bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E ε4 Prevalence in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Varies across Global Populations: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Crean Sheila , Ward Alex , Mercaldi Catherine J. , Collins Jenna M. , Cook Michael N. , Baker Nicole L. , Arrighi H. Michael
Published: December 2010

Background: The Ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE) is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, attributable risk due to APOE4 varies by region and by race/ethnicity. Methods: A literature review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the prevalence of APOE4 by geographic area among AD patients. Results: Although estimates varied significantly by study design and case definition, AD patients recruited in Asian and southern European/Mediterranean communities seemed to have significantly lower E4 carrier status estimates (37 and 43%) than those recruited in North America (58%) or northern Europe (64%; all: p < 0.05). Conclusions: APOE4 genotype frequency varies among AD patients in regional patterns similar to that of the general population. Study level differences may also contribute to the heterogeneity of published estimates of APOE4 in AD cases.
Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated with Decreased Lung Function in Chinese Adults with Asthma
Authors: Li Fei , Peng Min , Jiang Lei , Sun Qi , Zhang Kui , Lian Fuzhi , Litonjua Augusto A. , Gao Jinming , Gao Xiang
Published: December 2010

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with markers for allergy and asthma severity in children with asthma. However, its association with Chinese adult asthmatics has not been studied. Objective: To examine whether vitamin D status is associated with lung function and total serum IgE in Chinese adults with newly diagnosed asthma. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 435 Chinese patients aged >18 years with newly diagnosed asthma. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations. The primary outcomes included airflow limitation, as measured by the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1 % predicted, and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and serum total IgE concentration. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in Chinese adults with asthma, with 88.9% of the subjects having 25OHD <50 nmol/l. Serum 25OHD concentration was positively correlated with FEV1 % predicted (p = 0.02, r = 0.12). After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, month of blood collection, and symptom duration, we found significant positive associations between 25OHD concentrations and FEV1 (in liters), FEV1 % predicted, and FEV1/FVC (p for trend < 0.05 for all). The adjusted odds ratios for the highest versus the lowest 25OHD quartile were 0.50 (0.26–0.96) for FEV1 <75% predicted and 0.44 (0.20–0.95) for FEV1/FVC% <0.75. There was no significant association between 25OHD concentrations and total IgE. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in Chinese asthma patients, and vitamin D status was associated with lung function.
Metabolic Status Regulates Ghrelin Function on Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Briggs Dana I. , Andrews Zane B.
Published: December 2010

Ghrelin plays an important role in energy metabolism by regulating food intake, body weight and glucose homeostasis. In this review, we highlight recent developments describing how ghrelin stimulates neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons, but not pro-opiomelanocortin neurons, to regulate food intake. We describe a novel signaling modality, in which ghrelin activates NPY/agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons through fatty acid oxidation, reactive oxygen species buffering and mitochondrial function. We hypothesize that this unique system may serve to maintain NPY/AgRP cell function during prolonged negative energy balance. We discuss the idea that the metabolic status plays a key role in ghrelin function. For example, our recent studies illustrate that diet-induced obesity causes ghrelin resistance in arcuate NPY/AgRP neurons. On the other side of the metabolic coin, ghrelin and GOAT knockout models show that ghrelin is required to maintain blood glucose during severe calorie restriction. We propose the hypothesis that ghrelin primarily functions during negative energy balance to maintain whole-body energy homeostasis.
Fill in the Gaps: EU Sanctioning Requirements to Improve Member State Enforcement of EU Environmental Law
Authors: Meeus Roel
Published: December 2010

The enforcement deficit in EU environmental law would stem from bad Member State governance of the autonomy they traditionally enjoy regarding the enforcement of EU law. Both the EU legislator and the European Court of Justice take steps to 'fill in the gaps' and develop sanctioning requirements to improve Member State enforcement of EU (environmental) law. These requirements are discussed in this article. The Eco Crime Directive 2008/99/EC and the Ship Source Pollution Directive 2005/35/EC, the latter as recently amended, deserve some particular attention. Also the novelties of the Lisbon Treaty are considered.
Deadlocks of International Climate Policy—An Assessment of the Copenhagen Climate Summit
Authors: Rudolph Frederic , Watanabe Rie , Arens Christof , Kiyar Dagmar , Wang-Helmreich Hanna , Borbonus Sylvia , Mersmann Florian , Sterk Wolfgang , Eichhorst Urda
Published: December 2010

This article analyses the negotiations on the future of the international climate regime at the United Nations Climate Summit in Copenhagen. It also discusses key issues in the ongoing business of implementing the Climate Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. The article lays out the main issues at stake in the negotiations, contrasts divergences in interests amongst negotiating parties, and summarises the results achieved in Copenhagen. The report discusses these results in detail and concludes with an outlook on how the challenges ahead could be overcome.
Perceived Discrimination, Identification, Social Capital, and Well-Being
Authors: Heim Derek , Hunter Simon C. , Jones Russell
Published: December 2010

