bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA editing of hepatitis B virus transcripts by activation-induced cytidine deaminase
Authors: Liang Guoxin , Kitamura Kouichi , Wang Zhe , Liu Guangyan , Chowdhury Sajeda , Fu Weixin , Koura Miki , Wakae Kousho , Honjo Tasuku , Muramatsu Masamichi
Published: January 2013

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is essential for the somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class-switch recombination (CSR) of Ig genes. The mechanism by which AID triggers SHM and CSR has been explained by two distinct models. In the DNA deamination model, AID converts cytidine bases in DNA into uridine. The uridine is recognized by the DNA repair system, which produces DNA strand breakages and point mutations. In the alternative model, RNA edited by AID is responsible for triggering CSR and SHM. However, RNA deamination by AID has not been demonstrated. Here we found that C-to-T and G-to-A mutations accumulated in hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid DNA when AID was expressed in HBV-replicating hepatic cell lines. AID expression caused C-to-T mutations in the nucleocapsid DNA of RNase H-defective HBV, which does not produce plus-strand viral DNA. Furthermore, the RT-PCR products of nucleocapsid viral RNA from AID-expressing cells exhibited significant C-to-T mutations, whereas viral RNAs outside the nucleocapsid did not accumulate C-to-U mutations. Moreover, AID was packaged within the nucleocapsid by forming a ribonucleoprotein complex with HBV RNA and the HBV polymerase protein. The encapsidation of the AID protein with viral RNA and DNA provides an efficient environment for evaluating AID’s RNA and DNA deamination activities. A bona fide RNA-editing enzyme, apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide 1, induced a similar level of C-to-U mutations in nucleocapsid RNA as AID. Taken together, the results indicate that AID can deaminate the nucleocapsid RNA of HBV.
Lessons learned and concepts formed from study of the pathogenesis of the two negative-strand viruses lymphocytic choriomeningitis and influenza
Authors: Oldstone Michael B. A.
Published: January 2013

Viruses have unique lifestyles. To describe the pathogenesis and significance of viral infection in terms of host responses, resultant injury, and therapy, we focused on two RNA viruses: lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) and influenza (Flu). Many of the currently established concepts and consequences about viruses and immunologic tolerance, virus-induced immunosuppression, virus-induced autoimmunity, immune complex disease, and virus–lymphocyte and virus–dendritic cell interactions evolved through studies of LCMV in its natural murine host. Similarly, the mechanisms, aftermath, and treatment of persistent RNA viruses emerged, in large part, from research on LCMV. Analysis of acute influenza virus infections uncovered the prominent direct role that cytokine storm plays in the pathogenesis, morbidity, and mortality from this disease. Cytokine storm of influenza virus infection is initiated via a pulmonary endothelial cell amplification loop involving IFN-producing cells and virus-infected pulmonary epithelial cells. Importantly, the cytokine storm is chemically treatable with specific agonist therapy directed to the sphingosphine 1 phosphate receptor 1, which is located on pulmonary endothelial cells, pointing to the endothelial cells as the gatekeepers of this hyperaggressive host immune response.
Survival of Apache Trout Eggs and Alevins under Static and Fluctuating Temperature Regimes
Authors: Recsetar Matthew S. , Bonar Scott A.
Published: January 2013

Increased stream temperatures due to global climate change, livestock grazing, removal of riparian cover, reduction of stream flow, and urbanization will have important implications for fishes worldwide. Information exists that describes the effects of elevated water temperatures on fish eggs, but less information is available on the effects of fluctuating water temperatures on egg survival, especially those of threatened and endangered species. We tested the posthatch survival of eyed eggs and alevins of Apache Trout Oncorhynchus gilae apache, a threatened salmonid, in static temperatures of 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27°C, and also in treatments with diel fluctuations of ±3°C around those temperatures. The LT50 for posthatch survival of Apache Trout eyed eggs and alevins was 17.1°C for static temperatures treatments and 17.9°C for the midpoints of ±3°C fluctuating temperature treatments. There was no significant difference in survival between static temperatures and fluctuating temperatures that shared the same mean temperature, yet there was a slight difference in LT50s. Upper thermal tolerance of Apache Trout eyed eggs and alevins is much lower than that of fry to adult life stages (22–23°C). Information on thermal tolerance of early life stages (eyed egg and alevin) will be valuable to those restoring streams or investigating thermal tolerances of imperiled fishes.
Pumping Performance of a Slow-Rotating Paddlewheel for Split-Pond Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Brown Travis W , Tucker Craig S
Published: January 2013

