bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-scale methylation domains mark a functional subset of neuronally expressed genes
Authors: Schroeder Diane I. , Lott Paul , Korf Ian , LaSalle Janine M.
Published: July 2011

DNA methylation is essential for embryonic and neuronal differentiation, but the function of most genomic DNA methylation marks is poorly understood. Generally the human genome is highly methylated (>70%) except for CpG islands and gene promoters. However, it was recently shown that the IMR90 human fetal lung fibroblast cells have large regions of the genome with partially methylated domains (PMDs, <70% average methylation), in contrast to the rest of the genome which is in highly methylated domains (HMDs, >70% average methylation). Using bisulfite conversion followed by high-throughput sequencing (MethylC-seq), we discovered that human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells also contain PMDs. We developed a novel hidden Markov model (HMM) to computationally map the genomic locations of PMDs in both cell types and found that autosomal PMDs can be >9 Mb in length and cover 41% of the IMR90 genome and 19% of the SH-SY5Y genome. Genomic regions marked by cell line specific PMDs contain genes that are expressed in a tissue-specific manner, with PMDs being a mark of repressed transcription. Genes contained within N-HMDs (neuronal HMDs, defined as a PMD in IMR90 but HMD in SH-SY5Y) were significantly enriched for calcium signaling, synaptic transmission, and neuron differentiation functions. Autism candidate genes were enriched within PMDs and the largest PMD observed in SH-SY5Y cells marked a 10 Mb cluster of cadherin genes with strong genetic association to autism. Our results suggest that these large-scale methylation domain maps could be relevant to interpreting and directing future investigations into the elusive etiology of autism.
Intra-amygdala ZIP injections impair the memory of learned active avoidance responses and attenuate conditioned taste-aversion acquisition in rats
Authors: Gámiz Fernando , Gallo Milagros
Published: July 2011

We have investigated the effect of protein kinase Mzeta (PKMζ) inhibition in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) upon the retention of a nonspatial learned active avoidance response and conditioned taste-aversion (CTA) acquisition in rats. ZIP (10 nmol/μL) injected into the BLA 24 h after training impaired retention of a learned avoidance-jumping response assessed 7 d later when compared with control groups injected with scrambled-ZIP. Nevertheless, a retraining session applied 24 h later indicated no differences between the groups. Additionally, a similar ZIP injection into the BLA during the conditioned stimulus–unconditioned stimulus (CS–US) interval attenuated CTA acquisition. These findings support the BLA PKMζ role in various forms of memory.
Treatment of patients with relapsed and/or cisplatin‐refractory metastatic germ cell tumours: an update
Authors: Koychev D. , Oechsle K. , Bokemeyer C. , Honecker F.
Published: July 2011

Since the introduction of cisplatin‐based therapy in the late 1970s, germ cell tumours (GCT) have been one of the successes in oncology with high cure rates even in patients presenting with metastatic disease. For patients with relapse after cisplatin‐based therapy, treatment is still curative in approximately 50% of the cases. Management options for these patients include surgery, radiotherapy and use of conventional dose or high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT). Therefore, treatment of relapsed or refractory patients is complex and there is no uniformly accepted approach available. Data comparing conventional dose and HDCT in the first salvage therapy is limited to one randomized trial which was not able to ultimately define optimal treatment. More recently, a large retrospective analysis of nearly 1600 patients not only identified prognostic factors in relapse, but retrospectively suggested a 10–15% benefit regarding overall survival for patients receiving HDCT plus autologous stem cell transplantation over patients receiving conventional‐dose chemotherapy. Prognosis in multiply relapsed and primary cisplatin‐refractory patients is generally poor. Currently, a number of mechanisms of cisplatin resistance and potential drug targets like global methylation and BRAF mutation status are under investigation in refractory GCT.
Evaluation of thermodynamic properties using GAB model to describe the desorption process of cocoa beans
Authors: de Oliveira Gabriel Henrique Horta , Corrêa Paulo Cesar , de Souza Santos Emílio , Treto Pedro Casanova , Diniz Mayra Darliane Martins Silva
Published: July 2011

The desorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of cocoa beans were obtained during the drying process of this product. The isotherms were determined by dynamic method for various temperature (25, 35, 45 and 55 °C) and relative humidity (RH) conditions (30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80%). Equilibrium moisture content data were correlated by the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model, which presented good fit to the data, according to statistical procedures. Equilibrium moisture content ranged from 5.90 to 16.67 d.b.; it increased with an increment in the RH and decreased with increased temperature at a constant RH. Enthalpy values for each model coefficient were encountered, ranging from −90.05 to 545.96 kJ kg−1. The integral isosteric heat of desorption and differential entropy increased with decreased equilibrium moisture content, a tendency also found for Gibbs free energy.
Rheological properties of commercial chestnut flour doughs with different gums
Authors: Moreira Ramon , Chenlo Francisco , Torres Maria Dolores
Published: July 2011

