bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative Predictive Model of Coronary Artery Calcification in Atherosclerosis
Authors: McGeachie Michael , Ramoni Rachel L. Badovinac , Mychaleckyj Josyf C. , Furie Karen L. , Dreyfuss Jonathan M. , Liu Yongmei , Herrington David , Guo Xiuqing , Lima João A. , Post Wendy , Rotter Jerome I. , Rich Stephen , Sale Michèle , Ramoni Marco F.
Published: December 2009

Background—

Many different genetic and clinical factors have been identified as causes or contributors to atherosclerosis. We present a model of preclinical atherosclerosis based on genetic and clinical data that predicts the presence of coronary artery calcification in healthy Americans of European descent 45 to 84 years of age in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Methods and Results—

We assessed 712 individuals for the presence or absence of coronary artery calcification and assessed their genotypes for 2882 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. With the use of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms and relevant clinical data, a Bayesian network that predicts the presence of coronary calcification was constructed. The model contained 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (from genes AGTR1, ALOX15, INSR, PRKAB1, IL1R2, ESR2, KCNK1, FBLN5, PPARA, VEGFA, PON1, TDRD6, PLA2G7, and 1 ancestry informative marker) and 5 clinical variables (sex, age, weight, smoking, and diabetes mellitus) and achieved 85% predictive accuracy, as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. This is a significant (
P
<0.001) improvement on models that use just the single-nucleotide polymorphism data or just the clinical variables.

Conclusions—

We present an investigation of joint genetic and clinical factors associated with atherosclerosis that shows predictive results for both cases, as well as enhanced performance for their combination.
Reduction of Circulating Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 Plays a Significant Role in Renal Dysfunction–Associated Aggravation of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Onoue Kenji , Uemura Shiro , Takeda Yukiji , Somekawa Satoshi , Iwama Hajime , Imagawa Keiichi , Nishida Taku , Morikawa Yoshinobu , Takemoto Yasuhiro , Asai Osamu , Soeda Tsunenari , Okayama Satoshi , Ishigami Kenichi , Nakatani Kimihiko , Kawata Hiroyuki , Horii Manabu , Nakajima Tamio , Akai Yasuhiro , Iwano Masayuki , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: December 2009

Background—

Renal dysfunction is commonly accompanied by a worsening of atherosclerosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. We examined the role played by soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), an endogenous antagonist of the proatherogenic cytokine placental growth factor (PlGF), in the worsening of atherosclerosis in patients with renal dysfunction and in an animal model of renal failure.

Methods and Results—

In this study, 329 patients who received cardiac catheterization and 76 patients who underwent renal biopsy were enrolled. Both plasma sFlt-1 levels and renal sFlt-1 mRNA expression were positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (
P
<0.01). The PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (
P
<0.01), whereas plasma PlGF levels were not affected by it. The PlGF/sFlt-1 ratio was significantly higher in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease than in patients with single-vessel or no coronary artery disease. The reduction of circulating sFlt-1 and renal sFlt-1 mRNA levels was confirmed in five-sixths (5/6)–nephrectomized apolipoprotein E–deficient mice that developed experimental renal dysfunction. Atherosclerotic plaque area and macrophage infiltration into the plaque were significantly higher in 5/6–nephrectomized apolipoprotein E–deficient mice than in control mice, but replacement therapy with recombinant sFlt-1 significantly reduced both plaque formation and macrophage infiltration.

Conclusions—

The present study demonstrates that a reduction in the circulating levels of sFlt-1 is associated with the worsening of atherosclerosis that accompanies renal dysfunction.
Role of Angiotensin II in the Remodeling Induced by a Chronic Increase in Flow in Rat Mesenteric Resistance Arteries
Authors: Cousin Maud , Custaud Marc-Antoine , Baron-Menguy Céline , Toutain Bertrand , Dumont Odile , Guihot Anne-Laure , Vessières Emilie , Subra Jean-François , Henrion Daniel , Loufrani Laurent
Published: December 2009

Angiotensin II is a potent growth factor involved in arterial wall homeostasis. In resistance arteries, chronic increases in blood flow induce a rise in diameter associated with arterial wall hypertrophy. Nevertheless, the role of angiotensin II in this remodeling is unknown. We investigated the effect of blocking angiotensin II production or receptor activation on flow-induced remodeling of mesenteric resistance arteries. Arteries were ligated in vivo to generate high-flow arteries compared with normal flow (control) vessels located at a distance. Arteries were isolated after 1 week for in vitro analysis. Arterial diameter, media surface, endothelial NO synthase expression, superoxide production, and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation were higher in high-flow than in control arteries. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (perindopril) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade (candesartan) prevented arterial wall hypertrophy without affecting diameter enlargement. The nonselective vasodilator hydralazine had no effect on remodeling. Although perindopril and candesartan increased endothelial NO synthase expression in high-flow arteries, hypertrophy remained in rats treated with
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester and mice lacking endothelial NO synthase. Perindopril and candesartan reduced oxidative stress in high-flow arteries, but superoxide scavenging did not prevent hypertrophy. Both Tempol and the absence of endothelial NO synthase prevented the rise in diameter in high-flow vessels. Extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 activation in high-flow arteries was prevented by perindopril and candesartan and not by hydralazine. Extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 inhibition in vivo (U0126) prevented hypertrophy in high-flow arteries. Thus, a chronic rise in blood flow in resistance arteries induces a diameter enlargement involving NO and superoxide, whereas hypertrophy was associated with extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 activation by angiotensin II.
Angiotensin-(1-7)-Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Attenuates Reactive Oxygen Species Formation to Angiotensin II Within the Cell Nucleus
Authors: Gwathmey TanYa M. , Pendergrass Karl D. , Reid Sean D. , Rose James C. , Diz Debra I. , Chappell Mark C.
Published: December 2009

