bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special educational needs and disability
Authors: Keil Sue , Miller Olga , Cobb Rory
Published: November 2006

Issues relating to the categorisation and labelling of pupils, and, the use of the terms ‘special educational needs’ and ‘disability’ in particular, have been the topic of debate in BJSE before. In this article, Sue Keil, a research officer at the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), Olga Miller, of the Institute of Education, University of London, and Rory Cobb, a development officer at the RNIB, summarise some of the key findings from a review carried out on behalf of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). The authors highlight confusion over the use of terms that represent differing ideological perspectives. Despite the social focus that characterises much of the discourse about disability, disability is frequently regarded as an aspect of special educational needs, an area in which a medical model is often dominant. These confusions benefit neither children with disabilities nor those with less clearly‐defined difficulties. Sue Keil, Olga Miller and Rory Cobb note with interest recent developments in Scotland where a new framework based on the concept of ‘additional support needs' separates disability from educational need and is intended to represent a more inclusive approach to children's learning.
Developing social and emotional fluency: an evaluation of a therapeutic group for girls who attend a school for students with complex needs
Authors: Flitton Beverley , Buckroyd Julia , Vassiliou Maria
Published: November 2006

Beverley Flitton is a PhD student a the University of Hertfordshire, where Julia Buckroyd is Professor of Counselling, and Maria Vassiliou is employed at Durants School, Enfield, as a nursery nurse. In this article, they describe the process of setting up and running a therapeutic group for girls in a school for students with learning difficulties and complex needs in London, England. Six girls, from years 9 and 10, aged 14 to 15, participated in the group. They were offered 23 weeks of group work. The six girls, their teachers and their teaching assistants were interviewed before and after the series of sessions using a semi‐structured schedule. These interviews formed a core part of an evaluation of the impact of the therapeutic group and data were also gathered from notes taken in the group sessions. This article describes the issues presented by the girls and their development in the group. Staff reported significant changes in two of the students and noticeable changes in the remaining four. The girls reported an awareness of changes in themselves and Beverley Flitton, Julia Buckroyd and Maria Vassiliou, reflecting on the girls' emotional problems and social development, suggest that they were able to transfer skills gained in the group into other situations.
Relationships between innovation stimulus, innovation capacity, and innovation performance
Authors: Prajogo Daniel I. , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: November 2006

This paper examines the integration of the human and technological aspects of innovation management by modelling the innovation stimulus – innovation capacity relationship in determining innovation performance. The research framework developed in this study was tested amongst 194 managers of Australian firms. The survey responses indicate that both the relationships between innovation stimulus and innovation capacity and between innovation capacity and innovation performance are significant and strong. However, innovation stimulus does not show any direct effect on innovation performance, suggesting that its effect is mediated through innovation capacity. The overall practical implication that can be drawn from the findings is that to achieve high innovation performance, organizations first need to develop the behavioural and cultural context and practices for innovation (i.e. stimulus), and only within such conducive environments is it possible for organizations to develop innovative capacity in research and development and technology so as to more effectively deliver innovation outcomes and performance.
Assessment of intellectual capital management in Taiwanese IC design companies: using DEA and the Malmquist productivity index
Authors: Wu Wann‐Yih , Tsai Hsin‐Ju , Cheng Kuei‐Yang , Lai Mengkuan
Published: November 2006

While withstanding a highly competitive environment, an increasing number of firms have recognized that intangible assets rather than tangible ones are vital to achieving competitive advantages. Intellectual capital has replaced physical capital as the primary basis of value creation. Although the importance of intellectual capital in ensuring superior competitive advantages is well accepted, exactly how these two constructs are related has seldom been investigated, particularly for the high‐technology industry. Taking a sample of 39 Taiwanese IC design companies, this study adopted data envelopment analysis and the Malmquist productivity index to evaluate the impact of intellectual capital on competitive advantage. The analytical results revealed that approximately one third of the companies sampled had excellent efficiency in intellectual capital management, while the others still had considerable room to improve their intellectual capital management. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for future studies in alternative contexts.
On Compromise and Coercion*
Authors: COHEN‐ALMAGOR RAPHAEL
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  This essay addresses the concepts of compromise and coercion. When compromise takes place between two or more parties, reciprocity must be present; that is, the concessions are mutual. A relevant distinction is between principled and tactical compromise. A principled compromise refers to a mutual recognition by each side of the other's rights, which leads them to make concessions to enable them to meet on a middle ground. It is genuinely made in good faith and both sides reconcile themselves to the results. On the other hand, the notion of tactical compromise reflects a temporary arrangement reached as a result of constraints related to time. Here, in fact, agents do not give up any of their aims. They do not act in good faith and do not intend to meet their counterpart on a middle ground. Instead, they simply realize that the end could not be achieved at a given point of time, and they aim to reach it stage by stage. The essential component of compromise, namely, mutuality, is lacking. Next, the paper draws a further distinction between internalized coercion and designated coercion. Internalized coercion relates to the system of manipulation to which members of a certain sub‐culture are subjected, which prevents them from realizing that they are being coerced to follow a certain conception that denies them basic rights. Designated coercion is individualistic in nature, aimed at a certain individual who rebels against the discriminatory norm. Unlike the internalized coercion it is not concerned with machinery aiming to convince the entire cultural group of an irrefutable truth; instead it is designed to exert pressure on uncertain, “confused” individuals so as to bring them back to their community.