Rheology of chestnut flour (CF) doughs with arabic gum (AG), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), guar gum (GG) and tragacanth gum (TG) at different concentrations (up to 2.0%) were determined at 30 °C using a controlled stress rheometer. The mixing characteristics at 30 °C were achieved using Mixolab® apparatus. Shear (0.01–10 s−1), oscillatory (1–100 rad s−1 at 0.1% strain), creep‐recovery (50 Pa for 60 s) and temperature sweep (30–100 °C) tests were performed. Rheological properties were significantly modified by gum added. Apparent viscosity of CF doughs, storage and loss moduli increased at content of AG (above 0.5%), CMC (at 1.0%), GG (above 1.5%) and TG (at 1.0%). Flow curves and mechanical spectra were fitted using Cross model and power models, respectively. The gelatinisation temperatures increased with gums. The same pasting trend was noticed using Mixolab®. Creep‐recovery data, fitted by Burgers model, showed that elasticity of CF doughs improved with GG.
Aspergillus oryzae Lectin Induces Anaphylactoid Oedema and Mast Cell Activation Through its Interaction With Fucose of Mast Cell–Bound Non‐specific IgE
Authors: Yamaki K. , Yoshino S.
Published: July 2011

We investigated whether Aspergillus oryzae lectin (AOL), a fucose‐specific lectin, induces anaphylactoid reactions and mast cell activation. The injection of AOL into footpads of mice produced a dose‐related acute paw oedema. The AOL‐induced oedema was attenuated by predose of histamine H1 receptor blocker or pretreatment of the lectin with fucose before injection and was not observed in SCID and mast cell–deficient WBB6F1‐W/Wv mice. These results suggested that the AOL‐induced anaphylactoid reaction was mediated by histamine released from mast cells. In addition, the activation of mast cells was seemed to be induced by the crosslinking of IgE on the cell surface following the binding of AOL to fucose residues in IgE. Consistent with the in vivo results, AOL induced the degranulation of the rat mast cell line RBL2H3 sensitized with monoclonal IgE. As AOL induced the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration of IgE‐sensitized RBL2H3 cells as well as antigen stimulation, AOL could input signals from FcεRI. The degranulation of IgE‐sensitized RBL2H3 cells by AOL was diminished by pretreatment of AOL with fucose. Defucosylated IgE did not induce degranulation of RBL2H3 cells in response to AOL stimulation, in spite of its ability to induce degranulation by antigen stimulation as intact IgE. These results indicated that AOL bound to fucose residue of IgE causing antigen‐independent IgE‐mediated mast cell activation and anaphylactoid reactions in vitro and in vivo, respectively. AOL bound to human IgE as well as to mouse IgE, suggesting the possible implication of AOL in the allergic response to Aspergillus oryzae in humans.
Economic implications of three strategies for the control of taeniasis
Authors: Alexander Anu , John K. R. , Jayaraman T. , Oommen Anna , Venkata Raghava M. , Dorny Pierre , Rajshekhar Vedantam
Published: July 2011

Objective To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of three strategies for the control of taeniasis in a community, in terms of cost per case treated.

Methods A study was conducted in South India to determine the prevalence of taeniasis by screening stool samples from 653 randomly chosen subjects, for coproantigens. The costs incurred in the project were used to estimate the cost per case screened and treated. A one‐way sensitivity analysis was carried out for varying rates of taeniasis, different screening strategies and mass therapy. Further sensitivity analysis was carried out with different manpower and test costs.

Results The rate of taeniasis as detected by ELISA for coproantigen was 3 per 1000 (2 of 653 samples). Our study showed that mass therapy without screening for taeniasis would be the most economical strategy in terms of cost per case treated if field workers are employed exclusively for either mass therapy or screening. For each strategy, costs per case treated are higher at low prevalence of taeniasis, with a sharp rise below 15%.

Conclusions In places that are endemic for taeniasis and neurocysticercosis, mass therapy or screening for taeniasis should be considered. Screening by stool microscopy is not cost‐effective in terms of cost per case of taeniasis treated owing to its low sensitivity. Although the cost per case of taeniasis treated is high at low prevalence of taeniasis for all options, incorporating mass therapy into existing mass drug distribution programmes might prove to be the most cost‐effective control strategy.
Segmental ABO‐incompatible liver graft from a donor after cardiac death in neonatal acute liver failure
Authors: Gelas Thomas , Hartley Jane , Mirza Darius F. , Muiesan Paolo , Bowen Claire , Sharif Khalid
Published: July 2011

Gelas T, Hartley J, Mirza DF, Muiesan P, Bowen C, Sharif K. Segmental ABO‐incompatible liver graft from a donor after cardiac death in neonatal acute liver failure. Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: E53–E57. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Segmental liver grafts from DCD in pediatric LT have been safely used even in acute liver failure situations. Furthermore, despite the risk of antibody‐mediated acute rejection, some studies have also demonstrated the safety of ABO incompatible LT in infants. The use of such grafts can be beneficial by reducing the time on the transplant waiting list but they are more susceptible to initial dysfunction and there is a lack of enthusiasm to consider their use especially for an emergency LT as a life‐saving procedure. In this short article, we describe the use and successful outcome in a neonate with fulminant acute liver failure secondary to neonatal hemochromatosis who received an ABO‐incompatible reduced‐size DCD graft.
Iron studies and red cell transfusion in cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgical patients: a retrospective audit at a tertiary hospital
Authors: Grey D. E. , Smith V. , Finlayson J.
Published: July 2011

Background and Objectives  Preoperative diagnosis and treatment of anaemia are important to minimize adverse postoperative outcomes. This audit reviewed red cell transfusion practice, degree of anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and chronic disease or anaemia of inflammation (AI) in cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgical patients who had available iron studies.