The angiotensin (Ang) type 1 receptor (AT
1
R) is highly expressed on renal nuclei and stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is not known whether other functional components of the Ang system regulate the nuclear Ang II-AT
1
R ROS pathway. Therefore, we examined the expression of Ang receptors in nuclei isolated from the kidneys of young adult (1.5 years) and older adult (3.0 to 5.0 years) sheep. Binding studies in renal nuclei revealed the AT
2
R as the predominant receptor subtype (≈80%) in young sheep, with the Ang-(1-7) (AT
7
R; Mas protein) and AT
1
R antagonists competing for the remaining sites. Conversely, in older sheep, the AT
1
R accounted for ≈85% of nuclear sites, whereas the Ang type 2 receptor and AT
7
R subtypes comprise ≈20% of remaining sites. Ang II increased nuclear ROS to a greater extent in older (97±22%; n=6) versus young animals (7±2%;
P
=0.01; n=4), and this was abolished by an AT
1
R antagonist. The AT
7
R antagonist D-Ala
7
-Ang-(1-7) increased ROS formation to Ang II by ≈2-fold (174±5% versus 97±22%;
P
<0.05) in older adults. Immunoblots of renal nuclei revealed protein bands for the AT
7
R and Ang-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which metabolizes Ang II to Ang-(1-7). The ACE2 inhibitor MLN4760 also exacerbated the Ang II-dependent formation of ROS (156±15%) and abolished the generation of Ang-(1-7) from Ang II. We conclude that an ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-AT
7
R pathway modulates Ang II-dependent ROS formation within the nucleus, providing a unique protective mechanism against oxidative stress and cell damage.
From Public Diplomacy to Corporate Diplomacy: Increasing Corporation’s Legitimacy and Influence
Authors: Ordeix-Rigo Enric , Duarte João
Published: December 2009

Public diplomacy is an increasing popular preoccupation of governments worldwide, especially aimed at achieving acceptance of their foreign policies abroad, in which corporations have traditionally played a secondary role. However, as it happens with governments, corporations have understood long ago the challenges of being accepted abroad. In this paper the authors suggest that ‘corporate diplomacy’ is also a process by which corporations intend to be recognized as representatives of something that might be a concept or a country or its related values. In this case, it is essential to create a sincere adaptation of the corporate values to the societal values if a corporation wishes to have a symbiotic relationship with key stakeholders. ‘Corporate diplomacy’ thus becomes a complex process of commitment towards society, and in particular with its public institutions, whose main added value to the corporation is a greater degree of legitimacy or “license-to-operate,” which in turn improves its power within a given social system. By proposing a certain notion of ‘corporate diplomacy’ the authors intend to evocate an important role that modern corporations are increasingly playing through their public relations practice and which might be shaping the definition of corporations as institutions within society.
Why No Backsliding? The European Union’s Impact on Democracy and Governance Before and After Accession
Authors: Levitz Philip , Pop-Eleches Grigore
Published: December 2009

This article documents and explains the puzzling lack of backsliding in political reforms among the new postcommunist EU members, even though these countries are no longer subject to the powerful incentives of the EU membership promise. Using a combination of cross-national statistics, expert interviews, and public opinion data, the authors show that the new EU members have experienced at most a slowdown in reforms rather than a genuine backlash. The authors attribute this finding to the fact that the loss of leverage after the countries joined the European Union was balanced by a combination of alternative leverage and linkage mechanisms, including greater dependence on EU aid and trade and greater exposure to the West for both elites and ordinary citizens. For the latter, expanded work and travel opportunities seem to be associated with higher expectations of government performance and greater political involvement, which may be crucial for future governance reform in the region.
Crossing the Frontier
Authors: Rippl Suzanne , Bücker Nicola , Petrat Anke , Boehnke Klaus
Published: December 2009