Commercial catfish farmers are intensifying production by retrofitting ponds with variations of the partitioned aquaculture system. The split-pond system is the most common variation used commercially. The split-pond consists of a small fish-holding basin connected to a waste treatment lagoon by two conduits. Water is circulated between the two basins to remove fish waste and provide oxygenated water to the fish-holding basin. Although much research has been devoted to algal and fish production dynamics in variations of the partitioned aquaculture system, little information is available on basic engineering considerations for devices to circulate water in these systems. This study evaluated performance characteristics for a slow-rotating paddlewheel pump that looked at the relationships among power input, rotational speed (circular tip velocity), water velocity, and water flow rate. Rotational speeds of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 rpm were evaluated in open channels and in channels with fish barriers. Measured power input was greater than the calculated power input for all four rotational speeds and ranged from 0.11 to 1.80 hp. Water flow rate ranged from 4,548–19,330 gal/min and water discharge per unit power input decreased dramatically as rotational speed increased. Installation of fish barriers decreased channel open area and the resulting frictional losses reduced water flow rates. Results from this study provide initial pump performance data for designing split-pond aquaculture systems.
Potential for Transmission of Spores by Patients Awaiting Laboratory Testing to Confirm Suspected Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Sunkesula Venkata C. K. , Kundrapu Sirisha , Jury Lucy A. , Deshpande Abhishek , Sethi Ajay K. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: January 2013

In a prospective study of inpatients tested for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), skin and environmental contamination were common at the time of the order for CDI testing, and there were often delays in completion of testing. Preemptive isolation of patients with suspected CDI may reduce the risk of transmission.
Trends in Resistance to Carbapenems and Third-Generation Cephalosporins among Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae in the United States, 1999–2010
Authors: Braykov Nikolay P. , Eber Michael R. , Klein Eili Y. , Morgan Daniel J. , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: January 2013

Objective.

Multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae pose a serious infection control challenge and have emerged as a public health threat. We examined national trends in the proportion of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates resistant to carbapenems (CRKP) and third-generation cephalosporins (G3CRKP).

Design and Setting.

Retrospective analysis of approximately 500,000 K. pneumoniae isolates cultured between January 1999 and July 2010 at 287 clinical laboratories throughout the United States.

Methods.

Isolates were defined as CRKP if they were nonsusceptible to 1 or more carbapenems and were defined as G3CRKP if they were nonsusceptible to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, or related antibiotics. A multivariable analysis examined trends in the proportion of resistant isolates, adjusting for age, sex, isolate source, patient location, and geographic region.

Results.

The crude proportion of CRKP increased from less than 0.1% to 4.5% between 2002 and 2010; the frequency of G3CRKP increased from 5.3% to 11.5% between 1999 and 2010. G3CRKP and CRKP were more common among elderly patients (those greater than 65 years of age); the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) relative to pediatric patients (those less than 18 years of age) was 1.2 for G3CRKP (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–1.3) and 3.3 for CRKP (95% CI, 2.6–4.2). G3CRKP and CRKP were also more common among patients from the northeastern United States (aOR, 2.9 [95% CI, 2.8–3.0] and 9.0 [95% CI, 7.9–10.4]) than among those from the western United States. The prevalence of outpatient CRKP isolates increased after 2006, reaching 1.9% of isolates in our sample in 2010 (95% CI, 1.6%–2.1%).

Conclusions.

The frequency of G3CRKP and CRKP is increasing in all regions of the United States, and resistance is emerging among isolates recovered in the outpatient setting. This underscores the need for enhanced laboratory capacity and coordinated surveillance strategies to contain the further spread of these emerging pathogens.
On approximately convex Takagi type functions
Authors: Makó Judit , Páles Zsolt
Published: January 2013

Given a nonnegative functionϕ:[0,12]→R+\phi :[0,\frac 12]\to \mathbb {R}_+, we define the Takagi type functionSϕ:R→RS_\phi :\mathbb {R}\to \mathbb {R}by<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper S Subscript phi Baseline left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis colon equals sigma-summation Underscript n equals 0 Overscript normal infinity Endscripts 2 phi left-parenthesis StartFraction 1 Over 2 Superscript n plus 1 Baseline EndFraction right-parenthesis d Subscript upper Z Baseline left-parenthesis 2 Superscript n Baseline x right-parenthesis comma">Sϕ(x):=∑n=0∞2ϕ(12n+1)dZ(2nx),\begin{equation*} S_\phi (x):=\sum _{n=0}^{\infty }2\phi \big (\tfrac {1}{2^{n+1}}\big )d_Z(2^nx), \end{equation*}where<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="d Subscript double-struck upper Z Baseline left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis colon equals d i s t left-parenthesis x comma double-struck upper Z right-parenthesis colon equals inf left-brace right-brace colon vertical-bar vertical-bar minus minus xk colon element-of element-of kZ period">dZ(x):=dist⁡(x,Z):=inf{|x−k|:k∈Z}.d_{\mathbb {Z}}(x):=\operatorname {dist}(x,\mathbb Z) :=\inf \{|x-k|: k\in \mathbb Z\}.The main result of the paper states that ifϕ(0)=0\phi (0)=0and the mappingx↦ϕ(x)/xx\mapsto \phi (x)/xis concave, then the Takagi type functionSϕS_\phiis approximately Jensen convex in the following sense:<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper S Subscript phi Baseline left-parenthesis StartFraction x plus y Over 2 EndFraction right-parenthesis less-than-or-equal-to StartFraction upper S Subscript phi Baseline left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis plus upper S Subscript phi Baseline left-parenthesis y right-parenthesis Over 2 EndFraction plus phi ring d Subscript double-struck upper Z Baseline left-parenthesis StartFraction x minus y Over 2 EndFraction right-parenthesis left-parenthesis x comma y element-of double-struck upper R right-parenthesis period">Sϕ(x+y2)≤Sϕ(x)+Sϕ(y)2+ϕ∘dZ(x−y2)(x,y∈R).\begin{equation*} S_\phi \Big (\frac {x+y}{2}\Big ) \leq \frac {S_\phi (x)+S_\phi (y)}{2}+\phi \circ d_\mathbb Z\Big (\frac {x-y}{2}\Big ) \qquad (x,y\in \mathbb {R}). \end{equation*}Applications to the theory of approximately convex functions are also given.
Genome Fusion Detection: a novel method to detect fusion genes from SNP-array data
Authors: Thieme Sebastian , Groth Philip
Published: January 2013