Materials and Methods  A total of 178 consecutive cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgical patients with available iron studies were retrospectively reviewed.

Results  Of patients, 36·5% had preoperative iron studies. However, 63·2% males and 45·3% females with postoperative iron studies presented with anaemia; 38·5% patients with preoperative iron studies had AI; 21·5% IDA; 23·1% normal. For patients with iron studies requested within the first two postoperative intervals (≤5 days and 6 ≤ 10 days) 73·8% and 63·6%, respectively, had AI; few had classical IDA or were normal, and 51·5% patients transfused postsurgery had a discharge Hb ≥110 g/l. Restricting the discharge Hb to 90 or 100 g/l may have eliminated postsurgical transfusion in 14·8–42·6% patients.

Conclusion  Iron studies were more commonly requested postoperatively despite many being anaemic at admission. A higher proportion of patients with postoperative iron studies had AI, and few had classical IDA or normal iron parameters, suggesting a transient inflammatory effect of surgery. This may mask underlying IDA or normal iron parameters and affect treatment. Preadmission assessment, including iron status, should be emphasized allowing diagnosis and correction of presurgical anaemia with treatment modalities other than red cell transfusion. In the postsurgical setting, consideration of a restrictive transfusion regimen sufficient to alleviate a patient’s clinical symptoms would ensure that this valuable resource is appropriately used.
Ultrasonographic and Macroscopic Anatomy of the Enucleated Eyes of the Buffalo (Bos bubalis) and the One‐Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) of Different Ages
Authors: Kassab A.
Published: July 2011

With 1 figure and 2 tables

The ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the normal buffalo and camel eye globes were described in 60 buffaloes (Bos bubalis) aged 1 year (28 eyes) and 10 years (32 eyes), and in 51 humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) aged 1 year (26 eyes) and 10 years (24 eyes). Ocular measurements were recorded by A‐ and B‐scan ultrasonographic examination of 40 buffalo eyes (18 young and 22 adult eyes) and 34 camel eyes (14 young and 20 adult eyes) using a KANGH ultrasound scanner equipped with 10 MHz probe. For gross measurements, 20 buffalo and 16 camel eye globes were frozen and dissected and the same measurements were made using fine callipers macroscopically. The aqueous and vitreous humour of the buffalo and camel eyes appeared anechoic. The cornea, anterior and posterior lens capsule and iris appeared hyperechoic. The ocular measurements for the axial length, vitreous chamber depth (VCD), corneal thickness, lens thickness and scleroretinal rim thickness increase with the advance of age in both buffaloes and camels. Except for the anterior chamber depth, VCD and lens thickness, which were larger in adult camels than in adult buffaloes, no other differences between ocular dimensions were observed in both species. The results of this study are valuable for comparative ocular anatomy and will be useful for ultrasonographic evaluation of ocular diseases in buffaloes and camels.
Sequence matters – selective adaptation in electroantennographic response to binary odour mixtures by the Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Kosanke‐Schütz K. , Gabriel M. , Weißbecker B. , Reinecke H. , Werner D. , Koch U. T. , Schütz S.
Published: July 2011

Chemically mediated behaviour of insects is often strongly affected by mixtures of odour stimuli and their temporal characteristics. Both sensory transduction and central processing of odour mixtures can give rise to several different kinds of interaction, which can influence how individual components are perceived and processed. In particular, odour mixtures have been examined in model experiments as premixed binary mixtures in comparison with pure odour stimuli. Only in few experiments, the influence of the temporal structure of odour mixtures on odour perception has been taken into account. Natural odour stimuli often have a pulsed structure and may in general be superimposed on a background of irrelevant or interfering compounds, which can fluctuate with different frequencies, depending on their source. To achieve a better representation of these natural conditions, our odour mixing experiments apply a new kind of stimulation protocol: odours were not premixed but superimposed with a specific time pattern; one odour stimulus was presented as a longer persisting background and the second stimulus was a superimposed short test signal. To gain an overview of odour interaction patterns in the Colorado potato beetle by causing adaptation of one receptor population at naturally occurring levels of concentration and time intervals, electroantennographic recordings were made on excised antennae. A matrix of 12 stimulus compounds led to 132 pairs of compounds tested, each in the role of background and test stimulus. In 64 cases, the interaction was significantly different, when the role of background and stimulus was exchanged. Interaction patterns ranging from no interference (independence) to suppression were found and assigned to four clearly distinguishable types. We discuss that the observed effects of the presentation sequence in odour mixtures may contribute to the mechanisms of olfactory pattern recognition and olfactory contrast perception by insects.
We cannot staff for ‘what ifs’: the social organization of rural nurses’ safeguarding work
Authors: MacKinnon Karen
Published: July 2011

MACKINNON K. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 259–269  We cannot staff for ‘what ifs’: the social organization of rural nurses’ safeguarding work

