bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Piped Water and Flush Toilets Prevent Child Diarrhea in Rural Philippines?
Authors: Capuno Joseph J. , Tan Carlos Antonio R. , Fabella Vigile Marie
Published: December 2011

Similar to other developing countries, diarrhea in the Philippines continues to be among the top causes of child mortality and morbidity. In pursuit of its Millennium Development Goals, the Philippine government commits to reduce child deaths and provide water and sanitation services to more rural households by 2015. Applying propensity score matching on the 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008 rounds of the National Demographic and Health Survey to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated, it is found that the incidence of diarrhea among under-5 children is lower by as much as 4.5% in households with access to piped water and 10% in those with their own flush toilets, relative to comparable households. These findings underscore the need to ensure the quality of drinking water from the pipe or from other improved sources at the point of use, and the provision of improved and own sanitation facilities.
Action Through Advocacy
Authors: Strayer David
Published: December 2011

Interacting with the media can be time consuming and a bit unnerving, but such dissemination of information is an essential component of what it means to be a scientist. In fact, it provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the role that human factors/ergonomics research plays in daily life. This article provides some guidance for HF/E professionals who might interact with the press.
The Building Blocks of Driver Distraction Policy
Authors: McGehee Daniel V.
Published: December 2011

Communicating and translating science into policy takes time and patience. Moving empirical data and theoretical knowledge into the safety policy arena is an especially lively and complex process that is nearly always incremental. Distraction policy is generally made up of several building blocks that relate to regulation; standards; laws at the local, state, and federal levels; and enforcement. The ensuing safety policies should mitigate the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities related to poorly designed and implemented user interfaces that cause distraction. These policies will help balance the broader safety of all road users.
Distraction and Inattention Countermeasure Technologies
Authors: Victor Trent
Published: December 2011

Driver distraction and inattention countermeasure research and innovation are very active. The author reviews how new technologies are being developed to support attention. In the article, 16 emerging technology-based safety countermeasures are placed within a conceptual framework to cluster functions according to descriptive characteristics. A short state-of-the-art summary for each function is also provided in context with product maturity and safety impact results. It is argued that distraction and inattention countermeasure technologies show great potential to improve crash safety and that the future driver will almost certainly be assisted by attention technologies.
Scientific Assessments of Climate Change Information in News and Entertainment Media
Authors: Farnsworth Stephen J. , Lichter S. Robert
Published: December 2011

An elite survey of members of the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union conducted in 2007 reveals that the vast majority of climate scientists positively assess both national print news reports and Al Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth as informative, with lower grades being assessed on climate change content that appeared on network and cable television news as well as in Michael Crichton’s novel State of Fear. Multivariate analysis reveals that more positive scientific assessments are associated in most cases with the level of confidence scientists have in the research conducted by their colleagues as well the severity of the impact they anticipate from global warming in the years ahead.
Daily Newspapers’ Views on Nanotechnology in Slovenia
Authors: Groboljsek Blanka , Mali Franc
Published: December 2011

This article investigates how nanotechnology is presented and framed in Slovenian national newspapers. The focus is on the mass media’s influence on citizens’ perceptions of the social implications of nanotechnological progress. An empirical analysis of newspaper coverage of nanotechnology in Slovenia between 2004 and 2009 suggests that Slovenian newspapers are in an early stage of covering nanotechnology issues since they emphasize the positive aspects and scientific interpretations. Additional in-depth interviews with nanotechnologists reveal considerable dissatisfaction with the level and quality of the media’s reporting of the issue of nanotechnology in Slovenia.
The effect of electromagnetic stirring and cerium addition on dry sliding reciprocating wear of hypereutectic aluminium–silicon alloy
Authors: Kaur Prabhkiran , Dwivedi Dheerendra Kumar , Pathak Pushpraj Mani , Rodriguez Sergio Haro
Published: December 2011

Influences of electromagnetic stirring (EMS) and rare earth (RE) CeO2 addition on reciprocating wear behaviour of hypereutectic Al–Si alloys have been presented in this article. Reciprocating wear tests were carried out at different contact loads (from 15 to 90 N) and speeds (from 0.2 to 1.0 m/s) using pin-on-plate configuration for a constant sliding distance of 500 m. It was observed that EMS and RE (CeO2) addition refined the microstructure and improved the hardness. EMS reduced the wear rates of hypereutectic Al–Si alloy irrespective of applied load and sliding velocity. Transition from mild to severe wear was observed in as-cast alloy at 90 N normal load (constant sliding velocity = 0.4 m/s). Scanning electron microscopy of worn surfaces and wear debris was carried out to study the wear mechanism of material removal under different sliding conditions.
Women's survival post-imprisonment: Connecting imprisonment with pains past and present
Authors: Carlton Bree , Segrave Marie
Published: December 2011

