bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rewirable gene regulatory networks in the preimplantation embryonic development of three mammalian species
Authors: Xie Dan , Chen Chieh-Chun , Ptaszek Leon M. , Xiao Shu , Cao Xiaoyi , Fang Fang , Ng Huck H. , Lewin Harris A. , Cowan Chad , Zhong Sheng
Published: March 2010

Mammalian preimplantation embryonic development (PED) is thought to be governed by highly conserved processes. While it had been suggested that some plasticity of conserved signaling networks exists among different mammalian species, it was not known to what extent modulation of the genomes and the regulatory proteins could “rewire” the gene regulatory networks (GRN) that control PED. We therefore generated global transcriptional profiles from three mammalian species (human, mouse, and bovine) at representative stages of PED, including: zygote, two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, 16-cell, morula and blastocyst. Coexpression network analysis suggested that 40.2% orthologous gene triplets exhibited different expression patterns among these species. Combining the expression data with genomic sequences and the ChIP-seq data of 16 transcription regulators, we observed two classes of genomic changes that contributed to interspecies expression difference, including single nucleotide mutations leading to turnover of transcription factor binding sites, and insertion of cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) by transposons. About 10% of transposons are estimated to carry CRMs, which may drive species-specific gene expression. The two classes of genomic changes act in concert to drive mouse-specific expression of MTF2, which links POU5F1/NANOG to NOTCH signaling. We reconstructed the transition of the GRN structures as a function of time during PED. A comparison of the GRN transition processes among the three species suggested that in the bovine system, POU5F1's interacting partner SOX2 may be replaced by HMGB1 (a TF sharing the same DNA binding domain with SOX2), resulting in rewiring of GRN by a trans change.
The Soybean Stem Growth Habit Gene Dt1 Is an Ortholog of Arabidopsis TERMINAL FLOWER1
Authors: Liu Baohui , Watanabe Satoshi , Uchiyama Tomoo , Kong Fanjiang , Kanazawa Akira , Xia Zhengjun , Nagamatsu Atsushi , Arai Maiko , Yamada Tetsuya , Kitamura Keisuke , Masuta Chikara , Harada Kyuya , Abe Jun
Published: March 2010

Classical genetic analysis has revealed that the determinate habit of soybean (Glycine max) is controlled by a recessive allele at the determinate stem (Dt1) locus. To dissect the molecular basis of the determinate habit, we isolated two orthologs of pea (Pisum sativum) TERMINAL FLOWER1a, GmTFL1a and GmTFL1b, from the soybean genome. Mapping analysis indicated that GmTFL1b is a candidate for Dt1. Despite their high amino acid identity, the two genes had different transcriptional profiles. GmTFL1b was expressed in the root and shoot apical meristems (SAMs), whereas GmTFL1a was mainly expressed in immature seed. The GmTFL1b transcript accumulated in the SAMs during early vegetative growth in both the determinate and indeterminate lines but thereafter was abruptly lost in the determinate line. Introduction of the genomic region of GmTFL1b from the indeterminate line complemented the stem growth habit in the determinate line: more nodes were produced, and flowering in the terminal raceme was delayed. The identity between Dt1 and GmTFL1b was also confirmed with a virus-induced gene silencing experiment. Taken together, our data suggest that Dt1 encodes the GmTFL1b protein and that the stem growth habit is determined by the variation of this gene. The dt1 allele may condition the determinate habit via the earlier loss in GmTFL1b expression concomitant with floral induction, although it functions normally under the noninductive phase of flowering. An association test of DNA polymorphisms with the stem growth habit among 16 cultivars suggested that a single amino acid substitution in exon 4 determines the fate of the SAM after floral induction.
Assessing the impact of deforestation and climate change on the range size and environmental niche of bird species in the Atlantic forests, Brazil
Authors: Loiselle Bette A. , Graham Catherine H. , Goerck Jaqueline M. , Ribeiro Milton Cezar
Published: March 2010

Aim  Habitat loss and climate change are two major drivers of biological diversity. Here we quantify how deforestation has already changed, and how future climate scenarios may change, environmental conditions within the highly disturbed Atlantic forests of Brazil. We also examine how environmental conditions have been altered within the range of selected bird species.

Location  Atlantic forests of south‐eastern Brazil.

Methods  The historical distribution of 21 bird species was estimated using Maxent. After superimposing the present‐day forest cover, we examined the environmental niches hypothesized to be occupied by these birds pre‐ and post‐deforestation using environmental niche factor analysis (ENFA). ENFA was also used to compare conditions in the entire Atlantic forest ecosystem pre‐ and post‐deforestation. The relative influence of land use and climate change on environmental conditions was examined using analysis of similarity and principal components analysis.