Motivation: Fusion genes result from genomic rearrangements, such as deletions, amplifications and translocations. Such rearrangements can also frequently be observed in cancer and have been postulated as driving event in cancer development. to detect them, one needs to analyze the transition region of two segments with different copy number, the location where fusions are known to occur. Finding fusion genes is essential to understanding cancer development and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.

Results: Here we present a novel method, the Genomic Fusion Detection algorithm, to predict fusion genes on a genomic level based on SNP-array data. This algorithm detects genes at the transition region of segments with copy number variation. With the application of defined constraints, certain properties of the detected genes are evaluated to predict whether they may be fused. We evaluated our prediction by calculating the observed frequency of known fusions in both primary cancers and cell lines. We tested a set of cell lines positive for the BCR-ABL1 fusion and prostate cancers positive for the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion. We could detect the fusions in all positive cell lines, but not in the negative controls.

Availability: The algorithm is available from the supplement.

Contact:  philip.groth@bayer.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Insights into Sorghum Starch Biosynthesis from Structure Changes Induced by Different Growth Temperatures
Authors: Li Enpeng , Hasjim Jovin , Singh Vijaya , Tizzotti Morgan , Godwin Ian D. , Gilbert Robert G.
Published: January 2013

The effects of high growth temperature on sorghum starch structures were examined from the grains of three inbred lines (BTx623, IS8525, and Karper669), and the possible mechanism by which the growth of amylopectin molecules is terminated was discussed. Sorghum plants were grown at high temperature (38/21°C day/night) and control temperature (32/22°C day/night) from sowing to maturity. The grains sampled from plants grown at high temperature had significantly lower starch weights per grain (except BTx623) and smaller starch granule sizes than those grown at control temperature. Nevertheless, the amylose contents were similar. BTx623 and IS8525 samples grown at high temperature also had higher ratios of long to short amylopectin branches and lower degree of branching than their control counterparts. These results suggested that the activities of starch biosynthetic enzymes were evidently affected by elevated growth temperature. However, the weight‐average molecular weight and the z‐average radius of gyration of sorghum starch molecules were not significantly affected by the growth temperatures, suggesting that the effects of growth temperature on starch yield, starch granule size, and the branching structure of amylopectin molecules did not influence the events that stopped the overall growth of amylopectin molecules. This observation was consistent with the cessation of whole‐molecule growth being through increasing hindrance to enzyme access as the size of the starch molecule increases, controlled largely by the molecular density of the outermost part of an amylopectin molecule.
Glutamate Metabolism in Plant Disease and Defense: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Seifi Hamed Soren , Van Bockhaven Jonas , Angenon Geert , Höfte Monica
Published: January 2013

Plant glutamate metabolism (GM) plays a pivotal role in amino acid metabolism and orchestrates crucial metabolic functions, with key roles in plant defense against pathogens. These functions concern three major areas: nitrogen transportation via the glutamine synthetase and glutamine-oxoglutarate aminotransferase cycle, cellular redox regulation, and tricarboxylic acid cycle-dependent energy reprogramming. During interactions with pathogens, the host GM is markedly altered, leading to either a metabolic state, termed “endurance”, in which cell viability is maintained, or to an opposite metabolic state, termed “evasion”, in which the process of cell death is facilitated. It seems that endurance-natured modulations result in resistance to necrotrophic pathogens and susceptibility to biotrophs, whereas evasion-related reconfigurations lead to resistance to biotrophic pathogens but stimulate the infection by necrotrophs. Pathogens, however, have evolved strategies such as toxin secretion, hemibiotrophy, and selective amino acid utilization to exploit the plant GM to their own benefit. Collectively, alterations in the host GM in response to different pathogenic scenarios appear to function in two opposing ways, either backing the ongoing defense strategy to ultimately shape an efficient resistance response or being exploited by the pathogen to promote and facilitate infection.
Nerve Injury-related Autoimmunity Activation Leads to Chronic Inflammation and Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Li Jing , Wei Gui-Hua , Huang He , Lan Yun-Ping , Liu Bin , Liu Hui , Zhang Wei , Zuo Yun-Xia
Published: January 2013

Background:

Peripheral nerve injuries that provoke neuropathic pain are associated with chronic inflammation and nervous lesions. The authors hypothesized that chronic neuropathic pain might be caused by chronic inflammation resulting from a nervous autoimmune reaction triggered by nerve injury.

