bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and Transcriptomic Phenotyping of Inorganic Carbon Acclimation in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942
Authors: Schwarz Doreen , Nodop Anke , Hüge Jan , Purfürst Stephanie , Forchhammer Karl , Michel Klaus-Peter , Bauwe Hermann , Kopka Joachim , Hagemann Martin
Published: February 2011

The amount of inorganic carbon is one of the main limiting environmental factors for photosynthetic organisms such as cyanobacteria. Using Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, we characterized metabolic and transcriptomic changes in cells that had been shifted from high to low CO2 levels. Metabolic phenotyping indicated an activation of glycolysis, the oxidative pentose phosphate cycle, and glycolate metabolism at lowered CO2 levels. The metabolic changes coincided with a general reprogramming of gene expression, which included not only increased transcription of inorganic carbon transporter genes but also genes for enzymes involved in glycolytic and photorespiratory metabolism. In contrast, the mRNA content for genes from nitrogen assimilatory pathways decreased. These observations indicated that cyanobacteria control the homeostasis of the carbon-nitrogen ratio. Therefore, results obtained from the wild type were compared with the MP2 mutant of Synechococcus 7942, which is defective for the carbon-nitrogen ratio-regulating PII protein. Metabolites and genes linked to nitrogen assimilation were differentially regulated, whereas the changes in metabolite concentrations and gene expression for processes related to central carbon metabolism were mostly similar in mutant and wild-type cells after shifts to low-CO2 conditions. The PII signaling appears to down-regulate the nitrogen metabolism at lowered CO2, whereas the specific shortage of inorganic carbon is recognized by different mechanisms.
The FRIGIDA Complex Activates Transcription of FLC, a Strong Flowering Repressor in Arabidopsis, by Recruiting Chromatin Modification Factors
Authors: Choi Kyuha , Kim Juhyun , Hwang Hyun-Ju , Kim Sanghee , Park Chulmin , Kim Sang Yeol , Lee Ilha
Published: February 2011

The flowering of Arabidopsis thaliana winter annuals is delayed until the subsequent spring by the strong floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). FRIGIDA (FRI) activates the transcription of FLC, but the molecular mechanism remains elusive. The fri mutation causes early flowering with reduced FLC expression similar to frl1, fes1, suf4, and flx, which are mutants of FLC-specific regulators. Here, we report that FRI acts as a scaffold protein interacting with FRL1, FES1, SUF4, and FLX to form a transcription activator complex (FRI-C). Each component of FRI-C has a specialized function. SUF4 binds to a cis-element of the FLC promoter, FLX and FES1 have transcriptional activation potential, and FRL1 and FES1 stabilize the complex. FRI-C recruits a general transcription factor, a TAF14 homolog, and chromatin modification factors, the SWR1 complex and SET2 homolog. Complex formation was confirmed by the immunoprecipitation of FRI-associated proteins followed by mass spectrometric analysis. Our results provide insight into how a specific transcription activator recruits chromatin modifiers to regulate a key flowering gene.
Comprehensive upgrade of the high-resolution small-angle neutron scattering instrument KWS-3 at FRM II
Authors: Goerigk Guenter , Varga Zoltan
Published: February 2011

After the KWS-3 instrument was moved from Jülich to Munich (in the first half of 2007), it underwent a fundamental evaluation, with the final result that a major upgrade for the whole instrument became necessary. The main subject of the upgrade project was a general mirror refurbishment,i.e.a new polishing and subsequently a new coating of the mirror surface with the isotope65Cu. In parallel to the mirror refurbishment, comprehensive upgrade activities in the vacuum system, electronics and programming have been performed with the aims of protecting the new mirror coating from aging (degradation of the mirror's surface properties), transforming the instrument into a user-friendly state and introducing conceptual improvements.
On the validity of simple precipitate size measurements by small-angle scattering in metallic systems
Authors: Deschamps Alexis , De Geuser Frédéric
Published: February 2011

This paper assesses how simple small-angle scattering particle size evaluation models, such as Porod or Guinier radii, which have a normally limited validity range, may see this range extended to largerqvalues. This is shown to be particularly true for metallic systems, where the dispersion in particle size is always large. Because of the size dispersion, the relationship between the average particle size and the Guinier radius is shown to change. For systems with relatively large size dispersion, the paper shows that the Porod and Guinier radii, and simple extensions thereof, give valuable information on particle size and particle size distribution. This is demonstrated to be valid for particles with moderate aspect ratios. These simple evaluations are quick and very well adapted to large data sets, such as those originating from time-resolved or scanning small-angle experiments.
‘Big Society’ in the UK: A Policy Review
Authors: Evans Kathy
Published: February 2011

Alongside the UK Coalition Government’s historic public spending cuts, the ‘Big Society’ has become a major narrative in UK political discourse. This article reviews key features of Big Society policies against their aims of rebalancing the economy and mending ‘Broken Britain’, with particular reference to their implications for children and young people, and for the voluntary and community sector working with them. Although many positives are acknowledged, flaws are identified in the lack of attention paid to the unique position of children in society, and in an inconsistent conceptualisation of the voluntary sector on which Big Society policies rely.
Vitiligo: A review of the published work
Authors: YAGHOOBI Reza , OMIDIAN Mohammad , BAGHERANI Nooshin
Published: February 2011