Results  Deforestation in the region has resulted in a decrease in suitable habitat of between 78% and 93% for the Atlantic forest birds included here. Further, Atlantic forest birds today experience generally wetter and less seasonal forest environments than they did historically. Models of future environmental conditions within forest remnants suggest generally warmer conditions and lower annual variation in rainfall due to greater precipitation in the driest quarter of the year. We found that deforestation resulted in a greater divergence of environmental conditions within Atlantic forests than that predicted by climate change.

Main conclusions  The changes in environmental conditions that have occurred with large‐scale deforestation suggest that selective regimes may have shifted and, as a consequence, spatial patterns of intra‐specific variation in morphology, behaviour and genes have probably been altered. Although the observed shifts in available environmental conditions resulting from deforestation are greater than those predicted by climate change, the latter will result in novel environments that exceed temperatures in any present‐day climates and may lead to biotic attrition unless organisms can adapt to these warmer conditions. Conserving intra‐specific diversity over the long term will require considering both how changes in the recent past have influenced contemporary populations and the impact of future environmental change.
Disparities between rural and urban areas for osteoporosis management in the province of Quebec following the Canadian 2002 guidelines publication
Authors: Dagenais Pierre , Vanasse Alain , Courteau Josiane , Orzanco Maria Gabriela , Asghari Shabnam
Published: March 2010

Rationale, aims and objectives Clinical guidelines have been seen as a tool for improving management of osteoporosis in order to prevent fragility fractures. However, the impact of guidelines on clinical management of osteoporosis has not been measured. We examined medical investigation and treatment before and after the 2002 Canadian guidelines publication and examined if practice changes were different between rural and urban areas.

Methods We conducted a retrospective population‐based observational study using secondary data analysis. Two studied populations were selected; one before, the other after the publication of Canadian practice guidelines. The studied populations consisted of all individuals 65 years or older from Quebec (Canada) for whom a physician claimed a consultation or have been hospitalized for fragility fracture between the two predefined periods.

Results There was no significant difference in the rate of bone mineral density testing for women before and after guidelines publication. For men a statistically significant increase was observed but remained very low. A significant increase in bisphosphonates prescribing, but no increased in the reporting of a diagnosis of osteoporosis were observed. A significant reduction of hormonal replacement therapy was seen during the year following guidelines publication. The strongest significant increases were mostly seen in urban regions compared to rural areas.

Conclusions Very small changes were observed for diagnostic recognition by physicians, diagnostic testing and some recommended drugs prescribing following guidelines publication. This suggests low guidelines impact on medical practice for osteoporosis in patients suffering fragility fractures.
Barriers to transfer of collaborative recovery training into Australian mental health services: implications for the development of evidence‐based services
Authors: Uppal Shivani , Oades Lindsay G. , Crowe Trevor P. , Deane Frank P.
Published: March 2010

Rationale  Transfer of training (ToT) is defined as the application of competencies acquired during training into the workplace. Poor ToT to clinical practice in mental health settings has negative implications for evidence‐based service provision.

Aims and objectives  This study aimed to explore the variables influencing differences in ToT across mental health settings. Variables of interest included organization type, caseload and several variables related to the opportunity to use training.

Method  One hundred and seventy‐three mental health clinicians from community‐based governmental and non‐governmental mental health services in eastern Australia were trained in recovery‐oriented interventions. Measures of ToT included time taken until implementation of intervention protocols, assessed using a clinical audit and a questionnaire survey completed by clinicians to identify barriers to implementation 6 months after training.

Results  Approximately 37% of the trained clinicians participating in the study were found to be implementing training protocols in clinical practice. In addition, the average time taken to implement the protocols was 5.6 months following training. The most frequently cited barriers were institutional constraints. Higher caseloads and more frequent client contact were related to a higher level of ToT.

Conclusion  ToT can be difficult to achieve in clinical practice. Greater facilitation of ToT may be achieved through better integration of the new ideology and protocols, regular monitoring of progress, staff incentives and examination of external attributions by clinicians of their responsibility to transfer training.
Is the right to information fulfilled in an emergency department? Patients' perceptions of the care provided
Authors: Perez‐Carceles Maria D. , Gironda Jose L. , Osuna Eduardo , Falcon Maria , Luna Aurelio
Published: March 2010

Rationale, aims and objective  In an emergency department (ED), the effective exchange of information between patients and health care providers is recognized as being critically important to patient care. The aims of this study were to evaluate the extent to which the right to information is fulfilled in the ED, to ascertain the degree of patient satisfaction with the attention received and to evaluate the relation between satisfaction and the information received, waiting time and seriousness of the emergency.

Methods  This is a cross‐sectional survey that involved 300 patients who consulted an ED during a period of 3 months. The data were obtained by means of a self‐administered validated questionnaire: sociodemographic characteristics, variables related with the treatment received and overall satisfaction were obtained. Medical records were also analysed.

