bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limits to sustainable fish catch: the case of marine fishery in Kerala
Authors: KAPURIA PREETI
Published: September 2011

This study aims to examine the interannual variation in fish biomass and to estimate the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for the marine fisheries of Kerala, India. Although the productivity of a fishery is known to be dependent on species diversity, this relationship is not widely documented. This paper uses an extended Gordon–Schaefer model that is modified to incorporate species diversity to estimate the MSY levels of catch and the corresponding fishing effort. Species diversity is expressed as both biological and bioeconomic diversity using the Simpson index. The model reports that the actual fishing effort has exceeded the maximum level necessary to support sustainable yield, while the maximum level of catch for maintaining sustainable yield is not known. A comparison of fish landings and effort data across different fishing techniques indicates that there is a potential to decrease the current level of fishing effort without experiencing a significant decline in fish catch.
Quantification of Collagen Organization and Extracellular Matrix Factors within the Healing Ligament
Authors: Chamberlain Connie S. , Crowley Erin M. , Kobayashi Hirohito , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Vanderby Ray
Published: September 2011

Ligament healing of a grade III injury (i.e., a complete tear) involves a multifaceted chain of events that forms a neoligament, which is more scar-like in character than the native tissue. The remodeling process may last months or even years with the injured ligament never fully recovering pre-injury mechanical properties. With tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, understanding the normal healing process in ligament and quantifying it provide a basis to create and assess innovative treatments. Ligament fibroblasts produce a number of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including collagen types I and III, decorin and fibromodulin. Using a combination of advanced histology, molecular biology, and nonlinear optical imaging approaches, the early ECM events during ligament healing have been better characterized and defined. First, the dynamic changes in ECM factors after injury are shown. Second, the factors associated with creeping substitution are identified. Finally, a method to quantify collagen organization is developed and used. Each ECM factor described herein as well as the temporal quantification of fiber organization helps elucidate the complexity of ligament healing.
OP9‐DL1 cell co‐culture enhances anti‐tumour immunity of mouse bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Feng Fan , Yang Jianjun , Tong Liping , Yuan Shifa , Tian Yangzi , Hong Liu , Wang Weizhong , Zhang Hongwei
Published: September 2011

DCs (dendritic cells) are the strongest professional APCs (antigen‐presenting cells) to initiate immune responses against pathogens, but they are usually incompetent in initiating efficient immune responses in the progress of solid tumours. We have shown that Notch signalling plays a pivotal role in DC‐dependent anti‐tumour immunity. Compared with the control DCs, OP9‐DL1 (Delta‐like1) cell co‐cultured DCs gained increased tumour suppression activity when inoculated together with tumour cells. This was probably due to the activation of Notch signalling in DCs enhancing their ability to evoke anti‐tumour immune responses in solid tumours. Indeed, the OP9‐DL1 cell co‐cultured DCs expressed higher levels of MHC I, MHC II, CXCR4 (CXC chemokine receptor 4), CCR7 (CC chemokine receptor 7), IL‐6 (interleukin 6), IL‐12 and TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α), and a lower level of IL‐10 than control DCs, resulting in more efficient DC migration and T‐cell activation in vivo and in vitro. T‐cells stimulated by OP9‐DL1 cells co‐cultured DCs more efficiently; and were cytotoxic against tumour cells, in contrast with control DCs. These results indicated that up‐regulation of Notch signalling in DCs by co‐culturing with OP9‐DL1 cells enhances DC‐dependent anti‐tumour immune reactions, making the Notch signalling pathway a target for the establishment of the DC‐based anti‐tumour immunotherapies.
Dependences of the optical absorption and photovoltaic properties of CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells on the CdS quantum dot adsorption time
Authors: Hachiya Sojiro , Onishi Yohei , Shen Qing , Toyoda Taro
Published: September 2011

We have studied the optical absorption properties of CdS quantum dots (QDs) adsorbed on TiO2 electrodes and the photovoltaic properties of CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). CdS QDs were grown directly on a nanostructured TiO2 surface by a chemical bath deposition method for different adsorption times from 30 min to 8 h. The growing size of CdS QDs on the TiO2 electrodes with increasing adsorption time was confirmed by a redshift in the optical spectra, measured using photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy. The steepness factor, which reflects the amount of disorder and the number of defects, was also estimated from the PA spectrum. The steepness factor decreased sharply at 1 h adsorption time when the CdS QDs commenced aggregating. Subsequently, the steepness factor increased for longer adsorption times, indicating that the density of surface states of the CdS QDs had decreased due to a decrease in the ratio of surface area to volume with the growth in average size. The photovoltaic properties of sandwich structure solar cells were studied under an illumination of air mass (AM) 1.5 using Cu2S on brass as a counter electrode and a polysulfide (S/S2−) redox system as the electrolyte. The maximum photovoltaic conversion efficiency obtained was 1.22%, which was for the device that had 2 h CdS adsorption. The variations in series resistance and shunt resistance were estimated from the slopes of photocurrent density-photovoltage curves near the short circuit and open circuit conditions, respectively. With increasing adsorption time, both resistances decreased until 2 h adsorption when the maximum photoconversion efficiency was observed. These results indicate that the CdS adsorption time is closely correlated with the photovoltaic properties of CdS QDSSCs.
Origin of Berreman effect in GaN layers on sapphire substrates
Authors: Raman R. , Mishra Puspashree , Kapoor Ashok Kumar , Muralidharan R.
Published: September 2011