Ever since I assumed my present office my main purpose has been to work for the pacification of Europe, for the removal of those suspicions and those animosities which have so long poisoned the air. The path which leads to appeasement is long and bristles with obstacles. The question of Czechoslovakia is the latest and perhaps the most dangerous. Now that we have got past it, I feel that it may be possible to make further progress along the road to sanity.

(Neville Chamberlain, “Peace in Our Time”, October 3, 1938)**
Portfolio Concentration and Investment Manager Performance*
Authors: BRANDS SIMONE , BROWN STEPHEN J. , GALLAGHER DAVID R.
Published: November 2006

This study examines the relationship between investment performance and concentration in active equity portfolios. Active management is dependent on the success of two important components in the investment process – stock selection skill and portfolio management. Our study documents a positive relationship between fund performance and portfolio concentration. The relationship is stronger for stocks in which active managers hold overweight positions, as well as for stocks outside the largest 50 stocks listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). We find that more concentrated funds tend to be those implementing growth styles, having smaller aggregate assets under management, being institutions that are not affiliated with a bank or life‐office entity, whose funds experience past period outflows, and who are benchmarked to narrower indexes than the S&P/ASX 300.
Effect of Taxation on Equal Access Share Buybacks in Australia*
Authors: BROWN CHRISTINE , EFTHIM KATRINA
Published: November 2006

In Australia, equal access share buybacks can be structured so that a portion of the buyback price is designated as a fully franked dividend. The tax benefits derived from this structure imply that off‐market buybacks are sometimes offered to shareholders at a discount to the current market price. This is in contrast to the United States, which operates under a classical taxation system, and where off‐market buybacks are generally executed at a premium to the market price. The situation in Australia provides a unique opportunity to add to our understanding of taxation explanations for how and why companies buy back their shares. We find that the size of the discount of the offer price to the current share price is significantly related to the proportion of the buyback price designated a franked dividend. Analysis of the after‐tax benefits to shareholders leads us to conclude that the structure of many equal access buybacks in Australia is advantageous to superannuation funds holding the stock.
Inflammation‐responsive focal constrictors in the mouse ear microcirculation
Authors: Ravnic Dino J. , Konerding Moritz , Pratt Juan P. , Wolloscheck Tanja , Huss Harold T. , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: November 2006

In many capillary exchange beds, blood flow is locally regulated by precapillary sphincter‐like activity. In this study, we used intravascular tracers and scanning electron microscopy to investigate precapillary blood flow regulation in the mouse ear. Gelatin ink injections of the normal mouse ear demonstrated 6.8 ± 2.3 axial vessels with a cutoff of detectable tracer in the early branches: 19 ± 11 focal constrictions were observed along the 1st to 5th order branches of the axial vessels. A perfusion tracer consisting of biotinylated anti‐endothelial lectins (Ricinus Communis Agglutin, Lycopersicon Esculentum and Griffonia Simplicifolia) was circulated for 30 min under physiological conditions. Subsequent enzyme histochemistry demonstrated no significant change in distal perfusion or in the number of focal constrictions (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the focal constrictions were unresponsive to vasodilators such as organic nitrates and prostaglandin E1. By contrast, the presence of oxazolone‐induced inflammation resulted in significant and sustained vasodilatation for more than 96 h (P > 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated discrete constricting bands morphologically distinct from known precapillary sphincters. These results suggest that these previously unappreciated inflammation‐responsive precapillary constrictors regulate capillary recruitment in the mouse ear microcirculation.
Patient handling: student nurses’ views
Authors: Smallwood Jane A.
Published: November 2006