Results  The percentages of patients who received information about the reason for a complementary test, discomfort and complications were: 90.4%, 68.3% and 37%, respectively. In all, 98.3% claimed to have understood diagnosis, but when their written answers were analysed only 37.7% were exactly correlated. The percentages of patients who received information about posology, duration and side effects on medication were: 89.9%, 85.7% and 53%, respectively. Overall, 66% of the patients considered the attention they received as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. There is a statistically significant relation between patient perceptions of received information and overall satisfaction of care and perceived waiting time.

Conclusion  Providing the patients with information in all phases of the care process, giving the opportunity to ask questions, resolving doubts and providing legible and easily understood discharge instructions all contribute to increasing patient satisfaction in ED.
Using a <670> zone axis for convergent beam electron diffraction measurements of lattice strain in strained silicon
Authors: DIERCKS D.R. , KAUFMAN M.J. , IRWIN R.B. , JAIN A. , ROBERTSON L. , WEIJTMANS J.W. , WISE R.
Published: March 2010

Convergent beam electron diffraction patterns of silicon from the gate channel region of a complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor transistor with recessed Si.82Ge.18 stressors were analysed using three zone axes: <230>, <340> and <670>. Values measured using these axes were compared with each other with regards to strain along the [] and the [001] directions. It was demonstrated that strain measurements made using all three axes showed reasonable agreement with each other: an increase in the [] compressive strain and a switch from compressive to tensile strain in the [001] with decreasing distance below the gate. It was also observed that the strain calculations using the <230> axis had the lowest uncertainty whereas the <670> axis allowed for measurements closest to the gate due to the improved lateral resolution at that tilt angle.
Microstructural characterization of laser surface melted AISI M2 tool steel
Authors: ARIAS J. , CABEZA M. , CASTRO G. , FEIJOO I. , MERINO P. , PENA G.
Published: March 2010

We describe the microstructure of Nd:YAG continuous wave laser surface melted high‐speed steel, namely AISI M2, treated with different laser scanning speeds and beam diameters on its surface. Microstructural characterization of the remelted surface layer was performed using light optical and scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The combination of the three techniques provided new insights into the substantial changes induced by laser surface melting of the steel surface layer. The advantage of the method is that it avoids the difficult and tedious work of preparing samples of this hard material for transmission electron microscopy, which is the technique normally used to study these fine microstructures. A melted zone with a dendritic structure and a partially melted zone with a heterogeneous cellular structure were observed. M2C carbides with different morphologies were identified in the resolidified surface layer after laser melting.
An automated and highly efficient method for counting and measuring fluorescent foci in rod‐shaped bacteria
Authors: NIELSEN H. J. , HANSEN F. G.
Published: March 2010

Direct measurements of cells from photo micrographs are becoming increasingly used when investigating the position and/or distribution of chromosomal loci in bacteria. In general, these measurements have been done manually, and without clear definition of how they are made. Here we present a procedure for standardizing the measurement of cell properties from phase contrast images. Furthermore, we present a program using these standardized methods that can measure the intracellular positions of fluorescent foci in bacterial cells faster and with more precision than manual measurement.
Characterization of dilute species within CVD‐grown silicon nanowires doped using trimethylboron: protected lift‐out specimen preparation for atom probe tomography
Authors: PROSA T. J. , ALVIS R. , TSAKALAKOS L. , SMENTKOWSKI V. S.
Published: March 2010

Three‐dimensional quantitative compositional analysis of nanowires is a challenge for standard techniques such as secondary ion mass spectrometry because of specimen size and geometry considerations; however, it is precisely the size and geometry of nanowires that makes them attractive candidates for analysis via atom probe tomography. The resulting boron composition of various trimethylboron vapour–liquid–solid grown silicon nanowires were measured both with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and pulsed‐laser atom probe tomography. Both characterization techniques yielded similar results for relative composition. Specialized specimen preparation for pulsed‐laser atom probe tomography was utilized and is described in detail whereby individual silicon nanowires are first protected, then lifted out, trimmed, and finally wet etched to remove the protective layer for subsequent three‐dimensional analysis.
Primary neuroblastoma in the skin of an adult shih tzu dog
Authors: Michishita Masaki , Momozawa Yuki , Oizumi Takuya , Ohkusu‐Tsukada Kozo , Takahashi Kimimasa
Published: March 2010