The article reports results of representative survey studies in border regions of Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and France. It addresses the proposition that border regions are laboratories of social integration in Europe, and tests to what degree the endowment with transnational social capital (TSC) predicts individual transnational identities with regard to the immediate border region and to Europe as a whole. Results show that only in the border region of Germany and France is there a relationship between accumulated TSC and strength of transnational identity, whereas in the border regions of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, the accumulated individual TSC does not predict transnational identities, which are there more an outflow of political attitudes and reflections about historic conflicts.
Liberal Democracy, the Democratic Method and the Nigerian 2007 Elections
Authors: Odion-Akhaine Sylvester
Published: December 2009

This article examines the essential elements of liberalism and identifies its linkage with liberal democracy against the backdrop of the recent Nigerian general elections. It further foregrounds the democratic method as a core value of liberal democracy. The Nigerian 2007 elections are assessed in order to reveal the extent of its departure from the democratic method. The failure of the democratic method, the article argues has consequences for democracy in Nigeria, especially the place of consent and legitimacy in the governance continuum. It concludes by proffering ways to strengthen the democratic method so that votes can count and be meaningful.
Xylitol Gum and Maternal Transmission of Mutans Streptococci
Authors: Nakai Y. , Shinga-Ishihara C. , Kaji M. , Moriya K. , Murakami-Yamanaka K. , Takimura M.
Published: December 2009

An important caries prevention strategy for children includes measures to interfere with transmission of mutans streptococci (MS). This study confirmed the effectiveness of maternal early exposure to xylitol chewing gum on mother-child transmission of MS. After screening, 107 pregnant women with high salivary MS were randomized into two groups: xylitol gum (Xylitol; n = 56) and no gum (Control; n = 51) groups. Maternal chewing started at the sixth month of pregnancy and terminated 13 months later in the Xylitol group. Outcome measures were the presence of MS in saliva or plaque of the children until age 24 months. The Xylitol-group children were significantly less likely to show MS colonization than Control-group children aged 9–24 months. The Control-group children acquired MS 8.8 months earlier than those in the Xylitol group, suggesting that maternal xylitol gum chewing in Japan shows beneficial effects similar to those demonstrated in Nordic countries.
Calculating mixed venous saturation during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Walker Joshua L. , Gelfond Jonathan , Zarzabal Lee Ann , Darling Edward
Published: December 2009

Introduction: Recirculation (R), the shunting of arterial blood back into to the venous lumen, commonly occurs during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) and renders the monitoring of the venous line oxygen saturation no longer reflective of patient mixed venous oxygen saturation (SVO2). Previously, we failed to prove the hypothesis that, once R is known, it is possible to calculate the SVO2 of a patient on VV-ECMO. We hypothesize that we can calculate SVO2 during VV-ECMO if we account for and add an additional correction factor to our model for dissolved oxygen content. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to derive a more accurate model that will allow clinicians to determine SVO2 during VV-ECMO when ultrasound dilution is being used to quantify R. Methods : Using an extracorporeal circuit primed with fresh porcine blood, two stocks of blood were produced; (1) arterial blood (AB), and (2) venous blood (VB). To mimic recirculation, the AB and VB were mixed together in precise ratios using syringes and a stopcock manifold. Six paired stock AB/VB sets were prepared. Two sets were mixed at 20% R increments and 4 sets were mixed at 10% R increments. The partial pressure of oxygen (pO2 ) and oxygen (O2) saturation of the stock blood and resultant mixed blood was determined. The original model was modified by modeling the residual errors with linear regression. Results: When using the original model, as the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO 2) of the stock AB increased, the calculated SVO2 was higher than actual, especially at higher R levels. An iteration of the original model incorporating the PaO2 level (low, medium, high) and R was derived to fit the data. Conclusions : The original model using R and circuit saturations for the calculation of SVO 2 in VV-ECMO patients is an oversimplification that fails to consider the influence of the high pO2 of arterial blood during therapy. In the future, further improvements in this model will allow clinicians accurately to calculate SVO2 in conjunction with recirculation measurements.
Industrial Relations and Labour Market Segmentation in Dutch Call Centres
Authors: van Jaarsveld Danielle , de Grip Andries , Sieben Inge
Published: December 2009

This article uses qualitative and quantitative evidence from call centres to show how the Dutch industrial relations system balances employer needs for workforce flexibility with the interests of employees. The normalization of temporary agency work in the Netherlands helps employers build workforce flexibility, reducing pressures on firms to subcontract work and to escape the existing regulatory system. In addition, the inclusiveness of the Dutch collective bargaining system, with the majority of call centre workers covered by a collective agreement, reduces differences in working conditions. Nonetheless, variations in negotiated agreements covering in-house workers, subcontractors and temporary agency workers lead to tiers of segmentation among these secondary labour market jobs.
Factors Influencing a Self-Limiting HIV Outbreak Among Ethnic Vietnamese Injecting Drug Users in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Higgs Peter , Yohannes Keflemariam , Hellard Margaret , Maher Lisa
Published: December 2009