Methods:

The authors observed chronic inflammation and neuropathic behaviors for up to 12 weeks after nerve injury in T lymphocyte-deficient nude mice and their heterozygous littermates. Lymphocyte proliferation and Schwann cell apoptosis were examined after coculture of each population with various neural tissues from normal rats and those with nerve injury.

Result:

Nude mice recovered faster and exhibited less thermal hyperalgesia after nerve injury compared to their heterozygous littermates. A large number of IL-17+ cells indicative of lymphocyte activation were found in the injured sciatic nerve and spinal cord (L4-6) of heterozygous littermates, but far fewer of these populations were found in nude mice. In vitro lymphocyte proliferation was enhanced after coculture with nerve tissues from normal rats compared to nerve tissue-free phosphate-buffered saline controls. In particular, coculture with sciatic nerve tissue enhanced proliferation by 80%, dorsal root ganglion by 46%, and spinal cord by 14%. Moreover, neural tissues from rats with nerve injury markedly increased the lymphocyte proliferation compared to coculture with tissues from corresponding normal rats. Schwann cell apoptosis was triggered in vitro when cocultured with lymphocytes from neuropathic rats.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that chronic neuropathic pain might be caused by chronic inflammation resulting from a nervous autoimmune reaction triggered by nerve injury.
A Double-blind Randomized Trial of Wound and Intercostal Space Infiltration with Ropivacaine during Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Albi-Feldzer Aline , Mouret-Fourme E Emmanuelle , Hamouda Smail , Motamed Cyrus , Dubois Pierre-Yves , Jouanneau Ludivine , Jayr Christian
Published: January 2013

Background:

The efficacy of local anesthetic wound infiltration for the treatment of acute and chronic postoperative pain is controversial and there are no detailed studies. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of ropivacaine wound infiltration on chronic pain after breast surgery.

Methods:

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, 236 patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery were randomized (1:1) to receive ropivacaine or placebo infiltration of the wound, the second and third intercostal spaces and the humeral insertion of major pectoralis. Acute pain, analgesic consumption, nausea and vomiting were assessed every 30 min for 2 h in the postanesthesia care unit and every 6 h for 48 h. Chronic pain was evaluated 3 months, 6 months, and 1 yr after surgery by the brief pain inventory, hospital anxiety and depression, and neuropathic pain questionnaires.

Results:

Ropivacaine wound infiltration significantly decreased immediate postoperative pain for the first 90 min, but did not decrease chronic pain at 3 months (primary endpoint), or at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. At 3 months, the incidence of chronic pain was 33% and 27% (P = 0.37) in the ropivacaine and placebo groups, respectively. During follow-up, brief pain inventory, neuropathic pain, and anxiety increased over time in both groups (P < 0.001) while depression remained stable. No complications occurred.

Conclusion:

This multicenter, prospective study shows that ropivacaine wound infiltration after breast cancer surgery decreased immediate postoperative pain but did not decrease chronic pain at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
Effect of Waxy Maize-derived Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 on Renal Function in Surgical Patients
Authors: Martin Claude , Jacob Matthias , Vicaut Eric , Guidet Bertrand , Van Aken Hugo , Kurz Andrea
Published: January 2013

Background:

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate renal safety with the active substance of the latest generation of waxy maize-derived hydroxyethyl starch in surgical patients. The authors focused on prospective, randomized, controlled studies that documented clinically relevant variables with regard to renal effects of waxy maize-derived hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.40.

Materials and methods:

The authors carefully searched for all available prospective, randomized studies and evaluated the greatest delta from baseline values in renal safety variables (serum creatinine values, calculated creatinine clearance, incidence of renal replacement therapy, and acute renal failure). The authors included 17 studies that analyzed patients (n = 1,230) undergoing a variety of surgical procedures.

Results:

For maximum serum creatinine values, the effect size estimate was 0.068 (95% CI = −0.227 to 0.362), P = 0.65. For calculated creatinine clearance values, pooled risk difference was 0.302 (95% CI = −0.098 to 0.703), P = 0.14. For incidence of acute renal failure, pooled risk difference was 0.0003 (95% CI = −0.018 to 0.019), P = 0.98. For incidence of renal replacement therapy, pooled risk difference was −0.003 (95% CI = −0.028 to 0.022), P = 0.85.

Conclusions:

The authors found no evidence for renal dysfunction caused by modern waxy maize-derived hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.40 in surgical patients.
Role of Capsaicin in a Murine Model of Labor and Delivery
Authors: Mirza Fadi G. , Fakhoury Ayed A. , Rowley Thomas J. , Flood Pamela D.
Published: January 2013

Background:

The objectives of this study were to develop a murine model of labor and delivery and to use this model to examine whether capsaicin diminishes labor pain and expedites delivery.

Methods:

To develop a murine model of labor pain, the authors identified and compared the incidence of four proposed pain behaviors in 46 mice: (1) No analgesia in labor and the postpartum period, and (2) increasing doses of an analgesic, morphine. The model was then used to examine the impact of topical cervical capsaicin on: (1) labor pain behaviors and (2) labor progress by examining its impact on the time from treatment to delivery of the first pup and on the duration of delivery per pup. The treatment was randomly allocated and the behavioral observation was blinded.