This study examined racism, ethnic and majority identification, cognitive aspects of social capital (i.e., a sense of trust), and perceived stress and evaluated the relationships between these variables and two indices of adjustment (physical health, psychological well-being) in three minority ethnic community samples in Scotland, United Kingdom. Pakistani ( n = 211, 101 female), Indian ( n = 155, 81 female), and African and Caribbean ( n = 244, 119 female) individuals participated in semistructured interviews. Racism was associated with higher levels of perceived stress, lower levels of social capital, higher levels of minority identity, and lower levels of majority identity. Racism was also associated with psychological well-being (though in different ways for different groups) and with poorer physical health. Minority identification was positively associated with psychological well-being and negatively with perceived stress, while majority identification was positively associated with social capital and negatively with physical health. Implications of these findings are discussed with reference to the literature.
The Role of Culture in Intergenerational Value Discrepancies Regarding Intergroup Dating
Authors: Uskul Ayse K. , Lalonde Richard N. , Konanur Sheila
Published: December 2010

This study examined cultural and generational differences in views on intergroup dating relationships among members of younger and older generation South Asian and European Canadians and the role of mainstream and heritage cultural identities in shaping these views. In response to a scenario describing an intergroup dating conflict between a young adult and his or her parents, as well as on self-report measures of attitudes toward intergroup dating, South Asian Canadians and members of the older generation exhibited less favorable views on intergroup dating compared to European Canadians and members of the younger generation. Moreover, Canadian identity was consistently associated with more favorable views on intergroup dating, and this relationship was stronger for the South Asians. By comparing members of younger and older generation immigrants to their majority culture counterparts, the study adds a developmental layer to views on minority-majority group romantic relationships.
Cultural Narratives of Individualism and Collectivism
Authors: Imada Toshie
Published: December 2010

Besides teaching academic knowledge and skills, imparting cultural values and behavioral standard is also an important function of formal education. The present work examines stories sampled from American and Japanese school textbooks ( Ns = 72 and 71, respectively) for their cultural values and characteristics. The study found that the stories in American textbooks highlighted themes of individualism such as self-direction and achievement, whereas the Japanese counterparts highlighted themes of collectivism such as conformity and group harmony. The study also found cultural differences in story characteristics (e.g., the narrator, attribution of the outcome, picture content) that are also related to individualism and collectivism. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Under What Conditions Do People Feel Face-Loss? Effects of the Presence of Others and Social Roles on the Perception of Losing Face in Japanese Culture
Authors: Lin Chun-Chi , Yamaguchi Susumu
Published: December 2010

Although face plays an important role in our daily interpersonal interactions, little is known about how people perceive face-loss. An open-ended survey revealed that the need to protect face consists of two factors: the presence of others and social role involvement (Study 1). In a follow-up scenario experiment, it was found that participants perceived protagonists as losing face most when the protagonists failed to fulfill a social role in the presence of others. The effect of failure in a social role on perceived face-loss was mediated by role expectations (Study 2). The involvement of one’s social role in public situations triggers a sense of face-loss in Japanese culture. Future research is encouraged to explore the generalizability of these results in cross-cultural contexts.
The Relationship Between Latino Adolescents’ Perceptions of Discrimination, Neighborhood Risk, and Parenting on Self-Esteem and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Behnke Andrew O. , Plunkett Scott W. , Sands Tovah , Bámaca-Colbert Mayra Y.
Published: December 2010

Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological framework, this study examined the roles of Latino adolescents’ reports of discrimination, neighborhood risk, parent-child conflict over culture, and parental support in relation to their self-esteem and depression. Analysis of self-report data from 383 ninth grade, Latino students from one Los Angeles high school was used to validate a Multigroup Structural Equation Model of self-esteem and depressive symptoms for boys and girls. As expected, self-esteem was negatively and significantly related to depressive symptoms, yet the influence of other factors were less clear. Five paths marked the influence of mothers’ and fathers’ interactions on youths’ outcomes, demonstrating a strong path from fathers’ support to adolescent self-esteem and differing paths from cultural conflict with mother and father to youth outcomes. Neighborhood risks were significantly related to boys’ and girls’ self-esteem and depressive symptoms, especially for boys. Societal discrimination was significantly related to youths’ reports of depressive symptoms yet not significantly related to self-esteem. Results are discussed in terms of applications for both practice and future research.
Every Science/Nature Potter Praises His Own Pot—Can We Believe What He Says Based on His Mother Tongue?
Authors: Shu Li  , Bi Yan-Ling , Rao Li-Lin
Published: December 2010

