bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel c.191C>G (p.Pro64Arg) MPV17 mutation identified in two pairs of unrelated Polish siblings with mitochondrial hepatoencephalopathy
Authors: Piekutowska-Abramczuk D. , Pronicki M. , Strawa K. , Karkucińska‐Więckowska A. , Szymańska‐Dębińska T. , Fidziańska A. , Więckowski M.R. , Jurkiewicz D. , Ciara E. , Jankowska I. , Sykut‐Cegielska J. , Krajewska‐Walasek M. , Płoski R. , Pronicka E.
Published: July 2013

This study reports clinical, biochemical and histopathological findings associated with a novel homozygous MPV17 mutation in four patients with mitochondrial depletion syndrome. The severe course of the disease, which started in the first weeks of life, was dominated by a failure to thrive, hypotonia and liver dysfunction, with relatively mild neurological involvement. All affected infants died by 1 year of age. Laboratory findings included progressive liver failure (hypertransaminasaemia, icterus, and coagulopathy), recurrent hypoglycaemia, lactic acidaemia, hyperferritinaemia, and increased transferrin saturation. Histological and ultrastructural analyses uncovered significant lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and myocytes. A severe decrease in the mitochondrial/nuclear DNA (mtDNA/nDNA) ratio was found post‐mortem in the livers (and in one muscle specimen) of both examined patients. Oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) Western blotting revealed low levels of complexes I, III and IV subunits. The highlights of our findings are as follows: (i) The novel p.Pro64Arg mutation is the second recurrent MPV17 mutation reported. The phenotype associated with the p.Pro64Arg mutation differs from the phenotype of the relatively common p.Arg50Gln mutation, suggesting the existence of a genotype–phenotype correlation. (ii) Tissues collected from patients during autopsy may be useful for both mtDNA/nDNA ratio assessment and OXPHOS Western blotting.
Phenotype–genotype correlations in patients with Marinesco–Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Ezgu F. , Krejci P. , Li S. , de Sousa C. , Graham J.M. , Hansmann I. , He W. , Porpora K. , Wand D. , Wertelecki W. , Schneider A. , Wilcox W.R.
Published: July 2013

Marinesco–Sjögren syndrome (MSS; MIM 248800) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital cerebellar ataxia, early cataracts, developmental delay, myopathy and short stature. Alterations in the gene SIL1 cause MSS in some patients with typical findings. In this study, molecular investigations including sequencing of the SIL1 gene, western blotting and microscopic investigations in fibroblast cultures were carried out in a cohort of 15 patients from 14 unrelated families, including the large, inbred family reported by Superneau et al., having the clinical features of MSS to provide insights into the pathophysiology of the disorder. A total of seven different mutations were found in eight of the patients from seven families. The mutations caused loss of the BIP‐associated protein (BAP) protein in four patients by western blot. Novel clinical features such as dental abnormalities, iris coloboma, eczema and hormonal abnormalities were noticed in some patients, but there was no clear way to distinguish those with and without SIL1 mutations. Cultured fibroblasts contained numerous cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, similar to those identified in the brain of the whoozy mouse in five unrelated patients, three with and two without SIL1 mutations, suggesting some SIL1 negative patients share a common cellular pathogenesis with those who are SIL1 positive.
Carrier frequency of two BBS2 mutations in the Ashkenazi population
Authors: Fedick A. , Jalas C. , Abeliovich D. , Krakinovsky Y. , Ekstein J. , Ekstein A. , Treff N.R.
Published: July 2013

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is known to be caused by numerous mutations that occur in at least 15 of the BBS genes. As the disease follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, carrier screening can be performed for at‐risk couples, but the number of potential mutation sites to screen can be daunting. Ethnic studies can help to narrow this range by highlighting mutations that are present at higher percentages in certain populations. In this article, the carrier frequency for two mutations that occur in the BBS2 gene, c.311A>C and c.1895G>C were studied in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent in order to advise on including them in existing mutation panels for this population. Carrier screenings were performed on individuals from the Ashkenazi Jewish population using a combination of TaqMan genotyping assays followed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and allelic discrimination, and allele‐specific PCR confirmed by restriction analysis. The combined results indicated carrier frequencies of 0.473% (±0.0071%) for the c.311A>C mutation and 0.261% (±0.0064%) for the c.1895G>C mutation. On the basis of these frequencies, we believe that the two mutations should be considered for inclusion in screening panels for the Ashkenazi population.
Epiregulin can promote proliferation of stem cells from the dental apical papilla via MEK/Erk and JNK signalling pathways
Authors: Cao Y. , Xia D. S. , Qi S. R. , Du J. , Ma P. , Wang S. L. , Fan Z. P.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a reliable resource for tissue regeneration, but their molecular mechanisms of differentiation and proliferation remain unclear; this situation has restricted use of MSCs to a limited number of applications. A previous study of ours found a member of the epidermal growth factor family, epiregulin (EREG), to be involved in regulation of MSC differentiation. In the present study, we have used human dental stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) to investigate the role of EREG on proliferation of MSCs.

Materials and methods

SCAPs were isolated from apical papillae of immature third molars. Retroviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to silence EREG gene expression, and human recombinant EREG protein was used to stimulate SCAPs. SCAP proliferation was examined using tetrazolium dye colorimetric assay/cell growth curve. Western blotting was performed to detect expressions of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (Erk1/2), mitogen‐activated protein kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2), protein kinase B (Akt), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK).

