bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion‐weighted imaging findings differ between stroke attributable to spontaneous cervical artery dissection and patent foramen ovale
Authors: Bonati L. H. , Wetzel S. G. , Kessel‐Schaefer A. , Buser P. , Lyrer P. A. , Engelter S. T.
Published: October 2009

Background and purpose:  Spontaneous cervical arterial dissection and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are important causes of stroke in younger patients. We tested whether characteristics of cerebral ischaemia visible on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) aid in differentiating between these two aetiologies.

Methods:  Diffusion‐weighted imaging was performed after a median of 2 days [interquartile range (IQR) 1–3 days] in 94 consecutive patients with an acute ischaemic stroke caused either by carotid or vertebral artery dissection (n = 33) or PFO (n = 61). We compared number, size, location and predefined patterns of DWI lesions between both aetiologies.

Results:  Ninety‐three out of 94 patients had acute DWI lesions and were included in the analysis. Multiple DWI lesions occurred more frequently in patients with dissection (23/33, 70%) than in those with PFO (26/60, 43%, P = 0.02). Lesions were larger in the dissection group [median diameter of largest lesion, 50 mm (IQR 19–68 mm)] than in the PFO group [23 (9–48) mm; P = 0.02]. The distribution of lesion patterns differed between the two aetiologies (P < 0.001): single, non‐territorial infarcts were more frequent in PFO (25/60, 42%) than in dissection (2/33, 6%); large territorial infarcts with or without additional smaller lesions in the same territory occurred in 20/33 (61%) patients with dissection and in 16/60 (27%) patients with PFO.

Conclusions:  Diffusion‐weighted imaging characteristics differ between PFO and dissection, suggesting differences in the pathogenesis of brain infarction between these aetiologies. A single non‐territorial infarct seems to favour PFO as stroke aetiology. Whether this or other features are distinctive enough to diagnose PFO or dissection in individual patients requires further testing.
The risk of psoriatic arthritis remains constant following initial diagnosis of psoriasis among patients seen in European dermatology clinics
Authors: Christophers E , Barker JNWN , Griffiths CEM , Daudén E , Milligan G , Molta C , Sato R , Boggs R
Published: October 2009

Background  Estimates of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) prevalence among psoriasis patients vary widely (5–40%). The time to development of PsA in patients with plaque psoriasis also remains unclear.

Objectives  To examine whether length of time since diagnosis of psoriasis affects risk of developing PsA, and to assess differences in quality of life (QoL), work‐related issues, comorbidities and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) for patients with PsA vs. psoriasis.

Methods  This large cross‐sectional observational study was conducted in the UK, Italy, France, Spain and Germany in 2006. Dermatologists who actively treated patients with psoriasis recruited 10 consecutive patients with psoriasis. Presence of PsA, body surface area (BSA) affected with psoriasis and HCRU were recorded; patients completed EUROQoL (EQ5D) and employment disadvantages questionnaires.

Results  Patients with psoriasis (n = 1560) included 126 with PsA. Ninety per cent of these patients with PsA were seen by dermatologists who involved a rheumatologist in the care of their patients with PsA. Survival analysis indicated that the incidence of PsA among psoriasis patients remained constant (74 per 1000 person‐years), while the prevalence increased with time since diagnosis of psoriasis, reaching 20.5% after 30 years. In addition, those with high BSA currently affected by psoriasis were more likely to have developed PsA (P < 0.028). PsA patients reported reduced QoL compared with psoriasis patients (EQ5D score: 0.56 vs. 0.82: P < 0.0005), as well as more work problems. PsA patients were more likely to be hospitalized (0.27 ± 0.84 vs. 0.14 ± 0.71 per year; P < 0.0005) and have additional comorbidities than those without PsA.

Conclusions  The incidence of PsA was constant after initial diagnosis of psoriasis, leading to a higher prevalence of concomitant PsA over time. PsA is associated with decreased QoL and increased work‐related problems, HCRU and comorbidities. Dermatologists should screen for PsA in their patients, especially long‐standing patients who did not initially present with PsA.
Risk factors associated with rosacea
Authors: Abram K , Silm H , Maaroos H‐I , Oona M
Published: October 2009

Background Although rosacea is a common disease, the cause of disease is still a mystery –Helicobacter pyloriinfection, genetic predisposition, climatic factors, and detrimental habits are implicated as triggers of rosacea.

Objective The aim of current study is to evaluate several suspected risk factors coincidently.

Methods Patients with rosacea from a dermatology clinic and skin‐healthy controls from an randomly selected employees' population enrolled the study. Skin status were evaluated by one and same dermatologist. Participants were queried for age, gender, sun‐reactive skin type, and detrimental habits using a questionnaire; blood samples for detectingHelicobacter pyloriserostatus were collected.

Results Totally 145 skin‐healthy controls and 172 subjects either with flushing episodes or established rosacea included the study. In multivariate analysis, rosacea patients had significantly higher chance to have photosensitive skin types (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.01–3.04;P < 0.05), positive family history to rosacea (OR 4.31; 95% CI 2.34–7.92;P < 0.0001) or previous smoking status (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.07–3.80;P < 0.05) comparing with skin‐healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences either in gender,Helicobacter pyloriserostatus, caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, occupational environment, or education level between rosacea patients and controls.