Oblique incidence polarized IR reflectivity measurements of Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) grown GaN epitaxial layers on sapphire are discussed in the context of recent literature on Berreman effect. The dependence of the p-polarized reflectivity spectrum on incidence angle and thickness of the GaN films is analyzed theoretically and the results are compared with experiment. The “Berreman minimum” that is the reflectivity minimum near the longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon frequency is shown to be due to optical interference. Our calculations show that in GaN layers with thickness greater than 0.1 μm and for high incidence angles, the frequency of “Berreman minimum” does not correspond to the A1 LO phonon frequency.
Amorphous HgCdTe infrared photoconductive detector with high detectivity above 200 K
Authors: Wang Jun , Chen Xiaoshuang , Hu Weida , Wang Lin , Lu Wei , Xu Faqiang , Zhao Jun , Shi Yanli , Ji Rongbin
Published: September 2011

Temperature dependence of dark current (Id) and photocurrent (Iph) is reported for Si-based amorphous HgCdTe (a-MCT) infrared photoconductive detector at 80-300 K. It is indicated that an uncooled a-MCT infrared detector can be fabricated based on the Si-based a-MCT. To describe the transport process, the Mott and Davis model [Davis and Mott, Philos. Mag. 22, 903 (1970)] is proposed as the conducting model originally developed for amorphous silicon. A possible mechanism of the carrier transports is shown in the a-MCT materials. The transport transition between the localized and extended carriers leads to the maximal Iph/Id above 200 K.
Tempo and mode of inhibitor–mutagen antiviral therapies: A multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Iranzo Jaime , Perales Celia , Domingo Esteban , Manrubia Susanna C.
Published: September 2011

The continuous emergence of drug-resistant viruses is a major obstacle for the successful treatment of viral infections, thus representing a persistent spur to the search for new therapeutic strategies. Among them, multidrug treatments are currently at the forefront of pharmaceutical, clinical, and computational investigation. Still, there are many unknowns in the way that different drugs interact among themselves and with the pathogen that they aim to control. Inspired by experimental studies with picornavirus, here, we discuss the performance of sequential vs. combination therapies involving two dissimilar drugs: the mutagen ribavirin and an inhibitor of viral replication, guanidine. Because a systematic analysis of viral response to drug doses demands a precious amount of time and resources, we present and analyze an in silico model describing the dynamics of the viral population under the action of the two drugs. The model predicts the response of the viral population to any dose combination, the optimal therapy to be used in each case, and the way to minimize the probability of appearance of resistant mutants. In agreement with the theoretical predictions, in vitro experiments with foot-and-mouth disease virus confirm that the suitability of simultaneous or sequential administration depends on the drug doses. In addition, intrinsic replicative characteristics of the virus (e.g., replication through RNA only or a DNA intermediate) play a key role to determine the appropriateness of a sequential or combination therapy. Knowledge of several model parameters can be derived by means of few, simple experiments, such that the model and its predictions can be extended to other viral systems.
Synthesis and spectral properties of tetra- and octa-substituted lead phthalocyanines
Authors: Dinçer H. A. , Çerlek H. , Gül A. , Koçak M. B.
Published: September 2011

The novel four lead phthalocyanines were prepared from three different phthalonitrile derivatives, namely 3,4-dicyanophenylmalonate, 1-chloro-3,4-dicyano-6-(1,1-dicarbethoxymethyl)benzene, 1-hexylthio-3,4-dicyano-6-(1,1-dicarbethoxy-methyl) benzene and metal salts (PbO or Pb(OAc)2·3H2O). Transesterification occurred when the reaction was carried out in hexanol in the presence of DBU. These new lead-phthalocyanines have been characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis and mass spectra. Two common points in these lead phthalocyanines are intense Q band absorptions in the near-IR region and relatively lower stability of the metal ion in the phthalocyanine cavity.
MCPH1 regulates chromosome condensation and shaping as a composite modulator of condensin II
Authors: Yamashita Daisuke , Shintomi Keishi , Ono Takao , Gavvovidis Ioannis , Schindler Detlev , Neitzel Heidemarie , Trimborn Marc , Hirano Tatsuya
Published: September 2011

Mutations in human MCPH1 (hMCPH1) cause primary microcephaly, which is characterized by a marked reduction of brain size. Interestingly, hMCPH1 mutant patient cells display unique cellular phenotypes, including premature chromosome condensation (PCC), in G2 phase. To test whether hMCPH1 might directly participate in the regulation of chromosome condensation and, if so, how, we developed a cell-free assay using Xenopus laevis egg extracts. Our results demonstrate that an N-terminal domain of hMCPH1 specifically inhibits the action of condensin II by competing for its chromosomal binding sites in vitro. This simple and powerful assay allows us to dissect mutations causing primary microcephaly in vivo and evolutionary substitutions among different species. A complementation assay using patient cells revealed that, whereas the N-terminal domain of hMCPH1 is sufficient to rescue the PCC phenotype, its central domain plays an auxiliary role in shaping metaphase chromosomes by physically interacting with condensin II. Thus, hMCPH1 acts as a composite modulator of condensin II to regulate chromosome condensation and shaping.
Calcium-dependent block of P2X7 receptor channel function is allosteric
Authors: Yan Zonghe , Khadra Anmar , Sherman Arthur , Stojilkovic Stanko S.
Published: September 2011