Successful HIV prevention programs—such as sterile needle and syringe programs—have ensured that incidence and prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs remains low in Australia. However, between 1999 and 2006, 20 of the 46 injecting-related HIV notifications in Melbourne (Australia’s second-largest city) were ethnic Vietnamese heroin users. Through in-depth interviews we explored and documented the coping tactics and strategies of 9 ethnic Vietnamese heroin injectors. We explored their experiences of living with HIV, and in this article identify factors that appear to have contributed to limiting the spread of HIV beyond this cluster of people. The data reveal factors associated with this self-limiting outbreak, including consciously avoiding opioid withdrawal and having closed injecting networks. Early and effective engagement with participants by health care workers also appears to have played an important role in containing the transmission of HIV within this group of ethnic Vietnamese heroin injectors.
Livelihood Strategies and Nutritional Status of Grandparent Caregivers of AIDS Orphans in Nyando District, Kenya
Authors: Wangui Elizabeth Edna
Published: December 2009

Although the growing role of grandparents as primary caregivers of AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa has been established by previous research, few scholars have undertaken studies to explore the experiences of older persons in this new role. In this study, I used qualitative research methods to examine livelihood strategies that influenced the nutritional status of grandparent caregivers, a population largely neglected in the literature on African livelihoods. In this article I highlight the agency of older persons by identifying responses that promote their livelihood resilience. My research was guided by the sustainable livelihoods framework and involved in-depth individual interviews with 30 grandparent caregivers selected based on their nutritional status. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were also conducted. Results indicate that the ability to mobilize new sources of labor for food production and new social networks to facilitate other forms of food entitlement are critical to nutritional status. These results are important in designing interventions targeting vulnerable grandparent caregivers.
Men Who Have Sex With Men Account for Nonuse of Condoms
Authors: Adams Jeffery , Neville Stephen
Published: December 2009

Despite several decades of health promotion activity targeted at men who have sex with men (MSM), rates for nonuse of condoms for anal sex among MSM worldwide and in New Zealand have been increasing in recent times. In this article we report on the first local qualitative investigation undertaken in Auckland, New Zealand, of how members of a particular group of MSM account for nonuse of condoms for anal sex with other men. We collected qualitative data from 22 MSM (17 face-to-face interviews, and three online interviews involving 5 men). Thematic analysis led to the identification of five patterns that account for the nonuse of condoms: (a) substance use, (b) psychological aspects, (c) difficulties using condoms, (d) condoms in relationships, and (e) managing risk. We conclude that although this information generally confirms the findings in the wider research literature, it is also important in the local context as the first research that can be used with confidence in developing and refining health promotion initiatives to address this issue.
Forms and Determinants of Migration and HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma on the Mexican—Guatemalan Border
Authors: Infante Cesar , Aggleton Peter , Pridmore Pat
Published: December 2009

In this study we examined the origins and consequences of HIV/AIDS-related stigma on the Mexican—Guatemalan border. To explore these issues, an inductive/deductive approach was taken. Data were collected using qualitative methods including nonparticipant observation, in-depth interviews, and informal conversation. Informants included Central American immigrants, locals, and contextual key informants. Findings reveal that gender, social class, and race/ ethnicity function as key determinants of HIV/AIDS-related stigma, but serve also as the basis around which migration-related stigma is constructed within this particular context. These issues need to be taken into account in addressing the vulnerability of mobile populations, as well as the stigma attached to migration and HIV/AIDS. To be effective, responses should be based in the social and contextual realities faced by migrants and mobile populations, and be part of a more general process of empowerment that improves their legal, social, economic, and health status.
Men’s and Women’s Experiences With HIV and Stigma in Swaziland
Authors: Shamos Sara , Hartwig Kari A. , Zindela Nomsa
Published: December 2009

To explore how gender differentially affects the stigma experiences of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Swaziland, the extent and dimensions of HIV-related felt and enacted stigma and social support were analyzed. Thirty-seven semistructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with PLHIV in Swaziland between 2004 and 2006. Through the process of conceptual analysis, themes, including felt stigma, information management, enacted stigma, and social support, were explored, coded, and analyzed in the contexts of partner and familial relationships, and workplace and neighborhood settings. Findings revealed that there were high levels of felt stigma in all contexts, yet fewer than anticipated accounts of enacted stigma in family, work, and neighborhood contexts compared to their expressions of felt stigma. The amount and characteristics of felt and enacted stigma and social support differed based on gender, as women often experienced more felt and enacted stigma than men, and had less definite financial or emotional support.
Moving Toward a Three-Way Intersection in Translational Research: A Sociological Perspective
Authors: van den Hoonaard Deborah K.
Published: December 2009

Conventionally, the definition of translational research describes a two-way process of translation from the “bench” to the “bedside” and the “bedside” to the “bench.” In this article, however, I suggest that those at the bottom (i.e., the clinicians) are likely to pay more attention to what those at the top (i.e., the scientists) say than vice versa. I argue that the experience of the patient, omitted from consideration, has much to add to the understanding of both clinicians and scientists. In this address I recommend using qualitative research to give voice to the experience of patients. I use examples from my own research with older widows to demonstrate its usefulness.
In Situ Follicular Lymphoma Associated With Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers
Authors: Handa Tomoyuki , Maki Kazuhiro , Segawa Asuki , Masawa Nobuhide , Mitani Kinuko
Published: December 2009