Results:

In the absence of analgesia, there was a statistically significant decrease in all four proposed pain behaviors in the postpartum period compared with labor (cumulative 55.0 ± 16.1/h vs. 16.1 ± 8.7/h; P < 0.0001). Additionally, morphine reduced their incidence during labor in a dose-dependent manner (cumulative 55.0 ± 16.1.7/h control, 46.4 ± 15.8 morphine 0.1 mg/kg/h, 34.6 ± 5.6/h, morphine 0.5 mg/kg/h; P = 0.1988, 0.0014). In addition, the incidence of identified pain behaviors was reduced by pericervical capsaicin (cumulative 55.0 ± 16.1.7/h control, 38.9 ± 15.4 capsaicin, P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

In this pilot study, the authors developed a novel mouse model of labor and delivery. Pericervical capsaicin applied days before delivery reduces labor pain behaviors.
Low pH, Aluminum, and Phosphorus Coordinately Regulate Malate Exudation through GmALMT1 to Improve Soybean Adaptation to Acid Soils
Authors: Liang Cuiyue , Piñeros Miguel A. , Tian Jiang , Yao Zhufang , Sun Lili , Liu Jiping , Shaff Jon , Coluccio Alison , Kochian Leon V. , Liao Hong
Published: January 2013

Low pH, aluminum (Al) toxicity, and low phosphorus (P) often coexist and are heterogeneously distributed in acid soils. To date, the underlying mechanisms of crop adaptation to these multiple factors on acid soils remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that P addition to acid soils could stimulate Al tolerance, especially for the P-efficient genotype HN89. Subsequent hydroponic studies demonstrated that solution pH, Al, and P levels coordinately altered soybean (Glycine max) root growth and malate exudation. Interestingly, HN89 released more malate under conditions mimicking acid soils (low pH, +P, and +Al), suggesting that root malate exudation might be critical for soybean adaptation to both Al toxicity and P deficiency on acid soils. GmALMT1, a soybean malate transporter gene, was cloned from the Al-treated root tips of HN89. Like root malate exudation, GmALMT1 expression was also pH dependent, being suppressed by low pH but enhanced by Al plus P addition in roots of HN89. Quantitative real-time PCR, transient expression of a GmALMT1-yellow fluorescent protein chimera in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and electrophysiological analysis of Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing GmALMT1 demonstrated that GmALMT1 encodes a root cell plasma membrane transporter that mediates malate efflux in an extracellular pH-dependent and Al-independent manner. Overexpression of GmALMT1 in transgenic Arabidopsis, as well as overexpression and knockdown of GmALMT1 in transgenic soybean hairy roots, indicated that GmALMT1-mediated root malate efflux does underlie soybean Al tolerance. Taken together, our results suggest that malate exudation is an important component of soybean adaptation to acid soils and is coordinately regulated by three factors, pH, Al, and P, through the regulation of GmALMT1 expression and GmALMT1 function.
Evaluating the Impact of Health Programmes on Productivity
Authors: Keswell Malcolm , Burns Justine , Thornton Rebecca
Published: January 2013

Abstract: This article reviews some of the key methodological approaches available to researchers interested in identifying a causal relationship between health interventions and economic indicators of productivity. We then discuss some of the empirical work that has utilized these techniques in making the case for a causal relationship from health interventions to productivity. We conclude that while considerable progress has been made in addressing concerns over attribution, much work remains to be done in expanding our knowledge of why certain interventions work whilst others do not.
Impact of Parental Socioeconomic Status on Child Health Outcomes in Kenya**
Authors: Mugo Mercy G.
Published: January 2013

Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Most developing countries such as Kenya record unfavourable indicators of population health. Existing literature recognizes the bidirectional causality between health and economic growth and development, though credible information on the causal links is scarce. Various studies show that parental characteristics have important influences on early child health. Such studies are few and report mixed findings. This study aimed to understand and demonstrate the impact of parental socioeconomic status on child health outcomes in Kenya using data from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey 2005/2006, focusing on maternal labour force participation. We used two‐stage least squares instrumental variable methods and the control function approach to cater for endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity and non‐linear interactions to estimate the causal links between child health outcomes and parental socioeconomic status. Diagnostic tests for relevance, validity and strength of instruments for endogenous regressors showed instruments were relevant, valid but weak. Our findings showed that maternal labour force participation has a positive but insignificant effect on child stunting and a combined indicator of stunting and wasting. We recommend policy that supports the provision of work opportunities for mothers will enhance child health outcomes in Kenya.
DERIVATIVE IDEAS AND THE VALUE OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS*
Authors: Laitner John , Stolyarov Dmitriy
Published: January 2013