Rural nurses play an important role in the provision of maternity care for Canadian women. This care is an important part of how rural nurses safeguard the patients who receive care in small rural hospitals. This study utilized institutional ethnography as an approach for describing rural nursing work and for exploring how nurses’ work experiences are socially organized. Rural nurses advocated for safe healthcare environments by ensuring that skilled nurses were available for every shift, day and night, at their local hospital. Rural nurses noted that this work was particularly difficult for the provision of maternity care. This article explores two threads or cues to institutional organization that were identified in our interviews and observations; namely staffing and safety standards, and the need for flexibility in staffing in small rural hospitals. Rural nurses’ concerns about ensuring that skilled nurses are available in small rural hospitals do not enter into current management discourses that focus on efficiency and cost savings or find a home within current discourses of patient safety ‘competencies’.
Ultrasound‐guided fascia iliaca compartment block in pediatric patients using a long‐axis, in‐plane needle technique: a report of three cases
Authors: Miller Blaine R.
Published: July 2011

Ultrasound guided fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) has not been previously described in pediatric patients. Reported here is an ultrasound guided long axis, in‐plane needle technique used to perform FICB in three pediatric patients undergoing hip or femur surgery. Postoperative assessment revealed nerve blockade of the lateral femoral cutaneous, femoral, and obturator nerves or no requirement for narcotics in the PACU. FICB using this ultrasound guided technique was easy to perform and provided postoperative analgesia for hip and femur surgical procedures within the presumed distribution of the lateral femoral cutaneous, femoral, and obturator nerves.
Do edge responses cascade up or down a multi‐trophic food web?
Authors: Wimp Gina M. , Murphy Shannon M. , Lewis Danny , Ries Leslie
Published: July 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 863–870

Despite nearly 100 years of edge studies, there has been little effort to document how edge responses ‘cascade’ to impact multi‐trophic food webs. We examined changes within two, four‐tiered food webs located on opposite sides of a habitat edge. Based on a ‘bottom‐up’ resource‐based model, we predicted plant resources would decline near edges, causing similar declines in specialist herbivores and their associated predators, while a generalist predator was predicted to increase due to complementary resource use. As predicted, we found declines in both specialist herbivores and predators near edges, but, contrary to expectations, this was not driven by gradients in plant resources. Instead, the increase in generalist predators near edges offers one alternative explanation for the observed declines. Furthermore, our results suggest how recent advances in food web theory could improve resource‐based edge models, and vice versa.
Lung spirometry parameters and diffusion capacity are decreased in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Klein O. L. , Kalhan R. , Williams M. V. , Tipping M. , Lee J. , Peng J. , Smith L. J.
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 212–219 (2012)

Aims  In cohort studies, Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been associated with decreased forced 1 s expiratory volume and forced vital capacity. We examined if forced vital capacity, forced 1 s expiratory volume and diffusion lung capacity correlate with diabetes mellitus across different races in a clinical setting.

Methods  We examined the medical records of 19 882 adults 18–97 years of age in our centre from 1 January 2000 to 1 May 2009. After excluding patients with diseases causing abnormal lung function, 4164 subjects were available for analysis. We used multiple linear regressions to examine cross‐sectional differences in forced vital capacity, forced 1 s expiratory volume and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity between patients with and without diabetes mellitus, after adjustment for age, age2, sex, race, height, height2, smoking, BMI and heart failure.

Results  Patients with diabetes (n = 560) were older (62 ± 12 vs. 55 ± 16 years), more likely to be men (56 vs. 43%), overweight (BMI 31.7 ± 8.5 vs. 27.3 ± 6.7 kg/m2), have heart failure (33 vs. 14%) and less likely to be Caucasians (65 vs. 76%) and never smokers (66 vs. 72%) compared with patients without diabetes (n = 3604). The mean unadjusted values in patients with diabetes vs. those without were: forced vital capacity 2.78 ± 0.91 vs. 3.19 ± 1.03 l; forced 1 s expiratory volume 2.17 ± 0.74 vs. 2.49 ± 0.0.83 l; and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity 16.67 ± 5.53 vs. 19.18 ± 6.72 ml−1 min−1 mmHg, all P < 0.0001. These differences remained significant after adjustment for covariates. After race stratification, only Caucasians with diabetes had a significant decrease in all lung function measures.

Conclusions  Patients with diabetes have decreased lung function compared with those without diabetes. Caucasians with diabetes have more global lung function impairment compared with African‐Americans and Hispanics.
Can Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders “Hear” a Speaking Face?
Authors: Irwin Julia R. , Tornatore Lauren A. , Brancazio Lawrence , Whalen D. H.
Published: July 2011

This study used eye‐tracking methodology to assess audiovisual speech perception in 26 children ranging in age from 5 to 15 years, half with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and half with typical development. Given the characteristic reduction in gaze to the faces of others in children with ASD, it was hypothesized that they would show reduced influence of visual information on heard speech. Responses were compared on a set of auditory, visual, and audiovisual speech perception tasks. Even when fixated on the face of the speaker, children with ASD were less visually influenced than typical development controls. This indicates fundamental differences in the processing of audiovisual speech in children with ASD, which may contribute to their language and communication impairments.
Relations over Time among Children's Shyness, Emotionality, and Internalizing Problems
Authors: Eggum Natalie D. , Eisenberg Nancy , Reiser Mark , Spinrad Tracy L. , Valiente Carlos , Sallquist Julie , Michalik Nicole M. , Liew Jeffrey
Published: July 2011