It has been consistently observed that people are generally overconfident in their judgments or decisions and that overconfidence in general knowledge is typically stronger among Asian than among Western subject groups. However, scientists, whose job is to produce neutral and objective knowledge, are expected to be immune to overconfidence and to be independent of cross-cultural variation. The authors conducted an email survey to determine whether well-trained scholars are really immune to the overconfidence bias and whether cross-cultural variations in overconfidence exist among scientists from different language backgrounds. Contrary to the authors’ expectations, scientists who published their works in Science or Nature were inaccurate, overconfident, likely to nominate the journal they published in to have a greater impact factor, and easier to generate supportive rather than opposite arguments for their own conclusions. The authors also found that Chinese-speaking authors exhibited greater overconfidence but generated fewer arguments than did their English-speaking counterparts, which is consistent with Yates, Lee, and Shinotsuka’s argument recruitment model. The pervasive overconfidence and its cross-cultural variations suggest that an academic author may not communicate his or her conclusions to readers in an impartial and value-free manner, and therefore, the job of detecting bias is hoped to be taken and done well by the reader.
Acceptability of Favor Requests in the United States and Japan
Authors: Niiya Yu , Ellsworth Phoebe C.
Published: December 2010

In previous research, the authors showed that Japanese and Americans would rather be asked to perform a favor than to have their friend solve the problem by asking someone else or getting it done professionally. In the current research, the authors further explore the similarities and differences in Japanese and American reactions to requests for favors by examining whether (a) increasing the size of the request can increase positive feelings, (b) the perceived closeness of the relationship and appraisals of control mediate the effect of request size on feelings, and (c) the increase in positive feelings only occurs in close friendship. In Japan and to some extent the United States, being asked a larger favor made people happier than being asked a smaller favor—up to a point. However, as in the authors’ previous study, cultural differences emerged in the basic pattern and in the associated appraisals. Results are discussed in relation to the Japanese phenomenon of Amae.
Stigmatized and Dominant Cultural Groups Differentially Interpret Positive Feedback
Authors: Lawrence Jason S. , Crocker Jennifer , Blanton Hart
Published: December 2010

Members of stigmatized cultural groups may view positive feedback from a dominant group member more negatively than do dominant cultural group members. In this experiment, a White evaluator praised or did not praise either Black or White students for a good academic performance. The students then indicated their perceptions of the evaluator’s politeness and performance expectations and their feelings about their performance. Praised Black students rated the evaluator as less polite than did nonpraised Black students, whereas praise did not affect the White students’ evaluations of the evaluator’s politeness. Black students tended to attribute praise to the evaluator’s low expectations, whereas the White students tended to attribute praise to high expectations.The Black students also felt better about their performance than did the White students. The discussion raises additional questions for future research.
FAM83H Mutations Cause ADHCAI and Alter Intracellular Protein Localization
Authors: Lee S.-K. , Lee K.-E. , Jeong T.-S. , Hwang Y.-H. , Kim S. , Hu J.C.-C. , Simmer J.P. , Kim J.-W.
Published: December 2010

Mutations in a family with sequence similarity 83 member H ( FAM83H) cause autosomal-dominant hypocalcification amelogenesis imperfecta (ADH CAI). All FAM83H ADHCAI-causing mutations terminate translation or shift the reading frame within the specific exon 5 segment that encodes from Ser287 to Glu694. Mutations near Glu694 cause a milder, more localized phenotype. We identified disease-causing FAM83H mutations in two families with ADHCAI: family 1 (g.3115C>T, c.1993 C>T, p.Q665X) and family 2 (g.3151C>T, c.2029 C>T, p.Q677X). We also tested the hypothesis that truncation mutations alter the intracellular localization of FAM83H. Wild-type FAM83H and p.E694X mutant FAM83H fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) localized in the cytoplasm of HEK293T cells, but the mutant FAM83H proteins (p.R325X, p.W460X, and p.Q677X) fused to GFP localized mainly in the nucleus with slight expression in the cytoplasm. We conclude that nuclear targeting of the truncated FAM83H protein contributes to the severe, generalized enamel phenotype.
Histology of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Garman Robert H.
Published: December 2010

The intent of this article is to assist pathologists inexperienced in examining central nervous system (CNS) sections to recognize normal and abnormal cell types as well as some common artifacts. Dark neurons are the most common histologic artifact but, with experience, can readily be distinguished from degenerating (eosinophilic) neurons. Neuron degeneration stains can be useful in lowering the threshold for detecting neuron degeneration as well as for revealing degeneration within populations of neurons that are too small to show the associated eosinophilic cytoplasmic alteration within H&E-stained sections. Neuron degeneration may also be identified by the presence of associated macroglial and microglial reactions. Knowledge of the distribution of astrocyte cytoplasmic processes is helpful in determining that certain patterns of treatment-related neuropil vacuolation (as well as some artifacts) represent swelling of these processes. On the other hand, vacuoles with different distribution patterns may represent alterations of the myelin sheath. Because brains are typically undersampled for microscopic evaluation, many pathologists are unfamiliar with the circumventricuar organs (CVOs) that represent normal brain structures but are often mistaken for lesions. Therefore, the six CVOs found in the brain are also illustrated in this article.
Quantitative Neuromorphometry Using Magnetic Resonance Histology
Authors: Allan Johnson G. , Badea Alexandra , Jiang Yi
Published: December 2010