The article examines the issue of women's unnatural post-prison deaths in Victoria, Australia, through the lens of women's accounts of survival and near-death after exit from prison. Central to this analysis is the seldom addressed or acknowledged relationship between trauma and the multiple harms and disadvantages that women experience both in the prison system and on the outside. In seeking to explicate the centrality oftrauma to women's experiences inside and outside the system, we draw upon the accounts of the women with whom we have spoken in the course of this research. A key theme that emerges from these narratives is the prevalence of trauma, near-death experiences and harms faced by women who have survived. Such accounts run counter to assumptions within existing post-release research that imprisonment comprises a discrete traumatic episode within a woman's life and that there is a useful distinction to be made between women who are strong enough to survive and those who die. In this way we offer a contribution towards revising possible future directions for critical feminist and prison scholars.
The Visual in Law: Some Problems for Legal Theory
Authors: Feigenson Neal
Published: December 2011

Digital visual displays construct legal knowledge in new ways and reconstitute our notions of community both inside and outside of law. This article describes three problems that the proliferation of visuals poses for legal theory. The first concerns how to subsume the flood of images in court within a jurisprudence of words. The second probes how some visuals induce belief by seeming to combine access to the real with the allure of dreams. The third asks us to rethink what legal judgment may borrow from popular visual culture while still yielding acceptable justice. Each dimension of legal visuality creates tensions in our conceptions of what law and legal knowledge should be.
On quotients and differences of hypergeometric functions
Authors: Simić Slavko , Vuorinen Matti
Published: December 2011

For Gaussian hypergeometric functions F(x) = F(a, b; c; x), a, b, c > 0, we consider the quotient Q

F
(x, y) = (F(x) + F(y))/F(z) and the difference D

F
(x, y) = F(x) + F(y) - F(z) for 0 < x, y < 1 with z = x + y - xy. We give best possible bounds for both expressions under various hypotheses about the parameter triple (a, b; c).

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 26D06; 33C05.
Development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice over-expressing S100A4/Mts1 is specific to females
Authors: Dempsie Yvonne , Nilsen Margaret , White Kevin , Mair Kirsty M , Loughlin Lynn , Ambartsumian Noona , Rabinovitch Marlene , MacLean Margaret R
Published: December 2011

Background

Idiopathic and familial forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occur more frequently in women than men. However, the reason for this remains unknown. Both the calcium binding protein S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) and its endogenous receptor (receptor for advanced glycosylation end products; RAGE) have been implicated in the development of PAH. We wished to investigate if the Mts1/RAGE pathway may play a role in the gender bias associated with PAH.

Methods

We investigated the effects of gender on development of PAH in mice over-expressing Mts1 (Mts1+ mice) via measurement of pulmonary arterial remodeling, systolic right ventricular pressure (sRVP) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). Gender differences in pulmonary arterial Mts1 and RAGE expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Western blotting and cell counts were used to investigate interactions between 17β-estradiol, Mts1 and RAGE on proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Statistical analysis was by one-way analysis of variance with Dunnetts post test or two-way analysis of variance with Bonferronis post test, as appropriate.

Results

Female Mts1+ mice developed increased sRVP and pulmonary vascular remodeling, whereas male Mts1+ mice remained unaffected. The development of plexiform-like lesions in Mts1+ mice was specific to females. These lesions stained positive for both Mts1 and RAGE in the endothelial and adventitial layers. Expression of pulmonary arterial Mts1 was greater in female than male Mts1+ mice, and was localised to the medial and adventitial layers in non plexiform-like pulmonary arteries. RAGE gene expression and immunoreactivity were similar between male and female Mts1+ mice and RAGE staining was localised to the endothelial layer in non plexiform-like pulmonary arteries adjacent to airways. In non-plexiform like pulmonary arteries not associated with airways RAGE staining was present in the medial and adventitial layers. Physiological concentrations of 17β-estradiol increased Mts1 expression in hPASMCs. 17β-estradiol-induced hPASMC proliferation was inhibited by soluble RAGE, which antagonises the membrane bound form of RAGE.

Conclusions

Mts1 over-expression combined with female gender is permissive to the development of experimental PAH in mice. Up-regulation of Mts1 and subsequent activation of RAGE may contribute to 17β-estradiol-induced proliferation of hPASMCs.
Cerebral air embolism as a complication of peptic ulcer in the gastric tube: case report
Authors: Suzuki Takahisa , Ando Takafumi , Usami Akihisa , Shinoda Masataka , Takashi Hitomi , Murayama Mutsumi , Uchiyama Isako , Morise Kazuhiro , Endo Shinya , Haruki Nobuhiro , Tashiro Kazuhiro , Goto Hidemi
Published: December 2011

Background

The reported incidence of ulcer formation in the gastric tube in esophageal replacement is rare.

Case Presentation

This is the first report of a case of cerebral air embolism as a result of spontaneous perforation of an ulcer in the constructed gastric tube into the pulmonary vein during post-operative follow-up in a patient with esophageal cancer.