A subcutaneous mass arising in the right gluteal area of an 11‐year‐old female shih tzu dog was surgically excised. Histologically, the mass was composed of small round or ovoid neoplastic cells that were arranged in nests of various sizes. The neoplastic cells generally had hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty eosinophilic cytoplasm, and were surrounded by a pale pink fibrillar area. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin, S‐100 protein, neurone‐specific enolase and synaptophysin, but negative for cytokeratin, neurofilament protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein and chromogranin A. On ultrastructural observation, aggregates of thin cytoplasmic processes were frequently seen among the neoplastic cells. Based on these features, the tumour was diagnosed as a neuroblastoma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of a neuroblastoma originating from the skin in an adult dog.
Reproductive biology of Echinopsis terscheckii (Cactaceae): the role of nocturnal and diurnal pollinators
Authors: Ortega‐Baes P. , Saravia M. , Sühring S. , Godínez‐Alvarez H. , Zamar M.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to analyse the reproductive biology of Echinopsis terscheckii, a species endemic to northwest Argentina that has nocturnal flowers. We expected that this species had a generalised pollination system, with moths and diurnal visitors as the primary pollinators. To test this, we studied the floral biology, breeding system and floral visitors of this species and the effectiveness of nocturnal and diurnal visitors. Floral biology was defined based on floral morphology, floral cycle and nectar production of the flowers. The breeding system and relative contributions of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to fruit and seed set were analysed through field experiments. E. terscheckii flowers opened at sunset and closed the following day. The peak of nectar production occurred at midnight. Flowers were determined to be self‐incompatible. Moths, bees and birds were identified as floral visitors. Moths were the most frequent visitors at night, whereas bees were the most frequent visitors during the day. Fruit production by diurnal pollinators was less than that by nocturnal pollinators; among all floral visitors, moths were the most effective pollinators. We have demonstrated for the first time that moths are the primary pollinators of columnar cacti of the genus Echinopsis. Our results suggest that moths might be important pollinators of columnar cactus species with nocturnal flowers in the extra‐tropical deserts of South America.
Song Learning in Wild and Domesticated Strains of White‐Rumped Munia,Lonchura striata, Compared by Cross‐Fostering Procedures: Domestication Increases Song Variability by Decreasing Strain‐Specific Bias
Authors: Takahasi Miki , Okanoya Kazuo
Published: March 2010

Song diversity results from the interactions between natural selection, sexual selection, and individual learning. To understand song diversity, all three factors must be considered collectively, not separately. Bengalese Finches were domesticated about 250 yr ago. Their courtship songs have become different from their ancestor, the White‐rumped Munia. Bengalese Finches sing songs with complex note‐to‐note transition patterns and with acoustically diverse song notes while White‐rumped Munias sing songs with fixed note sequence and mostly broad band song notes. Bengalese Finches were selected for domestication based on their good parenting ability, not their songs, but this artificial selection has nonetheless affected their songs. To test whether divergence occurred not only in the song phenotypes but also in the genetic basis for predisposition of strain specific song learning, we conducted a cross‐fostering experiment between Bengalese Finches and White‐rumped Munias. In both strains, song learning was affected by rearing condition: the acoustical feature and transition patterns followed those of the foster fathers. However, the accuracy of song learning differed between the wild and the domesticated strains: sharing of song note between sons and tutors in Finches was not very accurate regardless of the tutor, while Munias were highly accurate in copying Munia songs but often omitted song elements from Finch fathers. These results suggest that White‐rumped Munias are strongly constrained to learn their own strain’s song, and that this constraint was relaxed in the Bengalese Finch by domestication.
Surgical mask placement over N95 filtering facepiece respirators: Physiological effects on healthcare workers
Authors: ROBERGE Raymond J. , COCA Aitor , WILLIAMS W. Jon , PALMIERO Andrew J. , POWELL Jeffrey B.
Published: March 2010

Background and objective:  Filtering facepiece respirators (‘N95 Masks’) may be in short supply during large‐scale infectious outbreaks. Suggestions have been made to extend their useful life by using a surgical mask as an outer barrier, but the physiological impact of this added barrier upon the wearer has not been studied.

Methods:  A surgical mask was worn over an N95 filtering facepiece respirator by 10 healthcare workers for 1 h at each of two work rates. Heart rate, respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute volume, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide levels and respirator dead space gases were monitored and compared with controls (N95 filtering facepiece respirator without a surgical mask). Subjective perceptions of exertion and comfort were assessed by numerical rating scales.

Results:  There were no significant differences in physiological variables between those who used surgical masks and controls. Surgical masks decreased dead space oxygen concentrations of the filtering facepiece respirators at the lesser work rate (P = 0.03) and for filtering facepiece respirators with an exhalation valve at the higher work rate (P = 0.003). Respirator dead space oxygen and carbon dioxide levels were not harmonious with Occupational Safety and Health Administration workplace ambient atmosphere standards. Exertion and comfort scores were not significantly impacted by the surgical mask.