Conclusion Rosacea is foremost associated with familial predisposition. There is no association betweenHelicobacter pyloriinfection and rosacea in current study.
Timing of morphological and ecological innovations in the cyanobacteria – a key to understanding the rise in atmospheric oxygen
Authors: BLANK C. E. , SÁNCHEZ‐BARACALDO P.
Published: October 2009

When cyanobacteria originated and diversified, and what their ancient traits were, remain critical unresolved problems. Here, we used a phylogenomic approach to construct a well‐resolved ‘core’ cyanobacterial tree. The branching positions of four lineages (Thermosynechococcus elongatus, Synechococcus elongatus, Synechococcus PCC 7335 and Acaryochloris marina) were problematic, probably due to long branch attraction artifacts. A consensus genomic tree was used to study trait evolution using ancestral state reconstruction (ASR). The early cyanobacteria were probably unicellular, freshwater, had small cell diameters, and lacked the traits to form thick microbial mats. Relaxed molecular clock analyses suggested that early cyanobacterial lineages were restricted to freshwater ecosystems until at least 2.4 Ga, before diversifying into coastal brackish and marine environments. The resultant increases in niche space and nutrient availability, and consequent sedimentation of organic carbon into the deep oceans, would have generated large pulses of oxygen into the biosphere, possibly explaining why oxygen rose so rapidly. Rapid atmospheric oxidation could have destroyed the methane‐driven greenhouse with simultaneous drawdown in pCO2, precipitating ‘Snowball Earth’ conditions. The traits associated with the formation of thick, laminated microbial mats (large cell diameters, filamentous growth, sheaths, motility and nitrogen fixation) were not seen until after diversification of the LPP, SPM and PNT clades, after 2.32 Ga. The appearance of these traits overlaps with a global carbon isotopic excursion between 2.2 and 2.1 Ga. Thus, a massive re‐ordering of biogeochemical cycles caused by the appearance of complex laminated microbial communities in marine environments may have caused this excursion. Finally, we show that ASR may provide an explanation for why cyanobacterial microfossils have not been observed until after 2.0 Ga, and make suggestions for how future paleobiological searches for early cyanobacteria might proceed. In summary, key evolutionary events in the microbial world may have triggered some of the key geologic upheavals on the Paleoproterozoic Earth.
Voluntary Disclosures and Analyst Feedback
Authors: LANGBERG NISAN , SIVARAMAKRISHNAN K.
Published: October 2009

We study the resource allocation role of voluntary disclosures when feedback from financial markets is potentially useful to managers in undertaking value maximizing actions. Managers weigh the short‐term price implications of disclosure against the long‐term efficiency gains due to feedback while financial analysts strategically produce information. The model can explain why managers disclose bad information (e.g., grim outlook), that reduces the stock price, and why prices respond more strongly to bad news relative to good news. We find that not all firms enjoy the same quality of feedback, and that feedback, by itself, does not induce more disclosure but less.
Alcohol, Signaling, and ECM Turnover
Authors: Seth Devanshi , D’Souza El‐Guindy Nympha B. , Apte Minoti , Mari Montserrat , Dooley Steven , Neuman Manuela , Haber Paul S. , Kundu Gopal C. , Darwanto Agus , De Villiers Willem J. , Vonlaufen A. , Xu Z. , Phillips P. , Yang S. , Goldstein D. , Pirola R. M. , Wilson J. S. , Moles Anna , Fernández Anna , Colell Anna , García‐Ruiz Carmen , Fernández‐Checa José C. , Meyer Christoph , Meindl‐Beinker Nadja M.
Published: October 2009

Alcohol is recognized as a direct hepatotoxin, but the precise molecular pathways that are important for the initiation and progression of alcohol‐induced tissue injury are not completely understood. The current understanding of alcohol toxicity to organs suggests that alcohol initiates injury by generation of oxidative and nonoxidative ethanol metabolites and via translocation of gut‐derived endotoxin. These processes lead to cellular injury and stimulation of the inflammatory responses mediated through a variety of molecules. With continuing alcohol abuse, the injury progresses through impairment of tissue regeneration and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, leading to fibrogenesis and cirrhosis. Several cell types are involved in this process, the predominant being stellate cells, macrophages, and parenchymal cells. In response to alcohol, growth factors and cytokines activate many signaling cascades that regulate fibrogenesis. This mini‐review brings together research focusing on the underlying mechanisms of alcohol‐mediated injury in a number of organs. It highlights the various processes and molecules that are likely involved in inflammation, immune modulation, susceptibility to infection, ECM turnover and fibrogenesis in the liver, pancreas, and lung triggered by alcohol abuse.
Students’ Drinker Prototypes and Alcohol Use in a Naturalistic Setting
Authors: Spijkerman Renske , Larsen Helle , Gibbons Frederick X. , Engels Rutger C.M.E.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Perceptions about the type of people who drink, also referred to as drinker prototypes, may strengthen young people’s motivation to engage in alcohol use. Previous research has shown that drinker prototypes are related to alcohol consumption in both adolescents and young adults. However, the evidence for the strength of these relationships remains inconclusive. One of the caveats in former studies is that all insights about prototype relations are based on self‐reported data from youngsters themselves, mostly gathered in a class situation, which may contain bias due to memory distortions and self‐presentation concerns.