The authors report here a case of in situ follicular lymphoma (FL) associated with progressive transformation of the germinal center (PTGC). A 39-year-old Japanese male developed a mass in the right cervical region. Biopsy of the enlarged lymph node led to a diagnosis of PTGC. Then, 5 years later, the lymphadenopathy recurred. The second biopsy specimens contained numerous germinal centers, including PTGC. Although most follicles were cytologically reactive, a few GCs appeared to be somewhat monotonous, composed predominantly of centrocytes and lacking mitotic figures and tangible body macrophages. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that these atypical GCs were CD10+, CD20+, and bcl-2+, with λ-light-chain restriction. A previous report emphasized the differential diagnostic problem between PTGC and the floral variant of FL. However, the present case indicated that in situ FL should be added to the list of differential diagnoses for PTGC.
Listening to children’s music perspectives: in- and out-of-school thoughts
Authors: Griffin Shelley M.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT Findings are presented from a three-month, two-phase study inquiring into the music experiences of 20 Grade 2/3 children (seven to eight year olds), both in- and out-of-school. The article highlights the music experiences of three children who were drawn from the group of 20. Situated within the theoretical underpinnings of social constructionism, experience and attentive listening, a framework of ethnography and narrative inquiry was utilized to create and interpret fictionalized narratives crafted in the form of ongoing dialogues between the researcher and participants. The children’s tales offered insightful understandings relating to the influences that shape children’s music experiences. Conversations indicated a recognizable lack of interplay of music experiences between in- and out-of-school. These tales reveal possibilities for how music educators may re/conceptualize ways in which children’s voices may be centrally embedded within elementary music curricula.
Sites of social justice: community music in New York City
Authors: Silverman Marissa
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this article is to integrate some philosophical reflections on music and music education with aspects of social justice as practiced in three community music sites in New York City. Through this integration of theory and practice, I offer ways in which school music educators might adapt and benefit from the practices of community workers in these contexts. After examining the nature of social justice, I discuss some prerequisites for, and aspects of, this concept in the context of western societies generally and the USA particularly. In doing so, I draw principally on the work of bell hooks, one of America’s most eminent social critics. The last section of my discussion connects salient aspects of social justice to three sites of community music in New York City.
Ethnic differences in the prevalence of general and central obesity among the Sami and Norwegian populations: The SAMINOR study
Authors: Nystad Tove , Melhus Marita , Brustad Magritt , Lund Eiliv
Published: December 2009

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of general (body mass index) and central (waist circumference and waist/hip ratio) obesity in an area with a mixed Sami and Norwegian population. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study carried out in 2003— 2004, the SAMINOR study. The attendance rate was 60.6%. A total of 7,301 men and 7,841 women, aged 36—79, were included in the analyses. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference were measured, body mass index (BMI) calculated and information concerning lifestyle was collected by questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of general obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) in participants who had Sami as their home language for three generations (Sami I) and Norwegian participants was 38.7% and 24.3% for women respectively; and for men 26.9% and 23.4% respectively. More than 40% of the women had central obesity (waist circumference ≥88 cm), and the highest prevalence was found in Sami I women (45%). The highest prevalence of central obesity (waist circumference ≥102 cm) was found in Norwegian men (24.2%). The ethnic differences persisted after adjustment for age, education, physical activity in leisure time, and smoking habits. Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity was high in this population and central obesity was most pronounced in women, particularly in Sami women. Sami men were less obese than Norwegian men. Further studies are necessary to examine a possible explanation for these findings, especially to elaborate on the impact of diet.
Childe, His Student, and Archaeological Science: An Epilogue
Authors: Brothwell Don
Published: December 2009

Childe was a considerable influence on my archaeology, when I was an undergraduate at the Institute of Archaeology (London). His personality was enigmatic, as were parts of his publications. In this contribution some critical comments are made of his work, together with discussions on his Marxism, the Neolithic Revolution, what is meant by progress, and his all too brief consideration of the range of archaeological science. It will be argued that his inability to make close friendships, and other aspects of his personality, would suggest that he had Asperger's syndrome.
Priest-Kings or Puritans? Childe and Willing Subordination in the Indus
Authors: Coningham Robin , Manuel Mark
Published: December 2009

One of the Indus Civilization's most striking features is its cultural uniformity evidenced by a common script, artefact forms and motifs, weights and measures, and the presence of proscribed urban plans. Early excavators and commentators utilized ideas of diffusion, and concepts of kingship and slavery remained prevalent within interpretations of the Indus. Whilst Childe questioned ideas of diffusion and hereditary rule he still identified a system of economic exploitation in which the vast majority of the population was subordinated. More recently scholars have begun to argue that small sections of the Indus population may have willingly subordinated themselves in order to secure positions of power. This article explores the dichotomy between traditional Eurocentric normative models of social organization and those derived from south Asian cultural traditions.
Childe and the International Congresses of Archaeology
Authors: Díaz-Andreu Margarita
Published: December 2009