Among purinergic P2X receptor (P2XR) channels, the P2X7R exhibits the most complex gating kinetics; the binding of orthosteric agonists at the ectodomain induces a conformational change in the receptor complex that favors a gating transition from closed to open and dilated states. Bath Ca2+ affects P2X7R gating through a still uncharacterized mechanism: it could act by reducing the adenosine triphosphate4− (ATP4−) concentration (a form proposed to be the P2X7R orthosteric agonist), as an allosteric modulator, and/or by directly altering the selectivity of pore to cations. In this study, we combined biophysical and mathematical approaches to clarify the role of calcium in P2X7R gating. In naive receptors, bath calcium affected the activation permeability dynamics indirectly by decreasing the potency of orthosteric agonists in a concentration-dependent manner and independently of the concentrations of the free acid form of agonists and status of pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels. Bath calcium also facilitated the rates of receptor deactivation in a concentration-dependent manner but did not affect a progressive delay in receptor deactivation caused by repetitive agonist application. The effects of calcium on the kinetics of receptor deactivation were rapid and reversible. A438079, a potent orthosteric competitive antagonist, protected the rebinding effect of 2’(3′)-O-4-benzoylbenzoyl)ATP on the kinetics of current decay during the washout period, but in the presence of A438079, calcium also increased the rate of receptor deactivation. The corresponding kinetic (Markov state) model indicated that the decrease in binding affinity leads to a decrease in current amplitudes and facilitation of receptor deactivation, both in an extracellular calcium concentration–dependent manner expressed as a Hill function. The results indicate that calcium in physiological concentrations acts as a negative allosteric modulator of P2X7R by decreasing the affinity of receptors for orthosteric ligand agonists, but not antagonists, and not by affecting the permeability dynamics directly or indirectly through Panx1 channels. We expect these results to generalize to other P2XRs.
Utilization patterns and associated costs of factor assistance programmes among persons with haemophilia: a single institution review
Authors: KHLEIF A. A. , RODRIGUEZ N. , BROWN D. , ESCOBAR M. A.
Published: September 2011

Summary.  Although individuals with haemophilia have benefited from advances and the availability of safe, effective factor replacement products, high treatment costs and insurance coverage limits remains a significant concern among persons with this disease. Many uninsured haemophiliacs turn to emergency rooms for treatment and/or patient assistance programmes for treatment of a bleed or injury. However, neither of these options is a sustainable solution for managing the care of patients with this costly disease. This study was conducted to examine the use of factor assistance programmes and estimate annual amounts of factor dispensed by each programme along with their associated costs. Retrospective review of pharmacy and medical record of all patients who attended the Gulf States Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Center, and who were enrolled in any factor assistance programme(s) between January 2007 and December 2010 was performed. During the 4‐year observation period, approximately 19% of the centre’s haemophilia patient population was enrolled and received free factor products from at least one patient assistance programme. In addition, approximately 9.1 million dollars (US) worth of factor replacement therapy was donated to our patients during the study time. Although assistance programmes have helped many uninsured individuals with haemophilia to receive free factor products, they are not an enduring answer to the insurance problems many of our patients face. More effort needs to be focused on how to effectively manage uninsured persons with haemophilia to ensure that their health care and treatment needs are adequately met.
Pre‐release diet effect on field survival and dispersal of Anastrepha ludens and Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Utgés M. E. , Vilardi J. C. , Oropeza A. , Toledo J. , Liedo P.
Published: September 2011

The effect of pre‐release diets on starvation resistance, field survival and dispersal of sterile Anastrepha ludens and Anastrepha obliqua fruit flies was investigated. Protein‐enriched diets resulted in reduced longevity under laboratory and field conditions. Flies exposed to a combination of sugar and fresh mango fruit pulp showed greater longevity and field survival. Release–recapture experiments showed that this mango plus sugar diet resulted in the greatest trap capture and the longest life expectancy when compared with the other treatments. Per cent recapture ranged from 0.24% to 17.50%. More females than males were recaptured. Spatial distribution was not affected by diet treatment, sex or replicate, but was affected by environmental conditions, such as vegetation cover or shade in the case of A. ludens or prevalent winds in the case of A. obliqua. Our results confirm the trade‐offs between better mating performance and reduced survival produced by protein‐rich diets and suggest fresh mango fruits, their products or derivates as an alternative to be developed to overcome this problem for sterile insect technique programmes.
Results of repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after initial biliary cannulation failure following needle‐knife sphincterotomy
Authors: Kim Jaihwan , Ryu Ji Kon , Ahn Dong‐Won , Park Joo Kyung , Yoon Won Jae , Kim Yong‐Tae , Yoon Yong Bum
Published: September 2011

Background and Aim:  After failed biliary cannulation with needle knife sphincterotomy (NKS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is sometimes repeatedly performed in clinically stable patients; however, there are few reports about the results. This study assessed the results of repeated ERCPs after failure with NKS.

