bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative mRNA processing increases the complexity of microRNA‐based gene regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Xiaozeng , Zhang Huiyong , Li Lei
Published: January 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent an important class of sequence‐specific, trans‐acting endogenous small RNA molecules that modulate gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. They function by binding to partial complementary cis‐regulatory sites (miRNA binding sites) in their target mRNAs. Based on two recent observations from plant genome studies, namely that alternative splicing is a common phenomenon and that miRNA regulates a significant proportion of the transcriptome, we hypothesize that there may be a mechanism for gene regulation that involves both processes. In the present study, we performed a systemic search in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana using annotated gene models as well as publically available high‐throughput RNA sequencing data with a total of 570 million reads. Of the 354 high‐confidence miRNA binding sites identified in Arabidopsis, at least 44 (12.4%) were affected by alternative splicing such that mRNA isoforms of the same miRNA target gene differ in the sequences encoding the miRNA binding sites. By simulation, we found that the frequency of alternative splicing at miRNA binding sites is significantly higher than at other regions. Comparative and functional analyses further indicated that the alternative splicing events are important for target gene expression and miRNA action. Together our results show that alternative splicing of miRNA binding sites is a plausible mechanism for attenuating miRNA‐mediated gene regulation.
Functional disruption of the pentatricopeptide protein SLG1 affects mitochondrial RNA editing, plant development, and responses to abiotic stresses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yuan Hui , Liu Dong
Published: January 2012

Land plants contain a large family of genes that encode for pentatricopeptide (PPR) proteins. To date, few of these PPR proteins have been functionally characterized. In this study, we have analyzed an Arabidopsis mutant, slg1, which exhibits slow growth and delayed development. In addition, slg1 shows an enhanced response to ABA and increased tolerance to drought stress. The SLG1 gene encodes a PPR protein that is localized in mitochondria. In the slg1 mutant, RNA editing in a single site of the mitochondrial transcript nad3 is abolished. nad3 is a subunit of complex I of the electron transport chain in mitochondria. As a consequence, the NADH dehydrogenase activity of complex I in slg1 is strongly impaired and production of ATP is reduced. When responding to ABA treatment, slg1 accumulates more H2O2 in its guard cells than the wild type. The slg1 mutant also has an increased expression of genes involved in the alternative respiratory pathway, which may compensate for the disrupted function of complex I and help scavenge the excess accumulation of H2O2. Our functional characterization of the slg1 mutant revealed a putative link between mitochondrial RNA editing and plant responses to abiotic stress.
Organizational structure and processes in pediatric heart transplantation: A survey of practices
Authors: Stendahl Gail , Bobay Kathleen , Berger Stuart , Zangwill Steven
Published: January 2012

Stendahl G, Bobay K, Berger S, Zangwill S. Organizational structure and processes in pediatric heart transplantation: A survey of practices.

Abstract:  Despite emerging literature on pediatric heart transplantation, there continues to be variation in current practices. The degree of variability among heart transplant programs has not been previously characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate organizational structure and practices of pediatric heart transplant programs. The UNOS database was queried to identify institutions according to volume. Coordinators from 50 institutions were invited to participate with a 70% response rate. Centers were grouped by volume into four categories. Some institutional practices were dominated by clear volume trends. Ninety‐five percent of larger centers routinely transplant patients with known antibody sensitization and report a broader range and acuity of recipients. Ninety‐four percent report problems with non‐adherence. Sixty‐nine percent of centers routinely require prospective crossmatches. There was dramatic variation in the use of steroids across all centers. Sixty‐five percent of centers transition adolescents to an adult program. Prophylaxis protocols were also highly inconsistent. This survey provided a comprehensive insight into current practices at pediatric heart transplant programs. The results delineated remarkably variable strategies for routine aspects of care. Analysis of divergence along with uniformity across protocols is a valuable exercise and may serve as a stepping‐stone toward ongoing cooperation and clarity for evidence‐based practice protocols.
Identification of Gonadal Tissue in Cryptorchid Stallion can be Improved by Molecular Biological Analysis – A Case Report
Authors: Stumpf G. , Fietz D. , Ezer J. , Litzke L.‐F. , Bergmann M.
Published: January 2012

Surgically removed testicular tissue in cryptorchid stallions is sometimes difficult to identify because of morphological and histological malformation. Therefore, a sure method to characterise the removed tissue is required. A 2‐year‐oldHaflinger stallion was castrated after diagnosis of cryptorchidism to remove the left intra‐abdomnial testis. Intra‐operative exploration of the abdominal cavity revealed a firm, dysmorphic structure, which could not be identified as testis based on macroscopic anatomy. The removed tissue was Bouin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded for histological examination. We additionally applied immuno‐histochemistry for smooth muscle actin to identify tubular structures as well as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to detect the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), indicating the presence of Leydig cells. AhCGtest was conducted after surgery to screen for remaining testicular tissue. Histological examination using haematoxylin and eosin staining revealed signs of tissue calcification, amorph matrix with scattered cells and round structures. The latter could not be definitely identified as tubules. Actin staining revealed a few tubular wall structures.StAR mRNAexpression indicated the presence of Leydig cells in parts of the removed tissue. ThehCGtest after castration showed no increase in testosterone. Histological and molecular biological examination of extirpated tissue in cryptorchid stallions can play an important role in the identification of the malformed testes like structures. The use of molecular biological techniques provides the opportunity to characterise surgically removed abdominal tissue that cannot be clearly diagnosed by routine histological examination.
Tudor domain‐containing proteins of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ying Muying , Chen Dahua
Published: January 2012