We build a general equilibrium model where growth is driven by two invention types: fundamental ideas that cause creative destruction, and derivative ideas that enhance the value of existing inventions. The model provides a new mapping from microeconomic, patent data to aggregate total factor productivity growth and the aggregate value of privately owned knowledge. We show how to measure the frequency of derivative ideas and the rate of creative destruction. We estimate that derivative ideas account for 70–80% of all patents and their presence more than doubles the value of knowledge capital relative to what the measured innovation rate might otherwise imply.
EVIDENCE ON FEATURES OF A DSGE BUSINESS CYCLE MODEL FROM BAYESIAN MODEL AVERAGING*
Authors: Strachan Rodney W. , Van Dijk Herman K.
Published: January 2013

The empirical support for features of a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model with two technology shocks is evaluated using Bayesian model averaging over vector autoregressions. The model features include equilibria, restrictions on long‐run responses, a structural break of unknown date, and a range of lags and deterministic processes. We find support for a number of features implied by the economic model, and the evidence suggests a break in the entire model structure around 1984, after which technology shocks appear to account for all stochastic trends. Business cycle volatility seems more due to investment‐specific technology shocks than neutral technology shocks.
Indian Religions in the Global Emerald Trade: A Photo Essay
Authors: Brazeal Brian
Published: January 2013

The Indian emerald trade has traditionally been controlled by members of the Jain religious community. Jain emerald traders are deeply pious and ascetic. The emerald business as it is practiced outside of India is rife with violence, lying, cheating, sexual exuberance, and a deep attachment to shiny green stones. There seemed to be a contradiction between the model of personal piety envisioned by Jainism and their participation in such an impious economy. Jain traders and philosophers explained that there was no contradiction at all. Hindus and Muslims join their Jain counterparts in Jaipur's Johari Bazaar, or Jewelers’ Market. Together, these three religious communities have created a moment of peaceful, profitable, and predictable exchange in the global gemstone economy. Photography has long been an integral part of the gemstone business. Rarely, however, do we catch a glimpse into the lives of the men who mine, manufacture, and distribute these stones around the world. This photo essay locates these people in their social, economic, and especially religious contexts. The emerald trade follows the contours of religious communities. While it is not possible to convey the content of a religious ethic in a photograph, it is possible to show people living out those ethics.
T2 Hyperintensity of Medial Lemniscus: Higher Threshold Application to ROI Measurements is More Accurate in Predicting Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Hakky Michael M. , Erbay Kaan D. , Brewer Edward , Midle Jennifer B. , French Robert , Erbay Sami H.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Medial lemniscus T2 hyperintensity (MLH) has been recently demonstrated as potential imaging marker for small vessel disease (SVD). Our purpose in this study is to improve accuracy of regions of interest (ROI) analysis for this imaging finding.

METHODS AND METHODS

Two neuroradiologists retrospectively reviewed 103 consecutive outpatient brain MRI. Medial lemniscus signal in dorsal pons was evaluated; visually on FLAIR and with ROI on T2. Original MRI interpretations were divided into three categories; SVD, multiple sclerosis (MS), and nonspecific WM changes (non).

RESULTS

Thirty‐seven patients had SVD, 14 patients had MS, 52 had Non. Visual MLH was seen exclusively with SVD and was generally bilateral. Patients with visual MLH belonged to advanced SVD by imaging and clinical parameters. Compared to visual data, ROI analyses of MLH has been known to be compounded by false positives and negatives at low threshold (20% of adjacent to normal brainstem signal). With application of higher ROI threshold (25%), false positives were eliminated but false negatives increased. ROI analyses of MLH by experienced neuroradiologist were more reliable.

CONCLUSION

MLH seen on high threshold ROI analysis is a reliable radiologic marker in predicting SVD. ROI analysis of MLH should be performed by an experienced neuroradiologist.
Current Account Imbalances in the Euro Area: Does Catching up Explain the Development?
Authors: Belke Ansgar , Dreger Christian
Published: January 2013

In the debate on global imbalances, the euro area countries received inreasing attention since the outbreak of the financial crisis. While the current account is on balance for the entire area, divergences between individual member states have increased since the introduction of the common currency and are part of the excessive imbalances procedure. This paper explores the determinants of the imbalances by using paneleconometric techniques. The analysis shows that a lack in competitiveness is the main explanation for the external deficits of the countries that are at the heart of the euro area debt crisis. As a deterioration of competitiveness is not feasible for the surplus countries, an asymmetric response is required to reduce the imbalances.
Short‐ and Long‐term Growth Effects of Exchange Rate Adjustment
Authors: Kočenda Evžen , Maurel Mathilde , Schnabl Gunther
Published: January 2013

The European sovereign debt crisis revived the discussion concerning pros and cons of exchange rate adjustment in the face of asymmetric shocks. In the spirit of Keynes, exit from the euro area is to regain rapidly international competitiveness. In the spirit of Schumpeter, exchange rate stability with structural reforms would be beneficial towards the long‐run growth performance. Previous literature has estimated the average growth of countries with different degrees of exchange rate flexibility. This literature is augmented by analyzing short‐ and long‐term growth effects of exchange rate flexibility in a panel‐cointegration framework for a sample of 60 countries clustered in five country groups. The estimations show that countries with a high degree of exchange rate stability exhibit a higher long‐term growth performance. It is shown that the degree of business cycle synchronization with the anchor country matters for the impact of exchange rate flexibility on growth.
Dual Liquidity Crises—A Financial Accounts Framework
Authors: Bindseil Ulrich , Winkler Adalbert
Published: January 2013