Methods:  After failed NKS, patients who underwent repeated ERCP for the same purpose within 3 days were retrospectively identified. Success was defined as deep placement of a catheter into the common bile duct.

Results:  Sixty‐nine patients underwent a second ERCP procedure and, of those, six underwent a third ERCP. Of the 69 patients, cannulation was successful in 76.8% (53/69): 46 of 58 patients without additional NKS and 7 of 11 with additional NKS. Success increased to 79.7% (55/69) after the results of the third ERCP were included. Common causes of failed NKS were biliary deep cannulation failure (78.3%) and blocking of the endoscopic view due to bleeding (13.0%). There was a significant difference in success rates between the one day (65.7%) and the combined 2–3 day (88.2%) cases (P = 0.027). Except for the interval between ERCPs, there were no other factors associated with success rates. Complications occurred in 8, 11, and one patient after initial, second, and third ERCP and there was no difference of complication rates between each ERCPs.

Conclusions:  In cases with biliary cannulation failure with NKS, it is more worthwhile repeating ERCP 2 or 3 days after such failure than one day after, if the patient's condition permits delay of procedure.
Validity of biomarkers predicting onset or progression of nephropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Hellemons M. E. , Kerschbaum J. , Bakker S. J. L. , Neuwirt H. , Mayer B. , Mayer G. , de Zeeuw D. , Lambers Heerspink H. J. , Rudnicki M.
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 567–577 (2012)

Novel biomarkers predicting onset or progression of nephropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes have been recently identified. We performed a systematic review to assess the validity of biomarkers predicting onset or progression of nephropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes in longitudinal studies. The methodological quality of the studies was scored using Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) criteria and the independent predictive value of the biomarkers beyond conventional risk factors was scored according to the adjustment for these risk factors. Validity of the biomarkers was determined by summarizing the methodological quality and the adjustment score. We identified 15 studies describing 27 biomarkers. Six studies had sufficient methodological quality. These studies identified 13 valid and significant markers for nephropathy in diabetes: serum interleukin 18, plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine; and urinary ceruloplasmin, immunoglobulin G and transferrin were considered valid markers predicting onset of nephropathy. Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, interleukin 6, von Willebrand factor and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 were considered valid biomarkers predicting progression of nephropathy. Plasma high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, E‐selectin, tissue‐type plasminogen activator, von Willebrand factor and triglycerides were considered valid markers predicting onset and progression of nephropathy. Several novel biomarkers for prediction of nephropathy in diabetes have been published, which can potentially be applied in clinical practice and research in future. Because of the heterogeneous quality of biomarker studies in this field, a more rigorous evaluation of these biomarkers and validation in larger trials are advocated.
Approaches to nursing skills training in three countries
Authors: Williams K. , West E.A.
Published: September 2011

WILLIAMS K., WEST E.A. (2012) Approaches to nursing skills training in three countries. International Nursing Review59, 230–236
Taxes, tenders and the design of Australian off‐market share repurchases
Authors: Brown Christine , Davis Kevin
Published: September 2011

In designing off‐market (self‐tender offer) share repurchases, Australian companies must consider the resulting potential tax benefits for different investor groups with consequent effects upon the supply of stock tendered by holders and the ultimate tender outcome. We develop and estimate a model of the stock supply curve that demonstrates less than perfect elasticity and incomplete tax arbitrage arising from ‘participation risk’ for potential arbitrageurs. We are able to estimate the extent of disequilibrium in prices involved in fixed‐price repurchases and show that it is substantial. We show that Australian Tax Office restrictions on the tender price range for Dutch auctions have meant that non‐participating shareholders have foregone some potential benefits through the transfer of tax benefits to (primarily institutional, low tax rate) successful tender participants. The results provide support for legislative changes proposed in 2009 (but not implemented as of mid 2011), which removed constraints on the allowable range of repurchase prices.
Union Leaders as Experts: Wage Bargaining and Strikes with Union‐Wide Ballot Requirements*
Authors: Olofsgård Anders
Published: September 2011

To avoid strikes and to curb labour militancy, some governments have introduced legislation stating that union leadership as well as wage offers should be decided through union‐wide ballots. This paper shows that members still have incentives to appoint militant union leaders, if these leaders have access to information critical for the members’ voting decisions. Furthermore, conflicts may arise in equilibrium even though the contract zone is never empty and there is an option to resolve any incomplete information. Ballot requirements hence preclude neither militant union bosses nor inefficient conflicts.
Is there a Core of Macroeconomics that Euro Area Forecasters Believe In?
Authors: Pierdzioch Christian , Stadtmann Georg , Rülke Jan-Christoph
Published: September 2011

The quantity theory of money, Okun’s law, and the Phillips curve are cornerstones of macroeconomic theory. But are they also of practical relevance? Using survey data for the euro area, we found that professional economists’ forecasts are consistent with a version of the quantity theory in which forecasts of the growth rate of money supply correlate in a proportional way with forecasts of the inflation rate. We also found that forecasts of changes in the unemployment rate and forecasts of the growth rate of real output are consistent with Okun’s law. Evidence of a systematic link between forecasts of the inflation rate and forecasts of the unemployment rate, however, is not strong.
Beyond continuity? Italian social assistance policies between institutional opportunities and agency
Authors: Madama Ilaria
Published: September 2011