Tudor domain‐containing proteins (Tudor proteins), which recognize and bind to methyl‐arginine/lysine residues, play important roles in diverse epigenetics, gene expression and the regulation of various small RNAs. Using the complete set of 23 Tudor proteins from Drosophila, together with the available functional information, we propose a putative link for different types of Tudor domains (histone‐binding, SMN and SND1) and the four functional groups of Tudor proteins (Group 1, binding the methyl‐lysine/arginine of histone tails; Group 2, binding the methyl‐RG/RA box of ligand; Group 3, binding the methyl‐RG/RA box of microRNPs; and Group 4, binding the methyl‐RG/RA box of PIWI proteins). Tudor domain types are distinguished by the nature of the sequence flanking the canonical Tudor domains. Sequence analysis indicates that Tudor domains experienced stepwise transit from one type to another during evolution. Tudor proteins of Group 4, collectively representing the great majority of Tudor proteins in Drosophila, are characterized by multiple Tudor domain repeats, which might be required for associating with several molecules of the same germ granule components. Tudor domain, a segment of approximately 60 amino acid residues, has been found in fungi, protozoa, unicellular eukaryota, plants and metazoa but not in the Guillardia theta nucleomorph. Similar frequencies of Tudor‐containing genes (Tudor genes) among vertebrates and the frequent occurrence of orthologues among vertebrates, along with similar observations within arthropods suggest that Tudor genes are inherited largely vertically during evolution within different phylogenetic lineages.
DEK overexpression is correlated with the clinical features of breast cancer
Authors: Liu Shuangping , Wang Xiaoyan , Sun Fengdan , Kong Jienan , Li Zhuhu , Lin Zhenhua
Published: January 2012

To investigate the clinicopathological significance of DEK overexpression in breast cancers, a total of 196 cases, including 20 of normal tissues, 12 of intraductal hyperplasia, 31 of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 133 of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, were selected from the Department of Pathology, Yanbian Tumor Hospital for immunohistochemical staining of DEK, estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and Ki‐67 proteins. In results, DEK protein had higher positivity in DCIS, compared with the adjacent normal breast tissues. Also, DEK protein was strongly positive in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast on immunohistochemistry, which was significantly higher than normal breast tissues. However, only two (2/12) cases of intraductal hyperplasia of the breast showed positive staining for DEK protein. Additionally, DEK overexpression was significantly correlated with the increased proliferating index of Ki‐67. For the histological grade, DEK positive rate was only 39.6% in G1 breast cancers, but significantly higher in G2 (92.3%) and G3 (97.0%) cases (P<0.05). Also, a strongly positive rate of DEK was lower in Stage‐0 (21.4%) and Stage‐I (40.9%) compared with Stage‐IIa (87.5%), Stage‐IIb (89.7%) and Stage‐IIIa (92.3%) (P<0.05). And DEK protein showed higher expression level in <3 years disease free survival breast cancers than it did in ≥3 years disease free survival cases (P<0.05). However, no statistically difference was found among DEK expression, lymph node metastasis, and ER and PR expressions. In conclusion, DEK overexpression appears to be associated with breast cancer progression and DEK may potentially be used as a breast cancer biomarker for the early diagnosis, prognostic evaluation and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
How Bad is Corruption? Cross‐country Evidence of the Impact of Corruption on Economic Prosperity
Authors: Bentzen Jeanet Sinding
Published: January 2012

Most people today would argue that corruption is bad for countries' economic development. Yet, we still lack a reliable empirical estimate of the effect. This study addresses the econometric shortcomings of the literature and provides an estimate of the causal impact of corruption on gross domestic product per capita across countries. Certain dimensions of a country's culture are used as instruments for corruption. These instruments stay strong when the other deep determinants of economic development, geography, and the remaining dimensions of institutions and culture are controlled for. In the process of choosing controls, however, the entire set of variables available in the Quality of Governance online database (QOG) that includes all central variables from the literature on institutions and culture are included. It is found that corruption does exert a significant and negative impact on countries' productivity levels.
Brain Drain, Fiscal Competition, and Public Education Expenditure
Authors: Egger Hartmut , Falkinger Josef , Grossmann Volker
Published: January 2012

A two‐country model is developed in this paper to examine the implications of fiscal competition in public education expenditure under international mobility of high‐skilled labor. The authors allow for educational choice, asymmetry of countries with respect to total factor productivity, and tax base effects of migration in source and host country. As the latter may give rise to multiplicity of equilibrium, alternative belief structures of mobile high‐skilled workers are carefully taken into account. The paper also looks at the consequences of bilateral policy coordination. While in line with other studies on tax competition, bilateral coordination can reduce the under‐investment problem in public education spending, it also tends to hinder migration or may even reverse the direction of the migration flow that materializes under non‐cooperative policy setting. As a result of its potentially adverse effects on migration patterns, bilateral coordination may therefore reduce global welfare and bring the world economy further away from the social planner's solution.
Exchange Rate Regimes and Foreign Direct Investment Flows to Developing Countries
Authors: Abbott Andrew , Cushman David O. , De Vita Glauco
Published: January 2012