Conclusions:  Use of a surgical mask as an outer barrier over N95 filtering facepiece respirators does not significantly impact the physiological burden or perceptions of comfort and exertion by the wearer over that experienced without use of a surgical mask.
A rare case of amniotic fluid embolism with massive platelet aggregations in pulmonary capillaries
Authors: Furukawa Seishi , Urabe Hirotoshi , Nagai Yoshio , Sameshima Hiroshi , Ikenoue Tsuyomu , Sato Yuichiro
Published: March 2010

A 30‐year‐old woman at 37 weeks of gestation died during labor induction with oxytocin shortly after an episode of abrupt drop of fetal heart rate. Autopsy showed extensive microvascular plugging of the pulmonary capillaries by massive platelet aggregations. Aside from platelet aggregations, the keratinized substances and granulocytes were also shown in the capillary of pulmonary arterioles. These findings were not observed in other systemic organs (heart, liver, spleen, kidney, adrenal, alimentary canal and pancreas). In general, the postmortem histological diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism consisted of demonstrating mucus, leukocytes, squamous, amorphous, and fatty cells in the arteries of the lung. To our knowledge, there have not been any reports regarding massive platelet aggregations shown at pulmonary capillaries in case of acute amniotic fluid embolism except for an experimental model. This is a rare case of amniotic fluid embolism in which massive platelet aggregations were confirmed in pulmonary capillaries by autopsy.
Effect of psychosocial stress and physical activity on low birthweight: A cohort study
Authors: Abeysena Chrishantha , Jayawardana Pushpa , Seneviratne Rohini de A.
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To determine the effect of physical activity and psychosocial stress on low birthweight (LBW).

Methods:  A prospective study was carried out in a district of Sri Lanka between May 2001 and April 2002. A total of 885 pregnant mothers were recruited at ≤16 weeks of gestation and followed up until partus. Trimester‐specific exposure statuses along with potential confounding factors were gathered on average at the 12th, 28th, and 36th weeks of gestation. Physical activities were assessed by inquiring about the duration of specific postures adopted per day by housewives during each trimester at home and both at home and during working hours for those who were engaged in paid employment. Psychosocial stress was assessed using the Modified Life Events Inventory and the General Health Questionnaire 30. LBW was defined as a birthweight of less than 2500 g. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for controlling confounders and the results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results:  Standing > 2.5 h/day (OR 2.26; 95%CI 1.10, 4.69) during the second trimester and sleeping 8 h or less/day (OR 2.84; 95%CI 1.49, 5.40) either during the second, third or both trimesters together, an increase in maternal age in years (OR 0.92; 95%CI 0.87, 0.98), and body mass index < 19.8 kg/m2 (OR 2.2; 95%CI 1.17, 4.22) had a statistically significant association with LBW. Psychosocial stress was not associated with LBW.

Conclusions:  Standing > 2.5 h/day and sleeping ≤8 h/day were risk factors for LBW, whereas psychosocial stress was not.
Does brucellosis in human pregnancy increase abortion risk? Presentation of two cases and review of literature
Authors: Karcaaltincaba Deniz , Sencan Irfan , Kandemir Omer , Guvendag‐Guven Emine Seda , Yalvac Serdar
Published: March 2010

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases that can be encountered during pregnancy. We present two pregnant women with brucellosis. One of them delivered normally and the other patient had an abortion. We reviewed the literature regarding the clinical course of brucellosis in pregnant women. Brucellosis during pregnancy can be associated with abortion, congenital and neonatal infections and infection of the delivery team. Therefore treatment with a combination of rifampicin and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole should be started as soon as it is diagnosed to prevent possible complications.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE NATIVITY WEALTH GAP*
Authors: BAUER THOMAS K. , COBB‐CLARK DEBORAH A. , HILDEBRAND VINCENT A. , SINNING MATHIAS G.
Published: March 2010

We investigate the relative wealth position of immigrant households residing in Australia, Germany, and the United States. In Germany and the United States, wealth differentials stem from differences in the educational attainment and demographic characteristics of the native and immigrant populations, rather than income differentials. In contrast, the small nativity wealth gap in Australia exists because immigrants to Australia do not translate their relative educational and demographic advantage into a wealth advantage. Overall, we find substantial disparity in the economic well‐being of immigrant and native families which is largely consistent with domestic labor markets and immigration policies. (JEL F22, D31)
AN EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF THE PERSISTENCE OF GENDER‐BASED STEREOTYPES
Authors: GROSSMAN PHILIP J. , LUGOVSKYY OLEKSANDR
Published: March 2010

This paper experimentally investigates the role of gender‐based stereotypes in the forecasting of risk attitudes. Subjects predict the gamble choice of target subjects in one of three treatments: (1) Visual—the predictor can only observe the target; (2) Information—the predictor has individuating information about the targets' response to two statements from a risk‐preference survey; and (3) Combined—the predictor both observes the targets and has the targets' two responses to the risk‐preference survey. Our results suggest that stereotypes play a considerable role in forming predictions about others' risk attitudes and that these stereotypes persist even when individuating information is available. (JEL C91, D8, J16)
DO SOCIAL PREFERENCES INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY? FIELD EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM FISHERMEN IN TOYAMA BAY
Authors: CARPENTER JEFFREY , SEKI ERIKA
Published: March 2010