Madama I. Beyond continuity? Italian social assistance policies between institutional opportunities and agency

The article addresses recent developments of social assistance policies in Italy with two interpretative aims. The first regards the approval of the long‐awaited framework law in 2000 and deals with the factors that made a path‐shifting national reform possible in a policy sector which had evolved through successive accretions and gradual revisions. The second regards the effectiveness of the reform, providing an assessment of the (scant) achievements subsequent to its adoption. The reform process was investigated through a model that combines factors of historical neo‐institutionalist derivation and agency dynamics, the latter of which is intended to overcome the structuralist bias of purely neo‐institutionalist explanations. The article draws two conclusions. The first concerns the resilience of Italy's backwardness in this policy field. The second, a theoretical consideration, is that if institutions function as constraint generators as well as opportunity generators for actors, agency dynamics are crucial in order to fully understand the timing and specific contents of institutional change.
Implementing conditional inference in the auditory system: What matters?
Authors: Todd Juanita , Mullens Daniel
Published: September 2011

In prior studies, we have used a conditional linkage between rare deviations in a regular sound pattern to determine if the auditory system can use the first deviation to anticipate the probable features of the second deviation (i.e., make a conditional inference). This study was designed to test two hypotheses about why the mismatch negativity (MMN) to a duration deviant sound seems more susceptible to conditional inference effects. The MMNs to duration and frequency glide deviant sounds were significantly smaller when their occurrence was conditionally linked to the identity of a prior deviant as opposed to when they occurred randomly in a sequence. Results provide support for the learned conditional inference interpretation of reduced MMN size to linked deviants. We discuss alternate explanations and conclude that conditional inference studies could provide insight into the dynamics of probability‐based prediction in the auditory system.
The prescribing of antiepileptic drugs for pregnant Australian women
Authors: VAJDA Frank J.E. , HORGAN David , HOLLINGWORTH Samantha , GRAHAM Janet , HITCHCOCK Alison A. , ROTEN Annie , O’BRIEN Terence J. , LANDER Cecile M. , EADIE Mervyn J.
Published: September 2011

Background:  It is not clear how widely it is appreciated in Australia that certain antiepileptic drugs, particularly valproate, are teratogenic.

Aim:  The aim of the study is to assess trends in the pattern of antiepileptic drug prescribing for pregnant women in Australia to determine whether drug use is optimal, particularly from the fetal viewpoint.

Methods:  Analysis of data contained in the Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs, assessing trends in antiepileptic drug use correlated with pregnancy outcomes.

Results:  Valproate was the only significant teratogen among the antiepileptic drugs in common use. There was a fetal malformation rate of 14.5% associated with its use in monotherapy, as compared with a rate of 3.15% in antiepileptic drug‐unexposed pregnancies in women with epilepsy (OR = 5.23, 95% CI = 1.81, 15.09). The highest malformation rate associated with any other antiepileptic drug used in monotherapy was 5.0%, for carbamazepine. Neurologists had progressively prescribed valproate less frequently and in lower dosage than other classes of practitioner over the 10‐year study period, with a parallel decrease in occurrence of fetal malformations in pregnancies referred to the Register. Other prescribers of valproate did not seem to have adopted these practices to the same extent and had not obtained similar degrees of reduction in the occurrence of fetal malformations.

Conclusions:  Contemporary Australian obstetricians, even though they may not be valproate prescribers, when managing pregnancies in women taking valproate, need to be alert to the possibility that it may not be being used optimally from the fetal point of view, especially when not prescribed by neurologists.
Property–Liability Insurer Reserve Error: Motive, Manipulation, or Mistake
Authors: Grace Martin F. , Leverty J. Tyler
Published: September 2011

Abstract

We use two reserve error definitions found in the literature to investigate the joint impact of previously studied incentives on the magnitude of reserve error. We find many prior conclusions are dependent upon the restricted setting in which the hypotheses are tested and on the definition of the reserve error. We find strong evidence that financially weak insurers underreserve to a greater extent than other insurers. However, our evidence casts doubt on the conclusion that insurers manipulate reserves to avoid solvency monitoring. We also find insurers increase reserves for tax purposes and to reduce the impact of regulatory rate suppression.
Is Selective Ipsilateral PV Isolation Sufficient for Focally Triggered Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation? Comparison of Selective Ipsilateral Pulmonary Vein Isolation versus Bilateral Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: HU JI‐QIANG , MA JIAN , OUYANG FEIFAN , YANG QIAN , LIAO ZI‐LI , HOU YU , ZHANG SHU
Published: September 2011

Is SIPVI Sufficient for Focally Triggered Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation? Introduction: Selective ipsilateral pulmonary vein isolation (SIPVI) has shown comparable efficacy in focal triggered atrial fibrillation (AF) versus isolation of all pulmonary veins (PVs), yet the sufficiency for such an ablation strategy to all patients is unclear. This study sought to identify a subgroup of patients for SIPVI and a subgroup of patients for bilateral PV isolation (BiPVI) with long‐term success by comparing the clinical efficacy of SIPVI and BiPVI on PV‐triggered AF.