Conclusions

Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of penetrating gastric ulcer, but should be considered in patients with a history of esophagectomy with gastric conduit that present with acute neurologic findings.
Detecting 22q11.2 deletion in Chinese children with conotruncal heart defects and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the haploid TBX1 locus
Authors: Xu Yue-Juan , Wang Jian , Xu Rang , Zhao Peng-Jun , Wang Xi-Ke , Sun Heng-Juan , Bao Li-Ming , Shen Jie , Fu Qi-Hua , Li Fen , Sun Kun
Published: December 2011

Background

Conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) are present in 75-85% of patients suffering from the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. To date, no consistent phenotype has been consistently correlated with the 22q11.2 deletions. Genetic studies have implicatedTBX1as a critical gene in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. The aim of study was to determine the incidence of the 22q11.2 deletion in Chinese patients with CTDs and the possible mechanism for pathogenesis of CTDs.

Methods

We enrolled 212 patients with CTDs and 139 unrelated healthy controls. Both karyotypic analysis and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were performed for all CTDs patients. Fluorescencein situhybridization was performed for the patients with genetic deletions and their relatives. TheTBX1gene was sequenced for all patients and healthy controls. Theχ2and Fisher's exact test were used in the statistical analysis.

Results

Thirteen of the 212 patients with CTDs (6.13%) were found to have the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Of the 13 cases, 11 presented with a hemizygous interstitial microdeletion fromCLTCL1toLZTR1; one presented with a regional deletion fromCLTCL1toDRCR8; and one presented with a regional deletion fromCDC45LtoLZTR1. There were eight sequence variants in the haploidTBX1genes of the del22q11 CTDs patients. The frequency of one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the del22q11 patients was different from that of the non-del patients (P< 0.05), and the frequencies of two other SNPs were different between the non-del CTDs patients and controls (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

CTDs, especially pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot, are the most common disorders associated with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Those patients with both CTDs and 22q11.2 deletion generally have a typical or atypical deletion region within theTBX1gene. Our results indicate thatTBX1genetic variants may be associated with CTDs.
Involving relatives in relapse prevention for bipolar disorder: a multi-perspective qualitative study of value and barriers
Authors: Peters Sarah , Pontin Eleanor , Lobban Fiona , Morriss Richard
Published: December 2011

Background

Managing early warning signs is an effective approach to preventing relapse in bipolar disorder. Involving relatives in relapse prevention has been shown to maximize the effectiveness of this approach. However, family-focused intervention research has typically used expert therapists, who are rarely available within routine clinical services. It remains unknown what issues exist when involving relatives in relapse prevention planning delivered by community mental health case managers. This study explored the value and barriers of involving relatives in relapse prevention from the perspectives of service users, relatives and care-coordinators.

Methods

Qualitative interview study nested within a randomized controlled trial of relapse prevention for individuals with bipolar disorder. The purposive sample of 52 participants comprised service users (n = 21), care coordinators (n = 21) and relatives (n = 10). Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

All parties identified benefits of involving relatives in relapse prevention: improved understanding of bipolar disorder; relatives gaining a role in illness management; and improved relationships between each party. Nevertheless, relatives were often discouraged from becoming involved. Some staff perceived involving relatives increased the complexity of their own role and workload, and some service users valued the exclusivity of their relationship with their care-coordinator and prioritized taking individual responsibility for their illness over the benefits of involving their relatives. Barriers were heightened when family relationships were poor.

Conclusions

Whilst involving relatives in relapse prevention has perceived value, it can increase the complexity of managing bipolar disorder for each party. In order to fully realize the benefits of involving relatives in relapse prevention, additional training and support for community care coordinators is needed.

Trial registration

ISRCTN41352631
Short and long term effects of a lifestyle intervention for construction workers at risk for cardiovascular disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Groeneveld Iris F , Proper Karin I , van der Beek Allard J , Hildebrandt Vincent H , van Mechelen Willem
Published: December 2011

Background

The prevalence of overweight and elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among workers in the construction industry is relatively high. Improving lifestyle lowers CVD risk and may have work-related benefits. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects on physical activity (PA), diet, and smoking of a lifestyle intervention consisting of individual counseling among male workers in the construction industry with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial including 816 male blue- and white-collar workers in the construction industry with an elevated risk of CVD, usual care was compared to a 6-month lifestyle intervention. The intervention consisted of individual counseling using motivational interviewing techniques, and was delivered by an occupational physician or occupational nurse. In three face to face and four telephone contacts, the participant's risk profile, personal determinants, and barriers for behavior change were discussed, and personal goals were set. Participants chose to aim at either diet and PA, or smoking. Data were collected at baseline and after six and 12 months, by means of a questionnaire. To analyse the data, linear and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The intervention had a statistically significant beneficial effect on snack intake (β-1.9, 95%CI -3.7; -0.02) and fruit intake (β 1.7, 95%CI 0.6; 2.9) at 6 months. The effect on snack intake was sustained until 12 months; 6 months after the intervention had ended (β -1.9, 95%CI -3.6; -0.2). The intervention effects on leisure time PA and metabolic equivalent-minutes were not statistically significant. The beneficial effect on smoking was statistically significant at 6 (OR smoking 0.3, 95%CI 0.1;0.7), but not at 12 months (OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.4; 1.6).