Data regarding children's shyness and emotionality were collected at three time points, two years apart (T1: N = 214, M = 6.12 years; T2: N = 185, M = 7.67 years; T3: N = 185, M = 9.70 years), and internalizing data were collected at T1 and T3. Relations among parent‐rated shyness, emotionality [parent‐ and teacher‐rated anger, sadness, and positive emotional intensity (EI)], and mother‐rated internalizing were examined in panel models. In some cases, shyness predicted emotionality two years later (teacher‐rated anger, parent‐rated sadness, and teacher‐rated positive EI) and emotionality sometimes predicted shyness two years later (teacher‐rated sadness, parent‐rated positive EI, and teacher‐rated positive EI). Parent‐rated shyness and/or emotionality (parent‐rated anger and parent‐rated sadness) predicted internalizing at T3. Results shed light on developmental relations between emotionality and shyness, as well as processes of risk for, or protection against, the development of internalizing problems.
When a Lie Is Not a Lie: Understanding Chinese Working‐Class Mothers' Moral Teaching and Moral Conduct
Authors: Wang Xiao‐lei , Bernas Ronan , Eberhard Philippe
Published: July 2011

While honesty is noticeably emphasized in Chinese childrearing practices, deception for the sake of collective good and maintenance of interpersonal relationship is widely endorsed by Chinese culture. This study examines how Chinese mothers negotiate between teaching honesty and helping their young children develop situational‐appropriate deceptive skills in the everyday context. Forty 4‐year olds and their mothers from Chinese working‐class families were observed in their daily routines. The results suggest that on the one hand, Chinese mothers actively taught the value of honesty in the daily interactions with their young children by frequently initiating interactions related to it, spending longer time talking about it, and responding to their children's transgressions immediately, as well as using positive and negative examples to show the consequences of being honest and telling lies. On the other hand, the mothers used their own interactions with others to model how to use situational‐appropriate deception to maintain harmonious inter‐personal relationships and avoid conflicts. The mothers’ beliefs about teaching honesty and using situational‐appropriate deception were further examined through their responses to the video vignettes of other people's violation of honesty. This study highlights the multifaceted nature of parental moral socialization.
Molecular basis of human body odour formation: insights deduced from corynebacterial genome sequences
Authors: Barzantny H. , Brune I. , Tauch A.
Published: July 2011

Synopsis

During the past few decades, there has been an increased interest in the essential role of commensal skin bacteria in human body odour formation. It is now generally accepted that skin bacteria cause body odour by biotransformation of sweat components secreted in the human axillae. Especially, aerobic corynebacteria have been shown to contribute strongly to axillary malodour, whereas other human skin residents seem to have little influence. Analysis of odoriferous sweat components has shown that the major odour‐causing substances in human sweat include steroid derivatives, short volatile branched‐chain fatty acids and sulphanylalkanols. In this mini‐review, we describe the molecular basis of the four most extensively studied routes of human body odour formation, while focusing on the underlying enzymatic processes. Considering the previously reported role of β‐oxidation in odour formation, we analysed the genetic repertoire of eight Corynebacterium species concerning fatty acid metabolism. We particularly focused on the metabolic abilities of the lipophilic axillary isolate Corynebacterium jeikeium K411.
The Long‐Term Performance and Failure Risk of Firms Cited in the US SEC's Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases
Authors: Leng Fei , Feroz Ehsan H. , Cao Zhiyan , Davalos Sergio V.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  We investigate 239 firms cited in the SEC's Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases (AAERs). We document significantly negative abnormal operating performance (measured using both cash‐flow‐based and earnings‐based metrics) in the second and third years following AAERs. We also detect significantly negative abnormal stock returns in up to three years following AAERs. We further find that AAER firms are more likely to fail in the post‐AAER period. Taken together, our findings suggest that the negative implications of an AAER citation resulting from egregious financial reporting violations can be long lasting and influence various facets of firm performance and survivability.
HIV TESTING OF PREGNANT WOMEN: AN ETHICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: JOHANSSON KJELL ARNE , PEDERSEN KIRSTEN BJERKREIM , ANDERSSON ANNA‐KARIN
Published: July 2011

Recent global advances in available technology to prevent mother‐to‐child HIV transmission necessitate a rethinking of contemporary and previous ethical debates on HIV testing as a means to preventing vertical transmission. In this paper, we will provide an ethical analysis of HIV‐testing strategies of pregnant women. First, we argue that provider‐initiated opt‐out HIV testing seems to be the most effective HIV test strategy. The flip‐side of an opt‐out strategy is that it may end up as involuntary testing in a clinical setting. We analyse this ethical puzzle from a novel perspective, taking into account the moral importance of certain hypothetical preferences of the child, as well as the moral importance of certain actual preferences of the mother. Finally, we balance the conflicting concerns and try to arrive at an ethically sound solution to this dilemma. Our aim is to introduce a novel perspective from which to analyse testing strategies, and to explore the implications and possible benefits of our proposal. The conclusion from our analysis is that policies that recommend provider‐initiated opt‐out HIV testing of pregnant mothers, with a risk of becoming involuntary testing in a clinical setting, are acceptable. The rationale behind this is that the increased availability of very effective and inexpensive life‐saving drugs makes the ethical problems raised by the possible intrusiveness of HIV testing less important than the child's hypothetical preferences to be born healthy. Health care providers, therefore, have a duty to offer both opt‐out HIV testing and available PMTCT (preventing mother‐to‐child transmission) interventions.
ETHICS OF HUMAN GENETIC STUDIES IN SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICA: THE CASE OF CAMEROON THROUGH A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: WONKAM AMBROISE , KENFACK MARCEL AZABJI , MUNA WALINJOM F.T. , OUWE‐MISSI‐OUKEM‐BOYER ODILE
Published: July 2011

Many ethical concerns surrounding human genetics studies remain unresolved. We report here the situation in Cameroon.