Methods and Results:
One hundred and forty‐two patients (106 males; mean age 51 ± 13 years) with focal PV triggered paroxysmal AF (PAF) were studied. Seventy patients underwent SIPVI and 72 patients underwent BiPVI. After the first ablation, 44 patients (44/70) in the SIPVI group and 54 patients (54/72) in the BiPVI group were free of AF without antiarrhythmic drugs, after a follow‐up period of 36 ± 12 months (log‐rank test P = 0.1594). In patients younger than 50 years of age with a left atrium (LA) diameter <40 mm, SIPVI had a high success rate (15/18, 83%) of freedom from AF. However, for patients aged ≥50 years with an LA diameter ≥40 mm, 10 of the 12 patients in the SIPVI group and only 5 of the 15 patients in the BiPVI group had a recurrence of AF (log‐rank test P = 0.0173).

Conclusions:
For focally triggered PAF, in patients aged <50 years with an LA diameter <40 mm, SIPVI of triggering PV had a high success rate of freedom from AF. However, in patients aged ≥50 years with an LA diameter ≥40 mm, BiPVI achieved a higher success rate. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 130‐136, February 2012)
Profiling of immune‐related microRNA expression in human cord blood and adult peripheral blood cells upon proinflammatory stimulation
Authors: Takahashi Naoyuki , Nakaoka Takashi , Yamashita Naohide
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Cord blood (CB) transplantation has advantages in terms of incidence and severity of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), while it has disadvantages in terms of infection. Our aim is to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the immune response of CB‐derived cells during acute GVHD and infection following CB transplantation. Methods: We examined expression of 69 immune‐relating microRNAs in CD4+, CD8+, and CD14+ cells of CB and adult peripheral blood (APB) upon interferon‐γ or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Results: Under basal condition, 20 microRNAs showed differential expression between CB and APB. Compared to APB counterparts, six microRNAs (miR‐21, miR‐22, miR‐29a, miR‐29b, miR‐29c, and let‐7c) were underexpressed in at least two cell lineages of CB, while five microRNAs (miR‐15b, miR‐181a, miR‐181c, miR‐363, and miR‐424) were overexpressed in CD4+ and CD8+ CB cells. Upon interferon‐γ stimulation, seven microRNAs (miR‐29a, miR‐29b, miR‐34c‐5p, miR‐132, miR‐146a, miR‐146b‐5p, and miR‐155) changed in expression mainly in CD14+ CB cells, while only two microRNAs (miR‐18a and miR‐155) changed in expression in CD14+ CB cells upon LPS stimulation. These results suggest that the mechanisms regulating the expression of such immune‐relating microRNAs in CD14+ CB cells are much more sensitive to proinflammatory stimuli than those in APB CD14+ cells, which might be related to the poor immunoreactivity of CD14+ CB cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest essential roles of specific microRNAs in regulating immune function of CB cells, providing insight into the underlying molecular mechanism.
Cell surface markers CD44 and CD166 localized specific populations of salivary acinar cells
Authors: Maria OM , Maria AM , Cai Y , Tran SD
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 162–168

Objective:  Experimental approaches tested to date for functional restoration of salivary glands (SGs) are tissue engineering, gene transfer, and cell therapy. To further develop these therapies, identifying specific cell surface markers for the isolation of salivary acinar cells is needed. To test a panel of cell surface markers [used in the isolation of mesenchymal stem cells, (MSCs)] for the localization of salivary acinar cells.

Materials:  Human submandibular and parotid glands were immunostained with a panel of MSC markers and co‐localized with salivary acinar cell differentiation markers [α‐amylase, Na‐K‐2Cl cotransporter‐1, aquaporin‐5 (AQP5)]. Additional cell markers were also used, such as α‐smooth muscle actin (to identify myoepithelial cells), cytokeratin‐5 (basal ductal cells), and c‐Kit (progenitor cells).

Results:  CD44 identified serous acini, while CD166 identified mucous acini. Cytokeratin‐5 identified basal duct cells and 50% of myoepithelial cells. None of the remaining cell surface markers (Stro‐1, CD90, CD106, CD105, CD146, CD19, CD45, and c‐Kit) were expressed in any human salivary cell.

Conclusions:  CD44 and CD166 localized human salivary serous and mucous acinar cells, respectively. These two cell surface markers will be useful in the isolation of specific populations of salivary acinar cells.
Digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance and methane production in Holstein steers fed diets containing soy sauce cake at 10 or 20%
Authors: HOSODA Kenji , MIYAJI Makoto , MATSUYAMA Hiroki , IMAI Yasuhiko , NONAKA Kazuhisa
Published: September 2011

Two feeding trials were performed to evaluate the effect of soy sauce cake (SSC) on digestibility, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen (N) balance as well as methane production in Holstein steers. Six animals received a diet without or with the SSC at 10% (Experiment 1) and 20% (Experiment 2) in a 2 × 2 crossover design with a balance trial and respiratory exchange measurement. The SSC feeding showed a strongly inhibitory effect on methane production when its proportion was elevated up to 20%. The digestibility of nutrients with the 10% SSC treatment was similar to that of the control, whereas that for the 20% SSC treatment was significantly decreased in comparison with the control. The 20% SSC treatment also inhibited ruminal fermentation. A lower N partition to urine and a higher N partition to retention were observed in the animals receiving the 20% SSC treatment. These results suggested that SSC feeding at 20% suppressed methane production and changed the N balance; however, the feeding level of 20% caused deterioration in some productive aspects, such as nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation. In addition, a feeding level of SSC at 10% of the diet should be considered a reasonable level in cattle.
The effect of lighting conditions on the rhythmicity of growth hormone secretion in Holstein steers
Authors: KASUYA Etsuko , KUSHIBIKI Shiro , YAYOU Ken‐ichi , HODATE Koichi , OGINO Mizuna , SUTOH Madoka
Published: September 2011