In this article Childe's commitment to internationalism and, in particular, to the International Congress of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences (CISPP) is analysed. Personal correspondence between Childe and Myres and, to a lesser extent, other archaeologists, is used as the basis to consider the different stages in Childe's involvement in the CISPP. After an overview of the emergence of international congresses, the article looks at the formation of an interest group that resulted in the creation of the CISPP. The challenges brought by Nazi Germany to the international scene, and to Childe's positioning in it, are also explored. The article then examines his role in the revival of the international congress during and after the Second World War and his lesser commitment from the third conference in 1950. Finally, some comments are made on the value of archives for the history of archaeology, on the lack of connection between Childe's internationalism and Marxism, and on the need to further investigate the relationship between Childe and Myres.
Gordon Childe and Scottish Archaeology: The Edinburgh Years 1927–1946
Authors: Ralston Ian
Published: December 2009

This article considers Childe's career in Scotland, where he was Abercromby Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology at Edinburgh University 1927–1946, and assesses his impact on Scottish archaeology and the Scottish archaeological community. Matters discussed include his development of teaching programmes and resources within the university, and his association with the Edinburgh League of Prehistorians. His excavation and fieldwork at Skara Brae and elsewhere, and his publications during this span, are considered. Childe's collaborations with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland and the National Museum, especially during the Second World War, are reviewed. The archaeological achievements of some of his Edinburgh students are briefly summarized.
The Danube and settlement prehistory – 80 years on
Authors: Chapman John
Published: December 2009

Although commentators have discussed myriad themes presented in the rich and extensiveoeuvreof Childe, one of the topics that has been, in my view, seriously neglected is the topic of settlement types. In this article, I seek to make good this omission, starting from a consideration ofThe Danube in Prehistory. The basis of Childe's ideas on settlement types in the Neolithic and Copper Age of eastern Europe was a binary classification into ‘tells’ and ‘flat sites’ that, in turn, reflected a division between permanent and shifting cultivation and greater and lesser cultural complexity. However, the introduction into this debate of questions of trade, surplus production, and Neolithic ‘self-sufficiency’, as well as metallurgy and ritual, meant that the initial binary classification left a series of contradictions that Childe struggled to transcend in the last decade of his life.
Girls and Gangs: ‘Shemale’ Gangsters in the UK?
Authors: Young Tara
Published: December 2009

In recent years there have been a number of high profile stories reporting increasing levels of female involvement in group related crime. According to these reports teenage girls are no longer spectators hovering on the periphery of street gangs but are hard core members actively engaging in the kind of extreme violence that is usually the preserve of men. As girl ‘gangsters’, young women are seen to be engaging in a wide range of crimes such as robbery, rape and murder. Using findings from an empirical study on young people’s use of weapons and involvement in street based groups, this article examines female involvement in ‘gangs’ and their violent behaviour. It challenges the dominant stereotype of girl ‘gangsters’ as malicious violent aggressors. The notion of the gang and implications for policy and practice will also be considered.
Between Two Stools? Responding to Young Women who Offend
Authors: Burman Michele , Batchelor Susan A.
Published: December 2009

This article traces the emergence of the ‘problem’ of violent and disorderly young female offenders in Scotland, against a broader background context of the politicization of youth crime and major changes in youth justice policy post-Devolution. It draws attention to the limited empirical evidence about this group, and challenges perceptions about the nature and scale of violent offending by young women. Young women offenders fall between two stools. Policy responses to youth offending focus primarily on young men (ignoring gender) and policies in relation to women offenders fail to differentiate between older and younger women (ignoring age). Perhaps even more so than adult female offenders, young female offenders are an invisible minority whose offending pathways and distinctive needs have gone largely undocumented and unaddressed.
Famous Forgetters: Notable People and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jones Jeffrey M. , Jones Joni L.
Published: December 2009

As life expectancy continues to increase, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become much more prevalent and as yet there is no cure. This has given rise to the situation Tithonus faced in Greek mythology of living longer but not staying young. In this article, the authors explore this phenomenon while reviewing some notable people and AD.
A Simple Single-Item Rating Scale to Measure Medication Adherence: Further Evidence for Convergent Validity
Authors: Kalichman Seth C. , Amaral Christina M. , Swetzes Connie , Jones Michelle , Macy Rene , Kalichman Moira O. , Cherry Chauncey
Published: December 2009