Drawing on recent advances in exchange rate regime classifications, the paper examines empirically the effect of exchange rate regimes on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to developing countries. Using system generalized methods of moments estimation on a panel of 70 developing countries for the period 1985–2004, we find that developing countries adopting de facto fixed or intermediate regimes significantly outperform those opting for a flexible exchange rate system in attracting FDI flows. No statistically significant differences in the FDI‐inducing properties of fixes, intermediates and floats are found using the International Monetary Fund official classification.
Input Intensity: A Missing Link between Production, Trade Patterns, and Environmental Standards
Authors: Lahiri Bidisha
Published: January 2012

Trade and production implications of a change in environmental policy using the 2 × 2 Heckscher–Ohlin framework are identified. For otherwise identical economies a difference of environmental policy standards generates two effects: the “effective‐endowment effect” where the abatement activity uses up some resources of the economy leaving less for the production of the final goods and the “factor‐price effect” where changes in the abatement requirement affects factor prices that in turn affect production. The direction and relative strengths of these two effects determine whether production and trade patterns are consistent with or opposite to the pollution haven expectation.
The Acceleration of the Masculine in Early‐Twentieth‐Century Berlin
Authors: James Prickett David
Published: January 2012

In early‐twentieth‐century Berlin, agents of speed and industrialisation, such as the railway, contributed to the seemingly unbridled velocity of urban life. Doctors and cultural critics took an ambivalent stance toward the impact of speed and technology on the human body. Critics argued that these factors, in conjunction with sexual excess and prostitution, accelerated the sexual maturation of young men, thereby endangering ‘healthy’ male sexuality. This comparison of Hans Ostwald's socio‐literary study Dunkle Winkel in Berlin (1904) with Georg Buschan's sexual education primer Vom Jüngling zum Mann (1911) queries the extent to which speed shaped the understanding of ‘the masculine’ in pre‐World‐War‐I Germany. The essay thus examines Ostwald's and Buschan's arguments and postulates that speed in the city (Berlin) can be seen as a feminised, sexualised force that determined sex in the city. According to this reading, the homosexual urban dandy resisted the accelerated modernist urban tempo, whereas the heterosexual man and hegemonic, heteronormative masculinity yielded to speed. ‘“Das Verhältnis”’ became a fleeting, momentary alternative to stable marital relationships, which in turn contributed to the general ‘crisis’ of – and in– masculinity in early‐twentieth‐century Berlin.

Im Berlin des frühen zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts trugen Geschwindigkeit und Industrialisierung (wie z.B. die Eisenbahn) zur scheinbar ungezügelten Beschleunigung des urbanen Alltagslebens bei. Kulturkritiker und Mediziner nahmen eine ambivalente Haltung gegenüber den Auswirkungen von Geschwindigkeit und Technologie auf den menschlichen Körper ein. Kritiker bemängelten, dass diese Elemente – im Zusammenhang mit sexuellen Ausschweifungen und Prostitution – den sexuellen Reifungsprozess des jungen Mannes beschleunigen und somit die ‘gesunde’ männliche Sexualität gefährden würden. Diese vergleichende Analyse von Hans Ostwalds sozio‐literarischer Studie Dunkle Winkel in Berlin (1904) und Georg Buschans ‘Sexualfibel’Vom Jüngling zum Mann (1911) geht der Frage nach, wie Geschwindigkeit das Verständnis ‘des Männlichen’ in der Zeit vor dem Ersten Weltkrieg in Deutschland prägte. Der Beitrag setzt sich mit Ostwalds und Buschans Argumenten auseinander und postuliert, dass die urbane Geschwindigkeit Berlins als feminisierte, sexualisierte Kraft angesehen werden kann, welche die urbane Sexualität bestimmte. Nach dieser Lesart widerstand der homosexuelle dandy der Großstadt dem beschleunigten urbanen Tempo der Moderne, während sich der Heterosexuelle und die hegemoniale, heteronormative Männlichkeit der Geschwindigkeit anpassten. ‘“Das Verhältnis”’ wurde zu einer flüchtigen, augenblicklichen Alternative zur stabilen Ehe, was wiederum zur allgemeinen ‘Krise der Männlichkeit’– und ‘Krise in der Männlichkeit’– im Berlin des frühen zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts beisteuerte.
American Cinema and the Construction of Masculinity in Film in the Federal Republic after 1945
Authors: Leal Joanne
Published: January 2012

Since 1945, film in the Federal Republic has maintained an ambivalent relationship to American cinema and its embedded ideologies and nowhere is this more evident than in (West) German film's representations of masculinity. This article focuses on three historical moments when political and social shifts resulted in a problematising of male identities in the Federal Republic: the mid‐1950s, the early 1970s and the late 1990s. Cinema responded to a perceived destabilisation of gender norms by exploring constructions of German masculinity in relation to the ambivalently received models of male identity offered by American cinema. With a detailed analysis of three specific examples – Georg Tressler's Die Halbstarken (1956), Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Der amerikanische Soldat (1970) and Fatih Akin's Kurz und schmerzlos (1998) – this article investigates the manner in which German cinema engages with these competing conceptions of masculinity and demonstrates the ways in which divergent understandings of gender identity can impact on representations of national and ethnic identity.