Methods:  The present study examined the impact of drinker prototypes on young adults’ drinking patterns by using a less obtrusive measure to assess alcohol consumption, i.e. ad lib drinking among friend groups in the naturalistic setting of a bar lab. Drinker prototypes, self‐reported alcohol use in the past, and observed alcohol intake in the bar lab were assessed among 200 college students. Relations between participants’ drinker prototypes and their self‐reported and observed drinking behavior were examined by computing correlations and conducting multilevel analyses.

Results:  Drinker prototypes were related to both self‐reported and observed alcohol use. However, the drinking patterns of friend group members had a strong impact on participants’ individual drinking rates in the bar lab. After these group effects had been controlled for, only heavy drinker prototypes showed relations with observed alcohol intake in the bar lab.

Conclusions:  These findings further establish the value of drinker prototypes in predicting young adults’ drinking behavior and suggest that people’s motivation to drink alcohol in real‐life drinking situations is related to their perceptions about heavy drinkers.
Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Defines Ethanol‐Induced Brain Abnormalities in Prenatal Mice: Effects of Acute Insult on Gestational Day 7
Authors: Godin Elizabeth A. , O’Leary‐Moore Shonagh K. , Khan Amber A. , Parnell Scott E. , Ament Jacob J. , Dehart Deborah B. , Johnson Brice W. , Allan Johnson G. , Styner Martin A. , Sulik Kathleen K.
Published: October 2009

Background:  This magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM)‐based report is the second in a series designed to illustrate the spectrum of craniofacial and central nervous system (CNS) dysmorphia resulting from single‐ and multiple‐day maternal ethanol treatment. The study described in this report examined the consequences of ethanol exposure on gestational day (GD) 7 in mice, a time in development when gastrulation and neural plate development begins; corresponding to the mid‐ to late third week postfertilization in humans. Acute GD 7 ethanol exposure in mice has previously been shown to result in CNS defects consistent with holoprosencephaly (HPE) and craniofacial anomalies typical of those in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). MRM has facilitated further definition of the range of GD 7 ethanol‐induced defects.

Methods:  C57Bl/6J female mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered vehicle or 2 injections of 2.9 g/kg ethanol on day 7 of pregnancy. Stage‐matched control and ethanol‐exposed GD 17 fetuses selected for imaging were immersion fixed in a Bouins/Prohance solution. MRM was conducted at either 7.0 Tesla (T) or 9.4 T. Resulting 29 μm isotropic spatial resolution scans were segmented and reconstructed to provide 3D images. Linear and volumetric brain measures, as well as morphological features, were compared for control and ethanol‐exposed fetuses. Following MRM, selected specimens were processed for routine histology and light microscopic examination.

Results:  Gestational day 7 ethanol exposure resulted in a spectrum of median facial and forebrain deficiencies, as expected. This range of abnormalities falls within the HPE spectrum; a spectrum for which facial dysmorphology is consistent with and typically is predictive of that of the forebrain. In addition, other defects including median facial cleft, cleft palate, micrognathia, pituitary agenesis, and third ventricular dilatation were identified. MRM analyses also revealed cerebral cortical dysplasia/heterotopias resulting from this acute, early insult and facilitated a subsequent focused histological investigation of these defects.

Conclusions:  Individual MRM scans and 3D reconstructions of fetal mouse brains have facilitated demonstration of a broad range of GD 7 ethanol‐induced morphological abnormality. These results, including the discovery of cerebral cortical heterotopias, elucidate the teratogenic potential of ethanol insult during the third week of human prenatal development.
Initial Evidence of an Association Between OPRM1 and Adolescent Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Miranda Robert , Ray Lara , Justus Alicia , Meyerson Lori A. , Knopik Valerie S. , McGeary John , Monti Peter M.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Considerable research efforts have attempted to identify genes associated with alcoholism among adults, yet few studies have examined adolescents. Identifying genes associated with alcohol misuse in youth is important given that the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on alcoholism varies across development. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between a polymorphism of the μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) and alcohol misuse in a sample of youth and to test whether heightened sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of alcohol mediated this relationship.

Methods:  Adolescents (n = 187; mean age = 15.4 years; 47.6% female) were genotyped for A118G (rs1799971), a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the OPRM1 gene, and assessed for alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnoses and other psychopathology. Alcohol misuse was also measured continuously to maximize detection of drinking problems in youth. Drinking motives were used to capture the extent to which youth consumed alcohol to enhance positive affect.

Results:  AUD groups differed significantly in terms of allelic distributions of the A118G SNP, such that 51.9% of youth with an AUD carried at least one copy of the G allele compared to 16.3% of non‐AUD controls. Those who carried the G allele endorsed drinking to enhance positive affect more strongly than those who were homozygous for the A allele and drinking to enhance positive affect mediated the association between OPRM1 and alcohol‐related problems.