Patient handling presents considerable challenges to those employed in health care. Despite significant emphasis on training over the past decade, evidence suggests poor compliance with recommended principles. Consensus currently promotes ergonomic approaches, yet the need to address social and behavioural factors is also emerging. Experience of teaching student nurses in this field suggested that taught techniques are not always transferred into practice yet few studies have focused on their explanations. This paper reports on a study of factors that influence patient‐handling practices from the perspectives of student nurses, and discusses the implications for educational strategies in the UK. Data collection comprised of a self‐report questionnaire to a purposive sample of students, followed by discussions about its findings with the 51 respondents, to clarify understanding and gain further insights. Notes of these discussions were analysed thematically and linked with the descriptive data from the questionnaire. The results indicated that most students believed that ‘safe’ patient handling is achievable, yet approximately half did not use recommended techniques despite having the requisite knowledge. Disparity was also evident regarding the impact of clinical culture, conflict between personal and patient well‐being and transferability of classroom skills. The significance of clinical placement areas in influencing students’ patient‐handling behaviour was revealed in both stages of data collection. The study contributes to evidence indicating poor compliance with patient‐handling directives and suggests a need to address potential barriers through educational strategies.
Evaluating the Potential for Conservation Development: Biophysical, Economic, and Institutional Perspectives
Authors: PEJCHAR LIBA , MORGAN PETER M. , CALDWELL MARGARET R. , PALMER CARL , DAILY GRETCHEN C.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The widespread conversion of rural land to low‐density residential development poses an immediate threat to biodiversity and to the provision of ecosystem services. Given that development will continue and environmental stakes are high, analyzing alternative growth strategies is critical. Conservation development is one such strategy that has the potential to benefit ecosystems and diverse stakeholders including developers, homebuyers, governments, and society as a whole. Conservation development clusters homes on one part of a property to manage the most ecologically important land for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. We draw on lessons learned from landscape ecology, open‐space development, and regional planning to weigh the biophysical, economic, and institutional evidence for and against conservation development. Conservation development offers many potential environmental and economic advantages: relatively high home values and appreciation rates, lower development costs, and social and ecological benefits to society including landscape connectivity, protection and active stewardship of important ecological assets, and the maintenance of ecosystem services. But this approach also has shortcomings: it may require enlightened institutional regulations and regional planning (and/or ecologically aware developers), it is not always more profitable than conventional development and thus may require subsidies or incentives, and additional research is required to fully understand its benefits and drawbacks. With more information on the effects of clustering, the development of flexible zoning laws, and effective regional planning, conservation development could be a viable strategy for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in changing landscapes.
Activation of the Mitf promoter by lipid‐stimulated activation of p38‐stress signalling to CREB
Authors: Saha Bidisha , Singh Suman Kumar , Sarkar Chinmoy , Bera Rabindranath , Ratha Jagnyeswar , Tobin Desmond J. , Bhadra Ranjan
Published: November 2006

The microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor Mitf plays a critical role in regulating many aspects of melanocyte biology. It is required for melanoblast and postnatal melanocyte survival, regulates proliferation, and activates genes associated with differentiation such as tyrosinase and related genes involved in melanogenesis. Identifying the signals that regulate Mitf expression is crucial if we are to understand how cells of the melanocyte lineage respond to environmental cues. Here we show that the Mitf promoter is induced by lipid signalling via the p38 stress‐activated kinase pathway that is also activated by a wide range of receptors as well as UV irradiation. Signalling via p38 leads to increased phosphorylation and activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element‐binding (CREB) that binds and activates the Mitf promoter via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element. Moreover, we also show that activation of p38 mediated by lipids is potentiated by inhibition of the PI3kinase pathway but not by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA). The results identify a mechanism in which stress signalling via p38 leads to activation of CREB, enhanced Mitf expression and consequently increased tyrosinase expression. The results are relevant for the regulation of melanocytes by Mitf, but also raise the possibility that lipid mediated activation of p38 signalling may represent a potential therapy for vitiligo.
Vasopressin 1a receptor knockout mice have a subtle olfactory deficit but normal aggression
Authors: Wersinger S. R. , Caldwell H. K. , Martinez L. , Gold P. , Hu S.‐B. , Young W. S.
Published: November 2006

Two receptors for vasopressin (Avp) are expressed in the brain, the Avp 1a receptor (Avpr1a) and the Avp 1b receptor (Avpr1b). To investigate the role of Avpr1a in behaviors in mice more extensively, we generated a line of mice lacking a functional Avpr1a (knockout, Avpr1a−/−). We first performed a baseline phenotypic screen of the Avpr1a knockouts followed by a more detailed analysis of their circadian rhythms and olfactory function. When free‐running in constant darkness, the Avpr1a−/− mice have a longer circadian tau than the wild types. There are also subtle olfactory deficits in Avpr1a−/− mice as measured in an olfactory habituation/dishabituation test and in the discrimination of female urine from male urine using an operant testing paradigm. An extensive body of research has shown that manipulation of the Avpr1a alters behavior, including aggression and social recognition. Therefore, we expected profound behavioral deficits in mice lacking the Avpr1a gene. Contrary to our expectations, social aggression, anxiety‐like behavior and social recognition are unaffected in this line of Avpr1a knockout mice. These data suggest either that the Avpr1a is not as critical as we thought for social behavior in mice or, more likely, that the neural circuitry underlying aggression and other social behaviors compensates for the life‐long loss of the Avpr1a. However, the olfactory deficits observed in the Avpr1a−/− mice suggest that Avp and Avpr1a drugs may affect behavior, in part, by modulation of chemosensory systems.
Oxidation inhibits amyloid fibril formation of transthyretin
Authors: Maleknia Simin D. , Reixach Natàlia , Buxbaum Joel N.
Published: November 2006