This paper analyzes dual liquidity crises, i.e. funding crises which encompass the private and the public sector, and the shock absorbing capacity of central banks within a closed system of financial accounts. We find that a central bank that operates under a flexible exchange rate is most effective in containing a dual liquidity crisis. A central bank of a euro area type monetary union has a similar capacity as long as the integrity of the union is beyond doubt. By contrast, within any fixed exchange rate system the availability of inter‐central bank credit determines the elasticity of a central bank in providing liquidity. Finally, domestic constraints, i.e. collateral rules, risk taking ability or legal prohibitions, can limit the elasticity of the central bank's response to liquidity shocks.
The Alpine Tethys rifted margins: Reconciling old and new ideas to understand the stratigraphic architecture of magma‐poor rifted margins
Authors: Masini Emmanuel , Manatschal Gianreto , Mohn Geoffroy
Published: January 2013

This study focuses on the assessment of the stratigraphic architecture of the proximal and distal Jurassic Alpine Tethys rifted margins. The aim of the study was to reconcile the major observations performed in the Alps through time with what is observed in present‐day magma‐poor rifted margins. The proximal and distal rifted margins reflect two evolutionary phases of rifting involving different structures and isostatic evolutions leading to different stratigraphic records. The proximal rifted margins formed from Upper Triassic to Pliensbachian times and resulted in the formation of classical half graben basins. Rift evolution changed drastically during Pliensbachian to Toarcian times when extension started to localize in the future distal rifted margins. Low‐angle detachment faults become the new elementary structure controlling final crustal tapering and eventually mantle exhumation to the sea floor. New structural elements controlling the stratigraphic architecture of the distal rifted margins include extensional allochthons and breakaway blocks, both resulting from the delamination of a keystone block, also referred to as hangingwall block, during hyper‐extension processes. To define the stratigraphic architecture of the proximal and distal rifted margins, three stratigraphic marker horizons are used, namely the top of the pre‐rift sequences, the top of the proximal margin syn‐tectonic sequence and the base of post‐rift sequences. Based on the distribution of these stratigraphic marker horizons across the Alpine units and a structural re‐evaluation of the rift structures, a synthetic tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of the Alpine Tethys domain is proposed that reconciles old and new ideas about how rift systems may evolve in space and time.
Mesozoic radiolarites – accumulation as a function of sea surface fertility on Tethyan margins and in ocean basins
Authors: Baumgartner Peter O.
Published: January 2013

Radiolarites, commonly comprising chert‐shale couplets, feature prominently in the Mesozoic stratigraphy of the Neotethyan realm. The origin and significance of these deposits, especially with regard to understanding palaeoproductivity in that region, remains controversial. This study examines transport processes and accumulation rates of radiolarians/radiolarites, as well as the chronology of radiolarite sedimentation based on revised data from the Southern Alps and new data from the Balagne Nappes, Alpine Corsica. Results suggest that the spatio‐temporal distribution of carbonate and silica on Tethyan margins was governed by extensive lateral transport of radiolarian tests from topographic highs to basins. Palaeoclimatic, rather than palaeotectonic, changes seem to have triggered changes in surface fertility which, in turn, brought about major facies changes observed in Tethyan marginal basins: Regional platform demise – possibly due to eutrophication and onset of radiolarite deposition in the Early Bajocian – can be correlated with a positive shift in the carbon isotope curve, whereas platform recovery and the end of radiolarite accumulation correlates with a gradual decline in δ13C‐values. The existence of a vigorous trans‐Pangaean, equatorial current system that could have produced regional upwelling is questioned because of evidence for Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous oligotrophic conditions in the Proto‐Caribbean and the Central Atlantic. The ‘Caribbean River Plume Model’ is proposed as a possible alternative to upwelling in the Jurassic Western Tethys. Dissolved nutrients may have been dispersed in low salinity lids that originated from river plumes of rivers from tropical Africa and warm‐temperate Eurasia. Vast areas of the pre‐Late Cretaceous world ocean must have accumulated radiolarites at low rates (<4 g cm−2 10−3years) represented by the condensed, long‐lived (>50 Myr) radiolarite sections observed in many Circumpacific terranes. Radiolarian chert and claystone could be the normal pelagic sediment during Ordovician to Early Cretaceous time in far‐offshore, open oceanic settings, where dilution by terrigenous material and periplatform shallow‐water carbonates was absent.
Scalable Hierarchical Parallel Algorithm for the Solution of Super Large-Scale Sparse Linear Equations
Authors: Xu Ran , Liu Bin , Dong Yuan
Published: January 2013