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), now common in the clinical domain, has been adapted for use by the neuropathologist by increasing the spatial resolution over 100,000 times what is common in human clinical imaging. This increase in spatial resolution has been accomplished through a variety of technical advances—higher magnetic fields, more sensitive receivers, and clever encoding methods. Magnetic resonance histology (MRH), that is, the application of MRI to study tissue specimens, now makes three-dimensional imaging of the fixed brain in the cranium routine. Active staining (perfusion fixation with a paramagnetic contrast agent) has allowed us to reduce the scan time by more than 8 times over earlier methods. The result is a three-dimensional isotropic image array that can be viewed along any direction without loss of spatial resolution. Homologous slices can be chosen interactively. Since the tissue is still fully hydrated in the cranium, tissue shrinkage and distortion are virtually eliminated. Volume measurements of neural structures can be made with a high degree of precision and accuracy. MRH will not replace more traditional methods, but it promises enormous value in choosing particular areas and times for more traditional sectioning and assessment.
Correlation and Dissociation of Electrophysiology and Histopathology in the Assessment of Toxic Neuropathy
Authors: Arezzo Joseph C. , Litwak Mona S. , Zotova Elena G.
Published: December 2010

The evaluation of neurotoxic damage involves a unique set of challenges. Vulnerable structures, such as neocortex, hippocampus, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve are complex and sharply differentiated; deficits can result from insults to one or more element(s) in the system (e.g., myelin, axon, soma, synapse, or glia). In-life assessment of neurotoxic damage is complicated by the relative inaccessibility of structures in the brain and spinal cord, and recovery is severely limited. Histopathology and electrophysiology represent two of the most commonly used and valuable techniques in this field. This review outlines the strengths and limitations of these procedures and focuses on circumstances in which findings from these measures are dissociated. Electrophysiology is noninvasive and affords a longitudinal view of onset and progression of deficits; however, measures are generally weighted to large-diameter myelinated axons and to regions of primary sensory and motor processing. Histology is a highly validated biomarker, but it is restricted by sampling issues and is insensitive to some elements of neurotoxicity (e.g., altered channel function) associated with profound functional consequences. The central tenet of the discussion is that histology and electrophysiology offer complementary views of neurotoxic damage and, whenever possible, they should be used in concert.
The Association Between Impulsivity, Trait Anger, and the Perpetration of Intimate Partner and General Violence Among Women Arrested for Domestic Violence
Authors: Shorey Ryan C. , Brasfield Hope , Febres Jeniimarie , Stuart Gregory L.
Published: December 2010

The problem of domestic violence is widespread, with research indicating men and women both perpetrate a substantial amount of aggression. However, aggression perpetrated by women is a relatively understudied area compared to aggression perpetrated by men. Additionally, research is needed to determine the correlates of aggression perpetration among women, as this can inform more effective treatment programs. Thus, the current study sought to examine the association between trait anger and impulsivity and the perpetration of physical and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) and general aggression among women arrested for domestic violence ( N = 80). Findings indicated that both trait anger and impulsivity were significantly associated with aggression perpetration and trait anger mediated the relationship between impulsivity and aggression perpetration. Directions for future research and violence intervention programs are discussed.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Whitaker Kristin Nadine
Published: December 2010

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It affects 6% to 7% of the population and is characterized by hyperandrogenism and ovarian dysfunction. Women with the disorder often present with insulin resistance and obesity, making it importance for health care providers to monitor closely for signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Treatments are targeted toward improving insulin tolerance, reducing signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, anovulation, etc), restoring normal menstrual cycle function, and restoring fertility. Major treatment should include weight management through diet and exercise, regardless of body mass index and might include concurrent drug therapy. It is important that pharmacists understand the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and the available treatments, in addition to the importance of reducing risk of metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in these patients.
An Update on Nutrition Support in the Critically Ill
Authors: Gerlach Anthony T. , Murphy Claire
Published: December 2010