Seit 1945 unterhält der bundesrepublikanische Film ein ambivalentes Verhältnis zum amerikanischen Kino und dessen eingebetteten Ideologien. Nirgendwo ist dies so offentsichtlich wie in Darstellungen von Männlichkeit im (west)deutschen Film. Dieser Artikel konzentriert sich auf drei historische Momente, während derer politische und gesellschaftliche Veränderungen in ein Problematisieren männlicher Identitäten in der BRD mündeten: die Mitte der 1950er, die frühen 1970er und die späten 1990er Jahre. Das Kino antwortete auf eine vermeintliche Destabilisierung von Geschlechternormen, indem es Konstruktionen deutscher Männlichkeit in Bezug auf ambivalent wahrgenommene Muster männlicher Identität, die das amerikanische Kino zeigte, erkundete. Anhand detaillierter Analysen von drei konkreten Beispielen – Georg Tresslers Die Halbstarken (1956), Rainer Werner Fassbinders Der amerikanische Soldat (1970) and Fatih Akins Kurz und schmerzlos (1998) – untersucht dieser Artikel wie sich das deutsche Kino mit diesen konkurrierenden Vorstellungen von Männlichkeit auseinandersetzt, und legt dar, wie abweichende Auffassungen von Geschlechteridentität Darstellungen von nationaler und ethnischer Identität beeinflussen können.
A ‘new Foucault’ with lively implications – or ‘the crawfish advances sideways’
Authors: Philo Chris
Published: January 2012

This paper argues that we may now speak of a ‘new Foucault’ with more to say to contemporary human geography than might at first be suspected. A number of recent publications – notably the collected and translated Collège de France lecture series – paint a picture of Foucault that arguably departs from presumptions of him as the chronicler‐theorist of discursively constituted, totalising power. The paper has two objectives: first, to offer a synoptic introduction to the lecture series, spotlighting the geographical resonances; and secondly, to thread an interpretative line through these materials demonstrating Foucault’s concern for the vital problematics of lively bodies and unpredictable populations, always threatening to over‐spill different forms of power (sovereign, disciplinary, biopolitical, governmental, pastoral, psychiatric). An attempt is made to address Nigel Thrift’s non‐representationalist critique of Foucault, and to propose that the gulf between Thrift and Foucault is not as great as the former may imply – a finding of value when identifying future possibilities for critical‐geographical inquiry.
The Ricreationi per monache of Suor Annalena Aldobrandini
Authors: STRAS LAURIE
Published: January 2012

Two newly discovered manuscripts in the Biblioteca Estense provide an insight into convent culture in late sixteenth‐century Italy. They are the work of Annalena Aldobrandini, a nun at the convent of Santo Spirito in Florence. Annalena's manuscript contains eight veglie intended for performance during Carnevale and the Calendimaggio. Striking detail is preserved in the instructions for instruments, music, staging and costumes. Subject matter ranges from intellectual debates about the sciences and the arts to an appreciation of religious commitment and the difficulties of maintaining moral rectitude as part of monastic life. There is a wealth of practical information regarding music in a little‐known dramatic context as well as a unique exposition of the Divine Office as a musical, as well as a religious, experience. The veglie are testament to the creativity of the nuns, showing how they, like the Medici outside, used spectacle as a method of community bonding. Moreover, because they were transmitted in manuscript rather than in print, they are unmediated by any masculine agency. The importance of this manuscript to our better understanding of early modern monastic women, their attitudes to enclosure, education and the performing arts, and their interactions with the secular world cannot be overestimated.
Affordable splendour: editing, printing and marketing the Sarum Antiphoner (1519–20)
Authors: WILLIAMSON MAGNUS
Published: January 2012

The two‐volume Sarum Antiphoner, printed by Wolfgang Hopyl for Franz Birckman in 1519–20, was the most ambitious music‐publishing venture undertaken for the English market throughout the sixteenth century. Printed in red and black, and comprising nearly 1,100 folios, it provided music and texts for the divine Office. It was a logistical triumph, resulting from editorial expertise provided from members of King's College, Cambridge (one of whom died during its preparation). Although very few copies survive, its potential market was substantial, and its commercial viability is considered here (as well as its likely retail price). Most copies were presumably lost at the Reformation; the surviving copies, a high number of which were preserved in private households, all belong to the same edition of 1519–20.
Antenatal ultrasound assessment of placental/myometrial involvement in morbidly adherent placenta
Authors: WONG Hong S. , CHEUNG Ying K. , WILLIAMS Edward
Published: January 2012

Objectives:  To examine the usefulness of sonographic criteria in the assessment of the lateral extent and depth of myometrial involvement in morbidly adherent placenta.