The role of amino acid side chain oxidation in the formation of amyloid assemblies has been investigated. Chemical oxidation of amino acid side chains has been used as a facile method of introducing mutations on protein structures. Oxidation promotes changes within tertiary contacts that enable identification of residues and interactions critical in stabilizing protein structures. Transthyretin (TTR) is a soluble human plasma protein. The wild‐type (WT) and several of its variants are prone to fibril formation, which leads to amyloidosis associated with many clinical syndromes. The effects of amino acid side chain oxidations were investigated by comparing the kinetics of fibril formation of oxidized and unoxidized proteins. The WT and V30M TTR mutant (valine 30 substituted with methionine) were allowed to react over a time range of 10 min to 12 h with hydroxy radical and other reactive oxygen species. In these timescales, up to five oxygen atoms were incorporated into WT and V30M TTR proteins. Oxidized proteins retained their tetrameric structures, as determined by cross‐linking experiments. Side chain modification of methionine residues at position 13 and 30 (the latter for V30M TTR only) were dominant oxidative products. Mono‐oxidized and dioxidized methionine residues were identified by radical probe mass spectometry employing a footprinting type approach. Oxidation inhibited the initial rates and extent of fibril formation for both the WT and V30M TTR proteins. In the case of WT TTR, oxidation inhibited fibril growth by ≈ 76%, and for the V30M TTR by nearly 90%. These inhibiting effects of oxidation on fibril growth suggest that domains neighboring the methionine residues are critical in stabilizing the tetrameric and folded monomer structures.
Willingness to Pay for Reduced Risk of Foodborne Illness: A Nonhypothetical Field Experiment
Authors: Nayga Rodolfo M. , Woodward Richard , Aiew Wipon
Published: November 2006

This paper focuses on estimating willingness to pay for reducing risk of getting foodborne illness using a nonhypothetical field experiment utilizing real food products (i.e., ground beef ), real cash, and actual exchange in a market setting. Respondents were given information about the nature of food irradiation. Single‐bounded and one and one‐half bounded models are developed using dichotomous choice experiments. Our results indicate that individuals are willing to pay for a reduction in the risk of foodborne illness once informed about the nature of food irradiation. Our respondents are willing to pay a premium of about $0.77 for a pound of irradiated ground beef, which is higher than the cost to irradiate the product.

Le présent article porte sur l'estimation de la volonté de payer des consommateurs pour diminuer le risque de contracter une maladie d'origine alimentaire. L'étude a été réalisée en effectuant une expérience sur le terrain à l'aide de vrais produits alimentaires (à savoir du bœuf haché), d'argent réel et d'échange réel en situation de marché. Les répondants avaient reçu de l'information sur l'irradiation des aliments. Nous avons mis au point des modèles à une limite et à une limite et demie utilisant la méthode des choix dichotomiques. Nos résultats ont montré que les consommateurs étaient prêts à payer pour diminuer le risque de contracter une maladie d'origine alimentaire, une fois informés sur l'irradiation des aliments. Nos répondants étaient prêts à payer une prime d'environ 0,77$ la livre pour obtenir du bœuf haché irradié, soit une somme supplémentaire supérieure au coût de l'irradiation du produit.
Meat Demand under Rational Habit Persistence
Authors: Zhen Chen , Wohlgenant Michael K.
Published: November 2006

The objective of this paper is to explore the theoretical implications of a meat demand model with rational habit formation. The impact of food safety information on meat consumption is systematically analyzed. Important differences between myopic habits and rational habits are underscored. Both the adjustment path to the new equilibrium and new level of consumption are affected by consumers' perceptions of changes in meat quality. The analysis has implications for empirical demand estimation by incorporating consumers' expectations and use of event dummy variables rather than index measures of food safety.

Le présent article vise à explorer les implications théoriques d'un modèle de demande de viande avec formation d'habitudes rationnelles. Les répercussions de l'information concernant la sécurité alimentaire sur la consommation de viande ont été systématiquement analysées. Les différences importantes entre les habitudes rationnelles et les habitudes myopes ont été soulignées. Le chemin de rajustement du nouvel équilibre et du nouveau degré de consommation est affecté par la façon dont les consommateurs perçoivent les changements dans la qualité de la viande. L'analyse a des implications pour l'estimation empirique de la demande en raison de l'intégration des attentes des consommateurs et de l'utilisation de variables fictives plutôt que de mesures indicielles de la sécurité alimentaire.
Marketing Biotech Soybeans with Functional Health Attributes
Authors: Chema S. Kambua , Marks Leonie A. , Parcell Joseph L. , Bredahl Maury
Published: November 2006

This study investigates possible marketing strategies for biotechnology (biotech) functional foods in the U.S. market. Means‐end chain theory is used to translate consumer product knowledge into self‐knowledge, where knowledge is presumed to be organized in a hierarchy with concrete thoughts linked to more abstract thoughts in a sequence progressing from means to ends. A sample of 60 households was randomly drawn from the population of a Midwest town. The random sample was drawn from a population of females aged 20 to 50 with children and who regularly purchase yogurt products. Eight products with various attributes and production technologies were ranked by the participants prior to a hard laddering interview. The study found that biotech functional foods were generally acceptable to the participants. Functional attributes, such as higher protein, increased calcium, and lower cholesterol, were valued by the consumers. Soy was considered inferior on the basis of taste for some segments of consumers unfamiliar with soymilk. On the other hand, consumers already purchasing soymilk were more willing to purchase functional soy attributes and have more complex purchasing decisions (cognitive maps). These consumers associate soy with attaining values of “better health,”“taking care of family,”“happiness,” and “more choice.”