Conclusions:  These data build on findings from adult studies and provide the first evidence that a polymorphism of the OPRM1 receptor gene is associated with the development of early‐onset alcohol‐related problems during adolescence, in part, by heightening sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of alcohol.
Polymorphisms of Alcohol Metabolizing Enzymes in Indigenous Mexican Population: Unusual High Frequency of CYP2E1*c2 Allele
Authors: Gordillo‐Bastidas Elizabeth , Panduro Arturo , Gordillo‐Bastidas Daniela , Zepeda‐Carrillo Eloy A. , García‐Bañuelos Jesús J. , Muñoz‐Valle José F. , Bastidas‐Ramírez Blanca E.
Published: October 2009

Background:  Alcohol abuse represents the major identified etiological factor of cirrhosis in México. ADH1B, ALDH2, and CYP2E1 have been considered candidate genes in alcohol‐related diseases. Controversial results probably due to ethnic differences, among other factors, have been reported. Mexican Mestizos (MES) derive from the combination of indigenous, Spaniard, and African genes. Huichols (HUI) constitute an indigenous group from western Mexico with no racial admixture. We determined ADH1B*2, ALDH2*2, and CYP2E1*c2 allele frequencies in healthy HUI and MES from western Mexico. Lipid and hepatic profile were also carried out.

Methods:  One hundred and one HUI and 331 MES subjects were studied. Genotype and allele frequency were assessed through polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism after DNA isolation from peripheral leukocytes. Commercial kits for lipid and hepatic determinations were used.

Results:  Polymorphic allele distribution in HUI was: 0%ADH1B*2, 0.5%ALDH2*2, 51.5%CYP2E1*c2; in MES: 3.4%ADH1B*2, 0%ALDH2*2, 16.1%CYP2E1*c2. Frequency of ADH1B*2 was statistically (p < 0.001) lower in HUI than MES. CYP2E1*c2 polymorphic allele was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in HUI than MES. Hepatic profile was normal in both groups. HUI showed a better lipid profile than MES independently of genotype.

Conclusions:  Huichols exhibited the highest CYP2E1*c2 allele frequency of the world documented up to this date; meanwhile, ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 were practically absent. This feature could be useful in the understanding of Mexican population gene composition, alcohol metabolism, and alcoholic liver disease development. However, further association studies are necessary. The heterogeneity of Mexican population was evidenced by the significantly different distribution of CYP2E1*c2 allele observed among different regions of the country. Lipid and hepatic values were not associated to genotype. This report constitutes the first study dealing with gene polymorphisms of alcohol metabolizing enzymes conducted in HUI.
Systemic Administration of Arecoline Reduces Ethanol‐Induced Sleeping Through Activation of Central Muscarinic Receptor in Mice
Authors: Sun Yan‐Ping , Liu Qing , Luo Juan , Guo Ping , Chen Feng , Lawrence Andrew J. , Liang Jian‐Hui
Published: October 2009

Background: Epidemiological evidence of co‐use of alcohol and areca nuts suggests a potential central interaction between arecoline, a major alkaloid of areca and a muscarinic receptor agonist, and ethanol. Moreover, the central cholinergic system plays an important role in the depressant action of ethanol and barbiturates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of arecoline on pentobarbital‐ and ethanol‐induced hypnosis in mice.

Methods: Male ICR mice were tested for locomotor activity following acute systemic administration of ethanol alone, arecoline alone, or ethanol plus arecoline. For the loss of the righting reflex (LORR) induced by pentobarbital and ethanol, sleep latency and sleeping duration were evaluated in mice treated with arecoline alone or the combination of arecoline and scopolamine or methscopolamine.

Results: Ethanol (1.0 to 3.0 g/kg, i.p.) reduced locomotor activity significantly and a declining trend was observed after treatment with arecoline (0.25 to 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), but there were no synergistic effects of ethanol and arecoline on locomotor activity. The experiments on LORR demonstrated that arecoline (0.125 to 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) shortened the duration of sleeping induced by ethanol (4.0 g/kg, i.p.), but not pentobarbital (45 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, alterations of sleep latency were not obvious in both pentobarbital‐ and ethanol‐induced LORR. Statistical analyses revealed that scopolamine (centrally acting), but not methscopolamine (peripherally acting), could antagonize the effect of arecoline on the duration of ethanol‐induced LORR in mice.

Conclusions: These results suggest that central muscarinic receptor is a pharmacological target for the action of arecoline to modulate ethanol‐induced hypnosis.
Age‐Related Gray Matter Shrinkage in a Treatment Naïve Actively Drinking Alcohol‐Dependent Sample
Authors: Fein George , Shimotsu Ryan , Barakos Jerome
Published: October 2009

Background:  We previously demonstrated, in a small sample, steeper age‐related gray matter shrinkage in treatment naïve alcohol‐dependent (TxN) men compared to nonalcoholic controls, but could not separate out the contributions of age and lifetime duration of alcohol use (which were highly correlated) to this effect. In the current study, we have quadrupled the sample size and expanded it to include both men and women to try to replicate and extend the previous findings and to separate the contributions of age and alcohol use to the phenomenon.

Methods:  In the current study, we examine cortical gray matter volumes in 18‐ to 50‐year‐old TxN (n = 84) versus age and gender comparable controls (n = 67). We used a new Region of Interest Analysis method which accounts for differences in sulcal and gyral enfolding between individuals (Fein et al., 2009a).

Results:  We found greater age‐related gray matter shrinkage in TxN than in controls. Partial correlation analysis showed that the effect was a function of age and not lifetime alcohol burden.