In addition to showing that student measures of social preference, a concern for outcomes achieved by other reference agents, are quite different from those obtained in the field with participants who face social dilemmas in their daily lives, we find links between the social preferences of our field participants and their productivity at work. We also find that the field stock of social preferences evolves endogenously with respect to how widely team production is utilized. Because the link between productivity and social preference is strong, we provide a reason for the wider economics profession to take notice of social preferences. (JEL C93, D21, D24, H41, J24, M52, Z13)
Plant‐specific glycosylation patterns in the context of therapeutic protein production
Authors: Gomord Véronique , Fitchette Anne‐Catherine , Menu‐Bouaouiche Laurence , Saint‐Jore‐Dupas Claude , Plasson Carole , Michaud Dominique , Faye Loïc
Published: March 2010

While N‐glycan synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is relatively well conserved in eukaryotes, N‐glycan processing and O‐glycan biosynthesis in the Golgi apparatus are kingdom specific and result in different oligosaccharide structures attached to glycoproteins in plants and mammals. With the prospect of using plants as alternative hosts to mammalian cell lines for the production of therapeutic glycoproteins, significant progress has been made towards the humanization of protein N‐glycosylation in plant cells. To date, successful efforts in this direction have mainly focused on the targeted expression of therapeutic proteins, the knockout of plant‐specific N‐glycan‐processing genes, and/or the introduction of the enzymatic machinery catalyzing the synthesis, transport and addition of human sugars. By contrast, very little attention has been paid until now to the O‐glycosylation status of plant‐made therapeutic proteins, which is surprising considering that hundreds of human proteins represent good candidates for Hyp‐O glycosylation when produced in a plant expression system. This review describes protein N‐ and O‐linked glycosylation in plants and highlights the limitations and advantages of plant‐specific glycosylation on plant‐made biopharmaceuticals.
Plant‐made vaccines for humans and animals
Authors: Rybicki Edward P.
Published: March 2010

The concept of using plants to produce high‐value pharmaceuticals such as vaccines is 20 years old this year and is only now on the brink of realisation as an established technology. The original reliance on transgenic plants has largely given way to transient expression; proofs of concept for human and animal vaccines and of efficacy for animal vaccines have been established; several plant‐produced vaccines have been through Phase I clinical trials in humans and more are scheduled; regulatory requirements are more clear than ever, and more facilities exist for manufacture of clinic‐grade materials. The original concept of cheap edible vaccines has given way to a realisation that formulated products are required, which may well be injectable. The technology has proven its worth as a means of cheap, easily scalable production of materials: it now needs to find its niche in competition with established technologies. The realised achievements in the field as well as promising new developments will be reviewed, such as rapid‐response vaccines for emerging viruses with pandemic potential and bioterror agents.
Does Maternal Age Affect Children's Test Scores?
Authors: Leigh Andrew , Gong Xiaodong
Published: March 2010

We estimate the relationship between maternal age and child outcomes, using indices aimed at measuring overall outcomes, learning outcomes and social outcomes. In all cases, we find evidence that children of older mothers have better outcomes. Not only do children born to mothers in their twenties do better than children born to teen mothers, but children born to mothers in their thirties do better than children born to mothers in their twenties. However, when we control for other socioeconomic characteristics, such as family income, parental education and single parenthood, the coefficients on maternal age become small and statistically insignificant. The only exception is an index of social outcomes, which is positively associated with maternal age, even controlling for socioeconomic factors. For cognitive outcomes, young motherhood appears to be a marker, not a cause, of poor child outcomes.
Technological Change in Australian Manufacturing
Authors: Bloch Harry
Published: March 2010

In the modern era, the extent and character of technical change features prominently in discussions of productivity growth and movements in the competitiveness of manufacturing. While technical change is pervasive in modern manufacturing, it occurs unevenly. In this study, technical change is estimated by fitting dual cost functions for each of 38 sectors of Australian manufacturing over the 32 year period, 1968–69 to 1999–2000. The estimates show that technical change is heavily labour‐saving in all industries, but that the overall rate of change, as measured by a rate of cost diminution, and the degree of bias towards saving labour, rather than capital or material, varies substantially across industries.
Income Redistribution and Direct Taxes and Transfers in New Zealand
Authors: Creedy John , Enright Jamas , Gemmell Norman , McNabb Nick
Published: March 2010

This article examines the redistributive effects of direct taxes and transfers in New Zealand. First, it reports summary measures of the income tax‐and‐transfer system using the NZ Household Economic Survey. Second, the article examines the characteristics of low‐income NZ taxpayers. A decomposition by individual and household characteristics shows that different groups of low‐income taxpayers can be affected quite differently by various aspects of the tax‐and‐transfer system. In particular, reforms involving tax‐free zones do not appear to be well targeted to help those most in need.
Elastic Tubes: Modeling Elastic Deformation of Hollow Tubes
Authors: Li H. , Leow W. K. , Chiu I.‐S.
Published: March 2010