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder, characterized by acquired, idiopathic, progressive, circumscribed hypomelanosis of the skin and hair, with total absence of melanocytes microscopically. It occurs worldwide, with an incidence rate of between 0.1% and 2%. Vitiligo is an important skin disease having a major impact on the quality of life of the patient suffering from it. The causes of this condition are uncertain but seem to be dependent on the interaction of genetic, immunological and neurological factors. Vitiligo coexists with other autoimmune disorders, Sutton or halo nevus, and malignant melanoma. The substantial disfigurement associated with vitiligo can cause serious emotional stress for the patient, which necessitates treatment. Because its pathogenesis is still not understood, there is a plethora of different treatments. Among them, topical steroids and narrowband ultraviolet B monotherapy were the most common as current treatments for localized and generalized vitiligo, respectively. Cosmetic improvement can be achieved by camouflage products and self‐tanning dyes. The course of vitiligo is unpredictable, but often progressive. Spontaneous repigmentation may occur in a few people (10–20%), mainly in children, but this tends to be only partial and on sun‐exposed areas. In this article, we review vitiligo as a whole, including epidemiology, pathogenesis and etiology, histopathology, clinical manifestations, classification, clinical variants, diagnosis and differential diagnoses, specific investigation, treatment, prognosis, psychosocial view and its association with other disorders.
Yield and quality of forage maize grown under marginal climatic conditions in Northern Ireland
Authors: Farrell A. D. , Gilliland T. J.
Published: February 2011

The expansion of maize (Zea mays) into cooler areas has been facilitated by the availability of early maturing cultivars and by cultivation under plastic mulch. However, year‐to‐year variation in harvest quality remains a problem. The yield and quality of ‘Goldcob’, an early maturing forage maize, were assessed over 5 years from plots grown in the open and under plastic mulch. For both treatments, there was significant between‐year variation in yield and quality (starch content, metabolizable energy, organic matter and D‐value), and starch content was particularly variable. The use of plastic mulch to warm the soil advanced the establishment of the crop, with silking occurring on average 19 days earlier. This resulted in significantly higher yields under plastic mulch, with a mean increase of 3·9 t ha−1. The plastic mulch also resulted in significant increases in quality parameters, with starch content showing a mean increase of 36%. The Ontario heat unit model explained much of the variability in yield, both in the open and under plastic mulch. Plastic mulch had no consistent effect on Ontario heat units accumulated prior to silking, but Ontario heat units accumulated between silking and harvest (OHUpost‐silk) were found to be an adequate predictor of yield. The response of starch content was more complex, showing a clear plateau in the response to temperature at 1200 OHUpost‐silk, above which the accumulation of starch appears limited by other factors.
Foliar N/P ratio and nutrient limitation to vegetation growth on Keerqin sandy grassland of North‐east China
Authors: Li L.‐J. , Zeng D.‐H. , Yu Z.‐Y. , Fan Z.‐P. , Mao R. , Peri P. L.
Published: February 2011

To examine whether the critical leaf N/P ratios (of 14, 16) are valid to test nutrient limitation in the context of semi‐arid sandy grasslands, an experiment was conducted on a Keerqin sandy grassland in North‐east China to investigate the responses of plant biomass and nutrient concentrations to fertilization. Plant biomass production and leaf nutrient concentrations were measured after five consecutive years of fertilization with N (20 g N m−2 year−1) and/or P (10 g P2O5 m−2 year−1). Nitrogen fertilization increased the shoot biomass by twofold and consequently the shoot/root ratio, whereas P fertilization had little effect on either shoot biomass or shoot/root ratio. Leaf N/P ratio varied among species with an average of 5·6 in the control, while the mean leaf N/P ratio (7·5) under the N fertilization treatment remained below the threshold of 14. Our results suggest that the critical N/P ratio (14, 16) is not applicable as a test for nutrient limitations in the context of semi‐arid, sandy grassland.
Glucosamine Improved Atopic Dermatitis‐like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice by Inhibition of Th2 Cell Development
Authors: Kim C.‐H. , Cheong K. A. , Park C. D. , Lee A.‐Y.
Published: February 2011

Dysregulated Th subset responses, characterized by Th2‐dominant allergic inflammation, are thought to be central to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Glucosamine has been shown to have immunosuppressive properties, but its effect on AD has not been examined. In this study, the immunoregulatory effects of glucosamine, using dermatophagoides farinae (Df)‐induced AD‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice, were investigated. The clinical scores were reduced significantly by the treatment with glucosamine at 10 and 20 mg/day. Histological analysis of the skin also revealed that treatment of glucosamine at 10 and 20 mg/day significantly reduced the inflammatory cellular infiltrate, including mast cells and eosinophils. The levels of serum IgE and Th2 cytokines in spleen cells were reduced, whereas no significant change was detected in IFN‐γ, a Th1 cytokine. To determine the mechanism associated with inhibition of the Th2 immune response, the effects of glucosamine on the selective differentiation pathway of the Th subset in vitro was examined in NC/Nga mice. The results showed that glucosamine suppressed the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells to Th2 cells in vitro. On the basis of in vivo and in vitro results of the NC/Nga mice, the immunobiological effects of glucosamine on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with AD were examined. The production of Th2 cytokines, such as IL‐4 and IL‐5, was significantly decreased after in vitro administration of glucosamine, which suggest that glucosamine might be a useful immunomodulatory agent for the treatment of human AD.
VASCULAR‐RELATED NAC‐DOMAIN 7 directly regulates the expression of a broad range of genes for xylem vessel formation
Authors: Yamaguchi Masatoshi , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohtani Misato , Ohme‐Takagi Masaru , Kato Ko , Demura Taku
Published: February 2011