Conclusions:  Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of their contribution toward our knowledge of differences between different subpopulations of alcoholics and in terms of their implications for the morbidity of alcohol dependence in an aging national population.
The Effect of Graphics on Environmental Health Risk Beliefs, Emotions, Behavioral Intentions, and Recall
Authors: Severtson Dolores J. , Henriques Jeffrey B.
Published: October 2009

Lay people have difficulty understanding the meaning of environmental health risk information. Visual images can use features that leverage visual perception capabilities and semiotic conventions to promote meaningful comprehension. Such evidence‐based features were employed to develop two images of a color‐coded visual scale to convey drinking water test results. The effect of these images and a typical alphanumeric (AN) lab report were explored in a repeated measures randomized trial among 261 undergraduates. Outcome measures included risk beliefs, emotions, personal safety threshold, mitigation intentions, the durability of beliefs and intentions over time, and test result recall. The plain image conveyed the strongest risk message overall, likely due to increased visual salience. The more detailed graded image conveyed a stronger message than the AN format only for females. Images only prompted meaningful risk reduction intentions among participants with optimistically biased safety threshold beliefs. Fuzzy trace theory supported some findings as follow. Images appeared to promote the consolidation of beliefs over time from an initial meaning of safety to an integrated meaning of safety and health risk; emotion potentially shaped this process. Although the AN report fostered more accurate recall, images were related to more appropriate beliefs and intentions at both time points. Findings hinted at the potential for images to prompt appropriate beliefs independent of accurate factual knowledge. Overall, results indicate that images facilitated meaningful comprehension of environmental health risk information and suggest foci for further research.
Microstructure and Electrical Properties of (K, Na, Li)NbO3–Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Yin Qiyi , Yuan Shuoguo , Dong Qiang , Tian Changan
Published: October 2009

A new type (1−x)(K0.485Na0.485Li0.03)NbO3–xPb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 piezoelectric ceramics was fabricated by conventional ceramics sintering technique. Their microstructure and electrical properties of the ceramics were also studied. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy patterns indicate that all ceramics samples exhibit a pure perovskite and highly dense structure, and the coexistence of the tetragonal and orthorhombic phases is formed; The ceramic with x=0.75 exhibits the following excellent properties: d33=363 pC/N, kp=63%, Qm=142, ɛr=1590, tan δ=1.70%, Pr=28.6 μC/cm2, Ec=0.89 kV/mm, Tc=295°C. These results indicate that the ceramic is a promising candidate for piezoelectric ceramics in practical applications.
Positive and negative regulation of antigen receptor signaling by the Shc family of protein adapters
Authors: Finetti Francesca , Savino Maria Teresa , Baldari Cosima T.
Published: October 2009

Summary:  The Shc adapter family includes four members that are expressed as multiple isoforms and participate in signaling by a variety of cell‐surface receptors. The biological relevance of Shc proteins as well as their variegated function, which relies on their highly conserved modular structure, is underscored by the distinct and dramatic phenotypic alterations resulting from deletion of individual Shc isoforms both in the mouse and in two model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. The p52 isoform of ShcA couples antigen and cytokine receptors to Ras activation in both lymphoid and myeloid cells. However, the recognition of the spectrum of activities of p52ShcA in the immune system has been steadily expanding in recent years to other fundamental processes both at the cell and organism levels. Two other Shc family members, p66ShcA and p52ShcC/Rai, have been identified recently in T and B lymphocytes, where they antagonize survival and attenuate antigen receptor signaling. These developments reveal an unexpected and complex interplay of multiple Shc proteins in lymphocytes.
Autoinhibition and adapter function of Syk
Authors: Kulathu Yogesh , Grothe Gesina , Reth Michael
Published: October 2009

Summary:  Development, survival, and activation of B lymphocytes are controlled by signals emanating from the B‐cell antigen receptor (BCR). The BCR has an autonomous signaling function also known as tonic signaling that allows for long‐term survival of B cells in the immune system. Upon binding of antigen to the BCR, the tonic signal is amplified and diversified, leading to alteration in gene expression and B‐cell activation. The spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) intimately cooperates with the signaling subunits of the BCR and plays a central role in the amplification and diversification of BCR signals. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which Syk activity is inhibited and activated at the BCR. Importantly, Syk acts not only as a kinase that phosphorylates downstream substrates but also as an adapter that can bind to a diverse set of signaling proteins. Depending on its interactions and localization, Syk can signal opposing cell fate decisions such as proliferation or differentiation of B cells.
SWAP‐70‐like adapter of T cells: a novel Lck‐regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor coordinating actin cytoskeleton reorganization and Ca2+ signaling in T cells
Authors: Bécart Stéphane , Altman Amnon
Published: October 2009

Summary:  SWAP‐70‐like adapter of T cells (SLAT) is a recently identified guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Cdc42 and Rac1, which is highly expressed in both thymocytes and peripheral T cells. Here, we present and discuss findings resulting from biochemical and genetic analyses aimed at unveiling the role of SLAT in CD4+ T‐cell development, activation, and T‐helper (Th) cell differentiation. Slat−/− mice display a developmental defect at one of the earliest stages of thymocyte differentiation, the double negative 1 (DN1) stage, leading to decreased peripheral T‐cell numbers. Slat−/− peripheral CD4+ T cells demonstrate impaired T‐cell receptor/CD28‐induced proliferation and IL‐2 production. Moreover, SLAT positively regulates the development of Th1 and Th2 inflammatory responses by controlling Ca2+/NFAT signaling. SLAT is also a positive regulator of the recently emerging Th subset, i.e., Th17 cells, as evidenced by its critical role in Th17 cell‐mediated central nervous system inflammation. Furthermore, TCR engagement induces SLAT translocation to the immunological synapse, a process mediated by its Lck‐dependent phosphorylation, which thereafter facilitates the triggering of SLAT GEF activity towards Cdc42 and Rac1, leading to NFAT activation and Th1/Th2 differentiation. Future work will aim to dissect the interacting partners of SLAT and may thus shed light on the poorly understood events that coordinate and link actin cytoskeleton reorganization to Ca2+ signaling and gene transcription in T cells.
The B‐lymphoid Grb2 interaction code
Authors: Neumann Konstantin , Oellerich Thomas , Urlaub Henning , Wienands Jürgen
Published: October 2009