La présente étude a examiné les stratégies de marketing possibles pour les aliments fonctionnels issus de la biotechnologie sur le marchéétatsunien. La méthode de la chaîne moyens‐fins a été utilisée pour traduire la connaissance du consommateur sur le produit en connaissance de soi, où la connaissance est présumée être structurée en hiérarchie d'idées concrètes liées à des idées plus abstraites dans un ordre progressant des moyens vers les fins. Nous avons formé un échantillon aléatoire de soixante ménages d'une ville du Midwest. L'échantillon aléatoire a été sélectionné parmi une population de femmes âgées de 20 à 50 ans qui avaient des enfants et qui achetaient régulièrement du yogourt. Huit produits renfermant des attributs variés et issus de technologies de production variées ont d'abord été classés par les participants avant de procéder aux entrevues effectuées selon la technique du laddering. Les résultats ont montré que les aliments fonctionnels issus de la biotechnologie convenaient généralement aux participants. Les attributs des aliments fonctionnels tels que plus élevé en protéines, les plus élevé en calcium et faible en cholestérol étaient valorisés par les consommateurs. Le soja est arrivé en dernier pour le goût chez certains consommateurs qui connaissaient mal le lait de soja. Par contre, consommateurs qui achetaient déjà du lait de soja étaient plus enclins à acheter les attributs fonctionnels du soja et avaient des décisions d'achats plus complexes (cartes cognitives). Ces consommateurs associaient le soja à des valeurs telles que ≪ meilleure santé≫, ≪ s'occuper de la famille ≫, ≪ bonheur ≫ et ≪ choix élargi ≫.
Kinetics of Potato Color and Texture Development during Baking, Frying, and Microwaving with the Addition of Liquid Smoke
Authors: Yost M. , Abu‐Ali J. M. , Barringer S. A.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  The rate of color and texture development in par‐fried French fries coated with liquid smoke and thermally processed was determined. Liquid smoke containing 8% to 11% carbonyls was diluted to 30% and applied to 1 side of French fries at 0%, 1%, 3%, or 5% by weight. The fries were immersion fried at 190.6 °C for 4 min, microwaved (900 watts) for 4 min, or baked at 190.6 °C for 20 min. Color and texture measurements were recorded at intervals during processing. Liquid smoke increased the rate of browning in French fries. Browning followed pseudo zero‐order kinetics, with the a value, Browning index, and total change in color (ΔE) showing the best fit. When liquid smoke was added in high concentrations the reaction rate did not increase as more liquid smoke was added because the carbonyls were no longer limiting the rate of Maillard browning. The rate of color development in French fries was also affected by the thermal processing method. Frying developed color at the fastest rate, followed by microwaving and baking. Although liquid smoke increased the rate of color development in French fries, it did not affect French fry texture. Through sensory testing, it was determined that liquid smoke can be used to improve the color of microwaveable French fries without affecting French fry flavor or texture.
Increasing renal mass improves survival in anephric rats following metanephros transplantation
Authors: Marshall Damian , Dilworth Mark R. , Clancy Marc , Bravery Christopher A. , Ashton Nick
Published: November 2006

Renal failure and end‐stage renal disease are prevalent diseases associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality, the preferred treatment for which is kidney transplantation. However, the gulf between supply and demand for kidneys remains high and is growing every year. A potential alternative to the transplantation of mature adult kidneys is the transplantation of the developing renal primordium, the metanephros. It has been shown previously, in rodent models, that transplantation of a metanephros can provide renal function capable of prolonging survival in anephric animals. The aim of the present study was to determine whether increasing the mass of transplanted tissue can prolong survival further. Embryonic day 15 rat metanephroi were transplanted into the peritoneum of anaesthetized adult rat recipients. Twenty‐one days later, the transplanted metanephroi were anastomosed to the recipient's urinary system, and 35 days following anastomosis the animal's native renal mass was removed. Survival times and composition of the excreted fluid were determined. Rats with single metanephros transplants survived 29 h longer than anephric controls (P < 0.001); animals with two metanephroi survived 44 h longer (P < 0.001). A dilute urine was formed, with low concentrations of sodium, potassium and urea; potassium and urea concentrations were elevated in terminal serum samples, but sodium concentration and osmolality were comparable to control values. These data show that survival time is proportional to the mass of functional renal tissue. While transplanted metanephroi cannot currently provide life‐sustaining renal function, this approach may have therapeutic benefit in the future.
Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services
Authors: Worm Boris , Barbier Edward B. , Beaumont Nicola , Duffy J. Emmett , Folke Carl , Halpern Benjamin S. , Jackson Jeremy B. C. , Lotze Heike K. , Micheli Fiorenza , Palumbi Stephen R. , Sala Enric , Selkoe Kimberley A. , Stachowicz John J. , Watson Reg
Published: November 2006