The parallel linear equations solver capable of effectively using 1000+ processors becomes the bottleneck of large-scale implicit engineering simulations. In this paper, we present a new hierarchical parallel master-slave-structural iterative algorithm for the solution of super large-scale sparse linear equations in a distributed memory computer cluster. Through alternatively performing global equilibrium computation and local relaxation, the specific accuracy requirement can be met in a few iterations. Moreover, each set/slave-processor majorly communicates with its nearest neighbors, and the transferring data between sets/slave-processors and the master-processor is always far below the communication between neighboring sets/slave-processors. The corresponding algorithm for implicit finite element analysis has been implemented based on the MPI library, and a super large 2-dimension square system of triangle-lattice truss structure under randomly distributed loadings is simulated with over 1 × 109 degrees of freedom (DOF) on up to 2001 processors of the “Exploration 100” cluster in Tsinghua University. The numerical experiments demonstrate that this algorithm has excellent parallel efficiency and high scalability, and it may have broad applications in other implicit simulations.
Obtaining Maxwell's equations heuristically
Authors: Diener Gerhard , Weissbarth Jürgen , Grossmann Frank , Schmidt Rüdiger
Published: January 2013

Starting from the experimental fact that a moving charge experiences the Lorentz force and applying the fundamental principles of simplicity (first order derivatives only) and linearity (superposition principle), we show that the structure of the microscopic Maxwell equations for the electromagnetic fields can be deduced heuristically by using the transformation properties of the fields under space inversion and time reversal. Using the experimental facts of charge conservation and that electromagnetic waves propagate with the speed of light, together with Galilean invariance of the Lorentz force, allows us to finalize Maxwell's equations and to introduce arbitrary electrodynamics units naturally.
We Got the Beat
Authors: Singh Manpreet K.
Published: January 2013

The changing emotional expressions generated by music are universal and parallel those generated by movement.
Fishing for Allergic Antibodies
Authors: Yipp Bryan G.
Published: January 2013

Dermal mast cells reach into the circulation to acquire IgE in allergic anaphylaxis.
Myeloid Dendritic Cells (DCs) of Mice Susceptible to Paracoccidioidomycosis Suppress T Cell Responses whereas Myeloid and Plasmacytoid DCs from Resistant Mice Induce Effector and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Pina Adriana , Frank de Araujo Eliseu , Felonato Maíra , Loures Flávio V. , Feriotti Claudia , Bernardino Simone , Barbuto José Alexandre M. , Calich Vera L. G.
Published: January 2013

The protective adaptive immune response in paracoccidioidomycosis, a mycosis endemic among humans, is mediated by T cell immunity, whereas impaired T cell responses are associated with severe, progressive disease. The early host response toParacoccidioides brasiliensisinfection is not known since the disease is diagnosed at later phases of infection. Our laboratory established a murine model of infection where susceptible mice reproduce the severe disease, while resistant mice develop a mild infection. This work aimed to characterize the influence of dendritic cells in the innate and adaptive immunity of susceptible and resistant mice. We verified thatP. brasiliensisinfection induced in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) of susceptible mice a prevalent proinflammatory myeloid phenotype that secreted high levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-β, whereas in resistant mice, a mixed population of myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs secreting proinflammatory cytokines and expressing elevated levels of secreted and membrane-bound transforming growth factor β was observed. In proliferation assays, the proinflammatory DCs from B10.A mice induced anergy of naïve T cells, whereas the mixed DC subsets from resistant mice induced the concomitant proliferation of effector and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Equivalent results were observed during pulmonary infection. The susceptible mice displayed preferential expansion of proinflammatory myeloid DCs, resulting in impaired proliferation of effector T cells. Conversely, the resistant mice developed myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs that efficiently expanded gamma interferon-, IL-4-, and IL-17-positive effector T cells associated with increased development of Tregs. Our work highlights the deleterious effect of excessive innate proinflammatory reactions and provides new evidence for the importance of immunomodulation during pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis.
Role of Host Xanthine Oxidase in Infection Due to Enteropathogenic and Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Crane John K. , Naeher Tonniele M. , Broome Jacqueline E. , Boedeker Edgar C.
Published: January 2013

Xanthine oxidase (XO), also known as xanthine oxidoreductase, has long been considered an important host defense molecule in the intestine and in breastfed infants. Here, we present evidence that XO is released from and active in intestinal tissues and fluids in response to infection with enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) and Shiga-toxigenic
E. coli
(STEC), also known as enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC). XO is released into intestinal fluids in EPEC and STEC infection in a rabbit animal model. XO activity results in the generation of surprisingly high concentrations of uric acid in both cultured cell and animal models of infection. Hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) generated by XO activity triggered a chloride secretory response in intestinal cell monolayers within minutes but decreased transepithelial electrical resistance at 6 to 22 h. H
2
O
2
generated by XO activity was effective at killing laboratory strains of
E. coli
, commensal microbiotas, and anaerobes, but wild-type EPEC and STEC strains were 100 to 1,000 times more resistant to killing or growth inhibition by this pathway. Instead of killing pathogenic bacteria, physiologic concentrations of XO increased virulence by inducing the production of Shiga toxins from STEC strains.
In vivo
, exogenous XO plus the substrate hypoxanthine did not protect and instead worsened the outcome of STEC infection in the rabbit ligated intestinal loop model of infection. XO released during EPEC and STEC infection may serve as a virulence-inducing signal to the pathogen and not solely as a protective host defense.