The Arabidopsis thaliana NAC domain transcription factor, VASCULAR‐RELATED NAC‐DOMAIN7 (VND7), acts as a key regulator of xylem vessel differentiation. In order to identify direct target genes of VND7, we performed global transcriptome analysis using Arabidopsis transgenic lines in which VND7 activity could be induced post‐translationally. This analysis identified 63 putative direct target genes of VND7, which encode a broad range of proteins, such as transcription factors, IRREGULAR XYLEM proteins and proteolytic enzymes, known to be closely associated with xylem vessel formation. Recombinant VND7 protein binds to several promoter sequences present in candidate direct target genes: specifically, in the promoter of XYLEM CYSTEINE PEPTIDASE1, two distinct regions were demonstrated to be responsible for VND7 binding. We also found that expression of VND7 restores secondary cell wall formation in the fiber cells of inflorescence stems of nst1 nst3 double mutants, as well as expression of NAC SECONDARY WALL THICKENING PROMOTING FACTOR3 (NST3, however, the vessel‐type secondary wall deposition was observed only as a result of VND7 expression. These findings indicated that VND7 upregulates, directly and/or indirectly, many genes involved in a wide range of processes in xylem vessel differentiation, and that its target genes are partially different from those of NSTs.
Double ethical review of North–South collaborative clinical research: hidden paternalism or real partnership?
Authors: Ravinetto Raffaella , Buvé Anne , Halidou Tinto , Lutumba Pascal , Talisuna Ambrose , Juffrie Mohammad , D’Alessandro Umberto , Boelaert Marleen
Published: February 2011

Despite their universal character, the ethical principles governing clinical research need to be translated into procedures and practices, which will vary among countries and regions because of differences in local cultural norms and in the available resources. Double ethical review, by which a research protocol is submitted for ethical clearance both in the country or countries where the research takes place and in the country of the sponsor or funding agency, will then help ensure that all relevant perspectives are taken into account. In addition, a geographically and culturally close ethics committee can do a much better informed and comprehensive assessment of the respective skills of the clinical sites and of the sponsor. But the practical implementation of double ethical review can bring significant difficulties and delays, especially in multi‐site and multi‐country researches. Currently, most ethics committees do not proactively seek communication with others evaluating the same research protocol in different socio‐economical and cultural contexts, so in practice there is no mutual learning process. Proactive communication would help to build collaborative partnership among ethical bodies, promoting common practices and resolving conflicting opinions.
Patients’ experiences and views of an emergency and urgent care system
Authors: Knowles Emma , O’Cathain Alicia , Nicholl Jon
Published: February 2011

Background  Surveys of patients’ experiences and views of health care usually focus on single services. During an unexpected episode of ill health, patients may make contact with different services and therefore experience care within an emergency and urgent care system. We developed the Urgent Care System Questionnaire and used it to describe patients’ experiences and views of an emergency and urgent care system in England.

Methods  A market research company used quota sampling and random digit dialling to undertake a telephone survey of 1000 members of the general population in July 2007.

Results  15% (151/1000) of the population reported using the emergency and urgent care system in the previous 3 months. Two thirds of users (68%, 98/145) contacted more than one service for their most recent event, with a mean of 2.0 services per event. Users entered the system through a range of services: the majority contacted a daytime GP in the first instance (59%, 85/145), and 12% (18/145) contacted either a 999 emergency ambulance or an emergency department. Satisfaction with all aspects of care diminished when four or more services had been contacted.

Conclusions  This is the first study to describe patients’ experiences and views of the emergency and urgent care system. The majority of patients experienced a system of care rather than single service care. There was an indication that longer pathways resulted in lower levels of patient satisfaction. Health care organisations can undertake similar surveys to identify problems with their system or to assess the impact of changes made to their system.
Bacterial contamination of organ graft preservation solution and infection after transplantation
Authors: Sauget M. , Verdy S. , Slekovec C. , Bertrand X. , Talon D.
Published: February 2011

M. Sauget, S. Verdy, C. Slekovec, X. Bertrand, D. Talon. Bacterial contamination of organ graft preservation solution and infection after transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 331–334. All rights reserved