Growth hormone (GH) secretion regularity and the effects of lighting condition and GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH) on GH release were determined in steers. First, steers were kept under 12:12 L : D conditions (light: 06.00–18.00 hours). The animals were then subjected to a 1‐h advancement in lighting on/off conditions (05.00 and 17.00 hours, respectively). Blood was sampled for 24 h at 1‐h interval on the seventh day of each condition. Second, GHRH was injected intravenously (IV) at 12.00 and 00.00 hours under 12:12 L : D and blood was sampled at 15‐min interval for 4‐h (1 h before and 3 h after the injection). Plasma GH concentrations were measured by a radioimmunoassay. Periodicity of GH secretory profile was calculated by power spectrum analysis using the maximum entropy method. Plasma GH concentrations showed a characteristic pattern consisting of four distinct peaks. Mean periodicity of GH secretory profile was 5.7 h, and it was not altered by any change in lighting conditions. IV injection of GHRH increased GH secretion during the day and night. The increase in GH secretory volume after GHRH injection during the night was equal to that during the day. The present results suggest that GH secreted from the anterior pituitary have regularity in steers.
Changes in the milk composition of okapi (Okapia johnstoni) during the first 6 months of lactation
Authors: KAWASAKI Ryuta , SUGINAKA Tatsuhiro
Published: September 2011

We collected 17 milk samples at 1 day to 6 months post partum from one captive okapi (Okapia johnstoni). Milks were examined for nutrient composition, including water, fat, crude protein, carbohydrates, ash and five minerals. The average values of the concentrations were 79.2 ± 3.0% SD water, 8.5 ± 3.4% fat, 7.5 ± 1.1% crude protein, 3.6 ± 0.6% carbohydrate, 1.2 ± 0.1% ash, 263.7 ± 47.3 mg/100 g calcium, 183.0 ± 40.0 mg/100 g phosphorus, 95.2 ± 17.6 mg/100 g sodium, 74.4 ± 34.3 mg/100 g potassium and 28.4 ± 4.4 mg/100 g magnesium, respectively. The protein concentration increased at late lactation (P < 0.01). The contents of sodium and potassium were rather high in the early lactation period, while those of calcium and phosphorus were rather low in the early lactation period. During the course of lactation in the first week post partum and the protein concentration was high at 1 day post partum. We compare our findings with the American Association of Zoos & Aquariums's Okapi Species Survival Plan Hand‐rearing Protocol, and recommend that nutrient composition of the formula for okapi calves is developed using the present study as a guide.
Nutritional status and oral status of the elderly with dementia: a 2‐year study
Authors: Sadamori Shinsuke , Hayashi Syouji , Fujihara Isao , Abekura Hitoshi , Hamada Taizo , Akagawa Yasumasa
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00555.x

Nutritional status and oral status of the elderly with dementia: a 2‐year study

Objectives:  To determine the relationship between denture wearing and nutritional status in the elderly with dementia.

Background:  There could be a correlation between nutrition, oral health, dietary habits, patients’ satisfaction, and their socio‐economic status in the elderly, and the relationship between compromised oral status and nutritional status in the elderly with dementia.

Subjects and methods:  A 2‐year follow‐up study of 63 elderly Japanese women with and without dentures from a nursing home was undertaken to investigate their oral, physical and mental, and nutritional status.

Results:  Each item for 2006 and 2008 in this study showed no significant difference between 2006 and 2008, except the calories/day. The elderly with dementia without complete dentures during the 2 years of the study only significantly decreased the mean of the calories/day.

Conclusion:  The calories/day of the elderly with dementia without dentures decreased after 2 years. Denture wearing for the elderly with dementia could be necessary to maintain a satisfactory intake of calories.
Mistletoes Play Different Roles in a Modular Host–Parasite Network
Authors: Genini Julieta , Côrtes Marina C. , Guimarães Jr Paulo R. , Galetti Mauro
Published: September 2011

Antagonistic interactions between host plants and mistletoes often form complex networks of interacting species. Adequate characterization of network organization requires a combination of qualitative and quantitative data. Therefore, we assessed the distribution of interactions between mistletoes and hosts in the Brazilian Pantanal and characterized the network structure in relation to nestedness and modularity. Interactions were highly asymmetric, with mistletoes presenting low host specificity (i.e., weak dependence) and with hosts being highly susceptible to mistletoe‐specific infections. We found a non‐nested and modular pattern of interactions, wherein each mistletoe species interacted with a particular set of host species. Psittacanthus spp. infected more species and individuals and also caused a high number of infections per individual, whereas the other mistletoes showed a more specialized pattern of infection. For this reason, Psittacanthus spp. were regarded as module hubs while the other mistletoe species showed a peripheral role. We hypothesize that this pattern is primarily the result of different seed dispersal systems. Although all mistletoe species in our study are bird dispersed, the frugivorous assemblage of Psittacanthus spp. is composed of a larger suite of birds, whereas Phoradendron are mainly dispersed by Euphonia species. The larger assemblage of bird species dispersing Psittacanthus seeds may also increase the number of hosts colonized and, consequently, its dominance in the study area. Nevertheless, other restrictions on the interactions among species, such as the differential capacity of mistletoe infections, defense strategies of hosts and habitat types, can also generate or enhance the observed pattern.