Summary:  The growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2 (Grb2) is a ubiquitously expressed and evolutionary conserved adapter protein possessing a plethora of described interaction partners for the regulation of signal transduction. In B lymphocytes, the Grb2‐mediated scaffolding function controls the assembly and subcellular targeting of activating as well as inhibitory signalosomes in response to ligation of the antigen receptor. Also, integration of simultaneous signals from B‐cell coreceptors that amplify or attenuate antigen receptor signal output relies on Grb2. Hence, Grb2 is an essential signal integrator. The key question remains, however, of how pathway specificity can be maintained during signal homeostasis critically required for the balance between immune cell activation and tolerance induction. Here, we summarize the molecular network of Grb2 in B cells and introduce a proteomic approach to elucidate the interactome of Grb2 in vivo.
Periodontal bacteremia and various vascular diseases
Authors: Iwai T.
Published: October 2009

Background and Objective:  Weak oral bacteria, such as periodontal bacteria, have been found in various vascular lesions, including atheroma, the thrombus of the occluded artery of Buerger’s disease, the abdominal aortic aneurismal wall and varicose veins. Serum titer levels of each bacterium are now available and have shown a significant relationship between severity and individual differences.

Material and Methods:  The Medline and Tokyo Medical and Dental University databases were searched to identify the literature currently available on oral bacteria and vascular diseases.

Results:  It is estimated that lymph vessel openings trap bacteria en route from the mouth to the bloodstream and then carry them to the vein of the venous angle near the supraclavicular area. In the case of periodontal bacteria, a typical bacterium, such as Porphyromonasgingivalis, strongly activates platelets and makes them mass, including the bacteria without phagocytosis. Simultaneously, cytokines and serotonin are discharged. Platelet engulfment was clearly demonstrated by electron microscopy analysis. An animal study using rats showed the formation of a small arterial thrombus after continuous intravenous infusion of P. gingivalis for 2–4 wk.

Conclusion:  Weak oral bacteria, such as periodontal bacteria, may play an important role in the development of various vascular diseases, such as Buerger’s disease, atherosclerosis and varicose veins, through bacteremia.
p28, A Novel ERGIC/cisGolgi Protein, Required for Golgi Ribbon Formation
Authors: Koegler Eva , Bonnon Carine , Waldmeier Lorenz , Mitrovic Sandra , Halbeisen Regula , Hauri Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2009

The mammalian Golgi apparatus consists of individual cisternae that are stacked in a polarized manner to form the compact zones of the Golgi. Several stacks are linked to form a ribbon via dynamic lateral bridges. The determinants required for maintaining the characteristic Golgi structure are incompletely understood. Here, we have characterized p28, a new γ‐subfamily member of p24 membrane proteins. p28 localized to endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) andcisGolgi and accumulated in the ERGIC upon Brefeldin A treatment, typical for a protein cycling in the early secretory pathway. p28 interacted with a subset of p24 proteins. Its depletion by small interfering RNA (siRNA) led to fragmentation of the Golgi without affecting the overall organization of microtubules but considerably reducing the amount of acetylated tubulin. The distribution of COPI and tethers, including GM130, was not affected. At the ultrastructural level, the Golgi fragments appeared as mini‐stacks with apparently unchangedcis‐transtopology. Golgi fragmentation did not impair anterograde or retrograde traffic. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments revealed that silencing p28 prevents protein exchange between Golgi stacks during reassembly after Brefeldin A‐induced Golgi breakdown. These results show that the formation of a Golgi ribbon requires the structural membrane protein p28 in addition to previously identified SNAREs, coat proteins and tethers.
Analysis of consumers' preferences and behavior with regard to horse meat using a structured survey questionnaire
Authors: OH Woon Yong , LEE Ji Woong , LEE Chong Eon , KO Moon Seok , JEONG Jae Hong
Published: October 2009