Conclusions

Beneficial effects on smoking, fruit, and snack intake can be achieved by an individual-based lifestyle intervention among male construction workers with an elevated risk of CVD. Future research should be done on strategies to improve leisure time PA and on determinants of maintenance of changed behavior. Considering the rising prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle and CVD, especially in the aging population, implementation of this intervention in the occupational health care setting is recommended.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN60545588
Which health care facilities do adult malawian antiretroviral therapy patients utilize during intercurrent illness? a cross sectional study
Authors: Masangalawe Caroline , Kandulu Akuzike , van Oosterhout Joep J
Published: December 2011

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic populations have expanded enormously in the successful Malawi ART scale-up programme. Overcrowding, long waiting times and living far away from the clinic may affect the extent to which patients use their ART clinic for intercurrent illnesses.

Methods

We interviewed patients of a large urban ART clinic in Blantyre, Malawi, during routine visits about the choice of health care facility during recent illness episodes.

Results

Out of 346 enrolled adults, mean age 39.8 (range 18-70) years, 54.3% female, 202 (58%) reported one or more illness in the past 6 months, during which 85 (42.1%; 95%-confidence interval: 36.9-47.3%) did not utilize their own clinic. Long distance to the clinic was the main subjective reason, while low education attainment, rural residence, perceived mild illness and dissatisfaction with the ART service were associated with not using their own clinic in multivariate analyses. Of all participants, 83.6% were satisfied with the service provided; only 6.1% were aware of the full service package of the ART clinic.

Conclusions

ART patients often seek health care outside their own clinic, which may have detrimental effects, and has consequences for ART counseling content and reporting of ART information in health passports.
Fixed point-type results for a class of extended cyclic self-mappings under three general weak contractive conditions of rational type
Authors: De la Sen Manuel , Agarwal Ravi P
Published: December 2011

This article discusses three weak φ-contractive conditions of rational type for a class of 2-cyclic self-mappings defined on the union of two non-empty subsets of a metric space to itself. If the space is uniformly convex and the subsets are non-empty, closed, and convex, then the iterates of points obtained through the self-mapping converge to unique best proximity points in each of the subsets.
Apoptosis, cytokine and chemokine induction by non-structural 1 (NS1) proteins encoded by different influenza subtypes
Authors: Lam WY , Yeung Apple CM , Chan Paul KS
Published: December 2011

Background

Influenza pandemic remains a serious threat to human health. Viruses of avian origin, H5N1, H7N7 and H9N2, have repeatedly crossed the species barrier to infect humans. Recently, a novel strain originated from swine has evolved to a pandemic. This study aims at improving our understanding on the pathogenic mechanism of influenza viruses, in particular the role of non-structural (NS1) protein in inducing pro-inflammatory and apoptotic responses.

Methods

Human lung epithelial cells (NCI-H292) was used as anin-vitromodel to study cytokine/chemokine production and apoptosis induced by transfection of NS1 mRNA encoded by seven infleunza subtypes (seasonal and pandemic H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, and H9), respectively.

Results

The results showed that CXCL-10/IP10 was most prominently induced (> 1000 folds) and IL-6 was slightly induced (< 10 folds) by all subtypes. A subtype-dependent pattern was observed for CCL-2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL-5/RANTES and CXCL-9/MIG; where induction by H5N1 was much higher than all other subtypes examined. All subtypes induced a similar temporal profile of apoptosis following transfection. The level of apoptosis induced by H5N1 was remarkably higher than all others. The cytokine/chemokine and apoptosis inducing ability of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 was similar to previous seasonal strains.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the NS1 protein encoded by H5N1 carries a remarkably different property as compared to other avian and human subtypes, and is one of the keys to its high pathogenicity. NCI-H292 cells system proves to be a goodin-vitromodel to delineate the property of NS1 proteins.
Allele-specific disparity in breast cancer
Authors: Kaveh Fatemeh , Edvardsen Hege , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , N Kristensen Vessela , Solvang Hiroko K
Published: December 2011

Background

In a cancer cell the number of copies of a locus may vary due to amplification and deletion and these variations are denoted as copy number alterations (CNAs). We focus on the disparity of CNAs in tumour samples, which were compared to those in blood in order to identify the directional loss of heterozygosity.

Methods

We propose a numerical algorithm and apply it to data from the Illumina 109K-SNP array on 112 samples from breast cancer patients. B-allele frequency (BAF) and log R ratio (LRR) of Illumina were used to estimate Euclidian distances. For each locus, we compared genotypes in blood and tumour for subset of samples being heterozygous in blood. We identified loci showing preferential disparity from heterozygous toward either the A/B-allele homozygous (allelic disparity). The chi-squared and Cochran-Armitage trend tests were used to examine whether there is an association between high levels of disparity in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and molecular, clinical and tumour-related parameters. To identify pathways and network functions over-represented within the resulting gene sets, we used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).