Methods:  From hospital records and a perinatal database, women with morbidly adherent placenta confirmed at delivery and antenatal ultrasound assessment in 2004–2007 were identified. The sonographic appearance at the time of antenatal assessment was compared with the clinical and histological findings at delivery. Following statistical analysis, useful sonographic features in the assessment of myometrial invasion were identified.

Results:  Nine cases, including one case of placenta percreta, eight cases of accreta or increta of which one minor partial, were reviewed. The criteria useful for the assessment of the lateral placental/myometrial involvement were obliteration of retroplacental clear space, increased subplacental vascularity, placental‐tissue interface disruption and vessels crossing the interface disruption site with the last 2 signs applicable for helpful for assessment of the parametrium; and for the assessment of the depth, bladder serosa–uterine wall interface hypervascularity, vessels extending from placenta to bladder, placental‐tissue interface disruption and vessels crossing placental‐tissue interface disruption. The myometrial vascular pattern was also helpful in assessing the extensiveness of myometrial involvement. There was bulging of the lower uterine wall in the case of placenta percreta.

Conclusions:  Assessment of the placental/myometrial involvement of morbidly adherent placenta is possible on antenatal ultrasound examination. Combinations of different criteria may be required in assessing the lateral extent and the depth of placental/myometrial involvement.
Effects of Rosuvastatin on Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels and Atrial Structural Remodeling in Atrial Fibrillation Dogs
Authors: LI JINGJIE , XIA WEI , FENG WEI , QU XIUFEN
Published: January 2012

Background:
 Circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is increased in atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of rosuvastatin on serum ADMA levels and atrial structural remodeling in AF dogs induced by chronic rapid atrial pacing.

Methods:
 Twenty dogs were randomly divided into the sham‐operated (n = 6), control (n = 7), or rosuvastatin (n = 7) groups. Sustained AF was induced by rapid pacing of the right atrium at 400 beats per minute for 6 weeks. Rosuvastatin was administered orally (1 mg/kg d) for 3 days before rapid pacing and was continued for 6 weeks. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were performed to detect left atrial structure and function. Serum levels of nitric oxide and ADMA were measured. Interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the atria were also identified.

Results:
 After 6 weeks, compared with the control group, dramatic smaller left atrium and left atrial appendage volumes and higher atrial contractile function were observed in the rosuvastatin group. Serum nitric oxide concentration was increased, whereas ADMA was decreased in the rosuvastatin group compared with the control group. The percentages of interstitial fibrosis and atrial apoptosis in the control group were significantly higher than those in the sham‐operated group, and rosuvastatin attenuated these changes induced by atrial rapid pacing.

Conclusion:
 A short course of rosuvastatin treatment decreased apoptosis and prevented atrial structural remodeling in association with a decrease in ADMA levels in AF dogs. PACE 2012; 35:456–464)
Evolution of public attitudes about mental illness: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schomerus G. , Schwahn C. , Holzinger A. , Corrigan P. W. , Grabe H. J. , Carta M. G. , Angermeyer M. C.
Published: January 2012

Schomerus G, Schwahn C, Holzinger A, Corrigan PW, Grabe HJ, Carta MG, Angermeyer MC. Evolution of public attitudes about mental illness: a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Objective:  To explore whether the increase in knowledge about the biological correlates of mental disorders over the last decades has translated into improved public understanding of mental illness, increased readiness to seek mental health care and more tolerant attitudes towards mentally ill persons.

Method:  A systematic review of all studies on mental illness‐related beliefs and attitudes in the general population published before 31 March 2011, examining the time trends of attitudes with a follow‐up interval of at least 2 years and using national representative population samples. A subsample of methodologically homogeneous studies was further included in a meta‐regression analysis of time trends.

Results:  Thirty‐three reports on 16 studies on national time trends met our inclusion criteria, six of which were eligible for a meta‐regression analysis. Two major trends emerged: there was a coherent trend to greater mental health literacy, in particular towards a biological model of mental illness, and greater acceptance of professional help for mental health problems. In contrast, however, no changes or even changes to the worse were observed regarding the attitudes towards people with mental illness.

Conclusion:  Increasing public understanding of the biological correlates of mental illness seems not to result in better social acceptance of persons with mental illness.
Self‐assembly of amelogenin proteins at the water–oil interface
Authors: Martinez‐Avila Olga M. , Wu Shenping , Cheng Yifan , Lee Robert , Khan Feroz , Habelitz Stefan
Published: January 2012

Martinez‐Avila OM, Wu S, Cheng Y, Lee R, Khan F, Habelitz S. Self‐assembly of amelogenin proteins at the water–oil interface.
 