In this study, a structured survey questionnaire was used to determine consumers' preferences and behavior with regard to horse meat at a horse meat restaurant located in Jeju, Korea, from October 1 to December 24, 2005. The questionnaire employed in this study consisted of 20 questions designed to characterize six general attributes: horse meat sensory property, physical appearance, health condition, origin, price, and other attributes. Of the 1370 questionnaires distributed, 1126 completed questionnaires were retained based on the completeness of the answers, representing an 82.2% response rate. Two issues were investigated that might facilitate the search for ways to improve horse meat production and marketing programs in Korea. The first step was to determine certain important factors, called principal components, which enabled the researchers to understand the needs of horse meat consumers via principal component analysis. The second step was to define consumer segments with regard to their preferences for horse meat, which was accomplished via cluster analysis. The results of the current study showed that health condition, price, origin, and leanness were the most critical physical attributes affecting the preferences of horse meat consumers. Four segments of consumers, with different demands for horse meat attributes, were identified: origin‐sensitive consumers, price‐sensitive consumers, quality and safety‐sensitive consumers, and non‐specific consumers. Significant differences existed among segments of consumers in terms of age, nature of work, frequency of consumption, and general level of acceptability of horse meat.
Intergenerational Experiences of Discrimination in Chinese American Families: Influences of Socialization and Stress
Authors: Benner Aprile D. , Kim Su Yeong
Published: October 2009

In this longitudinal study, we investigated the mechanisms by which Chinese American parents' experiences of discrimination influenced their adolescents' ethnicity‐related stressors (i.e., cultural misfit, discrimination, attitudes toward education). We focused on whether parents' ethnic‐racial socialization practices and perpetual foreigner stress moderated or mediated this relationship. Participants were 444 Chinese American families. Results indicated no evidence of moderation, but we observed support for mediation. Parental experiences of discrimination were associated with more ethnic‐racial socialization practices and greater parental perpetual foreigner stress. More ethnic‐racial socialization was related to greater cultural misfit in adolescents, whereas more perpetual foreigner stress was related to adolescents' poorer attitudes toward education and more reported discrimination. Relationships between mediators and outcomes were stronger for fathers than for mothers.
The Link Between the Marital Bond and Future Triadic Family Interactions
Authors: Doohan Eve‐Anne M. , Carrère Sybil , Siler Chelsea , Beardslee Cheryl
Published: October 2009

This study examined how the marital bond, as indexed through the Oral History Interview (OHI), is related to future triadic family interactions. Families (N = 108), with a 7–9‐year‐old child, participated in a longitudinal study (the Family Health Project) examining children's emotional development throughout the transition to adolescence. Parental cohesion and family cohesion, warmth, structure, and problem solving were assessed via behavioral observation during family problem‐solving discussions and parent‐child teaching interactions 18–24 months after the OHI. Results indicated that the marital bond was predictive of parental cohesion, family cohesion, warmth, and structure during teaching interactions. The marital bond was not significantly predictive of family problem solving or parental cohesion in problem‐solving interactions.
Stay for the Children? Husband Violence, Marital Stability, and Children's Behavior Problems
Authors: Emery Clifton R.
Published: October 2009

Much research has argued for the existence of a marriage benefit to men, women, and children. Although the commonly suggested current response to a husband's violence has been for the couple to separate, traditionally women were often told to “stay for the children.” This paper uses the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods longitudinal data to examine the relationships among marital stability, husband violence, and children's behavior problems. Among married mothers who reported husband violence at time 1 (N= 414), the negative relationship between child behavior problems and remaining in the marriage dissipated when selection bias and husband violence recidivism were controlled.
Religious Influences on the Risk of Marital Dissolution
Authors: Vaaler Margaret L. , Ellison Christopher G. , Powers Daniel A.
Published: October 2009

This study examined multiple dimensions of religious involvement and the risk of divorce among a nationwide sample of 2,979 first‐time married couples. Multivariate proportional hazards modeling was used to analyze two waves of the National Survey of Families and Households. Results indicated that although each partner's religious attendance bore a modest relationship to marital dissolution, the risk of divorce was lower if husbands had conservative theological beliefs and when both partners belonged to mainline Protestant denominations. Conversely, the risk of divorce was elevated if husbands attended services more frequently than their wives and if wives were more theologically conservative than their husbands. These patterns withstood controls for sociodemographic covariates, marital duration, and marital quality. Directions for future research are discussed.
Sexual Frequency and the Stability of Marital and Cohabiting Unions
Authors: Yabiku Scott T. , Gager Constance T.
Published: October 2009

Prior research found that lower sexual frequency and satisfaction were associated with higher rates of divorce, but little research had examined the role of sexual activity in the dissolution of cohabiting unions. We drew upon social exchange theory to hypothesize why sexual frequency is more important in cohabitation: (a) cohabitors' lower costs of finding sexual alternatives, (b) cohabitors' lower barriers to ending the relationship in the form of union‐specific economic and noneconomic capital, and (c) cohabitors' higher expectations for sexual activity. Using the National Survey of Families and Households (N =5,902), we examined the relationship between sexual frequency and union dissolution. Results indicated that low sexual frequency was associated with significantly higher rates of union dissolution among cohabitors than married couples.
The Role of Perceived Maternal Favoritism in Sibling Relations in Midlife
Authors: Suitor J. Jill , Sechrist Jori , Plikuhn Mari , Pardo Seth T. , Gilligan Megan , Pillemer Karl
Published: October 2009