Results

To identify loci with a high level of disparity, we selected SNPs 1) with a substantial degree of disparity and 2) with substantial frequency (at least 50% of the samples heterozygous for the respective locus). We report the overall difference in disparity in high-grade tumours compared to low-grade tumours (p-value < 0.001) and significant associations between disparity in multiple single loci and clinical parameters. The most significantly associated network functions within the genes represented in the loci of disparity were identified, including lipid metabolism, small-molecule biochemistry, and nervous system development and function. No evidence for over-representation of directional disparity in a list of stem cell genes was obtained, however genes appeared to be more often altered by deletion than by amplification.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that directional loss and amplification exist in breast cancer. These are highly associated with grade, which may indicate that they are enforced with increasing number of cell divisions. Whether there is selective pressure for some loci to be preferentially amplified or deleted remains to be confirmed.
Epstein-Barr virus Latent Membrane Protein LMP1 reduces p53 protein levels independent of the PI3K-Akt pathway
Authors: Husaini Roslina , Ahmad Munirah , Soo-Beng Khoo Alan
Published: December 2011

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy, which commonly occurs in Southern China, Taiwan, North Africa and Southeast Asia. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. The p53 tumour suppressor protein is rarely mutated in NPC suggesting that the inactivation of p53 pathway in NPC could be due to the presence of EBV proteins. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of EBV proteins namely LMP1 and LMP2A on the expression levels of p53 protein.

Findings

In this work we found that LMP1, but not LMP2A, decreased p53 protein levels. Overexpression of LMP1 resulted in increased ubiquitination of p53 suggesting that the decreased p53 protein levels by LMP1 was due to increased degradation of the protein. The reduction of p53 protein levels was independent of the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Conclusions

LMP1, but not LMP2A, reduced p53 protein levels through the increase in the polyubiquitination of p53 protein and was independent of the PI3K-Akt pathway.
Real-time PCR quantification of the canine filaggrin orthologue in the skin of atopic and non-atopic dogs: a pilot study
Authors: Roque Joana Barros , O'Leary Caroline A , Kyaw-Tanner Myat , Duffy David L , Shipstone Michael
Published: December 2011

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease associated with defects in the epidermal barrier, particularly in West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). It shares many similarities with human AD, and so may be a useful animal model for this disease. Epidermal dysfunction in human AD can be caused by mutations in the gene encoding the epidermal protein filaggrin (FLG) and, in some atopic patients, be associated with altered FLG mRNA and protein expression in lesional and/or non-lesional skin. In experimental models of canine AD, mRNA expression of the orthologous canine filaggrin gene may be reduced in non-lesional skin compared with healthy controls. However, there is no published data on canine filaggrin mRNA expression in the skin of dogs with naturally-occurring AD. Hence, the aim of this pilot study was to develop a reverse transcriptase real-time PCR assay to compare filaggrin mRNA expression in the skin of atopic (n = 7) and non-atopic dogs (n = 5) from five breeds, including eight WHWTs.

Findings

Overall, filaggrin mRNA expression in non-lesional atopic skin was decreased compared to non-lesional non-atopic skin (two fold change); however this difference was only statistically significant in the subgroup of WHWTs (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Although limited by the small sample size, these results indicate that, comparable to some cases of human AD, altered filaggrin mRNA expression may exist in the skin of some atopic dogs with naturally-occurring disease. Additional studies, including larger sample numbers, will be necessary to confirm this finding and to investigate whether mutations in the filaggrin gene exist and contribute to epidermal lesions of AD in dogs.
Cbx2, a Polycomb Group Gene, Is Required for Sry Gene Expression in Mice
Authors: Katoh-Fukui Yuko , Miyabayashi Kanako , Komatsu Tomoko , Owaki Akiko , Baba Takashi , Shima Yuichi , Kidokoro Tomohide , Kanai Yoshiakira , Schedl Andreas , Wilhelm Dagmar , Koopman Peter , Okuno Yasushi , Morohashi Ken-ichirou
Published: December 2011

Mice lacking the function of the polycomb group protein CBX2 (chromobox homolog 2; also known as M33) show defects in gonadal, adrenal, and splenic development. In particular, XY knockout (KO) mice develop ovaries but not testes, and the gonads are hypoplastic in both sexes. However, how CBX2 regulates development of these tissues remains largely unknown. In the present study, we used microarray, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemical analyses to show that the expression of Sry, Sox9, Lhx9, Ad4BP/SF-1, Dax-1, Gata4, Arx, and Dmrt1, genes encoding transcription factors essential for gonadal development, is affected in Cbx2 KO gonads. Male-to-female sex reversal in Cbx2 KO mice was rescued by crossing them with transgenic mice displaying forced expression of Sry or Sox9. However, testes remained hypoplastic in these mice, indicating that the size and the sex of the gonad are determined by different sets of genes. Our study implicates Cbx2 in testis differentiation through regulating Sry gene expression.
Revisiting the effects of crowding and feeding in the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta: the role of Rhesus glycoproteins in nitrogen metabolism and excretion
Authors: Rodela Tamara M. , Esbaugh Andrew J. , Weihrauch Dirk , Veauvy Clémence M. , McDonald M. Danielle , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Walsh Patrick J.
Published: December 2011