Eur J Oral Sci 2011; 119 (Suppl. 1): 75–82. © 2011 Eur J Oral Sci

Self‐assembly of amelogenin plays a key role in controlling enamel biomineralization. Recently, we generated self‐aligning nanoribbons of amelogenin in water‐in‐oil emulsions stabilized by the full‐length protein (rH174). Here, we tested the hypothesis that the hydrophilic C‐terminus is critical for self‐assembly of amelogenin into nanoribbons. The self‐assembled structures of two amelogenin cleavage products, rH163 and rH146, were compared with structures of rH174 at different pH values and degrees of saturation using atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. We observed that the number density of rH174 nanoribbons increased significantly when the initial pH was raised from 4.5 to 5.6. Nanoribbons, as well as unique helical nanostructures, were also readily observed when amelogenin rH146 was used, but showed little tendency for parallel alignment and did not bundle into fibrils like rH174. In contrast, rH163 rarely formed nanoribbons but predominantly assembled into nanospheres under the same conditions. We conclude that the presence of a hydrophilic C‐terminus may not be a prerequisite for nanoribbon formation but may be critical for ribbon alignment and subsequent fibril formation. These results highlight the contribution of the hydrophobic domain in the self‐assembly of elongated structures of amelogenins. Molecular mechanisms governing these processes based on the formation of reverse micelles are discussed.
CT CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY HEPATIC MASS LESIONS IN DOGS
Authors: Fukushima Kenjiro , Kanemoto Hideyuki , Ohno Koichi , Takahashi Masashi , Nakashima Ko , Fujino Yasuhito , Uchida Kazuyuki , Fujiwara Reina , Nishimura Ryohei , Tsujimoto Hajime
Published: January 2012

Little information is available on the relationship between computed tomography (CT) imaging findings and the pathologic diagnosis of canine hepatic tumors. Our purpose was to clarify the characteristic features of CT findings in liver tumors in dogs. Data from 33 dogs with either a hepatocellular carcinoma, n = 14, hepatocellular adenoma, n = 14, or nodular hyperplasia, n = 5 were summarized from medical records. CT features for each histologic diagnosis were characterized and analyzed statistically. Common findings in hepatocellular carcinoma included central (79%, P = 0.0030) and marginal enhancement (93%, P = 0.00043) in the arterial phase, cyst‐like lesions (93%), capsule formation (93%), and hypoattenuation in the portal (86%), and equilibrium phases (93%). Hepatic adenoma was characterized by a characteristic diffuse enhancement pattern during the arterial phase (57%, P = 0.013), which was also found in nodular hyperplasia (60%), but never in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nodular hyperplasia was less likely to have a capsule structure (20%, P = 0.0087). Mass size was significantly smaller in nodular hyperplasia than in hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic adenoma (P = 0.0033 and 0.038, respectively). Hyperattenuation in the arterial and the portal phase i.e. contrast retention, was more frequent in hepatic adenoma than in the other groups (P = 0.037 and 0.037, respectively). Nodular hyperplasia was more frequently isoattenuating in the equilibrium phase (P = 0.043).
Role of polar and nonpolar residues at the active site for PPIase activity of FKBP22 from Shewanella sp. SIB1
Authors: Budiman Cahyo , Tadokoro Takashi , Angkawidjaja Clement , Koga Yuichi , Kanaya Shigenori
Published: January 2012

FKBP22 from the psychotropic bacterium Shewanella sp. SIB1 is a homodimeric protein with peptidyl prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. According to a tertiary model, several nonpolar residues including Trp157 and Phe197 form a substrate‐binding cavity, and Asp137 and Arg142, which form a salt bridge, are located at the edge of this cavity. To analyze the role of these residues, nine single (D137A, R142A, W157A/F/Y, F197A/L/Y/W) and one double (D137A/R142A) mutant protein of SIB1 FKBP22 were constructed. The far‐ and near‐UV CD spectra of these mutant proteins suggest that the mutations at Asp137 and Arg142 do not seriously affect the protein structure, while those at Trp157 and Phe197 cause a local conformational change around the mutation site. Each mutation decreased the PPIase activities of SIB1 FKBP22 for peptide and protein substrates similarly without seriously affecting chaperone function. This result indicates that SIB1 FKBP22 does not require PPIase activity for chaperone function. The PPIase activities of R142A, D137A and D137A/R142A decreased in this order, suggesting that Asp137 and Arg142 play a principal and auxiliary role in catalytic function, respectively, but Arg142 can function as a substitute of Asp137. Because the PPIase activity of SIB1 FKBP22 was not fully lost by the removal of all polar residues around the active site, the desolvation effect may also contribute to the enzymatic activity. However, the mutations of Trp157 to Phe or Phe197 to Leu greatly decrease the enzymatic activity, suggesting that the shape of the substrate‐binding cavity is also important for enzymatic activity.

Database

Peptidyl prolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase, EC5.2.1.8)
Defining NP scope of practice and associated regulations: Focus on acute care
Authors: Kleinpell Ruth M. , Hudspeth Randall , Scordo Kristine Anne , Magdic Kathy
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Although the nurse practitioner (NP) role has been in existence for over 40 years, there continues to be uncertainty about the essential components that define NP scope of practice. The purpose of this article is to review definitions and concepts related to NP scope of practice with an emphasis on NPs working in acute care.

Data sources: A synthesis literature review was conducted on defining NP scope of practice. Simultaneous review of authoritative resources including National Council of State Board of Nursing, individual state board of nursing language, and NP scope and standards of practice documents was conducted.

Conclusions: Scope of practice is a legal term used by states to define what activities an individual professional can undertake. The Consensus Model for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Regulation outlines that licensure and scope of practice are based on graduate education within a defined patient population for the APRN role. The APRN Consensus Model further identifies that the services provided by APRNs are not defined or limited by setting but rather by patient care needs. For the acute care NP, this is especially significant, as patient acuity and care requirements can vary across settings. When implemented, the Consensus Model will help to standardize regulation for APRNs as well as ensure congruence between licensure, accreditation, certification, and education.