Nutrition support in the critically ill patient has shifted from adjunctive toward fundamental therapy with the publication of high-grade evidence. Early enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended because it is associated with decreased infectious complications and use of EN is associated with decreased mortality and infections compared with parenteral nutrition (PN). EN is not without risks, such as diarrhea or aspiration, but use of prokinetic agents, head of bed elevation, and use of feeding protocols can maximize benefits and minimize risks. Although recently high-grade evidence on nutrition support in the critically ill population has been published, many controversies still exist. In obese patients, use of hypocaloric feedings with increased protein has been demonstrated to promote weight loss and improved glucose management. In nonobese patients, small studies have demonstrated that providing more than 70% or less than 30% of goal caloric intake may be associated with worse outcomes, but more studies are needed. Additional research is also needed to conclude whether withholding intravenous fat emulsions for the first 7 to 10 days of PN reduces infectious complications. Finally, more high-quality studies are needed to define the role of immune-enhancing nutrients such as arginine, glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and selenium.
Multi-Disciplinary Definitions and Understandings of ‘Paedophilia’
Authors: Harrison Karen , Manning Rachel , McCartan Kieran
Published: December 2010

Despite the current high-profile concern over paedophiles and paedophilic activity, there is no easily accessible or widely accepted multi-disciplinary definition of paedophilia. Commentators have pointed to a general contemporary misunderstanding surrounding the subject of paedophilia, and to the tensions between strong beliefs and facts in both societal and correctional contexts. We suggest that the current situation — societal, clinical and legal — can be problematic for both offenders and practitioners who are currently charged with, and involved in the risk treatment and/or management of paedophiles. This article attempts to begin to address these issues by looking at conceptions of paedophilia from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint. We examine understandings from clinical and legal sources, and present this analysis in a historical and cultural context. In drawing these divergent conceptions together, we highlight various contradictions and discrepancies. We suggest that these inconsistencies present significant problems in terms of professional engagement with paedophilia and paedophiles, and as a result illustrate the need to engage in more detailed debate regarding what constitutes ‘the problem’.
The Laws of Foreign Buildings: Flat Roofs and Minarets
Authors: Guggenheim Michael
Published: December 2010

This article looks at how building codes and zoning laws mediate the relationship between foreign building types and their uses. The article is based on insights from actor-network theory and analyzes buildings as quasi-technologies. It draws on two case studies in Switzerland. The first looks at the introduction of flat roofs along with modern architecture in the 1920s that led to the introduction of building codes in Ascona. The second is contemporary: it looks at the disputes about the right of Muslims to add minarets to prayer spaces that eventually led to an initiative to ban minarets altogether. In each of the cases I show how the building code mediates the travelling element and the associated lifestyle of the implicated groups and leads to a new definition of what those building types are. The law emerges as an important mediator of building types because it constantly shifts building types as being defined as material or social.
Online Estimation and Identification of Shape Memory Alloy-Actuated Flexible Structures Through Unscented Kalman Filtering
Authors: Mohtat Arash , Yousefi-Koma Aghil
Published: December 2010

This article tackles the problem of online state estimation and parameter identification for SMA-actuated flexible structures intended to be precisely controlled within a multivariable adaptive model-based framework. Using a joint state-parameter formulation, a non-linear recursive scheme has been developed that is capable of simultaneously producing online estimates of the states and the uncertain parameters from the noisy measurements at hand. The scheme employs an embedded model derived from reduced-order finite element modeling of the structure and phenomenological SMA modeling to incorporate the whole available knowledge about the nature of the system (non-linearity and hysteresis) and its uncertainties (uncertain parameters and stochastic noises). The unscented Kalman filtering algorithm is utilized to improve accuracy and simplify the implementation. The numerical functionality of the proposed scheme is validated via a simulation example; while its practical versatility is challenged by an experimental case study involving the SMA-actuated flexible tail of a bio-inspired ornithopter. Results demonstrate successfulness of the scheme for online estimation and identification purposes, as well as promising applicability to adaptive nonlinear model-based control.
India–Sri Lanka Bilateral Trade
Authors: Sikdar Chandrima
Published: December 2010

The India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) was signed between India and Sri Lanka in December 1998 and came into operation in March 2000. It is now 10 years since this FTA has been signed and during this period the bilateral trade between these two economies has reached new heights and dimensions. Against this backdrop the present article proposes a theoretical framework which provides a general equilibrium determination of the commodity pattern of trade between the economies that helps to isolate their pattern of comparative advantages. The empirical implementation of the model considers trade in 33 sectors comparable in the input–output tables of the economies. The study isolates the gains from free trade accruing to either economy. The article also explores the pattern of bilateral trade when each economy has a choice to produce goods by utilizing its own or the other country’s technology.
Oil Prices and Economic Activity in Pakistan
Authors: Malik Afia
Published: December 2010

Oil price shocks have raised serious concerns among the policy makers around the world because of its adverse impacts for the net oil-importing economies. This article, based on the data from 1979–80 Q1 to 2007–08 Q2, analyzes the impact of rising oil prices along with the changing macro conditions on output. Oil prices and output are found to be strongly related, and to a great extent this relationship is non-linear. In addition, lower debt-GDP ratio, lower deficit spending, lower real effective exchange rate, and the existence of foreign exchange reserves and capital investment would cause output to rise. In Pakistan, besides making adjustments at the macro level, what is required is to make rational choices about the development of energy mix for the future to reduce the risk of oil price fluctuations in the global energy market.
The Significance of Capital Assets in Moving Out of Poverty
Authors: Gunasinghe Chandika
Published: December 2010