Models of branchial transport in teleosts have been reshaped by the recent discovery of Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, a family of proteins that facilitate the movement of NH3 across cell membranes. This study examines the effects of crowding and feeding on ammonia excretion in gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) within the context of Rh glycoproteins and the ammonia-fixing enzyme, glutamine synthetase (GS). Four Rh isoforms (Rhag, Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2) were isolated from toadfish. Tissue distributions showed higher levels of mRNA expression in the gills and liver, moderate levels in the intestine and lower levels in the stomach. Crowding significantly lowered branchial Rh expression and ammonia excretion rates in fasted toadfish. A comparison of Rh expression in the digestive tract revealed relatively low levels of Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 in the stomach and high mRNA abundance of Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 in the intestine of fasted, crowded toadfish. We speculate that these trends may reduce secretion and enhance absorption, respectively, to minimize the amount of ammonia that is lost through gastrointestinal routes. By contrast, these patterns of expression were modified in response to an exogenous ammonia load via feeding. Post-prandial ammonia excretion rates were elevated twofold, paralleled by similar increases in branchial Rhcg1 mRNA, gastric Rhcg1 mRNA and mRNA of all intestinal Rh isoforms. These changes were interpreted as an attempt to increase post-prandial ammonia excretion rates into the environment owing to a gradient created by elevated circulating ammonia concentrations and acidification of the digestive tract. Overall, we provide evidence that toadfish modulate both the expression of Rh isoforms and urea synthesis pathways to tightly control and regulate nitrogen excretion.
Interplay between plasma oxidative status, cortisol and coping styles in wild alpine marmots, Marmota marmota
Authors: Costantini David , Ferrari Caterina , Pasquaretta Cristian , Cavallone Elena , Carere Claudio , von Hardenberg Achaz , Réale Denis
Published: December 2011

Variation in how individuals cope behaviourally and physiologically with stressors is widespread and can have a significant impact on life-history traits and fitness. Individual coping styles are characterised by differential behavioural and adrenocortical reactivity to various challenges. As stress hormones can affect the production of reactive chemical species and the antioxidant status, individuals with different coping styles may differ also in oxidative status. Field studies on wild mammalian populations are few in number and none so far has simultaneously tested the relationship between coping style, adrenocortical reactivity and oxidative status in the same individuals. We measured individual variation in coping styles along a proactive-reactive continuum together with variation in baseline and stress-induced plasma oxidative damage, plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and cortisol in wild alpine marmots, Marmota marmota. Confirmatory path analysis revealed that different coping styles are accompanied by different baseline and stress-induced plasma oxidative statuses. Our findings also highlight the potential role of cortisol as a mediator of such differences.
The effects of asymmetric length trajectories on the initial mechanical efficiency of mouse soleus muscles
Authors: Holt Natalie C. , Askew Graham N.
Published: December 2011

Asymmetric cycles with more than half of the cycle spent shortening enhance the mechanical power output of muscle during flight and vocalisation. However, strategies that enhance muscle mechanical power output often compromise efficiency. In order to establish whether a trade-off necessarily exists between power and efficiency, we investigated the effects of asymmetric muscle length trajectories on the maximal mechanical cycle-average power output and initial mechanical efficiency (Ei). Work and heat were measured in vitro in a mouse soleus muscle undergoing contraction cycles with 25% (Saw25%), 50% (Saw50%) and 75% (Saw75%) of the cycles spent shortening. Cycle-average power output tended to increase with the proportion of the cycle spent shortening at a given frequency. Maximum cycle-average power output was 102.9±7.6 W kg–1 for Saw75% cycles at 5 Hz. Ei was very similar for Saw50% and Saw75% cycles at all frequencies (approximately 0.27 at 5 Hz). Saw25% cycles had Ei values similar to those of Saw50% and Saw75% cycles at 1 Hz (approximately 0.20), but were much less efficient at 5 Hz (0.08±0.03). The lower initial mechanical efficiency of Saw25% cycles at higher frequencies suggests that initial mechanical efficiency is reduced if the time available for force generation and relaxation during shortening is insufficient. The similar initial mechanical efficiency of Saw50% and Saw75% cycles at all frequencies shows that increasing the proportion of the contraction cycle spent shortening is a strategy that allows an animal to increase muscle mechanical power output without compromising initial mechanical efficiency.
Serious acute pyelonephritis: a predictive score for evaluation of deterioration of treatment based on clinical and radiologic findings using CT
Authors: Kim See Hyung , Kim Young Whan , Lee Hee Jung
Published: December 2011

Background

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) requires prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment.

Purpose

To develop a simple score to assist in diagnosing treatment deterioration in patients with serious APN.

Material and Methods

Using data from a retrospective cohort of 193 patients with APN, we developed scores based on multivariate logistic regression after the jackknife procedure. We validated the scores in a prospective cohort of 40 patients.