Objectives:  To describe the profile of human genetic studies that used Cameroonian DNA samples, with specific focus on i) the research centres that were involved, ii) authorship, iii) population studied, iv) research topics and v) ethics disclosure, with the aim of raising ethical issues that emerged from these studies.

Method:  Bibliometric Studies; we conducted a PubMed‐based systematic review of all the studies on human genetics that used Cameroonian DNA samples from 1989 to 2009.

Results and Discussion:  Fifty articles were identified, involving predominantly research centres from Europe (64%) and America (32%). Only 7 (14%) Cameroonian institutions and 14 (28%) Cameroonian authors were associated with these publications.

At least 52% of publications were devoted to population genetics (variation/migration patterns) amongst 30 Cameroonian ethnic groups. Very few studies concerned public health related genetic issues and only 5 (10%) references were found for hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell anaemia. Almost all DNA samples are ‘banked’ outside of the African continent.

Capacity building, rights to the genetic information and benefits to the individuals, communities and populations who contribute to these studies are addressed.

Conclusions:  1) Our data suggests the need for a wider debate towards building capacity and addressing ethical issues related to human genomic research in sub‐Saharan Africa and specifically in Cameroon; 2) National ethical guidelines and regulations concerning the collection, use and storage of human DNA are urgently needed in Cameroon.
Among‐colony synchrony in the survival of Common GuillemotsUria aalgereflects shared wintering areas
Authors: REYNOLDS TOBY J. , HARRIS MICHAEL P. , KING RUTH , SWANN ROBERT L. , JARDINE DAVID C. , FREDERIKSEN MORTEN , WANLESS SARAH
Published: July 2011

Spatiotemporal variation in survival may be an important driver of multi‐population dynamics in many wild animal species, yet few scientific studies have addressed this issue, primarily due to a lack of sufficiently comprehensive and detailed datasets. Synchrony in survival rates among different, often distant, subpopulations appears to be common, caused by spatially correlated environmental conditions or by movement of animals from different sites such that their ranges overlap. Many seabird populations are effectively isolated during the breeding season because colonies are widely separated, but over the winter, birds disperse widely and there may be much mixing between different populations. The non‐breeding season is also the period of main mortality for seabirds. Using mark–recapture and ring‐recovery data, we tested for spatial, temporal and age‐related correlations in survival of Common GuillemotsUria aalgeamong three widely separated Scottish colonies that have varying overlap in their overwintering distributions. Survival was highly correlated over time for colonies/age‐classes sharing wintering areas and, except in 2004, was essentially uncorrelated for those with separate wintering areas. These results strongly suggest that one or more aspects of the winter environment are responsible for spatiotemporal variation in survival of British Guillemots, and provide insight into the factors driving large‐scale population dynamics of the species.
Positive effects of treatment of donor cells with aphidicolin on the preimplantation development of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in Chinese Bama mini‐pig (Sus Scrofa)
Authors: ZHANG Ting‐Yu , DAI Jian‐Jun , WU Cai‐Feng , GU Xiao‐Long , LIU Liang , WU Zhi‐Qiang , XIE Yi‐ Ni , WU Bin , CHEN Hui‐Lan , LI Yao , CHEN Xue‐Jin , ZHANG De‐Fu
Published: July 2011

To optimize somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) procedures in mini‐pigs, the present study was designed to examine the effects of donor cell types and aphidicolin (APC) treatment on in vitro development of reconstructed embryos. Oviduct epithelial cells (OEC), ear fibroblast cells (EFC) and cumulus cells (CC) derived from mini‐pigs were treated with serum starvation only or serum starvation followed by treatment of 0.1 µg/mL APC. The reconstructed embryos were cultured for 7 days to evaluate their developmental competency. Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of reconstructed embryos derived from the OEC by APC treatment were significantly higher than the serum starvation (61.82% vs. 56.25%, 24.55% vs. 17.86%; P < 0.05). The cleavage rate from the EFC was significantly increased by APC treatment compared to serum starvation only (63.36% vs. 57.01%; P < 0.05). In the ooctyes with the CC, the reconstructed embryos could yield high blastocyst formation rate by APC treatment (29.63%; P < 0.05). In the presence of APC, CC gave rise to the highest cleavage and blastocyst formation rates among the three cell types. Therefore, our results suggest that treatment of CC with serum starvation plus APC prior to nuclear transfer is more suitable in SCNT of mini‐pigs.
Studies of composition and major protein level in milk and colostrum of mares
Authors: PECKA Ewa , DOBRZAŃSKI Zbigniew , ZACHWIEJA Andrzej , SZULC Tadeusz , CZYŻ Katarzyna
Published: July 2011