This article investigates the importance of capital assets in moving out of poverty by reviewing the Samurdhi (Prosperity) Development Programme (SDP) implemented to eradicate poverty of Sri Lanka in 1995. One hundred and seventy beneficiaries from a randomly selected sample of the Ratnapura district were categorized into five poverty levels: extreme poor, poor, vulnerable non-poor, viable and sustainable households based on subjective range of income differences around two official poverty lines of the district for 1995 and 2009. A transition matrix estimated to examine households’ possible movements between these five poverty levels during 1995–2009 confirmed that the net impact of the poverty reduction initiatives of the SDP is highly questionable. However, the results of two multinomial logistic regressions estimated to investigate the relationship between a household’s ability to move out of poverty and the growth of its capital assets confirmed that there is a higher probability for a household to get out of poverty when its assets base is developed. A main policy message is that it is imperative for the SDP to reassessing and reformulating its policy strategies to strengthen assets base of beneficiaries of the programme in order to alleviate poverty.
Economics of Sericulture in Assam
Authors: De Utpal Kumar , Das Manjit
Published: December 2010

The age-old agro-based sericulture activities have been playing an important role in the generation of employment and income in a slowly progressing economy of Assam. Though all the four major varieties of silk, namely, eri, muga, mulberry and tasar are grown in Assam, the first two occupy the prime positions in the sericulture scenario of the state. Mulberry is also one of the traditional activities, but it has lost much of its competitiveness in recent times and tasar is a recent introduction and still at an infant stage. There has been a significant change in the relative position of each sericulture activity in terms of generation of employment and income and popularity among the people. The present article tries to make a comparative assessment of different silk cultures in Assam, namely, eri, muga and mulberry as a source of employment and income. It is observed that ericulture over the years has become more popular among the people, as it is still cheap and it yields more revenue to the family farms than the other sericulture activities. Though muga is very popular to a certain section of population and yield more net profit per unit of investment, its undertaking requires more capital and also it involves more risk compared to the other ventures.
Beyond Checking
Authors: Buchbinder Eli
Published: December 2010

Credibility is a unique concept in qualitative research. One of the main means of achieving credibility is by performing a member check or validation interview. The present article describes and analyzes dilemmas facing researchers when validating themes emerging from member checks. This was done through validation experiences interviews. The article is based on 18 in-depth interviews with social workers who conducted member check interviews as part of a research project. Three main themes were identified: (a) ‘What are the boundaries?’ This refers to determining boundaries when granting legitimacy to interpretations. (b) ‘Close-Distant’ refers to the degree of acquaintance or non-acquaintance with the interviewee and its impact on the relationship and content of the validation interview. (c) ‘Conflict with Power’ refers to the transfer of power to the interviewer during the validation interview, and how the interviewer copes with this power and its consequences. The implications of these findings on conducting member check/validation interviews are discussed.
Blockade of osteopontin reduces alloreactive CD8+ T cell–mediated graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Zhao Fang , Zhang Yi , Wang Hao , Jin Min , He Shan , Shi Yufang , Guo Yajun , Zhang Yanyun
Published: December 2010

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is caused by alloreactive donor T cells that trigger host tissue damage. The inflammatory environment inside recipients is critical for GVHD pathogenesis, but the underpinning mechanisms remain elusive. Using mouse model of human GVHD, we demonstrate osteopontin (OPN), a potent proinflammatory cytokine, plays an important role in regulating activation, migration, and survival of alloreactive T cells during GVHD. OPN was significantly elevated after irradiation and persisted throughout the course of GVHD. Blockade of OPN attenuated GVHD with reduced accumulation of donor T cells in recipient organs. Amelioration was the result of migration and survival suppression caused by anti-OPN treatment on donor-derived T cells for 2 reasons. First, OPN promoted the migration and infiltration of naive and alloreactive CD8+ T cells into host organs. Second, it also facilitated activation and viability of donor-derived CD8+ T cells via synergizing with T-cell receptor/CD3 signaling. Finally, anti-OPN treatment retained graft-versus-leukemia effect of alloreactive CD8+ T cells. This study demonstrates, to our knowledge for the first time, the critical effect of OPN in the initiation and persistence of CD8+ T cell-mediated GVHD and validates OPN as a potential target in GVHD prevention.
How I diagnose and treat splenic lymphomas
Authors: Iannitto Emilio , Tripodo Claudio
Published: December 2010