Results

Nine criteria were independently associated with our investigation: Abscess (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 19.8; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.5–72.1), pyonephrosis with or without stone (18.3; 4.8–70.9), pelvicalyceal air (15.5; 3.2–26.9), poor global excretion of contrast (12.3; 2.9–68.5), tachycardia or hypotension (10.1; 2.5–28.0), obliteration of the renal sinus (9.6; 2.5–45.2), persistent fever or pyuria (9.8; 1.9–25.8), diabetes (9.4; 2.0–31.8), and global renal enlargement (7.5; 2.1–35.8). The APN score was based on these nine criteria. Low-risk and high-risk groups were derived from the score (probability, 3.5% [95% CI 0–7.5] and 67% [51–83]). Application of these criteria to the prospective cohort confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of the score (probability 0% [0–15] and 71% [25–100] in the low-risk and high-risk groups, respectively).

Conclusion

This easy-to-calculate score may prove useful for diagnosing patients with serious APN who deteriorate with treatment.
The Boundaries of Trust and Risk: The Quadratic Moderating Role of Institutional Structures
Authors: Gefen David , Pavlou Paul A.
Published: December 2011

A prevalent assumption in the literature is that trust and risk are always relevant in online marketplaces, and that there is always a need to build trust and reduce risk irrespective of context. Challenging this assumption, this study seeks to identify the boundaries of the effects of trust and risk on transaction activity in the context of institutional structures in online marketplaces. The perceived effectiveness of institutional structures (PEIS), defined as the extent buyers believe that appropriate conditions are in place to facilitate transactions with sellers, sets the boundaries of trust and risk by moderating their effects on transaction activity in a quadratic (inverted-U) fashion. Specifically, at the lower boundary condition of PEIS (among buyers who believe institutional structures are ineffective), the high situational uncertainty they perceive should make these buyers unwilling to become vulnerable to sellers, thus rendering trust and risk immaterial to their decision making. Trust and risk should also be immaterial at the higher boundary condition of PEIS (among buyers who believe institutional structures are very effective), because the insufficient situational uncertainty makes trust and risk irrelevant to these buyers' decision making because of a lack of vulnerability. Only between these two boundary conditions (among buyers who perceive moderate levels of PEIS), and thus a moderate degree of situational uncertainty and vulnerability in the marketplace, should trust and risk have a significant effect on transaction activity. Data from 398 buyers on eBay's and Amazon's online marketplaces support the quadratic moderating role of PEIS on the effect of risk on transaction activity, but not on the effect of trust. Theoretical and practical implications on specifying the boundaries of the effects of trust and risk and understanding the direct and moderating role of institutional structures are discussed.
Exclusive Channels and Revenue Sharing in a Complementary Goods Market
Authors: Cai Gangshu (George) , Dai Yue , Zhou Sean X.
Published: December 2011

This paper evaluates the joint impact of exclusive channels and revenue sharing on suppliers and retailers in a hybrid duopoly common retailer and exclusive channel model. The model bridges the gap in the literature on hybrid multichannel supply chains with bilateral complementary products and services with or without revenue sharing. The analysis indicates that, without revenue sharing, the suppliers are reluctant to form exclusive deals with the retailers; thus, no equilibrium results. With revenue sharing from the retailers to the suppliers, it can be an equilibrium strategy for the suppliers and retailers to form exclusive deals. Bargaining solutions are provided to determine the revenue sharing rates. Our additional results suggest forming exclusive deals becomes less desirable for the suppliers if revenue sharing is also in place under nonexclusivity. In our extended discussion, we also study the impact of channel asymmetry, an alternative model with fencing, composite package competition, and enhanced price-dependent revenue sharing.
The Life and Times of an e-Prescription
Authors: George A. Robinson , Helen Figge , Robert L. Stein , James Russell
Published: December 2011

The lines of communication and the processing of an e-prescription are sometimes confusing to pharmacists. This article attempts to describe the origination and writing of an e-prescription and the steps to successful completion of the prescription.
Community-based organisations and how to support their use of systematic reviews: a qualitative study
Authors: Wilson Michael G. , Lavis John N.
Published: December 2011

Unlike for other health system stakeholders, there have been few visible efforts to support the use of research evidence in community-based organisations (CBOs). To begin to address this gap, we conducted focus groups and interviews with executive directors and programme managers of CBOs from the HIV/AIDS, diabetes and mental health and addictions sectors to examine their roles in health systems, their views about and experiences with research evidence, and their preferences for making systematic reviews easier to use. This study provides practical tools for supporting the use of research evidence by CBOs and for providing the results of reviews in a more accessible format.
Supramolecular aggregation patterns in mononuclear organomercury carboxylates
Authors: Basu Baul Tushar S. , Kundu Sajal , Höpfl Herbert , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: December 2011