Implications for practice: Providing clarification of the NP scope of practice, especially as it pertains to NPs working in acute care settings, remains needed to support practice based on educational preparation, licensure, certification, and focus of practice.
Effect of Nutrition Changes on Foods Selected by Students in a Middle School‐Based Diabetes Prevention Intervention Program: The HEALTHY Experience
Authors:   The HEALTHY Study Group, Mobley Connie C. , Stadler Diane D. , Staten Myrlene A. , El ghormli Laure , Gillis Bonnie , Hartstein Jill , Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Virus Amy
Published: January 2012

BACKGOUND: The HEALTHY primary prevention trial developed an integrated multicomponent intervention program to moderate risk factors for type 2 diabetes in middle schools. The nutrition component aimed to improve the quality of foods and beverages served to students. Changes in the School Breakfast Program (SBP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and à la carte venues are compared to the experience of control schools.

METHODS: The intervention was implemented in 21 middle schools from winter 2007 through spring 2009 (following a cohort of students from sixth through eighth grades); 21 schools acted as observed controls. The nutrition component targeted school food service environmental change. Data identifying foods and nutrients served (selected by students for consumption) were collected over a 20‐day period at baseline and end of study. Analysis compared end of study values for intervention versus control schools.

RESULTS: Intervention schools more successfully limited dessert and snack food portion size in NSLP and à la carte and lowered fat content of foods served. Servings of high‐fiber grain‐based foods and/or legumes were improved in SBP but not NSLP. Intervention and control schools eliminated >1% fat milk and added‐sugar beverages in SBP, but intervention schools were more successful in NSLP and à la carte.

CONCLUSION: The HEALTHY program demonstrated significant changes in the nutritional quality of foods and beverages served in the SBP, NSLP, and à la carte venues, as part of an effort to decrease childhood obesity and support beneficial effects in some secondary HEALTHY study outcomes.
The Relation between Chronic Kidney Disease and Cerebral Microbleeds: Difference between Patients with and without Diabetes
Authors: Ryu Wi-Sun , Lee Seung-Hoon , Kim Chi Kyung , Kim Beom Joon , Yoon Byung-Woo
Published: January 2012

Background

Cerebral microbleeds are an important radiologic marker of bleeding-prone brain and have been reported to be associated with the increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage.

Aims

We sought to examine the association of chronic kidney disease with cerebral microbleeds, and determine whether the association differs between patients with and without diabetes.

Methods

A total of 909 patients with ischemic stroke who were consecutively admitted to our hospital were included in this study. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data (including serum creatinine levels) and documented the presence and numbers of microbleeds. Kidney function was estimated by using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. We categorized estimated glomerular filtration rates into moderate to severe, mild, and normal (<60, 60–90, and >90 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively).

Results

Cerebral microbleeds is most frequent in the moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease group (45.6%). In patients without diabetes, mild and moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease was found to be independently associated with the presence of cerebral microbleeds (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.71 and adjusted odds ratio, 3.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.87–7.47) compared with normal kidney function. In patients with diabetes, however, this relationship was not found. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that an increased serum creatinine level and a reduced kidney function were associated with the number of cerebral microbleeds.

Conclusion

We found that chronic kidney disease is independently associated with cerebral microbleeds in patients without diabetes but not in patients with diabetes.
Changes in Flavor Precursors, Pungency, and Sugar Content in Short‐Day Onion Bulbs during 5‐Month Storage at Various Temperatures or in Controlled Atmosphere
Authors: Yoo Kil S. , Lee Eun J. , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Short‐day onion bulbs (cv. TG 1015Y) were stored in 1% O2, 99% N2 air at 5 °C (controlled atmosphere [CA]), or in ambient air at 5, 24, or 30 °C, for 5 mo. Changes in flavor precursors, pungency, and sugar content were investigated. After 5 mo of storage, 1‐propenyl‐L‐cysteine sulfoxide concentrations increased continuously at 5 °C, gradually decreased in CA, slightly increased for 3 mo, and returned to initial levels at 24 °C and decreased below initial levels at 34 °C. Methyl‐L‐cysteine sulfoxide concentrations remained unchanged in all storage conditions. Onion pungency levels significantly increased at 5 °C, and decreased at 30 °C. Storage in CA and at 24 °C resulted in some fluctuations in pungency but the levels remained similar to initial levels. The calculated pyruvic acid concentrations were approximately 1.0 μmole/mL higher than the measured concentrations, and showed an increase at 5 °C and a slight reduction at 30 °C, consistent with the pungency results. Storage at 5 °C and in CA resulted in slight increases in fructose and glucose concentrations for 3 to 4 mo with subsequent rapid decreases, while sucrose concentrations remained unchanged. However, at 24 and 30 °C, fructose and glucose concentrations continuously decreased, accompanied by a continuous increase in sucrose concentrations. Storage in CA maintained the quality of onions best, as evidenced by the smallest changes in flavor precursors, pungency, and sugar concentrations, while storage at 5 °C resulted in increased pungency. Storage at 24 and 30 °C was tested for the purpose of comparison only; these temperatures are not recommended for commercial storage.
Distinct HIV discordancy patterns by epidemic size in stable sexual partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Chemaitelly Hiam , Cremin Ide , Shelton Jim , Hallett Timothy B , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: January 2012

Objective

To describe patterns of HIV infection among stable sexual partnerships across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

The authors defined measures of HIV discordancy and conducted a comprehensive quantitative assessment of discordancy among stable partnerships in 20 countries in SSA through an analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey data.

