inactive. Obesity and comorbidities were more likely in all chronic conditions studied compared to the general population. Those with epilepsy or migraine were significantly more likely to smoke compared to the general population or to those with diabetes. Those with epilepsy were more likely to ever have consumed more than 12 alcoholic drinks per week. Health monitoring did not differ between groups. In the logistic regression analysis, epilepsy was associated with physical inactivity and lower alcohol consumption in the past 12 months compared to the general population.

Discussion:  Our study demonstrated that those with epilepsy have a poorer pattern of HRBs and poorer health status compared to the general population. Screening for and managing comorbidities, and promoting exemplary HRBs, should improve overall health and quality‐of‐life in those with epilepsy.
Disparities in hospital outcomes for injured people with epilepsy/seizures
Authors: Bowman Stephen M. , Aitken Mary E. , Sharp Gregory B.
Published: January 2010

Purpose:  Controlling for injury and patient characteristics, one would expect comparable in‐hospital outcomes for injured patients with and without epilepsy. The historical stigma associated with epilepsy is well‐documented, yet potential disparities in injury care for people with epilepsy/seizures have not been examined. We compared in‐hospital outcomes of injured patients with epilepsy/seizures with patients without epilepsy/seizures and tested the hypothesis that injured people with epilepsy have worse outcomes.

Methods:  Existing data were analyzed from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample—the largest, longitudinal, all‐payer inpatient care database in the United States. Injured patients of all ages were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for patient and hospital characteristics. Main outcome measure: in‐hospital mortality.

Results:  When controlling for patient and injury characteristics, our results show that people with epilepsy/seizures were more likely to die in‐hospital than people without epilepsy [odds ratio (OR) 1.17, p < 0.001]. People with epilepsy were significantly more likely to have a traumatic brain injury diagnosis than similar individuals without epilepsy (unintentional injuries OR 2.81, p < 0.001; interpersonal violence OR 6.0, p < 0.001). By mechanism of injury, significantly increased risk of death was observed for injuries from falls (OR 1.21, p < 0.001), other transport injuries (OR 2.04, p = 0.01), struck by/against (OR 1.85, p = 0.02), and suffocation (OR 10.93, p = 0.009). People with epilepsy/seizures receiving firearm injuries were less likely to die in‐hospital (OR 0.25, p < 0.001).

Discussion:  Disparities in hospital outcomes for people with epilepsy deserve further attention. Identifying the underlying causes of these disparities will allow for the development of targeted prevention interventions.