The incidental finding of an isolated splenomegaly during clinical assessment of patients evaluated for unrelated causes has become increasingly frequent because of the widespread use of imaging. Therefore, the challenging approach to the differential diagnosis of spleen disorders has emerged as a rather common issue of clinical practice. A true diagnostic dilemma hides in distinguishing pathologic conditions primarily involving the spleen from those in which splenomegaly presents as an epiphenomenon of hepatic or systemic diseases. Among the causes of isolated splenomegaly, lymphoid malignancies account for a relevant, yet probably underestimated, number of cases. Splenic lymphomas constitute a wide and heterogeneous array of diseases, whose clinical behavior spans from indolent to highly aggressive. Such a clinical heterogeneity is paralleled by the high degree of biologic variation in the lymphoid populations from which they originate. Nevertheless, the presenting clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features of these diseases often display significant overlaps. In this manuscript, we present our approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these rare lymphomas, whose complexity has been so far determined by the lack of prospectively validated prognostic systems, treatment strategies, and response criteria.
Therapeutic approaches in adults with congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Cordina R.L. , Celermajer D.S.
Published: December 2010

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a major contributor to reduced functional capacity in patients with congenital heart disease. Expert care is essential. Whilst careful supportive management has traditionally been the mainstay for these patients, in recent times significant improvements in exercise capacity and even survival have been observed with the use of disease-targeted therapy, including endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors and prostanoids. In this review we will discuss current therapeutic options and summarise the recent literature on disease-targeted therapy.
Treatment options for paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Berger R.M.F. , Bonnet D.
Published: December 2010

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious, progressive condition, which can present idiopathically or secondary to conditions such as systemic sclerosis or congenital heart disease. The condition exists in both adult and paediatric forms, which possess several similar characteristics. Adult and paediatric PAH can, however, be distinguished based on underlying pathology and the presence of age-specific conditions, some of which are related to poor lung development in children. Improved knowledge of vascular biology has led to the development of several PAH-specific therapies, which have demonstrated clinical benefits in adults, including improved exercise capacity and prolonged survival. Treatment data in paediatric PAH are scarce. Although limited, the existing data indicate that current treatments for paediatric PAH are well tolerated and effective, at least in the short- and medium-term. Nevertheless, the current guidelines for clinicians, which recommend use of the adult treatment algorithm in paediatric patients, appear justified when judged according to the available evidence. However, further randomised, controlled trials are necessary to increase the evidence base for treatment of paediatric PAH, especially in relation to age-specific conditions. At present, early initiation of treatment and combination pharmacological therapy may offer the most promising courses of action to improve outcomes in paediatric PAH.
The Fer tyrosine kinase regulates interactions of Rho GDP-Dissociation Inhibitor α with the small GTPase Rac
Authors: Fei Fei , Kweon Soo-Mi , Haataja Leena , De Sepulveda Paulo , Groffen John , Heisterkamp Nora
Published: December 2010

Background

RhoGDI proteins are important regulators of the small GTPase Rac, because they shuttle Rac from the cytoplasm to membranes and also protect Rac from activation, deactivation and degradation. How the binding and release of Rac from RhoGDI is regulated is not precisely understood.

Results

We report that the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Fer is able to phosphorylate RhoGDIα and form a direct protein complex with it. This interaction is mediated by the C-terminal end of RhoGDIα. Activation of Fer by reactive oxygen species caused increased phosphorylation of RhoGDIα and pervanadate treatment further augmented this. Tyrosine phosphorylation of RhoGDIα by Fer prevented subsequent binding of Rac to RhoGDIα, but once a RhoGDIα-Rac complex was formed, the Fer kinase was not able to cause Rac release through tyrosine phosphorylation of preformed RhoGDIα-Rac complexes.

Conclusions

These results identify tyrosine phosphorylation of RhoGDIα by Fer as a mechanism to regulate binding of RhoGDIα to Rac.
A Bayesian approach for identifying miRNA targets by combining sequence prediction and gene expression profiling
Authors: Liu Hui , Yue Dong , Zhang Lin , Chen Yidong , Gao Shou-Jiang , Huang Yufei
Published: December 2010

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded non-coding RNAs shown to plays important regulatory roles in a wide range of biological processes and diseases. The functions and regulatory mechanisms of most of miRNAs are still poorly understood in part because of the difficulty in identifying the miRNA regulatory targets. To this end, computational methods have evolved as important tools for genome-wide target screening. Although considerable work in the past few years has produced many target prediction algorithms, most of them are solely based on sequence, and the accuracy is still poor. In contrast, gene expression profiling from miRNA transfection experiments can provide additional information about miRNA targets. However, most of existing research assumes down-regulated mRNAs as targets. Given the fact that the primary function of miRNA is protein inhibition, this assumption is neither sufficient nor necessary.