Human-dominated marine ecosystems are experiencing accelerating loss of populations and species, with largely unknown consequences. We analyzed local experiments, long-term regional time series, and global fisheries data to test how biodiversity loss affects marine ecosystem services across temporal and spatial scales. Overall, rates of resource collapse increased and recovery potential, stability, and water quality decreased exponentially with declining diversity. Restoration of biodiversity, in contrast, increased productivity fourfold and decreased variability by 21%, on average. We conclude that marine biodiversity loss is increasingly impairing the ocean's capacity to provide food, maintain water quality, and recover from perturbations. Yet available data suggest that at this point, these trends are still reversible.
A Century of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Goedert Michel , Spillantini Maria Grazia
Published: November 2006

One hundred years ago a small group of psychiatrists described the abnormal protein deposits in the brain that define the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past 25 years, it has become clear that the proteins forming the deposits are central to the disease process. Amyloid-β and tau make up the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's disease, where these normally soluble proteins assemble into amyloid-like filaments. Tau inclusions are also found in a number of related disorders. Genetic studies have shown that dysfunction of amyloid-β or tau is sufficient to cause dementia. The ongoing molecular dissection of the neurodegenerative pathways is expected to lead to a true understanding of disease pathogenesis.
A Field Trip Through Diversity
Authors: Alexander Sara
Published: November 2006

Demons in Eden The Paradox of Plant
.
By: Jonathan Silvertown
. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2005. 187 pp. $25, £16. ISBN 0-226-75771-4.

The author offers lay readers a short, seemingly up-to-date account of plant diversity patterns and the evolutionary and ecological processes responsible for them.
12C(p,p′) scattering measurement at forward angles
Authors: Tamii A. , Adachi T. , Fujita K. , Hatanaka K. , Hashimoto H. , Itoh M. , Matsubara H. , Nakanishi K. , Sakemi Y. , Shimbara Y. , Shimizu Y. , Tameshige Y. , Yosoi M. , Fujita Y. , Sakaguchi H. , Zenihiro J. , Kawabata T. , Sasamoto Y. , Dozono M. , Carter J. , Fujita H. , Rubio B. , Perez A.
Published: November 2006

Experimental method of measuring inelastic proton scattering with high-resolution at forward angles including zero degrees has been developed. An energy resolution of 20 keV and a scattering angle resolution of 0.5 degrees have been achieved as well as low background condition and a reliable background subtraction method. The experimental technique was applied to the 12 C (p,p′) reaction for studying the property of the second 0+ state at 7.7 MeV and a broad bump around Ex~10 MeV , where the presence of a 2+ state was reported from the 12 C (α,α′) measurement. Preliminary spectra and angular distributions are shown.
Insulin-induced activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 requires generation of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidase
Authors: Biswas Sudipta , Gupta Manveen Kaur , Chattopadhyay Debasis , Mukhopadhyay Chinmay K.
Published: November 2006

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 activation in response to hypoxia requires mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, the requirement of ROS for HIF-1 activation by growth factors like insulin remains unexplored. To explore that, insulin-sensitive hepatic cell HepG2 or cardiac muscle cell H9c2 cells were pretreated with NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) or apocynin and HIF-1 activation was tested by electrophoretic mobility shift and reporter gene assay. Antioxidants DPI or apocynin completely blocked insulin-stimulated HIF-1 activation. The restoration of HIF-1 activation by H2O2 in DPI-pretreated cells not only confirmed the role of ROS but also identified H2O2 as the responsible ROS. The role of NADPH oxidase was further confirmed by greater stimulation of HIF-1 during simultaneous treatment of suboptimal concentration of insulin along with NADPH but not by NADH. The role of oxidant generated by insulin is found to inhibit the protein tyrosine phosphatase as suggested by the following observations. First, tyrosine phosphatase-specific inhibitor sodium vanadate compensates DPI-inhibited HIF-1 activity. Second, sodium vanadate stimulates HIF-1 activation with suboptimal concentration of insulin. Third, DPI and pyrrolidene dithiocarbamate (PDTC) blocks insulin-receptor tyrosine kinase activation. The activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase as evidenced by Akt phosphorylation, involved in HIF-1 activation, is also dependent on ROS generation by insulin. Finally, DPI pretreatment blocked insulin-stimulated expression of genes like VEGF, GLUT1, and ceruloplasmin. Overall, our data provide strong evidence for the essential role of NADPH oxidase-generated ROS in insulin-stimulated activation of HIF-1.
Cardiac-specific overexpression of insulin-like growth factor 1 attenuates aging-associated cardiac diastolic contractile dysfunction and protein damage
Authors: Li Qun , Wu Shan , Li Shi-Yan , Lopez Faye L. , Du Min , Kajstura Jan , Anversa Piero , Ren Jun
Published: November 2006