Background: Self-report measures of medication adherence are inexpensive and minimally intrusive. However, the validity of self-reported adherence is compromised by recall errors for missed doses and socially desirable responding. Method: Examined the convergent validity of 2 self-report adherence measures administered by computerized interview: (a) recall of missed doses and (b) a single-item visual analogue rating scale (VAS). Adherence was also monitored using unannounced phone-based pill counts that served as an objective benchmark. Results: The VAS obtained adherence estimates that paralleled unannounced pill counts (UPCs). In contrast, self-reported recall (SR-recall) of missed medications consistently overestimated adherence. Correlations with participant characteristics also suggested that the computer-administered VAS was less influenced by response biases than SR-recall of missed medication doses. Conclusions: A single-item VAS offers an inexpensive and valid method of assessing medication adherence that may be useful in clinical as well as research settings.
Do I want to be a nurse? What influences students to undertake a BSc in nursing programme: a preliminary study
Authors: Dunnion Mary E. , Dunnion Gerry , McBride Majella
Published: December 2009

This preliminary study aimed to examine key aspects of the factors influencing students to undertake a career in nursing and to also examine attitudes that affected their decision to apply to study for a degree in nursing. The sample in this study comprised the total population (n = 78) of all students who had registered to commence a Degree in Nursing at one third-level college in the Republic of Ireland. The method adopted was a survey approach which employed the use of standardised questionnaires comprising both open and closed questioning styles. Raw statistical data were analysed using SPSS for Windows while the qualitative data arising from the open-ended questions were manually analysed for themes. The data obtained identified that the processes used in recruitment campaigns examined in this study were well utilised and valued by respondents. The main reasons cited for applying for a career in nursing included wanting to help and care for people. The findings of this study identified that there is a need for management to exploit incentives such as financial and job security, the opportunity to help others and travel opportunities in any future recruitment processes.
Atypical Cavernous Hemangioma
Authors: Sims Jenna N.
Published: December 2009

A hemangioma is the most common benign neo- plasm found within the liver. Although hem- angiomas are a common incidental diagnostic finding, atypical hemangiomas are considered a rare finding within the liver because of their differing appearance sonographically. A case is presented that represents an atypical cavernous hemangioma found by ultrasonography.
Comparative study of human mitochondrial proteome reveals extensive protein subcellular relocalization after gene duplications
Authors: Wang Xiujuan , Huang Yong , Lavrov Dennis V , Gu Xun
Published: December 2009

Background

Gene and genome duplication is the principle creative force in evolution. Recently, protein subcellular relocalization, or neolocalization was proposed as one of the mechanisms responsible for the retention of duplicated genes. This hypothesis received support from the analysis of yeast genomes, but has not been tested thoroughly on animal genomes. In order to evaluate the importance of subcellular relocalizations for retention of duplicated genes in animal genomes, we systematically analyzed nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins in the human genome by reconstructing phylogenies of mitochondrial multigene families.

Results

The 456 human mitochondrial proteins selected for this study were clustered into 305 gene families including 92 multigene families. Among the multigene families, 59 (64%) consisted of both mitochondrial and cytosolic (non-mitochondrial) proteins (mt-cy families) while the remaining 33 (36%) were composed of mitochondrial proteins (mt-mt families). Phylogenetic analyses of mt-cy families revealed three different scenarios of their neolocalization following gene duplication: 1) relocalization from mitochondria to cytosol, 2) from cytosol to mitochondria and 3) multiple subcellular relocalizations. The neolocalizations were most commonly enabled by the gain or loss of N-terminal mitochondrial targeting signals. The majority of detected subcellular relocalization events occurred early in animal evolution, preceding the evolution of tetrapods. Mt-mt protein families showed a somewhat different pattern, where gene duplication occurred more evenly in time. However, for both types of protein families, most duplication events appear to roughly coincide with two rounds of genome duplications early in vertebrate evolution. Finally, we evaluated the effects of inaccurate and incomplete annotation of mitochondrial proteins and found that our conclusion of the importance of subcellular relocalization after gene duplication on the genomic scale was robust to potential gene misannotation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that protein subcellular relocalization is an important mechanism for the retention and gain of function of duplicated genes in animal genome evolution.
Development and bin mapping of a Rosaceae Conserved Ortholog Set (COS) of markers
Authors: Cabrera Antonio , Kozik Alex , Howad Werner , Arus Pere , Iezzoni Amy F , Knaap Esther van der
Published: December 2009

Background

Detailed comparative genome analyses within the economically important Rosaceae family have not been conducted. This is largely due to the lack of conserved gene-based molecular markers that are transferable among the important crop genera within the family [e.g. Malus (apple), Fragaria (strawberry), and Prunus (peach, cherry, apricot and almond)]. The lack of molecular markers and comparative whole genome sequence analysis for this family severely hampers crop improvement efforts as well as QTL confirmation and validation studies.