Results

A novel Bayesian approach is proposed in this paper that integrates sequence level prediction with expression profiling of miRNA transfection. This approach does not restrict the target to be down-expressed and thus improve the performance of existing target prediction algorithm. The proposed algorithm was tested on simulated data, proteomics data, and IP pull-down data and shown to achieve better performance than existing approaches for target prediction. All the related materials including source code are available at http://compgenomics.utsa.edu/expmicro.html.

Conclusions

The proposed Bayesian algorithm integrates properly the sequence paring data and mRNA expression profiles for miRNA target prediction. This algorithm is shown to have better prediction performance than existing algorithms.
A solute-binding protein for iron transport in Streptococcus iniae
Authors: Zou Lili , Wang Jun , Huang Baofeng , Xie Mingquan , Li Anxing
Published: December 2010

Background

Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) is a major pathogen that causes considerable morbidity and mortality in cultured fish worldwide. The pathogen's ability to adapt to the host affects the extent of infection, hence understanding the mechanisms by which S. iniae overcomes physiological stresses during infection will help to identify potential virulence determinants of streptococcal infection. Grow S. iniae under iron-restricted conditions is one approach for identifying host-specific protein expression. Iron plays an important role in many biological processes but it has low solubility under physiological condition. Many microorganisms have been shown to be able to circumvent this nutritional limitation by forming direct contacts with iron-containing proteins through ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. The ABC transporter superfamilies constitute many different systems that are widespread among living organisms with different functions, such as ligands translocation, mRNA translation, and DNA repair.

Results

An ABC transporter system, named as mtsABC (metal transport system) was cloned from S. iniae HD-1, and was found to be involved in heme utilization. mtsABC is cotranscribed by three downstream genes, i.e., mtsA, mtsB, and mtsC. In this study, we cloned the first gene of the mtsABC transporter system (mtsA), and purified the corresponding recombinant protein MtsA. The analysis indicated that MtsA is a putative lipoprotein which binds to heme that can serve as an iron source for the microorganism, and is expressed in vivo during Kunming mice infection by S. iniae HD-1.

Conclusions

This is believed to be the first report on the cloning the ABC transporter lipoprotein from S. iniae genomic DNA. Together, our data suggested that MtsA is associated with heme, and is expressed in vivo during Kunming mice infection by S. iniae HD-1 which indicated that it can be a potential candidate for S. iniae subunit vaccine.
Homologs of genes expressed in Caenorhabditis elegans GABAergic neurons are also found in the developing mouse forebrain
Authors: Hammock Elizabeth AD , Eagleson Kathie L , Barlow Susan , Earls Laurie R , Miller David M , Levitt Pat
Published: December 2010

Background

In an effort to identify genes that specify the mammalian forebrain, we used a comparative approach to identify mouse homologs of transcription factors expressed in developing Caenorhabditis elegans GABAergic neurons. A cell-specific microarray profiling study revealed a set of transcription factors that are highly expressed in embryonic C. elegans GABAergic neurons.

Results

Bioinformatic analyses identified mouse protein homologs of these selected transcripts and their expression pattern was mapped in the mouse embryonic forebrain by in situ hybridization. A review of human homologs indicates several of these genes are potential candidates in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions

Our comparative approach has revealed several novel candidates that may serve as future targets for studies of mammalian forebrain development.
Clinical and genetic characterization of chanarin-dorfman syndrome patients: first report of large deletions in the ABHD5 gene
Authors: Redaelli Chiara , Coleman Rosalind A , Moro Laura , Dacou-Voutetakis Catherine , Elsayed Solaf Mohamed , Prati Daniele , Colli Agostino , Mela Donatella , Colombo Roberto , Tavian Daniela
Published: December 2010

Background

Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by nonbullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (NCIE) and an intracellular accumulation of triacylglycerol (TG) droplets in most tissues. The clinical phenotype involves multiple organs and systems, including liver, eyes, ears, skeletal muscle and central nervous system (CNS). Mutations in ABHD5/CGI58 gene are associated with CDS.

Methods

Eight CDS patients belonging to six different families from Mediterranean countries were enrolled for genetic study. Molecular analysis of the ABHD5 gene included the sequencing of the 7 coding exons and of the putative 5' regulatory regions, as well as reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction analysis and sequencing of normal and aberrant ABHD5 cDNAs.

Results

Five different mutations were identified, four of which were novel, including two splice-site mutations (c.47+1G>A and c.960+5G>A) and two large deletions (c.898_*320del and c.662-1330_773+46del). All the reported mutations are predicted to be pathogenic because they lead to an early stop codon or a frameshift producing a premature termination of translation. While nonsense, missense, frameshift and splice-site mutations have been identified in CDS patients, large genomic deletions have not previously been described.

Conclusions

These results emphasize the need for an efficient approach for genomic deletion screening to ensure an accurate molecular diagnosis of CDS. Moreover, in spite of intensive molecular screening, no mutations were identified in one patient with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of CDS, appointing to genetic heterogeneity of the syndrome.