Results

HIV prevalence explained at least 50% of the variation in HIV discordancy, with two distinct patterns of discordancy emerging based on HIV prevalence being roughly smaller or larger than 10%. In low-prevalence countries, approximately 75% of partnerships affected by HIV are discordant, while only about half of these are discordant in high-prevalence countries. Out of each 10 HIV infected persons, two to five are engaged in discordant partnerships in low-prevalence countries compared with one to three in high-prevalence countries. Among every 100 partnerships in the population, one to nine are affected by HIV and zero to six are discordant in low-prevalence countries compared with 16–45 and 9–17, respectively, in high-prevalence countries. Finally, zero to four of every 100 sexually active adults are engaged in a discordant partnership in low-prevalence countries compared with six to eight in high-prevalence countries.

Conclusions

In high-prevalence countries, a large fraction of stable partnerships were affected by HIV and half were discordant, whereas in low-prevalence countries, fewer stable partnerships were affected by HIV but a higher proportion of them were discordant. The findings provide a global view of HIV infection among stable partnerships in SSA but imply complex considerations for rolling out prevention interventions targeting discordant partnerships.
DISSIPATIVE QUANTUM MECHANICS AND KONDO-LIKE IMPURITIES ON NONCOMMUTATIVE TWO-TORI
Authors: IACOMINO PATRIZIA , MAROTTA VINCENZO , NADDEO ADELE
Published: January 2012

In a recent paper, by exploiting the notion of Morita equivalence for field theories on noncommutative tori and choosing rational values of the noncommutativity parameter θ (in appropriate units), a general one-to-one correspondence between the m-reduced conformal field theory (CFT) describing a quantum Hall fluid (QHF) at paired states fillings1,2[Formula: see text] and an Abelian noncommutative field theory (NCFT) has been established.3 That allowed us to add new evidence to the relationship between noncommutativity and quantum Hall fluids.4 On the other hand, the m-reduced CFT is equivalent to a system of two massless scalar bosons with a magnetic boundary interaction as introduced in Ref. 5, at the so-called "magic" points. We are then able to describe, within such a framework, the dissipative quantum mechanics of a particle confined to a plane and subject to an external magnetic field normal to it. Here we develop such a point of view by focusing on the case m=2 which corresponds to a quantum Hall bilayer. The key role of a localized impurity which couples the two layers is emphasized and the effect of noncommutativity in terms of generalized magnetic translations (GMT) is fully exploited. As a result, general GMT operators are introduced, in the form of a tensor product, which act on the QHF and defect space respectively, and a comprehensive study of their rich structure is performed.
ANALYTIC TREATMENT ON STIMULATED HOLOGRAPHIC SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: ZENG XIAO-XIONG , LIU XIAN-MING , LIU WEN-BIAO
Published: January 2012

Using the classical time-average approximation to deal with equation of motion for scalar field, holographic superconductor with a time-dependent chemical potential is studied analytically in probe limit. On the basis of the minimum eigenvalue of Sturm–Liouville equation, concrete values of the phase transition temperature and critical frequency are obtained. The condensed solution in high frequency regime is also calculated. It is shown that the phase transition temperature enhances and the superconductivity can be got easier as the frequency of the time-dependent chemical potential, which should be larger than the critical frequency, rises.
RQRT: REDUCE QUERYING ROUTING TABLE FOR MESH-BASED NETWORK-ON-CHIP
Authors: TANG MINGHUA , LIN XIAOLA
Published: January 2012

Although using table to implement routing algorithm has some advantages in network-on-chip (NoC), the router queries the routing table whenever a packet is to be forwarded. The querying time significantly increases the packet delay even if some methods have been proposed to shorten the table size. In mesh-based NoC, statistics shows that two neighbor routers have the same routing options for over 50% packets, on average. In this paper, we propose a technique to let packets pass through some routers without querying the routing table. Consequently, the time to query the routing table is significantly decreased. Simulation results show that this leads up to 16% decrease of average packet delay.
SOC DESIGN FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
Authors: STAMENKOVIĆ ZORAN
Published: January 2012

The paper emphasizes methods, architectures, and components for system-on-chip design. It describes the basic knowledge and skills for designing high-performance low-power embedded devices whose complexity increases exponentially, as so does the effort of designing them. Relying upon an appropriate design methodology which concentrates on reuse, executable specifications, and early error detection, these complexities can be mastered. The paper bundles these topics in order to provide a good understanding of all the problems involved. It shows how to go from description and verification to implementation and testing, presenting three systems-on-chip for three different wireless applications based on configurable processors and custom hardware accelerators.