The Cosserat theory of elastic rods has been used in a wide range of application domains to model and simulate the elastic deformation of thin rods. It is physically accurate and its implementations are efficient for interactive simulation. However, one requirement of using Cosserat rod theory is that the tubular object must have rigid cross‐sections that are small compared to its length. This requirement make it difficult for the approach to model elastic deformation of rods with large, non‐rigid cross‐sections that can change shape during rod deformation, in particular, hollow tubes. Our approach achieves this task using a hybrid model that binds a mesh elastically to a reference Cosserat rod. The mesh represents the surface of the hollow tube while the reference rod models bending, twisting, shearing and stretching of the tube. The cross‐sections of the tube may take on any arbitrary shape. The binding is established by a mapping between mesh vertices and the rod's directors. Deformation of the elastic tube is accomplished in two phases. First, the reference rod is deformed according to Cosserat theory. Next, the mesh is deformed using Laplacian deformation according to its mapping to the rod and its surface elastic energy. This hybrid approach allows the tube to deform in a physically correct manner in relation to the bending, twisting, shearing, and stretching of the reference rod. It also allows the surface to deform realistically and efficiently according to surface elastic energy and the shape of the reference rod. In this way, the deformation of elastic hollow tubes with large, non‐rigid cross‐sections can be simulated accurately and efficiently.
Bayesian Forecasting of Immigration to Selected European Countries by using Expert Knowledge
Authors: Bijak Jakub , Wiśniowski Arkadiusz
Published: March 2010

The aim of the paper is to present Bayesian forecasts of immigration for seven European countries to 2025, based on quantitative data and qualitative knowledge elicited from country-specific migration experts in a two-round Delphi survey. In line with earlier results, most of the immigration processes under study were found to be barely predictable in the long run, exhibiting non-stationary features. This outcome was obtained largely irrespectively of the expert knowledge input, which nevertheless was found useful in describing the predictive uncertainty, especially in the short term. It is argued that, under the non-stationarity of migration processes, too long forecasts horizons are inadequate, which is a serious challenge for population forecasts in general.
Estimation of International Migration Flow Tables in Europe
Authors: Abel Guy J.
Published: March 2010

A methodology is developed to estimate comparable international migration flows between a set of countries. International migration flow data may be missing, reported by the sending country, reported by the receiving country or reported by both the sending and the receiving countries. For the last situation, reported counts rarely match owing to differences in definitions and data collection systems. We report counts harmonized by using correction factors estimated from a constrained optimization procedure. Factors are applied to scale data that are known to be of a reliable standard, creating an incomplete migration flow table of harmonized values. Cells for which no reliable reported flows exist are then estimated from a negative binomial regression model fitted by using an expectation–maximization (EM) type of algorithm. Covariate information for this model is drawn from international migration theory. Finally, measures of precision for all missing cell estimates are derived by using the supplemented EM algorithm. Recent data on international migration between countries in Europe are used to illustrate the methodology. The results represent a complete table of comparable flows which can be used by regional policy makers and social scientists to understand population behaviour and change better.
Using Administrative Data to Improve the Estimation of Immigration to Local Areas in England
Authors: Boden Peter , Rees Phil
Published: March 2010

International migration is now a significant driver of population change across Europe but the methods that are available to estimate its true effect on subnational areas remain inconsistent, constrained by inadequate systems of measurement and data capture. In the absence of a population register for England, official statistics on immigration and emigration are derived from a combination of survey and census sources. The paper demonstrates how administrative data systems such as those which capture registrations of recent migrants with a local doctor, national insurance number registrations by workers from abroad and the registration of foreign students for higher education can provide data to understand patterns and trends in international migration better. The paper proposes a model for the estimation of immigration at a local level, integrating existing national estimates from the UK Office for National Statistics with data from these administrative sources. The model attempts to circumvent conceptual differences between data sets through the use of proportional distributions rather than absolute migrant counts in the estimation process. The model methodology and the results that it produces provide alternative estimates of immigration for consideration by the Office for National Statistics as it develops its own programme of improvement to subnational migration statistics.
THE SOCIAL ARTICULATION OF TIME IN EUGEN ROSENSTOCK‐HUESSY
Authors: LEITHART PETER J.
Published: March 2010