Abstract in Portuguese is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
New constraints on the polarization of anomalous microwave emission in nearby molecular clouds
Authors: Dickinson C. , Peel M. , Vidal M.
Published: September 2011

Anomalous microwave emission (AME) has been previously studied in two well-known molecular clouds and is thought to be due to electric dipole radiation from small spinning dust grains. It is important to measure the polarization properties of this radiation both for component separation in future cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments and also to constrain dust models. We have searched for linearly polarized radio emission associated with the ρ Ophiuchi and Perseus molecular clouds using WMAP 7-year data. We found no significant polarization within an aperture of 2° diameter. The upper limits on the fractional polarization of spinning dust in the ρ Ophiuchi cloud are 1.7, 1.6 and 2.6 per cent (at 95 per cent confidence level) at K, Ka and Q bands, respectively. In the Perseus cloud we derived upper limits of 1.4, 1.9 and 4.7 per cent, at K, Ka and Q bands, respectively; these are similar to those found by López-Caraballo et al. If AME at high Galactic latitudes has a similarly low level of polarization, this will simplify component separation for CMB polarization measurements. We can also rule out single domain magnetic dipole radiation as the dominant emission mechanism for the 20–40 GHz. The polarization levels are consistent with spinning dust models.
Significant hepatic histopathology in chronic hepatitis B patients with serum ALT less than twice ULN and high HBV‐DNA levels in Indonesia
Authors: LESMANA C. Rinaldi A. , GANI Rino A. , HASAN Irsan , SIMADIBRATA Marcellus , SULAIMAN Andri S. , PAKASI Levina S. , BUDIHUSODO Unggul , KRISNUHONI Ening , LESMANA Laurentius A.
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:  To study the prevalence of significant hepatic histopathology in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ twice upper limit of normal (ULN) and its association with age, HBeAg status, hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA level and viral genotype.

METHODS:  A prospective study was conducted over a 3‐year period in treatment‐naive CHB patients with ALT ≤ twice ULN. Patients with a history of acute flare hepatitis, use of alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infection were excluded from the study. Hepatic histopathology was assessed according to the METAVIR scoring system.

RESULTS:  A total of 145 patients were recruited, 81 (55.9%) of whom were male. The patients’ mean age was 41.50 ± 10.74 years (range 16–70 years). Significant hepatic inflammation was found in 59.3% of these patients, and significant hepatic fibrosis was found in 62.1%, the latter being associated with hepatitis B e antigen status, ALT levels and serum HBV‐DNA, but not with their age group or viral genotype. Significant hepatic fibrosis was found in 24 of 35 CHB patients (68.6%) who were previously considered in an immunotolerance phase.

CONCLUSIONS  The prevalence of significant hepatic histopathology in CHB patients with serum ALT levels ≤ twice ULN is high. Delayed antiviral treatment can be harmful.
Epilepsy in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Prevalence, Semiology, and Clinical Phenotype
Authors: Gulløv C.H. , Toft N. , Baadsager M.M.N. , Berendt M.
Published: September 2011

Background

Epilepsy with a genetic background is increasingly being identified. In certain dog breeds, epilepsy occurs with a higher prevalence than the estimate of 1–2% reported in the general dog population.

Hypothesis

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) experiences an increased occurrence of epilepsy compared to the general dog population.

Animals

The target population consisted of all 876 PBGV dogs registered in the Danish Kennel Club from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2008. The study population included 820 dogs that met the inclusion criteria.

Methods

A population study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy in the Danish PBGV population. A mailed questionnaire was used to detect possible signs of epilepsy. The information was subsequently validated by telephone interviews of positive and possible positive responders and a negative responder control group, using an extensive questionnaire developed to detect epilepsy. Dogs evaluated as epilepsy positive after the telephone interview were offered a clinical investigation.

Results

The prevalence of epilepsy was estimated to be 8.9% (42/471) in the PBGV population. Average age of onset was 26.3 months. Sex and mode of response did not affect the prevalence, but a strong litter effect was seen. Among euthanized dogs, epilepsy was the predominant cause (6/45 = 13.3%).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs experience an increased risk of epilepsy characterized by a relatively early onset and dominated by focal seizures with and without secondary generalization. With an estimated prevalence of 8.9% and substantial clustering within litters, a genetic factor associated with epilepsy is suspected.
Systems Biology—Biomedical Modeling
Authors: Sobie Eric A. , Lee Young-Seon , Jenkins Sherry L. , Iyengar Ravi
Published: September 2011

This course introduces students to computational principles and approaches used in systems biology.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 13 September 2011
Authors: Recio Juan A. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2011

Arginine methylation of RAF determines the specificity of the biological response to growth factors that activate the same signaling cascade.