Abstract: Infectious complications represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with organ transplantation. Contamination of preservation solution (PS) can lead to life‐threatening complications in the recipients. For a 3‐year period, we investigated the bacterial contamination of both PSs and graft fragments, recipient infections, and explored the link between them. In total 137 organs were transplanted, and 131 organ and perfusate cultures out of 426 tested (30.8%) gave a positive bacterial culture, mainly with coagulase‐negative staphylococci. Overall, 80 recipients out of 137 (58.4%) had at least 1 infection during the 4‐month post‐graft surveillance period. Twelve recipients had an infection with the same bacterial species that was recovered in the corresponding graft. However, based on pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis typing results, only 1 case was very likely cross‐transmitted via the transplantation.
Recurrent leishmaniasis in kidney transplant recipients: report of 2 cases and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Simon I. , Wissing K.M. , Del Marmol V. , Antinori S. , Remmelink M. , Nilufer Broeders E. , Nortier J.L. , Corbellino M. , Abramowicz D. , Cascio A.
Published: February 2011

I. Simon, K.M. Wissing, V. Del Marmol, S. Antinori, M. Remmelink, E. Nilufer Broeders, J.L. Nortier, M. Corbellino, D. Abramowicz, A. Cascio. Recurrent leishmaniasis in kidney transplant recipients: report of 2 cases and systematic review of the literature. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 397–406. All rights reserved

Abstract: The characteristics of 8 episodes of leishmaniasis with atypical manifestations in 2 Italian kidney transplant recipients are analyzed and contextualized among those of 52 other episodes of leishmaniasis observed in 19 transplant recipients found through a systematic review of the international literature. In all the patients, the initial episode was visceral leishmaniasis, which was associated with mucocutaneous involvement in 2 cases. With the exception of 1 case of post kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis, 2 episodes of Leishmania endophthalmitis, and 3 episodes of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, all the recurrences were characterized by visceral involvement. The potential role of polymerase chain reaction in monitoring the infection, the importance of a long follow‐up, the potential benefit of chemoprophylaxis, and the therapeutic challenges are discussed.
Molecular diversity and distribution of aromatic hydrocarbon‐degrading anaerobes across a landfill leachate plume
Authors: Staats Martijn , Braster Martin , Röling Wilfred F.M.
Published: February 2011

Natural attenuation of the mono‐aromates benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene occurs under iron‐reducing conditions in a leachate‐contaminated aquifer near the Banisveld landfill, the Netherlands. The diversity of mono‐aromate‐degrading microorganisms was studied by targeting functional genes encoding benzylsuccinate synthase α‐subunit (bssA) and 6‐oxocyclohex‐1‐ene‐1‐carbonyl‐CoA hydrolase (bamA). Sixty‐four bssA and 188 bamA variants were sequenced from groundwater sampled along the pollution plume in 1999 and 2004. Species containing bssA sequences closest affiliated (> 91%) with the betaprotebacterium Georgfuchsia toluolica were the dominant alkylbenzene degraders (89% of bssA sequences). bssA genes were found at more than 10‐fold lower copy numbers than bamA genes, of which only a small fraction (< 2%) was closely related to the genes of Georgfuchsia. bamA gene diversity was high and bamA‐based community composition was primarily affected by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ferrous iron concentrations. bamA sequences closest related to Geobacteraceae were dominantly (43.2%) observed and the presence of Geobacteraceae‐related bamA sequences was associated with DOC. Our results indicate a key role for specialized Georgfuchsia spp. in the degradation of alkylbenzenes, whereas Geobacteraceae are involved in degradation of aromatics other than toluene and xylene.
Signposting the causes of medication errors
Authors: Jordan Sue
Published: February 2011

JORDAN S. (2011) Signposting the causes of medication errors. International Nursing Review58, 45–46

Background:  Medication errors are a universal problem, but the causes and solutions are uncertain.

Aim:  This commentary contextualizes an important paper describing the medication error problem in one hospital in Iran.

Evaluation:  Medication errors may be an important link between poor employment conditions for nurses and less favourable patient outcomes.

Implications:  This paper, taken with other observational work, suggests that intervention studies to test strategies to reduce medication errors may be key to improving patient outcomes.
Pectin engineering to modify product quality in potato
Authors: Ross Heather A. , Morris Wayne L. , Ducreux Laurence J.M. , Hancock Robert D. , Verrall Susan R. , Morris Jenny A , Tucker Gregory A. , Stewart Derek , Hedley Pete E. , McDougall Gordon J. , Taylor Mark A.
Published: February 2011

Although processed potato tuber texture is an important trait that influences consumer preference, a detailed understanding of tuber textural properties at the molecular level is lacking. Previous work has identified tuber pectin methyl esterase (PME) activity as a potential factor impacting on textural properties, and the expression of a gene encoding an isoform of PME (PEST1) was associated with cooked tuber textural properties. In this study, a transgenic approach was undertaken to investigate further the impact of the PEST1 gene. Antisense and over‐expressing potato lines were generated. In over‐expressing lines, tuber PME activity was enhanced by up to 2.3‐fold; whereas in antisense lines, PME activity was decreased by up to 62%. PME isoform analysis indicated that the PEST1 gene encoded one isoform of PME. Analysis of cell walls from tubers from the over‐expressing lines indicated that the changes in PME activity resulted in a decrease in pectin methylation. Analysis of processed tuber texture demonstrated that the reduced level of pectin methylation in the over‐expressing transgenic lines was associated with a firmer processed texture. Thus, there is a clear link between PME activity, pectin methylation and processed tuber textural properties.
Situational interest, computer self‐efficacy and self‐regulation: Their impact on student engagement in distance education
Authors: Sun Jerry Chih‐Yuan , Rueda Robert
Published: February 2011

This study investigates possible relationships among motivational and learning variables (interest, self‐efficacy and self‐regulation) and three types of student engagement (behavioural engagement, emotional engagement and cognitive engagement) in a distance education setting. Participants were 203 students enrolled in online classes in the fall semester of 2008 in the Schools of Gerontology and Engineering at a large research university in the south‐western USA, who completed an online survey assessing their levels of situational interest, computer self‐efficacy, self‐regulation and engagement in distance education. Situational interest and self‐regulation were found to be significantly correlated with three types of engagement (behavioural, emotional and cognitive), while computer self‐efficacy did not appear to be associated with any of those engagement variables. Results suggested that online activities and tools such as multimedia and discussion boards may increase emotional engagement in online learning, although they do not necessarily increase behavioural or cognitive engagement, that educators should identify students who are taking online courses for the first time and provide necessary technical help to increase their emotional engagement, and that it is important for educators to offer students strategies for increasing their self‐regulation in distance education environments.
EXHIBITION CENTRE DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: VERMEULEN RICK
Published: February 2011

All over Europe conference and exposition centres are being renovated and extended. The aim of this paper is to propose a framework to analyse these developments. It does so from a historical institutionalist perspective by employing path dependency arguments. However, after an analysis of past and present of exhibition centres in Europe, it is found that this theory contains some omissions which make them less suitable for the analysis of such large scale urban projects. To correct these omissions, a multidimensional view to path dependency, consisting of four different dimensions is proposed. This framework looks at path dependency within and between the dimensions of form, function, spatial embeddedness and institutional setting. It is argued that corresponding developments in all four dimensions lead to path dependent development, while divergence from this correspondence in one of these dimensions leads to a critical juncture. From this analytical framework a typology of exhibition centre development is derived.
Chronic immune‐related demyelinating neuropathies
Authors: Nemni R. , Sessa M.
Published: February 2011

In recent years many important advances have been made in the knowledge of the mechanisms that may produce peripheral nerve damage. Data in the literature indicate that in some chronic demyelinating neuropathy autoantibodies against myelin antigens may play a pathogenic role. The pathogenic role of T cells, cytokines, complement, and class II molecules has also been studied. Identification of specific immune‐related demyelinating polyneuropathies provides clues to future therapeutic approaches. This paper focuses on the chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, chronic demyelinating neuropathies associated with monoclonal gammapathies of undetermined significance, and multifocal motor neuropathy, and reviews their clinical, patophysiological and immunological features.
AIDS dementia complex: incidence, clinical profile and impact of zidovudine treatment*
Authors: Sánchez‐Portocarrero J. , Jiménez‐Escrig A. , Pérez‐Cecilia E. , Ayuso‐Mateos J.L. , Roca V. , Yague M. Ruiz , Barquero M. , Ramirez C. , de Seijas E. Varela
Published: February 2011

This study aimed to determine the incidence of AIDS dementia complex (ADC), the clinical data which distinguish it from other neurological complications of HIV infection, and the impact of zidovudine (AZT) therapy on the appearance and course of this condition. Data on the neurological complications of HIV patients treated at a community hospital from 1988 to 1992 were collected prospectively. Out of 500 AIDS patients treated at the hospital, there were 142 patients with neurological complications, with an average of 1.42 complications/patient There were 23 patients diagnosed as having ADC; with an estimated incidence of 4.6%, it was the most frequent neurological complication, after cerebral toxoplasmosis. Age was higher in patients with ADC as first manifestation of AIDS with respect to ADC patients with previous AIDS diagnosed. Compared with the group of patients suffering from other neurological complications, patients with ADC showed significant differences in several biological markers of progression to AIDS, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, global lymphocyte count, serum β2‐microglobulin and serum IgA. CD4 count was similar in both groups. Ten ADC patients had been treated previously with AZT. Dementia continued progressing in seven of these patients and remained stable in three. Of the other 13 cases not treated previously with the drug, eight received AZT therapy, and a favourable response was obtained in three patients (p = 0.068). ADC represents a major neurological complication in AIDS patients. AZT therapy may delay the appearance of ADC, but not prevent it. A trend towards a favourable response to AZT was observed in ADC patients who had not been treated with it previously.
Increased use of target cues during visuo‐motor tracking in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Rickards C. , Cody F.W.J.
Published: February 2011

The effect of temporarily suppressing the visual display of either the target or actual movement trajectory upon the accuracy of visuo‐motor tracking was studied in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy subjects. Subjects made wrist movements to superimpose a movement cursor upon a target cursor on a VDU screen. The tracking of slow ramp and sinewave target waveforms was investigated. Trials involving the three conditions of visual suppression, namely, target suppressed (TS), movement suppressed (MS) and non‐suppressed (NS) were ordered randomly. In TS and MS trials, respectively, the target or movement cursor disappeared from the subject's view for a 4 s period whilst in NS trials both the target and movement cursors were continuously present. Prior to experimental trials, subjects initially practised a series of NS movements. Tracking errors were analysed by ANOVA for group, suppression condition and waveform effects. The tracking performance of the PD patients, during each form of suppression condition, was worse than that of healthy subjects. Both TS and MS elicited significant reductions in accuracy across groups and waveforms. TS induced a more pronounced impairment of tracking accuracy in the PD group than in the control group suggesting that parkinsonians exhibit an abnormally increased reliance upon visual information of the required trajectory during the present visuo‐motor tracking tasks. By contrast, there was no between‐group effect of MS in these tasks, suggesting that PD patients show a comparable dependence upon visual feedback of their own movements to that shown by controls.
The peak time difference of time–density curve in intravenous digital subtraction angiography correlates to an asymmetric cerebral blood flow as determined by positron emission tomography
Authors: Imamura T. , Nagasawa H. , Itoh M. , Tsuburaya K.
Published: February 2011

A time–density curve study in contrast media transit is theoretically possible to evaluate an asymmetric cerebral perfusion. In this study, we confirmed the correlation between the peak time difference in a regional time–density curve and the asymmetry of cerebral blood flow using positron emission tomography (PET). Five patients with a unilateral occlusion of the carotid or middle cerebral artery underwent intravenous digital subtraction angiography and PET on two successive days. We placed four pairs of regions of interest as appropriate in each study, and obtained the peak time of a regional time–density curve, regional cerebral vascular blood flow (rCVBF) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). We obtained a significant linear correlation between the right‐to‐left difference of peak time and the difference of 1/rCVBF (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). The peak time difference also showed good correlation to the absolute difference of rCBF (r = −0.84, p < 0.001). A time–density curve study can detect the asymmetry of rCBF, and may be used to evaluate unilateral ischemic damages.
Dynamics of mRNA expression of interferon‐γ, interleukin 4 and transforming growth factor β1 in sciatic nerves and lymphoid organs in experimental allergic neuritis
Authors: Zhu J. , Mix E. , Issazadeh S. , Link H.
Published: February 2011

Experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) is a T cell mediated inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and an animal model of the Guillain–Barré syndrome. Cytokines including interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) have previously been shown to be upmodulated in lymphoid organs and assumed to be involved in the pathogenesis of EAN. Cytokines in the target organ for autoaggressive immunity in EAN, the PNS, could be pivotal for the development of EAN. By adopting in situ hybridization, we studied mRNA expression of the T helper 1 (Th1) cell associated IFN‐γ, the Th2 cell related interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and the immune response down‐regulating TGF‐β1 in the sciatic nerve and, in parallel, in the lymph nodes and the spleen over the course of EAN actively induced by immunization with bovine peripheral nerve myelin (BPM) and Freund's complete adjuvant. The dynamics of IFN‐γ mRNA expression in the sciatic nerve followed approximately the clinical course of EAN with peak values around day 14 post immunization (p.i.), whereas IFN‐γ was transcribed earlier in the spleen and lymph nodes with maximum on day 7 p.i. In contrast, transcription of IL‐4 was only slightly enhanced in EAN, with minor fluctuations in the sciatic nerve peaking on days 11 and 28 p.i. In the lymph nodes, the highest numbers of TGF‐β mRNA positive cells were observed during the clinical improvement of EAN. The data argue for a major proinflammatory role for IFN‐γ, and a disease down‐regulating function for TGF‐β at the target site in EAN.
Primary position upbeat nystagmus reversed with carbamazepine
Authors: Iwata A. , Takao F. , Kunimoto M. , Inoue K.
Published: February 2011

A 16‐year old girl presented with primary position upbeat nystagmus (PPUN). MRI showed a small lesion at the perihypoglossal nuclei of the dorsal medulla oblongata. The case was diagnosed as a demyelinating disease for its response to prednisone, and the nystagmus decreased after administration of carbamazepine. Primary position upbeat nystagmus might be caused by an abnormal firing of neurons in the nuclei resulting in a tonic imbalance of vertical gaze. Also this is the first report to confirm the attenuation of PPUN by carbamazepine.
Delayed somatosensory conduction in acute painful neuropathy of diabetes
Authors: Shimamura H. , Baba M. , Ozaki I. , Matsunaga M. , Onuma T.
Published: February 2011

We examined the peripheral–central sensory conduction by using somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) in a 48 year old diabetic patient with acute painful neuropathy. The sural, ulnar and median sensory nerve conduction and SEP elicited by wrist stimulation showed no abnormalities, nevertheless, the tibial nerve SEP revealed absent spinal N19 and a remarkable delay of the cortical arrival time. These findings suggest involvement of the dorsal roots or the dorsal column in the acute painful neuropathy of diabetes.
Acute meningo‐encephalitis in pregnancy—a problem of differential diagnosis
Authors: Cooper P.N. , Neary D. , Denning D. , Cleator G.M. , Klapper RE.
Published: February 2011

Two cases of Coxsackie B viral meningo‐encephalitis in pregnant women are described. Both patients recovered well and delivered healthy babies, but because of delay in establishing the aetiology of their infections both mothers, and one child, received acyclovir therapy. The differential diagnosis of non‐pyogenic meningo‐encephalitis in late pregnancy can present particular problems: clinicians caring for such women should remain aware of the potential for enteroviral infection in their patients, and take appropriate action to prevent cross‐infection in neonatal units.
Recurrence of absence seizures induced by a low dose of amitriptyline: a case report
Authors: Avoni P. , Riva R. , Albani F.
Published: February 2011

We report a case of recurrence of absence seizures possibly induced by low doses of amitriptyline. A patient with juvenile absence epilepsy on chronic valproic acid monotherapy and seizure‐free for a period of 6 years experienced a recurrence of absence seizures on starting a headache prophylaxis with a low dose of amitriptyline (0.3 mg/kg). Seizures disappeared immediately after the addition of ethosuximide to antiepileptic therapy in spite of continuing amitriptyline. After stopping amitriptyline (3 months later) ethosuximide was also stopped and the patient remained, as before, seizure‐free on valproic acid monotherapy.
Analysing US State Legislative Resolutions on Immigrants and Immigration: The Role of Immigration Federalism***
Authors: Filindra Alexandra , Kovács Melinda
Published: February 2011

Immigration in the United States is traditionally thought of as a federal‐level policy, but in recent years, states have been exceedingly active in this domain. We analyse the context and discourse of immigration‐related legislative resolutions from Southern border‐states, recipients of the heaviest immigration flows, and find that states do not respond in the same way to immigration challenges, and these differences occur over time and space. Some states seek to federalize the issue and push Congress to take action, while others are slowly incorporating immigrants into domestic politics and have begun to treat them as yet another state constituency. These findings have significant implications both for federal‐state relations in the immigration realm, and for immigrants themselves.
Generational Shifts in Language Use Among US Latinos: Mobility, Education and Occupation
Authors: Spence Jeremiah , Rojas Viviana , Straubhaar Joseph
Published: February 2011

The role of language and linguistic assimilation among Latinos has a direct impact on both education and occupation in terms of social mobility. The relationship can be examined with a generational context as language usage changes from first generation immigrants to third generation immigrants. The specific question being addressed herein is whether language or ethnicity had more impact on Latinos’ mobility in terms of educational achievement and occupational prestige. Results presented in this paper imply the importance and impact of the maximization of the accumulation of linguistic capital in order to accelerate the acquisition of educational attainment.
Characterizing the composition of underarm and forearm skin using confocal raman spectrscopy
Authors: Wu J. Q. , Kilpatrick‐Liverman L.
Published: February 2011

Synopsis

Many studies have reported differences in skin composition as a function of body site and age. However, rarely has axilla (underarm) skin been included in these studies. This report highlights the results of a clinical study where confocal Raman spectroscopy was used to assess the differences between underarm and volar forearm skin. In the reported study, the concentration of natural moisturizing factor (NMF), urea, lactic acid, cholesterol, trans urocanic acid (t‐UCA) and ceramide 3 (N‐octadecanoyl‐phytosphingosine) was evaluated as a function of depth, body site (underarm vs. forearm) and age. Two age groups of women were included: (i) between 20 and 30 years and (ii) older than 55 years (post‐menopause). The levels of cholesterol, ceramide 3 and lactic acid were highest in the underarm regardless of the age group whereas the forearm contained higher amounts of NMF. Ceramide 3, urea and lactic acid were significantly lower for women 55 years or older in the underarm. No age‐related differences were detected within the forearm site..
Lifting properties of the alkamide fraction from the fruit husks of Zanthoxylum bungeanum
Authors: Artaria C. , Maramaldi G. , Bonfigli A. , Rigano L. , Appendino G.
Published: February 2011

Synopsis

The fruits of various Zanthoxylum species are used as a spice in the Chinese and Japanese cuisine because of their delicate flavour and tingling properties. The lipophilic hydroxyalkamides hydroxy α‐ and β‐sanshools (1a,b) have been identified as the tingling principles of these plants, and previous studies have validated a sanshool‐rich lipophilic extract from the fruit husks of Z. bungeanum Maxim. (Zanthalene®) as an anti‐itching cosmetic ingredient. Because tingling is a sort of ‘paralytic pungency’, and Zanthalene® potently inhibits synaptic transmission, we have investigated its capacity to relax subcutaneous muscles and act as a topical lifting agent for wrinkles. An anti‐wrinkles extract rich in spilanthol (2), a lipophilic alkamide having sensory properties similar to those of Zanthalene®, was used as a reference. Short‐term (lifting effect) and long‐term (anti‐wrinkle) improvements of skin roughness parameters were evaluated by both objectives’ and subjectives’ measurements. An immediate ‘lifting’ effect was observed with the sanshool‐rich lipophilic extract, at dosages at which the reference alkamide extract was inactive in the objective assays. Limited desensitization after repeated application and good overall tolerability were observed, although a modest long‐term anti‐wrinkle effect was shown by both products. Taken together, these observations validate the use of sanshool‐rich lipophilic extracts as an efficacious, immediate‐action lifting agent, and exemplify the relevance of sensory observations to foster the development of innovative cosmetic ingredients.
Efficacy and safety of topical steroids in paediatric atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lane Alfred T.
Published: February 2011

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects 10–15% of children in the USA and up to 20% of children in the UK. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy to control acute flares of AD in both children and adults.

Aim In paediatric patients, it is especially important to ensure that local application of a corticosteroid used is limited to the least amount needed to produce a therapeutic response, as children are particularly prone to systemic adverse effects of these agents. The development of newer corticosteroid molecules is aimed at achieving maximum activity and minimal unwanted side effects.

Review Mometasone furoate (Elocon®), a medium potency topical corticosteroid, is the only topical steroid approved for use in children in the USA. Mometasone furoate undergoes biotransformation in the liver into three different metabolites with very little intrinsic activity. Local side effects are minimal, with an atrophogenic potential comparable with that of 1% hydrocortisone ointment, and the risk of adrenal suppression is low. In clinical trials including over 300 infants and children, once‐daily 0.1% mometasone furoate was found to be statistically significantly more effective than twice‐daily 1% or 2.5% hydrocortisone, twice‐daily 0.05% alclometasone dipropionate and twice‐daily 0.05% fluticasone propionate.

Conclusion The once‐daily regimen of mometasone furoate is also useful in promoting compliance and reducing the potential for adverse effects.
A Comparison of Association Methods Correcting for Population Stratification in Case–Control Studies
Authors: Wu Chengqing , DeWan Andrew , Hoh Josephine , Wang Zuoheng
Published: February 2011

Population stratification is an important issue in case–control studies of disease‐marker association. Failure to properly account for population structure can lead to spurious association or reduced power. In this article, we compare the performance of six methods correcting for population stratification in case–control association studies. These methods include genomic control (GC), EIGENSTRAT, principal component‐based logistic regression (PCA‐L), LAPSTRUCT, ROADTRIPS, and EMMAX. We also include the uncorrected Armitage test for comparison. In the simulation studies, we consider a wide range of population structure models for unrelated samples, including admixture. Our simulation results suggest that PCA‐L and LAPSTRUCT perform well over all the scenarios studied, whereas GC, ROADTRIPS, and EMMAX fail to correct for population structure at single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that show strong differentiation across ancestral populations. The Armitage test does not adjust for confounding due to stratification thus has inflated type I error. Among all correction methods, EMMAX has the greatest power, based on the population structure settings considered for samples with unrelated individuals. The three methods, EIGENSTRAT, PCA‐L, and LAPSTRUCT, are comparable, and outperform both GC and ROADTRIPS in almost all situations.
A comparison of the production efficiencies of full‐length and truncated forms of prochymosin
Authors: BADIEFAR LEILA , KHODABANDEH MAHVASH , AHMADIAN GHOLAMREZA
Published: February 2011

Chymosin is one of the enzymes with many applications in the food industry. Its recombinant type has been designed and constructed in different forms. In this investigation, the production efficiency of two types of complete and exon‐6 less prochymosin was assessed. It was found that the average efficiencies of the optimum growth conditions calculated for the two constructs harbouring pET‐prochymosin and pET‐exon‐6 less prochymosin were significantly different (P value <0.05) at 192.02 ± 3.57 and 348.87 ± 7.76, respectively. Also during fermentation, the level of the exon‐6 less prochymosin production was much higher than the other construct as demonstrated by SDS–PAGE.
Modification of the renneting process in Berridge substrate by transglutaminase
Authors: YÜKSEL ZERRIN , AVCI ELIF , ERDEM YAŞAR KEMAL
Published: February 2011

The influence of enzymatic cross‐linking on the rennet coagulation of Berridge substrate was investigated in the rennet gel samples prepared by three different methods using a microbial Tgase. Protein cross‐linking was carried out at each of three stages: before the addition of rennet, simultaneously with rennet and after the addition of rennet. The results showed that the cross‐linking of milk proteins before the addition of rennet inhibited the primary enzymatic phase of rennet coagulation. It was observed that enzymatic cross‐linking affected both the primary and the secondary phases of rennet coagulation. The most suitable application method was the addition of transglutaminase at the 5th minute after the addition of rennet.
Prostitution, Sexual Autonomy, and Sex Discrimination
Authors: Gauthier Jeffrey
Published: February 2011

Feminist critics of the stigmatization of prostitution such as Martha Nussbaum and Sybil Schwarzenbach argue that the features of the practice do not, or at least need not, differ essentially from those of other more respected sorts of labor. I argue that even the least degraded forms of the current practice of prostitution remain objectionable on feminist grounds because patrons demand a semblance of sexual self-expression that engages discriminatory beliefs about women's sexuality.
Looking Backwards: A Feminist Revisits Herbert Marcuse'sEros and Civilization
Authors: Holland Nancy J.
Published: February 2011

This paper reconsiders Marcuse's Eros and Civilization from the perspective of Gayle Rubin's classic article “The Traffic in Women.” The primary goals of this comparison are to investigate the social and psychological mechanisms that perpetuate the archaic sex/gender system Rubin describes under current conditions of post-industrial capitalism; to open possible new avenues of analysis and liberatory praxis based on these authors’ applications of Marxist insights to cultural interpretations of Freud's writings; and to make clearer the role sexual repression continues to play in all forms of oppression, even in a public world seemingly saturated with sex.