Sociologists and theologians have both devoted considerable attention and energy to time, but the two rarely speak to one another. Sociologists investigate the effects of clock time, railway schedules, and calendars on culture, while theologians examine God's relation to time, usually the time of physics. The neglected German‐American thinker Eugen Rosenstock‐Huessy can help to bridge this gap. In his historical work, he paid particular attention to the role of rituals and calendars in shaping time, but he was also a Christian thinker who confessed that Jesus Christ brought in the “fullness of time.” This article considers some aspects of Rosenstock‐Huessy's rich account of time in the hopes that both theologians and sociologists, but especially theologians with sociological interests, will find his insights fruitful and mine them further for the productive possibilities.
ON BEING HEARD BUT NOT SEEN: MILBANK AND LASH ON AQUINAS, ANALOGY AND AGNOSTICISM
Authors: De HART PAUL
Published: March 2010

The article investigates an important recent dispute within systematic theology over the interpretation of Thomas Aquinas. John Milbank has defended the view that the doctrine of analogy in Aquinas is peculiarly implicated with his entire ontology, that it cannot be understood in merely semantic terms, and that it involves a less “agnostic” position on knowledge of God than is often assumed. The article critically engages this position in two ways. It offers an archaeology of the prior polemical context out of which the claim arose, for the meaning and purpose of Milbank's claim are illuminated once it is seen as the vigorous repudiation of a “grammatical” or “linguistic” interpretation of Thomas on analogy which had been proffered earlier by Nicholas Lash. It will also provide a close investigation of the citations and interpretations of Aquinas texts that Milbank uses to ground his position, in order to adjudicate the dispute with Lash. The result will be to call strongly into question the plausibility of Milbank's readings of Aquinas. The article also indicates at several points the way in which those readings are shaped by an overriding anti‐Kantian thrust in Milbank's entire approach to the discussion. In conclusion, it adumbrates the larger and older question which subtends the entire dispute: to what degree is some kind of vision or intuitive grasp of being as such, or of God's being, granted human beings in this life?
Stories Baptismal Registers Told: Private Baptism in Seventeenth‐Century England
Authors: TJONDROWARDOJO YUDHA THIANTO
Published: March 2010

Even though non‐emergency private baptism became a debated issue in seventeenth‐century England, the practice, as has been commonly believed, did not become a trend all over the country. By taking a close look at several seventeenth‐century baptismal registers of churches in and outside London, this article shows that non‐emergency private baptism was the choice taken mostly by well‐to‐do families living in London. As a contrast, rural parishes still adhered strictly to the Prayer Book, by administering private baptism only in emergency. Therefore, this article maintains that non‐emergency private baptism was more of an exception than the common practice.
Robert Southey, Benjamin Disraeli and Young England
Authors: SPECK W. A.
Published: March 2010

Although the ideology of the Young England movement has been traced to a variety of sources, the influence of Robert Southey on it has largely gone unnoticed. Yet he shared with the Young England group a penchant for the middle ages. Like them, he was not nostalgic for the medieval era just for its own sake but wished to revive its alleged sense of community to offset the perceived social alienation of the new industrial age. While a leader of the movement such as Lord John Manners openly acknowledged his intellectual debt to Southey, Benjamin Disraeli rarely did so. Yet, as this article shows, there was a link in that Disraeli and Southey were acquainted through Benjamin's father Isaac, and Southey's ‘radical Tory’ views can be detected in Disraeli's ‘Young England’ novels.
Education of the Laity and Advocacy of Violence in Print during the French Wars of Religion
Authors: RACAUT LUC
Published: March 2010

At the turn of the seventeenth century King Henri IV of France sought to reconcile his Catholic and Protestant subjects by blaming the violent excesses of the French Wars of Religion on religious radicalism. In particular, Catholic preachers and pamphleteers were accused retrospectively of having poured oil on the fire of religious violence through vitriolic sermons and pamphlets. Historians have tended to reproduce this charge while at the same time emphasizing the ‘modernity’ of Protestantism, particularly in view of religious education. A review of books printed in the sixteenth century enables historians to test empirically the extent to which violence was fuelled by religious polemic. From the beginning of the Reformation the Catholic Church had been torn between educating the laity in correct doctrine on one hand and denouncing heresy on the other. A closer look at the book trade reveals that these concerns were reflected in the kinds of books that were published in the vernacular in the second half of the sixteenth century. While the clergy increasingly saw the merits of educating the laity, it had to compete with the public's taste for polemic that printers were keen to cater for.
The Battle of Chester and Warfare in Post‐Roman Britain
Authors: DAVIES SEAN
Published: March 2010

Archaeological work at Heronbridge near Chester has recently uncovered the earliest identifiable site of a major British battlefield and investigated a related seventh‐century fortification on the site. This article uses the new evidence to help interpret the battle of Chester's political background, the make‐up of the forces on the day, their motivations, the equipment used and the course of the conflict, suggesting that the construction of the remarkable fortification was a key factor in the decision to engage in a battle that contravened the usual tactical principles of the age. The clash is set in the wider context of warfare in post‐Roman Europe, providing insights into the development of both the Anglo‐Saxon and British kingdoms that had emerged in the former imperial province of Britannia.