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in composition and physicochemical features (pH, density, thermostability and acidity) of mare colostrum and milk, and of protein fraction contribution (serum albumin, β‐casein, γ‐casein, α‐lactalbumin, G class immunoglobulins) depending on lactation stage. The research material was colostrum and milk samples from 12 Arabian mares. Colostrum samples were collected within 2 h after parturition and milk samples were collected twice, in the 3rd and 6th weeks of lactation. The level of basic milk components decreased significantly (only lactose content increased) as compared to colostrum. Total bacteria count and somatic cell count decreased significantly with an increase in resistance and urea level. The changes observed were connected to differentiated contribution of particular protein fractions and their relative proportions. Lower levels of γ‐casein (P ≤ 0.05), β‐casein, serum albumin as well as α‐lactalbumin were observed in colostrum as compared to those in milk. Any relationship between lactation stage and β‐casein content was observed. Serum albumin and α‐lactalbumin content increased in subsequent milkings. The level of G class immunoglobulins decreased significantly and its highest level was noted in colostrum. Any significant differences between the 3rd and 6th lactation weeks were obtained.
Effect of repeated microwave disinfections on bonding of different commercial teeth to resin denture base
Authors: Consani Rafael L. X. , Soave Tatiane , Mesquita Marcelo F. , Sinhoreti Mario A. C. , Mendes Wilson B. , Guiraldo Ricardo D.
Published: July 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00516.x

Effect of repeated microwave disinfections on bonding of different commercial teeth to resin denture base

Objective:  To verify the influence of repeated microwave disinfections on the shear bond strength of two commercial types of teeth to acrylic resin, when the ridge lap surfaces were unmodified, bur abraded, bur grooved or etched by monomer.

Material and methods:  Eighty specimens (n = 10) were adhered to the tooth ridge lap surface, polymerised in a water bath at 74°C for 9 h. Microwaved specimens were individually immersed in 150 ml of water and submitted to five simulated disinfections in a microwave oven calibrated at 650 W for 3 min. Control specimens were not microwave treated. Shear bond strength tests were performed in an Instron machine with a cross‐speed of 1 mm/min. The fracture load values were transformed into shear bond strength as a function of the bonding area (0.28 cm2). Data were submitted to anova and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Fractured areas were classified as adhesive, cohesive (resin or tooth) or mixed failures.

Results:  Repeated microwave disinfections increased the shear strength of the tooth/resin bond. Mechanical retention in microwaved and non‐microwaved procedures improved the shear bond strength.

Conclusions:  The different commercial types of teeth influenced shear bond strength values, with Biotone teeth showing the lower values.
An early reader two decades later: a follow‐up case study on the Metacognitive reading strategies of ‘Jan’
Authors: Brenna Beverley A.
Published: July 2011

This is a follow‐up study regarding one of the early readers whose metacognitive reading strategies were explored in my 1991 qualitative case study research, published inReading, 29 (2), 30–33. Unique factors in the original study involve the inclusion of young children as informants related to self, task and text. Six‐year‐old ‘Jan’ is now almost 26, and a semi‐structured interview method was used to examine effects the previous study may have had on her development as well as her current preferences regarding reading strategies, comparing her profile to that of her past reading self. In addition, the contemporary qualitative study explores conclusions regarding the reading process that might assist educators in the teaching of reading as well as facilitate further research with young children. Results of this follow‐up study support involving young children as informants regarding their literacy events and imply the need for further research regarding adult readers, related to further understandings of the reading process and best educational practice.
Powerful students, powerful words: writing and learning in a poetry workshop
Authors: Wiseman Angela
Published: July 2011

A poetry workshop can present opportunities to integrate students' knowledge and perspectives in classroom contexts, encouraging the use of language for expression, communication, learning and even empowerment. This paper describes how adolescent students respond to a poetry workshop in an English classroom centred on teaching writing that is based on their knowledge from their various life experiences and understanding of events beyond the classroom. Informed by New Literacy Studies and third space theories, ethnographic methods of participant observation were used to document an eighth‐grade urban public school classroom where a community member implemented a weekly programme using music lyrics and poetry for an entire school year. Findings illustrate how the poetry workshop encouraged students to contribute to the classroom learning context and engage critically with ideas that were relevant to their lives. Collaborating with a community member and tapping in to the powerful ways of using language to communicate led to important learning opportunities for students in this classroom. Poetic devices such as rhyme, rhythm, metaphor and wordplay enhanced and supported students' own language practices; students used these sophisticated writing strategies as they worked to convey their ideas, experiences and opinions.
Study on the Anticancer Activity of Coumarin Derivatives by Molecular Modeling
Authors: Huang Xiao Y. , Shan Zhi J. , Zhai Hong L. , Su Li , Zhang Xiao Y.
Published: July 2011

Protein kinase 2 (CK2) is a potential target, and the coumarins were identified as the attractive CK2 inhibitors. In this study, two models (CoMFA and CoMSIA) were established, and their reliabilities were supported by statistical parameters. From the CoMFA and CoMSIA models, the hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds play very important roles in the interactions between inhibitors and CK2, which were confirmed sufficiently by molecular docking. Furthermore, the binding mode of the inhibitors at the active sites of CK2 was also investigated by docking study. The hydroxyl at the position R5 is more important for coumarins inhibitors because it forms hydrogen bonds not only with Lys68 as hydrogen acceptor but also with H2O as hydrogen donor. In addition, hydroxyl can make electrostatic interactions with electropositive Lys68 residue. The large group at the R6 position is not conducive to inhibitor dock into the groove of the binding site of CK2. When there is nitro group, the electrostatic interaction between ligand and receptor is enhanced significantly, and the nitro oxygen can form hydrogen bonds with the backbone NH of Lys68 and Asp175 simultaneously. The results obtained from molecular modeling techniques not only provide the models to predict the activity of inhibitors but also lead to a better understanding of the interactions between inhibitors and CK2, which will be very helpful for drug design.
White Support for Racial Referenda in the Deep South
Authors: OREY BYRON D'ANDRA , OVERBY L. MARVIN , HATEMI PETER K. , LIU BAODONG
Published: July 2011