Aging is associated with hepatic growth hormone resistance resulting in a fall in serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level. However, whether loss of IGF-1 contributes to cardiac aging is unclear. This study was designed to examine the effect of cardiac overexpression of IGF-1 on cardiomyocyte contractile function in young (3 mo) and old (26–28 mo) mice. Cardiomyocyte contractile function was evaluated, including peak shortening (PS), time to 90% PS, time to 90% relengthening (TR90), and maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (±d L/d t). Levels of advanced glycation end product, protein carbonyl, sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a), phospholamban, and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger were assessed by Western blot analysis. SERCA activity was measured by 45Ca2+ uptake. Aging induced a decline in plasma IGF-1 levels. Aged cells exhibited depressed ±d L/d t, prolonged TR90, and a steeper PS decline in response to increasing stimulus frequency compared with those in young myocytes. IGF-1 transgene alleviated aging-induced loss in plasma IGF-1 and aging-induced mechanical defects with little effect in young mice. The beneficial effect of IGF-1 transgene on aging-associated cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction was somewhat mimicked by short-term in vitro treatment of recombinant IGF-1 (500 nM). Advanced glycation end product and protein carbonyl levels were higher in aged mice, which were not affected by IGF-1. Expression of SERCA2a (but not Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and phospholamban) and SERCA activity were reduced with aging, which was ablated by the IGF-1 transgene. Collectively, our data suggest a beneficial role of IGF-1 in aging-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction, possibly related to improved Ca2+ uptake.
Altered cholesterol homeostasis in cultured and in vivo models of cystic fibrosis
Authors: White Nicole M. , Jiang Dechen , Burgess James D. , Bederman Ilya R. , Previs Stephen F. , Kelley Thomas J.
Published: November 2006

Determining how the regulation of cellular processes is impacted in cystic fibrosis (CF) is fundamental to understanding disease pathology and to identifying new therapeutic targets. In this study, unesterified cholesterol accumulation is observed in lung and trachea sections obtained from CF patients compared with non-CF tissues, suggesting an inherent flaw in cholesterol processing. An alternate staining method utilizing a fluorescent cholesterol probe also indicates improper lysosomal storage of cholesterol in CF cells. Excess cholesterol is also manifested by a significant increase in plasma membrane cholesterol content in both cultured CF cells and in nasal tissue excised from cftr−/−mice. Impaired intracellular cholesterol movement is predicted to stimulate cholesterol synthesis, a hypothesis supported by the observation of increased de novo cholesterol synthesis in lung and liver of cftr−/−mice compared with controls. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of cholesterol transport is sufficient to cause CF-like elevation in cytokine production in wild-type cells in response to bacterial challenge but has no effect in CF cells. These data demonstrate via multiple methods in both cultured and in vivo models that cellular cholesterol homeostasis is inherently altered in CF. This perturbation of cholesterol homeostasis represents a potentially important process in CF pathogenesis.
Cell-cell adhesion in lung endothelium
Authors: Shasby D. Michael
Published: November 2006

Homotypic cell-cell adhesion is essential for tissue and organ development, remodeling, regeneration, and physiological function. Whereas a significant number of homotypic cell-cell adhesion molecules have been identified, much more is known about those concentrated in epithelia than in endothelia. Among the endothelial cell-cell adhesion molecules, very little is known that is specific to endothelium in the pulmonary and bronchial circulations. This review focuses primarily on homotypic cell-cell adhesion molecules that are or are likely to be important in lung endothelium.
Novel axonal projection from the caudal end of the ventrolateral medulla to the intermediolateral cell column
Authors: Iigaya Kamon , Kumagai Hiroo , Onimaru Hiroshi , Kawai Akira , Oshima Naoki , Onami Toshiko , Takimoto Chie , Kamayachi Tadashi , Hayashi Koichi , Saruta Takao , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: November 2006

We used an optical imaging technique to investigate whether axons of neurons in the caudal end of the ventrolateral medulla (CeVLM), as well as axons of neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), project to neurons in the intermediolateral cell column (IML) of the spinal cord. Brain stem-spinal cord preparations from neonatal normotensive Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats were stained with a voltage-sensitive dye, and responses to electrical stimulation of the IML at the Th2level were detected as changes in fluorescence intensity with an optical imaging apparatus (MiCAM-01). The results were as follows: 1) depolarizing responses to IML stimulation during low-Ca high-Mg superfusion were detected on the ventral surface of the medulla at the level of the CeVLM, as well as at the level of the RVLM, 2) depolarizing responses were also detected on cross sections at the level of the CeVLM, and they had a latency of 24.0 ± 5.5 (SD) ms, 3) antidromic action potentials in response to IML stimulation were demonstrated in the CeVLM neurons where optical images were detected, and 4) glutamate application to the CeVLM increased the frequency of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and induced depolarization of the IML neurons. The optical imaging findings suggested a novel axonal and functional projection from neurons in the CeVLM to the IML. The increase in EPSPs of the IML neurons in response to glutamate application suggests that the CeVLM participates in the regulation of sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure and may correspond to the caudal pressor area.
Behavioral and neurochemical sources of variability of circadian period and phase: studies of circadian rhythms of npy−/− mice
Authors: Harrington Mary , Molyneux Penny , Soscia Stephanie , Prabakar Cheruba , McKinley-Brewer Judy , Lall Gurprit
Published: November 2006