Results

We identified a set of 3,818 rosaceaous unigenes comprised of two or more ESTs that correspond to single copy Arabidopsis genes. From this Rosaceae Conserved Orthologous Set (RosCOS), 1039 were selected from which 857 were used for the development of intron-flanking primers and allele amplification. This led to successful amplification and subsequent mapping of 613 RosCOS onto the Prunus TxE reference map resulting in a genome-wide coverage of 0.67 to 1.06 gene-based markers per cM per linkage group. Furthermore, the RosCOS primers showed amplification success rates from 23 to 100% across the family indicating that a substantial part of the RosCOS primers can be directly employed in other less studied rosaceaous crops. Comparisons of the genetic map positions of the RosCOS with the physical locations of the orthologs in the Populus trichocarpa genome identified regions of colinearity between the genomes of Prunus-Rosaceae and Populus-Salicaceae.

Conclusion

Conserved orthologous genes are extremely useful for the analysis of genome evolution among closely and distantly related species. The results presented in this study demonstrate the considerable potential of the mapped Prunus RosCOS for genome-wide marker employment and comparative whole genome studies within the Rosaceae family. Moreover, these markers will also function as useful anchor points for the genome sequencing efforts currently ongoing in this family as well as for comparative QTL analyses.
Alu-directed transcriptional regulation of some novel miRNAs
Authors: Gu Tong J , Yi Xiang , Zhao Xi W , Zhao Yi , Yin James Q
Published: December 2009

Background

Despite many studies on the biogenesis, molecular structure and biological functions of microRNAs, little is known about the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms controlling the spatiotemporal expression pattern of human miRNA gene loci. Several lines of experimental results have indicated that both polymerase II (Pol-II) and polymerase III (Pol-III) may be involved in transcribing miRNAs. Here, we assessed the genomic evidence for Alu-directed transcriptional regulation of some novel miRNA genes in humans. Our data demonstrate that the expression of these Alu-related miRNAs may be modulated by Pol-III.

Results

We present a comprehensive exploration of the Alu-directed transcriptional regulation of some new miRNAs. Using a new computational approach, a variety of Alu-related sequences from multiple sources were pooled and filtered to obtain a subset containing Alu elements and characterized miRNA genes for which there is clear evidence of full-length transcription (embedded in EST). We systematically demonstrated that 73 miRNAs including five known ones may be transcribed by Pol-III through Alu or MIR. Among the new miRNAs, 33 were determined by high-throughput Solexa sequencing. Real-time TaqMan PCR and Northern blotting verified that three newly identified miRNAs could be induced to co-express with their upstream Alu transcripts by heat shock or cycloheximide.

Conclusion

Through genomic analysis, Solexa sequencing and experimental validation, we have identified candidate sequences for Alu-related miRNAs, and have found that the transcription of these miRNAs could be governed by Pol-III. Thus, this study may elucidate the mechanisms by which the expression of a class of small RNAs may be regulated by their upstream repeat elements.
Some putative prebiotics increase the severity of Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium infection in mice
Authors: Petersen Anne , Heegaard Peter MH , Pedersen Anna L , Andersen Jens B , Sørensen Rikke B , Frøkiær Hanne , Lahtinen Sampo J , Ouwehand Arthur C , Poulsen Morten , Licht Tine R
Published: December 2009

Background

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients believed to beneficially affect host health by selectively stimulating the growth of the beneficial bacteria residing in the gut. Such beneficial bacteria have been reported to protect against pathogenic infections. However, contradicting results on prevention of Salmonella infections with prebiotics have been published. The aim of the present study was to examine whether S. Typhimurium SL1344 infection in mice could be prevented by administration of dietary carbohydrates with different structures and digestibility profiles. BALB/c mice were fed a diet containing 10% of either of the following carbohydrates: inulin, fructo-oligosaccharide, xylo-oligosaccharide, galacto-oligosaccharide, apple pectin, polydextrose or beta-glucan for three weeks prior to oral Salmonella challenge (107 CFU) and compared to mice fed a cornstarch-based control diet.

Results

The mice fed with diets containing fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) or xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) had significantly higher (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) numbers of S. Typhimurium SL1344 in liver, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes when compared to the mice fed with the cornstarch-based control diet. Significantly increased amounts (P < 0.01) of Salmonella were detected in ileal and fecal contents of mice fed with diets supplemented with apple pectin, however these mice did not show significantly higher numbers of S. Typhimyrium in liver, spleen and lymph nodes than animals from the control group (P < 0.20).

The acute-phase protein haptoglobin was a good marker for translocation of S. Typhimurium in mice. In accordance with the increased counts of Salmonella in the organs, serum concentrations of haptoglobin were significantly increased in the mice fed with FOS or XOS (P < 0.001). Caecum weight was increased in the mice fed with FOS (P < 0.01), XOS (P < 0.01), or polydextrose (P < 0.001), and caecal pH was reduced in the mice fed with polydextrose (P < 0.001). In vitro fermentation in monocultures revealed that S. Typhimurium SL1344 is capable of fermenting FOS, beta-glucan and GOS with a corresponding decline in pH.

Conclusion

Supplementing a cornstarch-based rodent diet with 10% FOS or XOS was found to increase the translocation of S. Typhimurium SL1344 to internal organs in mice, while 10% apple pectin was found to increase the numbers of S. Typhimurium in intestinal content and feces.