This research examines two referenda in the Deep South, both of which can be categorized as antiblack. Specifically, we analyze a 2001 Mississippi flag referendum (in which the electorate rejected a new flag and retained the old state flag containing a Confederate insignia) and a 2004 referendum in Alabama (in which citizens voted to retain unenforceable constitutional language requiring separate educational facilities for black and white students, and a poll tax on voting). Using state election returns and census data, we employ weighted least squares regression to analyze voting patterns. The results reveal that across both states, white voters displayed significantly greater “antiblack” voting behavior in those areas with larger black populations and more urbanized environments. Our findings pose a direct challenge to both those who insist that the “racial threat” perceived by whites is diminishing and those who hold that urbanization will ultimately be corrosive of racist attitudes and behavior.

Esta investigación examina dos referendos en el sur de Estados Unidos, cada uno de ellos puede ser categorizado como anti afroamericano. Específicamente, se analizó el referendo en 2001 a la bandera de Mississippi (en el que el electorado rechazó una nueva bandera y decidieron conservar la bandera anterior que contenía una insignia del ejército confederado) y un referendo en 2004 en Alabama (en el que los ciudadanos votaron para conservar un lenguaje constitucional imposible de aplicar que requería separar las instalaciones educativas para blancos y afroamericanos, y un impuesto al voto).Usando los resultados de las elecciones estatales e información estadística, empleamos un modelo de regresión de cuadrados mínimos comunes para analizar patrones electorales. Los resultados revelan que a través de ambos estados los votantes blancos mostraron un comportamiento electoral “anti afroamericano” significativamente mayor en áreas con una gran población afroamericana y entornos más urbanizados. Nuestros hallazgos plantean un desafío directo a quienes insisten que la “amenaza racial” percibida por la población blanca está disminuyendo, y aquellos que afirman que la urbanización eliminará actitudes y comportamiento racista.
Increased steady‐state and larger O2 deficit with CO2 inhalation during exercise
Authors: Østergaard L. , Kjær K. , Jensen K. , Gladden L. B. , Martinussen T. , Pedersen P. K.
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To examine whether inhalation of CO2‐enriched gas would increase steady‐state during exercise and enlarge O2 deficit.

Methods:  Ten physically active men ( 53.7 ± 3.6 mL min−1 kg−1;  ± SD) performed transitions from low‐load cycling (baseline; 40 W) to work rates representing light (≈ 45%; 122 ± 15 W) and heavy (≈ 80%; 253 ± 29 W) exercise while inhaling normal air (air) or a CO2 mixture (4.2% CO2, 21% O2, balance N2). Gas exchange was measured with Douglas bag technique at baseline and at min 0–2, 2–3 and 5–6.

Results:  Inhalation of CO2‐enriched air consistently induced respiratory acidosis with increases in PCO2 and decreases in capillary blood pH (P < 0.01). Hypercapnic steady‐state was on average about 6% greater (P < 0.01) than with air in both light and heavy exercise, presumably because of increased cost of breathing (ΔVE 40–50 L min−1; P < 0.01), and a substrate shift towards increased lipid oxidation (decline in R 0.12; P < 0.01). during the first 2 min of exercise were not significantly different whereas the increase in from min 2–3 to min 5–6 in heavy exercise was larger with CO2 than with air suggesting a greater slow component. As a result, O2 deficit was greater with hypercapnia in heavy exercise (2.24 ± 0.51 L vs. 1.91 ± 0.45 L; P < 0.05) but not in light (0.64 ± 0.21 L vs. 0.54 ± 0.20 L; ns).

Conclusion:  Inhalation of CO2‐enriched air and the ensuing respiratory acidosis increase steady‐state in both light and heavy exercise and enlarges O2 deficit in heavy exercise.
Simultaneous intra‐operative repair for inadvertent dural tear under posterior lumbar disk scope
Authors: Sun Ming‐ju , Gao Sai‐ming , Wang Yan‐hui
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To introduce a microsurgical suture technique for repair of dural tear under posterior lumbar disk scope.

Methods:  Micro endoscopic discectomy was performed on a 26‐year‐old male under local anesthesia. During the operation, an irregular tear of about 1.0 cm was inadvertently made in the dura.The cauda equina herniated through the tear with fluctuations and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The tear was successfully sutured with a 7/0 microsurgical thread which was held by small disk forceps in a parallel position.

Results:  Once the repair had been performed, minor cerebrospinal fluid leakage persisted but there was no herniation of the cauda equina. The original planned operation was completed smoothly under posterior lumbar disk scope.

Conclusion:  The microsurgical suture technique for dural tear under posterior lumbar disk scope described here is simple and reliable.