The crystal and molecular structures of three organomercury carboxylate derivatives are described, viz. PhHg[O2CC6H4{N=N(C6H3—4-OH—5-CHO)}-o] (1), (p-xylol)Hg[O2CC6H4{N=N(C6H3—4-OH—5-CHO)}-o] (2), characterised as a hemi-toluene solvate, and (p-xylol)Hg[O2CC6H4NH2-o] (3). In each case, the crystallographic data indicate that the Hg atom is linearly coordinated by an aryl-C and a carboxylate-O atom. In 1, supramolecular aggregation occurs via Hg…O and Hg…N interactions and lead to the formation of a supramolecular chain along the a-axis. The Hg…O interactions persist in the crystal structure of the p-xylol derivative 2 and the resulting supramolecular chains are connected into a two-dimensional array in the ab-plane via O–H…O hydrogen bonding. Similarly, in the crystal structure of 3, Hg…O and N–H…O hydrogen bonding combine to lead to the formation of supramolecular arrays in the ac-plane. Crystal data for (1): triclinic, P-1, a = 6.1386(7), b = 10.9066(12), c = 26.808(3) Å, α = 82.655(2), β = 86.736(2), γ = 82.484(2)°, V = 1763.3(3) Å3, Z = 4, R = 0.042. Crystal data for (2): triclinic, P-1, a = 7.2322(11), b = 11.080(2), c = 15.372(3) Å, α = 95.230(19), β = 98.545(16), γ = 107.972(17)°, V = 1146.3(4) Å3, Z = 1, R = 0.029. Crystal data for (3): monoclinic, P21/c, a = 7.0450(8), b = 29.109(3), c = 7.2476(8) Å, β = 117.520(2)°, V = 1318.1(3) Å3, Z = 4, R = 0.034.
Mixed-ligand coordination of the (UO2)2+ cation and apophyllite topology of uranyl chlorochromate layer in the structure of ((CH3)2CHNH3)[(UO2)(CrO4)Cl(H2O)]
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: December 2011

Addition of the Cl-0 anions to the synthesis mixture stabilizes specific structures of uranyl complexes which results in new compounds with the unprecedented structural topologies. ((CH3)2CHNH3)[(UO2)(CrO4) · Cl(H2O)]is a new member of the small family of compounds based upon the Ur(Xm
O
n
)5 (X = Cl, Br, I) bipyramids. The structure is based upon uranyl chloride chromate layers that alternate with the layers of protonated amine molecules. The layers contain UrClO4 pentagonal bipyramids that share three of its equatorial corners with CrO4 tetrahedra.

Topological analysis shows that the [(UO2)(CrO4)Cl(H2O)]-0 layer belongs to the same topology of interpolyhedral linkage as in α-UO2MoO4(H2O)2. This type of topology (linkage of 4-membered rings creating 8-membered rings) is known in silicate crystal chemistry as the topology of the [Si4O10] layers in the minerals of the apophyllite group. Their linkage via various intermediate units results in a large family of open-framework and pillared silicates.
Variations in Structure Explain the Viscometric Behavior of AOT Microemulsions at Low Water/AOT Molar Ratios
Authors: Sharifi Soheil , Kudla Petra , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Pedersen Jan Skov , Bergenholtz Johan
Published: December 2011

The viscosity of AOT/water/decane water-in-oil microemulsions exhibits a well-known maximum as a function of water/AOT molar ratio, which is usually attributed to increased attractions among nearly spherical droplets. The maximum can be removed by adding salt or by changing the oil to CCl4. Systematic small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements have been used to monitor the structure of the microemulsion droplets in the composition regime where the maximum appears. On increasing the droplet concentration, the scattering intensity is found to scale with the inverse of the wavevector, a behavior which is consistent with cylindrical structures. The inverse wavevector scaling is not observed when the molar ratio is changed, moving the system away from the value corresponding to the viscosity maximum. It is also not present in the scattering from systems containing enough added salt to essentially eliminate the viscosity maximum. An asymptotic analysis of the SA XS data, complemented by some quantitative modeling, is consistent with cylindrical growth of droplets as their concentration is increased. Such elongated structures are familiar from related AOT systems in which the sodium counterion has been exchanged for a divalent one. However, the results of this study suggest that the formation of non-spherical aggregates at low molar ratios is an intrinsic property of AOT.
What's on the Genetics Test?
Authors: Walsh Joseph A.
Published: December 2011

The prenatal genetic questionnaire given to every pregnant woman provides a useful basis for teaching genetics concepts.
Economic analysis of an agrosilvipastoral system for a mountainous area in Zona da Mata Mineira, Brazil
Authors: Müller Marcelo Dias , Nogueira Gilciano Saraiva , Castro Carlos Renato Tavares de , Paciullo Domingos Sávio Campos , Alves Frederico de Freitas , Castro Renato Vinícius Oliveira , Fernandes Elizabeth Nogueira
Published: December 2011

The objective of this work was to evaluate the economic viability of an agrosilvipastoral system developed for Zona da Mata mountainous areas in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, as well as to compare different options for wood (Eucalyptus grandis and Acacia mangium) commercialization of the second thinning. The data were obtained from a 10 year-old agrosilvipastoral system established in four hectares at Embrapa Gado de Leite station in Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil. As evaluation criteria for the economic viability analysis, the adopted methods were the net present value (NPV) and the internal rate of return (IRR), both calculated at 6% interest rate. Despite the small difference, adding value to forest products increased the attractiveness of the proposed system. Considered separately, the agricultural activity was impracticable, whereas the forestry and livestock activities were independently viable. The studied system seems to be equally tolerant to price variations for forest and livestock products, as well as strongly tolerant to variations in production costs.