The cycle length or period of the free-running rhythm is a key characteristic of circadian rhythms. In this study we verify prior reports that locomotor activity patterns and running wheel access can alter the circadian period, and we report that these treatments also increase variability of the circadian period between animals. We demonstrate that the loss of a neurochemical, neuropeptide Y (NPY), abolishes these influences and reduces the interindividual variability in clock period. These behavioral and environmental influences, from daily distribution of peak locomotor activity and from access to a running wheel, both act to push the mean circadian period to a value < 24 h. Magnitude of light-induced resetting is altered as well. When photoperiod was abruptly changed from a 18:6-h light-dark cycle (LD18:6) to LD6:18, mice deficient in NPY were slower to respond to the change in photoperiod by redistribution of their activity within the prolonged dark and eventually adopted a delayed phase angle of entrainment compared with controls. These results support the hypothesis that nonphotic influences on circadian period serve a useful function when animals must respond to abruptly changing photoperiods and point to the NPYergic pathway from the intergeniculate leaflet innervating the suprachiasmatic nucleus as a circuit mediating these effects.
Genetic Variants ofUGT1A6Influence Risk of Colorectal Adenoma Recurrence
Authors: Hubner Richard A. , Muir Kenneth R. , Liu Jo-Fen , Logan Richard F.A. , Grainge Matthew , Armitage Nicholas , Shepherd Vic , Popat Sanjay , Houlston Richard S. ,   the United Kingdom Colorectal Adenoma Prevention Consortium
Published: November 2006

Purpose: The UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1A6 (UGT1A6) and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzymes participate in the metabolism of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, endogenous substances, and carcinogens. Functional polymorphisms of UGT1A6 (T181A and R184S) and CYP2C9 (R144C and I359L) have been reported to modify the protective effect of aspirin on colorectal adenoma risk. We aimed to further investigate the effect of these genetic variants on the development of colorectal neoplasia.

Experimental Design: We examined the relationship between UGT1A6 and CYP2C9 genotype and colorectal adenoma recurrence in 546 patients participating in a randomized placebo-controlled aspirin intervention trial.

Results: Although colorectal adenoma recurrence was not significantly influenced by CYP2C9 genotype, carriers of variant UGT1A6 alleles were at significantly reduced risk of colorectal neoplasia recurrence [relative risk (RR), 0.68; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.52-0.89]. This risk reduction was also evident when the analysis was confined to advanced neoplasia recurrence (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.47-1.09). When patients were stratified by genotype and aspirin intervention, those with variant UGT1A6 alleles were at reduced recurrence risk irrespective of whether they received aspirin or placebo (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42-0.92 and RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.44-0.91, respectively).

Conclusions: These findings confirm that UGT1A6 variants influence colorectal carcinogenesis independent of aspirin intake and suggest that they may have clinical value in secondary prevention programs for patients diagnosed with colorectal adenoma.
Activation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Is Necessary for Lysophosphatidic Acid–Induced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression
Authors: Lee Jangsoon , Park Soon Young , Lee Eun Kyung , Park Chang Gyo , Chung Hyun Cheol , Rha Sun Young , Kim Yong Kee , Bae Gyu-Un , Kim Bum Kyeong , Han Jeung-Whan , Lee Hoi Young
Published: November 2006

Purpose: Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) plays an important role in mediating cell proliferation, survival, and tumor invasion and angiogenesis. This bioactive phospholipid at the concentration in ascitic fluid stimulates the growth of malignant ovarian tumors by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In the present study, we investigated whether LPA activates hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a key transcriptional complex in tumor progression and metastasis, thereby increasing the expression of VEGF.

Experimental Design: Immunoblotting, reverse transcription-PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to examine the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α in various cancer cells. Specific HIF-1α small interfering RNA was transfected to various cancer cells to determine the role of HIF-1α in LPA-induced VEGF expression.

Results: LPA induced expressions of VEGF and HIF-1α in OVCAR-3, CAOV-3, PC-3, and SK-Hep1 cells but not in SKOV-3 and Hep-3B cells. In OVCAR-3 and PC-3 cells, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin/p70S6K and p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways were required for LPA-induced HIF-1α and VEGF expressions, whereas only the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin/p70S6K pathway was important in SK-Hep1 cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy assay showed translocation of HIF-1α to nucleus by LPA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed the binding of HIF-1α to the promoter of VEGF by LPA. Importantly, we found that small interfering RNA–induced reduction of HIF-1α expression significantly attenuated VEGF expression by LPA.

Conclusions: Our results show for the first time that LPA induces VEGF via HIF-1α activation and reveal a critical role of HIF-1α in LPA-induced cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis.