bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
l‐asparaginase loaded red blood cells in refractory or relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children and adults: results of the GRASPALL 2005‐01 randomized trial
Authors: Domenech Carine , Thomas Xavier , Chabaud Sylvie , Baruchel Andre , Gueyffier François , Mazingue Françoise , Auvrignon Anne , Corm Selim , Dombret Herve , Chevallier Patrice , Galambrun Claire , Huguet Françoise , Legrand Faezeh , Mechinaud Françoise , Vey Norbert , Philip Irène , Liens David , Godfrin Yann , Rigal Dominique , Bertrand Yves
Published: February 2011

l‐asparaginase encapsulated within erythrocytes (GRASPA®) should allow serum asparagine depletion over a longer period than the native form of the enzyme, using lower doses and allowing better tolerance. The GRASPALL 2005‐01 study, a multicentre randomized controlled trial, investigated three doses of GRASPA® for the duration of asparagine depletion in a phase I/II study in adults and children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in first relapse. Between February 2006 and April 2008, 18 patients received GRASPA® (50 iu/kg: n = 6, 100 iu/kg: n = 6, 150 iu/kg: n = 6) after randomization, and six patients were assigned to the Escherichia coli native l‐asparaginase (E. colil‐ASNase) control group. GRASPA® was effective at depleting l‐asparagine. One single injection of 150 iu/kg of GRASPA® provided similar results to 8 × 10 000 iu/m2 intravenous injections of E. colil‐ASNase. The safety profile of GRASPA® showed a reduction in the number and severity of allergic reactions and a trend towards less coagulation disorders. Other expected adverse events were comparable to those observed with E. colil‐ASNase and there was also no difference between the three doses of GRASPA®.
Serum regulates cortisol bioactivity by corticosteroid‐binding globulin‐dependent and independent mechanisms, as revealed by combined bioassay and physicochemical assay approaches
Authors: Perogamvros I. , Kayahara M. , Trainer P. J. , Ray D. W.
Published: February 2011

Context  Corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) is the principal carrier of natural glucocorticoids in the circulation, and we hypothesized that it modulates glucocorticoid bioactivity (GBA). Alterations in CBG, the presence of noncortisol, naturally occurring glucocorticoids and the use of potent, synthetic glucocorticoids, all make it difficult to assess adrenal activity in‐vivo; these problems can be addressed by a glucocorticoid bioassay.

Design and subjects  A bioassay was developed for serum GBA and a physicochemical ultrafiltration‐liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry assay for free serum cortisol (FreeF). We studied individuals homozygous and heterozygous for a nonfunctioning CBG variant (CBG G237V) and healthy controls.

Results  FreeF concentrations were similar in healthy controls, and those with absent functional CBG, but surprisingly we found low GBA in CBG null individuals. This may suggest that CBG delivers cortisol to target cells. However, further experiments revealed that dilution of serum in the bioassay caused release of cortisol from CBG, resulting in elevated GBA measurements in all but the CBG G237V homozygotes. Furthermore, we identified a specific and potent inhibitory effect of high concentration serum on glucocorticoid sensitivity of the recipient cells used in the bioassay. Analysis of inflammatory synovial fluid, a filtrate of serum with lower CBG concentration, revealed elevated free cortisol compared to noninflammatory synovial fluid, a change not attributable to interconversion between cortisol and cortisone.

Conclusions  Our findings reveal that dilution of CBG enhances cortisol release, and so bioactivity, and also that serum potently induces glucocorticoid resistance in target cells.
Activator‐independent transcription of Snf1‐dependent genes in mutants lacking histone tails
Authors: Infante Juan J. , Law G. Lynn , Wang I‐Ting , Chang Hsin‐Wen Ella , Young Elton T.
Published: February 2011

Transcriptional regulation of Snf1‐dependent genes occurs in part by histone‐acetylation‐dependent binding of the transcription factor Adr1. Analysis of previously published microarray data indicated unscheduled transcription of a large number of Snf1‐ and Adr1‐dependent genes when either the histone H3 or H4 tail was deleted. Quantitative real‐time PCR confirmed that the tails were important to preserve stringent transcriptional repression of Snf1‐dependent genes when glucose was present. The absence of the tails allowed Adr1 and RNA Polymerase II to bind promoters in normally inhibitory conditions. The promoters escaped glucose repression to a limited extent and the weak constitutive ADH2 transcription induced by deletion of the histone tails was transcription factor‐ and Snf1‐independent. These effects were apparently due to a permissive chromatin structure that allowed transcription in the absence of repression mediated by the histone tails. Deleting REG1, and thus activating Snf1 in the H3 tail mutant enhanced transcription in repressing conditions, indicating that Snf1 and the H3 tail influence transcription independently. Deleting REG1 in the histone H4 tail mutant appeared to be lethal, even in the absence of Snf1, suggesting that Reg1 and the H4 tail have redundant functions that are important for cell viability.
The complex logic of stringent response regulation in Caulobacter crescentus: starvation signalling in an oligotrophic environment
Authors: Boutte Cara C. , Crosson Sean
Published: February 2011

Bacteria rapidly adapt to nutritional changes via the stringent response, which entails starvation‐induced synthesis of the small molecule, ppGpp, by RelA/SpoT homologue (Rsh) enzymes. Binding of ppGpp to RNA polymerase modulates the transcription of hundreds of genes and remodels the physiology of the cell. Studies of the stringent response have primarily focused on copiotrophic bacteria such as Escherichia coli; little is known about how stringent signalling is regulated in species that live in consistently nutrient‐limited (i.e. oligotrophic) environments. Here we define the input logic and transcriptional output of the stringent response in the oligotroph, Caulobacter crescentus. The sole Rsh protein, SpoTCC, binds to and is regulated by the ribosome, and exhibits AND‐type control logic in which amino acid starvation is a necessary but insufficient signal for activation of ppGpp synthesis. While both glucose and ammonium starvation upregulate the synthesis of ppGpp, SpoTCC detects these starvation signals by two independent mechanisms. Although the logic of stringent response control in C. crescentus differs from E. coli, the global transcriptional effects of elevated ppGpp are similar, with the exception of 16S rRNA transcription, which is controlled independently of spoTCC. This study highlights how the regulatory logic controlling the stringent response may be adapted to the nutritional niche of a bacterial species.
Th17 Cell, the New Player of Neuroinflammatory Process in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Jadidi‐Niaragh F. , Mirshafiey A.
Published: February 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent episodes of demyelination and axonal lesion mediated by CD4+ T cells with a proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 phenotype, macrophages, and soluble inflammatory mediators. Identification of Th17 cells led to breaking the dichotomy of Th1/Th2 axis in immunopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as MS, and its experimental model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Th17 cells are characterized by expression of retinoic acid‐related orphan receptor (ROR)γt and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) factors. Th17‐produced cytokine profile including interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐6, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐23 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, which have proinflammatory functions, suggests it as an important factor in immunopathogenesis of MS, because the main feature of MS pathophysiology is the neuroinflammatory reaction. The blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption is an early and central event in MS pathogenesis. Autoreactive Th17 cells can migrate through the BBB by the production of cytokines such as IL‐17 and IL‐22, which disrupt tight junction proteins in the central nervous system (CNS) endothelial cells. Consistent with this observation and regarding the wide range production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by Th17 cells, it is expected that Th17 cell to be as a potent pathogenic factor in disease immunopathophysiology. Th17‐mediated inflammation is characterized by neutrophil recruitment into the CNS and neurons killing. However, the majority of our knowledge about the role of Th17 in MS pathogenesis is resulted in investigation into EAE animal models. In this review, we intend to focus on the newest information regarding the precise role of Th17 cells in immunopathogenesis of MS, and its animal model, EAE.
Monomeric and Dimeric IgG Fractions Show Differential Reactivity Against Pathogen‐Derived Antigens
Authors: Wymann S. , Zuercher A. W. , Schaub A. , Bolli R. , Stadler B. M. , Miescher S. M.
Published: February 2011

Polyvalent Ig preparations, derived from the pooled plasma of thousands of healthy donors, contain a complex mix of both ‘acquired’ and natural antibodies directed against pathogens as well as foreign and self/auto antigens (Ag). Depending on their formulation, donor pool size, etc., liquid Ig preparations contain monomeric and dimeric IgG. The dimeric IgG fraction is thought to represent mainly idiotype‐antiidiotype Ab pairs. Treatment of all IgG fractions at pH 4 effectively monomerizes the IgG dimers resulting in separated idiotype‐antiidiotype Ab pairs and thus in a comparable F(ab’)2 binding site availability of the different IgG fractions. Previously, we identified an increased anti‐self‐reactivity within the monomerized dimer fraction. This study addressed if, among the different IgG fractions, an analogous preferential reactivity was evident in the response against different pathogen‐derived protein and carbohydrate antigens. Therefore, we assessed the activity of total unseparated IgG, the monomeric and dimeric IgG fractions against antigenic structures of bacterial and viral antigens/virulence factors. All fractions showed similar reactivity to protein antigens except for exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where the dimeric fraction, especially when monomerized, showed a marked increase in reactivity. This suggests that the production of antiidiotypic IgG antibodies contributes to controlling the immune response to certain categories of pathogens. In contrast, the monomeric IgG fractions showed increased reactivity towards pathogen‐associated polysaccharides, classically regarded as T‐independent antigens. Taken together, the differential reactivity of the IgG fractions seems to indicate a preferential segregation of antibody reactivities according to the nature of the antigen.
Global Fund financing of public–private mix approaches for delivery of tuberculosis care
Authors: Lal S. S. , Uplekar Mukund , Katz Itamar , Lonnroth Knut , Komatsu Ryuichi , Yesudian Dias Hannah Monica , Atun Rifat
Published: February 2011

Objectives  To map the extent and scope of public–private mix (PPM) interventions in tuberculosis (TB) control programmes supported by the Global Fund.

Methods  We reviewed the Global Fund’s official documents and data to analyse the distribution, characteristics and budgets of PPM approaches within Global Fund supported TB grants in recipient countries between 2003 and 2008. We supplemented this analysis with data on contribution of PPM to TB case notifications in 14 countries reported to World Health Organization in 2009, for the preparation of the global TB control report.

Results  Fifty‐eight of 93 countries and multi‐country recipients of Global Fund‐supported TB grants had PPM activities in 2008. Engagement with ‘for‐profit’ private sector was more prevalent in South Asia while involvement of prison health services has been common in Eastern Europe and central Asia. In the Middle East and North Africa, involving non‐governmental organizations seemed to be the focus. Average and median spending on PPM within grants was 10% and 5% respectively, ranging from 0.03% to 69% of the total grant budget. In China, India, Nigeria and the Philippines, PPM contributed to detecting more than 25% TB cases while maintaining high treatment success rates.

Conclusion  In spite of evidence of cost‐effectiveness, PPM constitutes only a modest part of overall TB control activities. Scaling up PPM across countries could contribute to expanding access to TB care, increasing case detection, improving treatment outcomes and help achieve the global TB control targets.
Long‐term kidney transplant outcome in obese patients in a predominantly African American population
Authors: Karabicak Ilhan , Aytug Serhat , Lewis Shari , Shah Syed , Sumrani Nabil , Hayat Amir , Distant Dale A. , Salifu Moro O.
Published: February 2011

Karabicak I, Aytug S, Lewis S, Shah S, Sumrani N, Hayat A, Distant DA, Salifu MO. Long‐term kidney transplant outcome in obese patients in a predominantly African American population. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E264–E270. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The impact of obesity on long‐term kidney transplant outcome has largely been studied in non‐African American patients. This study seeks to determine differences in outcome between obese and non‐obese patients after kidney transplantation, in a predominantly African American population. We reviewed 642 adult renal transplant recipients who received their transplants at SUNY Downstate Medical Center between 1998 and 2007. Sixty‐six percent of the patients studied were African American. The patients were divided into five groups according to their BMI status: underweight <20, normal 20–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese 30–34.9, and morbidly obese ≥35. There were no differences in race, gender, cytomegalovirus infection, type of transplant, panel‐reactive antibody, retransplant status, flow cytometry cross‐match results, mycophenolate mofetil therapy, and total HLA mismatch status. The mean discharge serum creatinine in the morbidly obese group was significantly higher than in other groups (p < 0.001). The difference in creatinine level disappeared at six wk and six months (p > 0.5), respectively. Acute rejection rates, delayed graft function, graft survival, and patient survival were not different between the groups. The findings from this large single‐center study suggest that obese and morbidly obese patients had similar outcomes compared to other weight groups. Obese and morbidly obese African American patients should not be excluded from kidney transplantation on the basis of weight alone.
Mite component–specific IgE repertoire and phenotypes of allergic disease in childhood: The tropical perspective
Authors: Kidon Mona I. , Chin Chiang Wen , Kang Liew Woei , Ching Ong Tan , Seng Tiong Yuen , Ning Wong Kang , Angus Aaron Chen , Theng Ong Seow , Feng Gao Yun , Reginald Kavita , Zhi Bi Xue , Shen Shang Hui , Tim Chew Fook
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Kidon MI, Chin CW, Kang LW, Ching OT, Seng TY, Ning WK, Angus AC, Theng OS, Feng GY, Reginald K, Zhi BX, Shen SH & Tim CF. Mite component–specific IgE repertoire and phenotypes of allergic disease in childhood: The tropical perspective. Pediatr Allergy and Immunol 2011; 22: 202–210.

Sensitization to perennial aeroallergens correlates with the risk of persistent asthma (AS) in children. In tropical Singapore, multiple codominant species of mites abound in the indoor environment, and preferential species‐specific sensitization has been associated with different phenotypes of allergic disease. We investigated the pattern of mite component–specific IgE (mcsIgE) in children with different phenotypes of clinical allergic disease in an environment with multiple mite species exposure. A prospective evaluation of newly diagnosed patients with clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD), or AS and sensitization to one or more aeroallergens were performed. Sera were tested for specific IgE against an extensive panel of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Blomia tropicalis allergens. A total of 253 children were included, mean age 7.3 yr, 79% fulfilled criteria for AR, 46% AS, 71% AD, and 31% for all three. Sensitization to one or both mites was observed in 91% of children, 89% were sensitized to D. pteronyssinus, and 70% to B. tropicalis. The most common mite allergens recognized by these atopic children were Der p 1 (64%), Der p 2 (71%), Blo t 5 (45%), Blo t 7 (44%), and Blo t 21 (56%). Specific IgE responses to an increased number of distinct mite allergens correlated with the complexity of the allergic phenotype. In multivariate analysis, an increased risk for the multi‐systemic phenotype (AR + AS + AD) was associated with sensitization to an increased repertoire of mite components (three or more) (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.1–8.8, p = 0.001) and a positive parental history of AS (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–2.9, p = 0.013). A highly pleiomorphic IgE response to the prevalent indoor mites is associated with the presence of a multi‐systemic allergic phenotype in childhood in a tropical environment.
Allergic diseases among very preterm infants according to nutrition after hospital discharge
Authors: Zachariassen Gitte , Faerk Jan , Esberg Birgitte H. , Fenger‐Gron Jesper , Mortensen Sven , Christesen Henrik T. , Halken Susanne
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Zachariassen G, Faerk J, Esberg BH, Fenger‐Gron J, Mortensen S, Christesen HT, Halken S. Allergic diseases among very preterm infants according to nutrition after hospital discharge. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 515–520.

To determine whether a cow’s milk‐based human milk fortifier (HMF) added to mother’s milk while breastfeeding or a cow’s milk‐based preterm formula compared to exclusively mother’s milk after hospital discharge, increases the incidence of developing allergic diseases among very preterm infants (VPI) during the first year of life.

Of a cohort of 324 VPI (gestational age 24–32 wk), the exclusively breastfed VPI were shortly before discharge randomized to breastfeeding without fortification or supplementing with a fortifier. Those not breastfed were fed a preterm formula. The intervention period was from discharge until 4 months corrected age (CA). Follow‐up was performed at 4 and 12 months CA including specific IgE to a panel of allergens at 4 months CA.

The incidence during and prevalence at 12 months CA of recurrent wheezing (RW) was 39.2% and 32.7%, while atopic dermatitis (AD) was 18.0% and 12.1%, respectively. Predisposition to allergic disease increased the risk of developing AD (p = 0.04) [OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.0–6.4)] and the risk of developing RW (p = 0.02) [OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.2–6.3)]. Boys had an increased risk of developing RW (p = 0.003) [OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.5–6.5)]. No difference was found between nutrition groups. None developed food allergy.

Compared to exclusively breastfed, VPI supplemented with HMF or fed exclusively a preterm formula for 4 months did not have an increased risk of developing allergic diseases during the first year of life.
High salivary secretory IgA antibody levels are associated with less late‐onset wheezing in IgE‐sensitized infants
Authors: Sandin Anna , Björkstén Bengt , Böttcher Malin F. , Englund Erling , Jenmalm Maria C. , Bråbäck Lennart
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Sandin A, Björkstén B, Böttcher MF, Englund E, Jenmalm MC, Bråbäck L. High salivary secretory IgA antibody levels are associated with less late‐onset wheezing in IgE‐sensitized infants. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 477–481.

Low levels of secretory IgA (SIgA) and transient IgA deficiency have been associated with an increased risk for allergy, but data are conflicting. The aim was to assess the relationship between salivary SIgA antibody levels at 1 yr and wheezing at age four in a birth cohort, in particular the possible protective role of salivary SIgA in sensitized children. Saliva samples were obtained from all children (n = 67) with a positive skin prick test (SPT) at 1 yr and 212 children with a negative SPT. In all, 200 of these children responded to questionnaires at 4 yrs and 183 were skin prick tested at that age. The levels of salivary SIgA and salivary IgA antibodies to the most common food allergen egg and inhalant allergen cat were analyzed by ELISA. Serum was analyzed for IgE antibodies to egg and cat. Development of late‐onset wheezing was associated with low SIgA levels in children with positive SPT to at least one allergen both at 1 and 4 yrs of age (p = 0.04), as well as in children with circulating IgE antibodies to egg or cat at 1 yr (p = 0.02). None of nine persistently sensitized children with SIgA levels in the upper quartile developed wheezing, when compared to 10/20 children with lower levels (p = 0.01). Older siblings, more than three infections during infancy, at least one smoking parent, and male gender, were all associated with SIgA in the upper quartile. In conclusion, high levels of SIgA antibodies in sensitized infants were associated with significantly less late‐onset wheezing, supporting a protective role against development of asthmatic symptoms. Recurrent infections and other factors supporting an increased microbial pressure during infancy were associated with high levels of salivary SIgA.
Uncontrolled asthma at age 8: The importance of parental perception towards medication
Authors: Koster Ellen S. , Wijga Alet H. , Koppelman Gerard H. , Postma Dirkje S. , Brunekreef Bert , De Jongste Johan C. , Smit Henriette A. , Hoekstra Maarten O. , Raaijmakers Jan A. M. , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke‐Hilse
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Koster ES, Wijga AH, Koppelman GH, Postma DS, Brunekreef B, De Jongste JC, Smit HA, Hoekstra MO, Raaijmakers JAM, Maitland‐van der Zee A‐H. Uncontrolled asthma at age 8: The importance of parental perception towards medication. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 462–468.

Background:  Despite existing effective treatment options, asthma is uncontrolled in a considerable proportion of patients. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of uncontrolled asthma at age 8 in children participating in the PIAMA birth cohort study.

Methods:  One hundred seventy children using inhaled corticosteroids in the previous 12 months at age 8 were included. Uncontrolled asthma was defined as: ≥3 items present in the past month: (1) day‐time or (2) night‐time asthma symptoms, (3) limitations in activities, (4) rescue medication use, (5) FEV1 < 80% predicted and (6) unscheduled physician visits because of asthma. Binomial regression was performed to study five groups of determinants representing asthma control: child and parental characteristics, environmental factors, therapy adherence and parental perception towards medication use (Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire).

Results:  Seventy seven children (45%) had uncontrolled asthma. Low maternal education (RR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.4) was associated with uncontrolled asthma. Parental necessity beliefs about medication use to maintain present and future health and parental concerns about potential adverse consequences of medication were also associated with uncontrolled asthma (RR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2; and 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0–2.5, respectively).

Conclusions:  Environmental factors and therapy adherence were not associated with asthma control. In our cohort, uncontrolled asthma is associated with low maternal education and with strong parental beliefs about medication necessity and higher concern about potential side effects of medication.
Brain size and the expression of pheomelanin‐based colour in birds
Authors: GALVÁN I. , MØLLER A. P.
Published: February 2011

Eumelanin and pheomelanin are the most common vertebrate pigments. They generate different colours and are synthesized under different physiological conditions. While pheomelanogenesis requires high levels of a key intracellular antioxidant (glutathione, GSH), eumelanogenesis is inhibited by GSH. This implies that species that present the molecular basis to produce large amounts of pheomelanin might be more limited to perform other costly processes that generate oxidative stress than species that produce eumelanin. Brain development requires large amounts of energy and antioxidants during ontogeny, so that large‐brained species may be constrained in their simultaneous synthesis of large amounts of pheomelanin, but not in their synthesis of eumelanin. Here, we tested this hypothesis in a large dataset of 323 bird species. After controlling for the effects of phylogeny, latitude and sexual dichromatism, the proportion of pheomelanic plumage colour was strongly negatively related to the relative brain mass of species, whereas no relationship was found for the proportion of eumelanic colour. This indicates that the production of pheomelanin is a costly process that cannot evolve together with complex neural structures and thus with large cognitive capacity. This is the first time that the expression of melanic traits is found to correlate with another phenotypic character across species.
A cryptic heterogametic transition revealed by sex‐linked DNA markers in Palearctic green toads
Authors: STÖCK M. , CROLL D. , DUMAS Z. , BIOLLAY S. , WANG J. , PERRIN N.
Published: February 2011

In sharp contrast to birds and mammals, most cold‐blooded vertebrates have homomorphic (morphologically undifferentiated) sex chromosomes. This might result either from recurrent X‐Y recombination (occurring e.g. during occasional events of sex reversal) or from frequent turnovers (during which sex‐determining genes are overthrown by new autosomal mutations). Evidence for turnovers is indeed mounting in fish, but very few have so far been documented in amphibians, possibly because of practical difficulties in identifying sex chromosomes. Female heterogamety (ZW) has long been established in Bufo bufo, based on sex reversal and crossing experiments. Here, we investigate a sex‐linked marker identified from a laboratory cross between Palearctic green toads (Bufo viridis subgroup). The F1 offspring produced by a female Bufo balearicus and a male Bufo siculus were phenotypically sexed, displaying an even sex ratio. A sex‐specific marker detected in highly reproducible AFLP genotypes was cloned. Sequencing revealed a noncoding, microsatellite‐containing fragment. Reamplification and genotyping of families of this and a reciprocal cross showed B. siculus to be male heterogametic (XY) and suggested the same system for B. balearicus. Our results thus reveal a cryptic heterogametic transition within bufonid frogs and help explain patterns of hybrid fitness within the B. viridis subgroup. Turnovers of genetic sex‐determination systems may be more frequent in amphibians than previously thought and thus contribute to the prevalence of homomorphic sex chromosomes in this group.
Asymmetry in thermal tolerance trade‐offs between the B and Q sibling species of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: ELBAZ M. , WEISER M. , MORIN S.
Published: February 2011

We investigated life history trade‐offs related to thermal tolerance in two sibling species, commonly referred to as the B and Q biotypes, of Bemisia tabaci. We focused on basal resistance to short unpredicted heat stress, which reflects the organism investment, during both optimal and stressful conditions, in insuring its survival. At 27 °C, the relative reproductive performance of B was seven‐fold higher than Q. After short stress of 42 °C, these differences increased to 23‐fold. A turnover took place after short stress of 43 and 45 °C, in which Q adults performed better. As the expression of the analysed Hsp70 and other stress‐related genes was found to be higher in the Q species, our data likely reflects two different strategies for optimal performance. B lowers soma protection for achieving maximum reproduction (‘direct inhibitory’ trade‐off model), whereas Q invests significant resources in being always ‘ready’ for a challenge.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Ram Sperm Frozen in Tris Egg‐yolk and Supplemented with Superoxide Dismutase and Reduced Glutathione
Authors: Silva SV , Soares AT , Batista AM , Almeida FC , Nunes JF , Peixoto CA , Guerra MMP
Published: February 2011

Contents

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effect of the addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) to ram semen freezing extender. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected between groups regarding total motility (TM), straightness (STR) and wobble (WOB), for which the GSH 7 mm group had lesser TM and better STR than the other groups and the GSH 5 and 7 mm groups had higher wobble values than the control, SOD 25 and 100 U/ml groups. The ultrastructural analysis revealed that the acrosome was better preserved after freezing in the SOD 100 U/ml and GSH 2 and 5 mm (p < 0.05) groups than the other groups, whereas mitochondria in both the control group and the 7 mm GSH group suffered the greatest damage. The plasma membrane remained preserved after freezing, regardless of the group. For in vivo fertilization, the SOD group achieved better results than the GSH group (p > 0.05). It can therefore be concluded that the addition of SOD 100 U/ml and GSH 2 and 5 mm preserves the acrosome integrity of frozen ram spermatozoa, while the addition of SOD 100 U/ml to Tris egg‐yolk extender offers protection to the membranes of sperm cells after thawing.
Propiverine hydrochloride in Japanese patients with overactive bladder: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Gotoh Momokazu , Yokoyama Osamu , Nishizawa Osamu
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of propiverine for overactive bladder (OAB) in Japanese patients.

Methods:  In this multicentre, randomized, double‐blind study, patients ≥20 years old with symptoms of OAB for ≥12 weeks were allocated to either propiverine (20 mg once daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Efficacy and quality of life were assessed using a 7‐day bladder diary, the OAB symptom score, and King's Health Questionnaire. Safety was mainly assessed by adverse events and the QTc interval.

Results:  A total of 567 patients were allocated. Change in number of micturitions/24 h was significantly greater in the propiverine group than in the placebo group (–1.86 vs−1.36, P = 0.001). Compared to placebo, propiverine produced significant improvements in urgency, urgency incontinence, urine volume/micturition, and the OAB symptom score. Significant improvements in urgency, urgency incontinence, and micturition frequency were observed at the first 4 weeks of treatment. All nine domains of King's Health Questionnaire were improved more with propiverine than with placebo. Adverse effects with propiverine were mostly mild, and no patient developed QTc interval prolongation exceeding 500 ms.

Conclusion:  Propiverine is effective for Japanese OAB patients by improving their symptoms and quality of life with a predictable side‐effect profile.
The impact of auctions on residential property prices
Authors: Frino Alex , Peat Maurice , Wright Danika
Published: February 2011

This study assesses whether the sale method in residential real estate markets – auction versus private treaty – is a determinant of sale price. Utilising a larger and richer dataset than previous research, we test for a price effect in auction sales in Sydney and Christchurch. When self‐selection biases are corrected for, using two‐stage hedonic regression analysis and a matched sampling procedure, we find no significant difference between prices of properties sold at auction to those sold by private treaty. This conflicts with the conclusions of previous research in the Australian and New Zealand housing markets, which have documented a price premium associated with auction sales.
Equity value, implied cost of equity and shareholders’ real options
Authors: Sohn Byungcherl Charlie
Published: February 2011

This study investigates the effects of shareholders’ real options on (i) firm financial performance and (ii) estimations of the implied cost of equity. After measuring the equity value of steady‐state operations using the residual income model, and the abandonment and expansion options using the Black‐Scholes option pricing model, I find that firms with a large expansion (abandonment) option value experience better (worse) financial performance than those with a small such value. I also find that ignoring these options results in a downward bias in implied cost of equity estimates by an average of 1.23 percentage points.
Does Latin America Comprise Transnational ‘Subregions’?
Authors: Berg Gerald C.
Published: February 2011

We live in a world of nations, but also one of multi‐nation systems. These systems, or transnational regions, affect global economics, politics and diplomacy. Latin America is a widely recognised and documented transnational region. It contains subregional nation systems that might have all of the characteristics and significance of regions and might also affect the broader integration of Latin America. The author defines regionality on the basis of economic integration and measures it with two methods for Latin America, North America, three Latin American subregional systems and one arbitrarily defined nation system within Latin America. He finds a high degree of integration in Latin America, the Andean nations and the Southern Cone of South America. He finds only a modest degree of integration in North America and not significantly greater integration in South America than in Latin America. The division of Latin America into subregions is consistent with the incidence of sub‐regional trade initiatives in the past two decades and might be at least partly responsible for the limited progress to date towards Latin America‐wide integration. Latin American subregions might now be providing a foundation on which to build regionalism in the future.
Foreign Direct Investment and De‐industrialisation
Authors: Kang Sung Jin , Lee Hongshik
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study is to discuss the various issues regarding de‐industrialisation and to systematically analyse the causes of this phenomenon. In addition, the effect of the recent increase in foreign direct investment on de‐industrialisation will be analysed. Unlike extant studies, this study employs a more reliable method of estimation, known as the generalised method of moments system, for establishing the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) with regard to de‐industrialisation. For a general assessment of the different factors of de‐industrialisation, including FDI, this study classifies the causes of de‐industrialisation in OECD countries into external and internal factors. As a result, the analysis has proved that not only internal and external factors are major factors of de‐industrialisation, FDI inflow and outflow are also major factors.
English as an international language of scientific publication: a study of attitudes
Authors: FERGUSON GIBSON , PÉREZ‐LLANTADA CARMEN , PLO RAMÓN
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:  This paper focuses on an issue attracting increasing attention: the possible disadvantage inflicted on non‐Anglophone academics by the dominance of English in scientific publication and academic exchange. We critically review the evidence for linguistic disadvantage, noting some of its limitations, and critique the native/non‐native distinction as a coarse and somewhat unsatisfactory criterion for distinguishing between the advantaged and disadvantaged. In the second part of the paper we report on an empirical survey of the attitudes of Spanish academics at the University of Zaragoza to the possible disadvantage they may experience in publishing in English, and we investigate determinants of these attitudes. Though the survey shows, as expected, that a majority do feel disadvantaged in academic publication relative to Anglophone scholars, it also indicates, we argue, that attitudes are more complex and multidimensional than the literature sometimes suggests. Self‐reported language proficiency emerges as a significant determinant of attitudes. The final part of the paper discusses a number of proposed language planning interventions designed to redress linguistic disadvantage. We argue that some of the more radical of these are flawed or unfeasible and suggest that more modest measures have a greater likelihood of ameliorating the situation.
Creative technology and rap
Authors: CH’IEN EVELYN
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:  This paper describes how a linguistic form, rap, can evolve in tandem with technological advances and manifest human‐machine creativity. Rather than assuming that the interplay between machines and technology makes humans robotic or machine‐like, the paper explores how the pressure of executing artistic visions using technology can drive humans—in this case rappers and scratchers—to be extremely creative. Technology, which is largely the source for creating rhythm, speed, flow of rap, can then alter word choice, rhyme scheme, meter, and other phrasing arrangements. The changes in rap result in creativity in transcriptions of rap, including new orthographies, words, and rhymes. This paper provides a detailed examination of how technological software generates new linguistic habits as it forces the rapper to contort language in support of the computer's capacity to create rhythm, tracks, and determine the pace of utterances.
Litigational influence on Italian arbitration discourse
Authors: GOTTI MAURIZIO
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:  In the last few decades, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) – in the forms of arbitration, conciliation and mediation – has been increasingly adopted in trade and commerce to resolve conflicts. As this method of settling commercial disputes is commonly considered an efficient, economical and effective alternative to litigation, the language used in arbitration documents is usually deemed to differ from that of litigation texts. However, in recent years, there has been a narrowing between the two practices as litigation processes and procedures have increasingly been seen to influence arbitration practices. Drawing on documentary data, the paper investigates the extent to which the integrity of arbitration discourse is maintained in the Italian context, pointing out the phenomena of contamination by litigation practices and exploring the motivations for such an interdiscursive process. An additional issue investigated concerns the relationship between the professional identity of the arbitrators and the kind of language used in their texts; the analysis focuses in particular on the use of legal discourse both by legal and non‐legal experts. It may be mentioned that although some of the data is based on Italian cases, the process and procedures, and the trials themselves are conducted in international contexts, where participants come from different international backgrounds, and have the freedom to use any of the varieties of world Englishes. Most of these arbitration practitioners from Italy practice internationally and often participate in trials conducted in English.
Professional reasoning, legal cultures, and arbitral awards
Authors: HAFNER CHRISTOPH A.
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:  The practice of international commercial arbitration draws together a diverse range of participants (arbitrators, counsel and parties), from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In the face of this diversity, there have been attempts to standardize and harmonize arbitration procedures by combining procedures from different legal traditions, yet the potential for intercultural communication difficulties remains. This paper evaluates the influence of different legal cultures in arbitration, drawing on a comparative analysis of the discourse of professional reasoning in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitral awards, supported by interviews with stakeholders in arbitration, and professional guides on award writing. The findings show that reasoning is considered to be an important element of an arbitral award, in order to facilitate compliance with and enforcement of the award. Furthermore, cultural variation is evident in the awards, with different conventions adopted especially in the selection and integration of legal authority, and in the practice of code‐switching observed. The study highlights the importance for arbitrators of developing intercultural communicative competence, in order to operate effectively in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CYCLE SYNCHRONIZATION IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE*
Authors: BORDO MICHAEL D. , HELBLING THOMAS F.
Published: February 2011

We analyze the changes in business cycle synchronization among 16 industrial countries the over the past century and a quarter, demarcated into four exchange rate regimes. We find a secular trend towards increased synchronization for much of the twentieth century that has occurred across diverse exchange rate regimes. This finding contrasts with the mixed results reported in the recent literature, which has focused on the evidence for the past 20 or 30 years. Examining the role of global shocks and shock transmission in the rising synchronization, we find that global (common) shocks generally are the dominant influence.
BUSINESS CYCLE SYNCHRONIZATION IN EUROPE: EVIDENCE FROM THE SCANDINAVIAN CURRENCY UNION*
Authors: BERGMAN U. MICHAEL , JONUNG LARS
Published: February 2011

In this paper we study business cycle synchronization in the three Scandinavian countries Denmark, Norway and Sweden prior to, during and after the Scandinavian Currency Union 1873–1913. We find that the degree of synchronization tended to increase during the currency union, thus supporting earlier empirical evidence. Estimates of factor models suggest that common Scandinavian shocks are important for these three countries. At the same time we find evidence suggesting that the importance of these shocks does not depend on the monetary regime.
DOES INTERNATIONAL TRADE REALLY LEAD TO BUSINESS CYCLE SYNCHRONIZATION?—A PANEL DATA APPROACH*
Authors: ARTIS MICHAEL , OKUBO TOSHIHIRO
Published: February 2011

In this paper we re‐estimate the correlation between trade and business cycle synchronization. Different from other previous studies, we use long‐run GDP and trade data and use the GDP cross‐correlation index à la Cerqueira and Martins (Economics Letters, Vol. 102 (2009), pp. 106–108) rather than overtime cross‐correlations. We find a positive impact of trade on business cycle synchronization particularly in the current wave of globalization, although the interwar period sees negative impacts. The current economic integration and currency unions also positively affect business cycle synchronization.
Naïve Realism, Privileged Access, and Epistemic Safety
Authors: Kennedy Matthew
Published: February 2011

Working from a naïve‐realist perspective, I examine first‐person knowledge of one's perceptual experience. I outline a naive‐realist theory of how subjects acquire knowledge of the nature of their experiences, and I argue that naive realism is compatible with moderate, substantial forms of first‐person privileged access. A more general moral of my paper is that treating “success” states like seeing as genuine mental states does not break up the dynamics that many philosophers expect from the phenomenon of knowledge of the mind.
Besteuerungsprinzipien und effektive Unternehmenssteuerbelastungen in der Europäischen Union: Regelt sich die EU-weite Steuerharmonisierung von selbst?
Authors: Elschner Christina , Heckemeyer Jost H. , Spengel Christoph
Published: February 2011

EU law demands that the allocation of factors and goods within the European Union shall not be distorted by taxes. Efforts to formally harmonize corporate tax regimes in Europe have, however, stalled in recent years. What is more, the source principle has prevailed over residence based taxation which is seen to be more in line with EU law. Tax induced distortions of cross-border investment decisions are supposed to be the consequence. Based on country-specific effective average tax rates from 1998 to 2009, this article shows that there is, however, non-coordinated convergence of tax burdens within the EU. Thus, distortions of cross-border investment decisions are limited and decreasing even without formal harmonization.
Staatsfonds als Ankerinvestoren: Eine Note zum Einstieg von Aabar bei Daimler
Authors: Mietzner Mark , Schiereck Dirk
Published: February 2011

The group of sovereign wealth funds (SWF) is gaining growing importance in the discussion on corporate governance quality as critical success factor for the longrun performance of exchange listed companies. These institutional investors mostly act as long-term oriented minority block holders (anchor investors) in international capital markets. We show for a specific case how capital market participants evaluate SWF investments in exchange listed companies. From the overall stock price reaction we can conjecture that investors expect from this investment of Aabar a positive impact on the corporate governance. However, there is also the alternative explanation that SWF have superior target selection abilities which allow them to detect undervalued companies in an inefficient capital market.
The ecological effectiveness of protected areas: a case study for South African birds
Authors: Greve M. , Chown S. L. , van Rensburg B. J. , Dallimer M. , Gaston K. J.
Published: February 2011

While the importance of individual protected areas (PAs) to biological conservation is widely acknowledged, rather few empirical studies have explicitly attempted to assess their ecological effectiveness. Significantly, this includes consideration of how well they represent the biodiversity of taxonomic groups for which the designation of these areas was not a primary or intentional goal. Here, we provide one of the most detailed comparisons to date of the avian biodiversity found inside and outside PAs, focusing on three PAs distributed widely across South Africa. Typically, bird assemblages were richer, with a higher density, and a different structural and functional composition inside than outside the PAs. Importantly, insectivore richness was much higher inside than outside, and the converse was true of granivores. Overall, these findings suggest that PAs do indeed provide valuable repositories for native biodiversity, with species richness, density and species composition being substantially different beyond their bounds. With human land‐use increasing in South Africa, and habitat transformation recognized as a major and growing threat to biodiversity, such differences are expected to become greater.
Information search behaviour and its determinants: the case of ethical attributes of organic food
Authors: Zander Katrin , Hamm Ulrich
Published: February 2011

Daily decisions on food purchase are known to be undertaken using limited information search. However, when confronted with ‘ethical’ products, consumers often become more involved, and this results in a more extensive search for information. This research focuses on the information search behaviour of European consumers with regard to ethical attributes like animal welfare or environmental aspects of organic food by means of an Information Display Matrix. Row‐wise information search by product characteristics (attributes) was widely preferred over information search by product alternatives (column‐wise). Therefore, information (e.g. in the Internet) should increasingly be provided by attributes. The majority of consumers use simplifying and selective search strategies when looking for information on organic food with additional ethical attributes. Consumers tend to start information search in the top, left hand corner and move towards the bottom, right hand corner. Thus, principal attributes should be placed in the upper left corner and be followed by the next most important and so on when presenting information on an array of different products. Our results show that information search patterns of consumers depend on socio‐demographic characteristics like gender and age and, to a lesser extent, also on attitudes regarding environmental or social aspects of food production. Thus, marketers, particularly those using the Internet, should revise their systems of information provision and focus increasingly on consumers' needs.