Data were collected from 708 adult children nested within 274 later‐life families from the Within‐Family Differences Study to explore the role of perceived maternal favoritism in the quality of sibling relations in midlife. Mixed‐model analyses revealed that regardless of which sibling was favored, perceptions of current favoritism and recollections of favoritism in childhood reduced closeness among siblings. Recollections of maternal favoritism in childhood were more important than perceptions of current favoritism in predicting tension among adult siblings, regardless of age. Taken together, the findings from this investigation are consistent with childhood studies showing that siblings have better relationships when they believe that they are treated equitably by their parents.
Lyα blobs like company: the discovery of a candidate 100 kpc Lyα blob near to a radio galaxy with a giant Lyα halo B3 J2330+3927 at z = 3.1
Authors: Matsuda Y. , Nakamura Y. , Morimoto N. , Smail Ian , De Breuck C. , Ohta K. , Kodama T. , Inoue A. K. , Hayashino T. , Kousai K. , Nakamura E. , Horie M. , Yamada T. , Kitamura M. , Saito T. , Taniguchi Y. , Tanaka I. , Hibon P.
Published: October 2009

We present the discovery of a candidate of giant radio-quiet Lyα blob (RQLAB) in a large-scale structure around a high-redshift radio galaxy (HzRG) lying in a giant Lyα halo B3 J2330+3927 at redshift z= 3.087. We obtained narrow- and broad-band imaging around B3 J2330+3927 with Subaru/Suprime-Cam to search for Lyα emitters (LAEs) and absorbers (LAAs) at redshift z= 3.09 ± 0.03. We detected candidate 127 LAEs and 26 LAAs in the field of view of 31 × 24 arcmin2 (58 × 44 comoving Mpc). We found that B3 J2330+3927 is surrounded by a 130 kpc Lyα halo and a large-scale (∼60 × 20 comoving Mpc) filamentary structure. The large-scale structure contains one prominent local density peak with an overdensity of greater than 5, which is 8 arcmin (15 comoving Mpc) away from B3 J2330+3927. In this peak, we discovered a candidate 100 kpc RQLAB. The existence of both types of Lyα nebulae in the same large-scale structure suggests that giant Lyα nebulae need special large-scale environments to form. On smaller scales, however, the location of B3 J2330+3927 is not a significant local density peak in this structure, in contrast to the RQLAB. There are two possible interpretations of the difference of the local environments of these two Lyα nebulae. First, RQLAB may need a prominent (δ∼ 5) density peak of galaxies to form through intense starbursts due to frequent galaxy interactions/mergers and/or continuous gas accretion in an overdense environment. On the other hand, Lyα halo around HzRG may not always need a prominent density peak to form if the surrounding Lyα halo is mainly powered by its radio and active galactic nucleus activities. Alternatively, both RQLAB and Lyα halo around HzRG may need prominent density peaks to form but we could not completely trace the density of galaxies because we missed evolved and dusty galaxies in this survey.
A practical guide to methods of parentage analysis
Authors: JONES ADAM G. , SMALL CLAYTON M. , PACZOLT KIMBERLY A. , RATTERMAN NICHOLAS L.
Published: October 2009

The use of molecular techniques for parentage analysis has been a booming science for over a decade. The most important technological breakthrough was the introduction of microsatellite markers to molecular ecology, an advance that was accompanied by a proliferation and refinement of statistical techniques for the analysis of parentage data. Over the last several years, we have seen steady progress in a number of areas related to parentage analysis, and the prospects for successful studies continue to improve. Here, we provide an updated guide for scientists interested in embarking on parentage analysis in natural or artificial populations of organisms, with a particular focus on computer software packages that implement various methods of analysis. Our survey of the literature shows that there are a few established methods that perform extremely well in the analysis of most types of parentage studies. However, particular experimental designs or study systems can benefit from some of the less well‐known computer packages available. Overall, we find that parentage analysis is feasible and satisfying in most systems, and we try to provide a simple roadmap to help other scientists navigate the confusing topography of statistical techniques.
Effects of 7‐methylxanthine on the sclera in form deprivation myopia in guinea pigs
Authors: Cui Dongmei , Trier Klaus , Zeng Junwen , Wu Kaili , Yu Minbin , Hu Jianmin , Chen Xiang , Ge Jian
Published: October 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the adenosine receptor antagonist 7‐methylxanthine (7‐MX) on form deprivation myopia in 3‐week‐old guinea pigs.

Methods: Two groups of 3‐week‐old guinea pigs were subjected to monocular deprivation (MD) using a diffuser and fed either 7‐MX (300 mg/kg body weight;n = 7) or vehicle control (saline at an equal volume to 7‐MX;n = 7). A control group (n = 6) was not subjected to form deprivation. Ocular refraction, axial length and body weight were measured at the start and after 21 days. The thickness of the posterior sclera was measured by light microscopy and the collagen fibril diameter in the inner, middle and outer layers of the sclera was measured by electron microscopy.

Results: In the vehicle control group, 21 days of MD produced significant amounts of myopia, axial elongation, thinning of the posterior sclera and thinning of the median collagen fibril diameter in the posterior sclera relative to the contralateral eyes. In the guinea pigs fed with 7‐MX, however, form deprivation produced significantly less myopia and axial elongation compared with vehicle control animals. The 7‐MX‐treated animals exhibited a thickening of the posterior sclera in both the MD eye and the contralateral eye. In the 7‐MX‐treated animals, the median collagen fibril diameter in the posterior sclera was not reduced by form deprivation.

Conclusions: Treatment with 7‐MX appears to not only decrease the amount of myopia by around 50% and eliminate the eye elongation induced by form deprivation in guinea pigs, but also to prevent form deprivation myopia‐related scleral changes, such as thinning of the sclera and thinning of the collagen fibril diameter in the posterior sclera.