Results

Depletion of EREG with shRNA inhibited SCAP proliferation and repressed phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and JNK. Human recombinant EREG protein promoted cell proliferation and enhanced Erk1/2, MEK and JNK phosphorylation in SCAPs. Furthermore, blocking MEK/Erk signalling with specific Erk1/2 inhibitor PD98059, or JNK signalling with specific inhibitor SP600125, abolished effects of EREG on cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that EREG could enhance cell proliferation in dental tissue‐derived MSCs by activating MEK/Erk and JNK signalling pathways.
Egg laying preferences and larval performance inDermestes maculatus
Authors: Woodcock Laura , Gennard Dorothy , Eady Paul
Published: July 2013

Dermestes maculatusDeGeer (Coleoptera:Dermestidae) is both a pest of dried stored products and, through its colonization of carrion, a forensically important species. However, little is known about the consequences of female oviposition site preferences on larval growth and development. To examine this, non‐virgin female beetles were offered a choice of food resources that had been aged to various extents to explore the adaptive nature of female oviposition preferences.Dermestes maculatusfemales consistently preferred to oviposit on muscle in contrast to either fat or bone marrow. Constraining larvae onto one of the three resource types confirmed that larvae grew faster and eclosed into larger adults when fed on muscle than when fed on either fat or bone marrow. In addition, the degree of sexual dimorphism was also related to food resource, with the greatest extent of size dimorphism (females larger than males) being evident on the preferred muscle resource. This conforms to the view that intraspecific variation in sexual size dimorphism is driven by intersexual differences in phenotypic plasticity, with females being able to reach greater size than males when conditions are good. The results indicate thatD. maculatusfemale oviposition preferences are adaptive in that adult oviposition choice can enhance offspring fitness and so broadly conforms to the oviposition preference‐larval performance hypothesis as noted in a number of phytophagous insects.
Salix tetradenia Hand.‐Mazz: a new natural plant host of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma’
Authors: Mou H.‐Q. , Xu X. , Wang R.‐R. , Tian Q. , Wei Y. , Zhu S.‐F. , Liao X.‐L. , Zhao W.‐J.
Published: July 2013

This article reports Salix tetradenia Hand.‐Mazz as a new host of Candidatus phytoplasma and demonstrates its association with witches' broom disease on S. tetradenia plants. Plants exhibited typical visual symptoms of phytoplasma with virescence, abnormality of flowers and witches' broom, and phytoplasma bodies were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Products of 1.2 kb were amplified by nested PCR using phytoplasma universal primer pairs R16F2n/R16R2, but no amplification products were obtained from symptomless plants. The sequence analysis of three 16S rDNA isolates showed 99.84%, 99.68% and 99.76% identify, respectively, with the homologous gene (nc_005303) of member of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI) group. Phylogenetic and virtual computer‐simulated restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 16S rRNA, tuf and rp gene sequences confirmed that this phytoplasma clustered in the 16SrI‐B subgroup. These results indicated that the diseased S. tetradenia plants were infected by a phytoplasma of the 16SrI group. This is the first report on the occurrence of phytoplasma disease on S. tetradenia worldwide.
Genetic manipulations of mutant huntingtin in mice: new insights into Huntington's disease pathogenesis
Authors: Lee C. Y. Daniel , Cantle Jeffrey P. , Yang X. William
Published: July 2013

This year (2013) marks the 20th anniversary of identification of the causal genetic mutation for Huntington's disease (HD), a landmark discovery that heralded study of the biological underpinnings of this most common dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Among the variety of model organisms used to study HD pathogenesis, the mouse model is by far the most commonly used mammalian genetic model. Much of our current knowledge regarding mutant huntingtin (mHtt)‐induced disease pathogenesis in mammalian models has been obtained by studying transgenic mouse models expressing mHtt N‐terminal fragments, full‐length murine or human mHtt. In this review, we focus on recent progress in using novel HD mouse models with targeted mHtt expression in specific brain cell types. These models help to address the role of distinct neuronal and non‐neuronal cell types in eliciting cell‐autonomous or non‐cell‐autonomous disease processes in HD. We also describe several mHtt transgenic mouse models with targeted mutations in Htt cis‐domains to address specific pathogenic hypotheses, ranging from mHtt proteolysis to post‐translational modifications. These novel mouse genetic studies, through direct manipulations of the causal HD gene, utilize a reductionist approach to systematically unravel the cellular and molecular pathways that are targeted by mHtt in disease pathogenesis, and to potentially identify novel targets for therapy.
Lasting effects of climate disturbance on perennial grassland above‐ground biomass production under two cutting frequencies
Authors: Zwicke Marine , Alessio Giorgio A. , Thiery Lionel , Falcimagne Robert , Baumont René , Rossignol Nicolas , Soussana Jean‐François , Picon‐Cochard Catherine
Published: July 2013

Climate extremes can ultimately reshape grassland services such as forage production and change plant functional type composition. This 3‐year field research studied resistance to dehydration and recovery after rehydration of plant community and plant functional types in an upland perennial grassland subjected to climate and cutting frequency (Cut+, Cut−) disturbances by measuring green tissue percentage and above‐ground biomass production (ANPP). In year 1, a climate disturbance gradient was applied by co‐manipulating temperature and precipitation. Four treatments were considered: control and warming‐drought climatic treatment, with or without extreme summer event. In year 2, control and warming‐drought treatments were maintained without extreme. In year 3, all treatments received ambient climatic conditions. We found that the grassland community was very sensitive to dehydration during the summer extreme: aerial senescence reached 80% when cumulated climatic water balance fell to −156 mm and biomass declined by 78% at the end of summer. In autumn, canopy greenness and biomass totally recovered in control but not in the warming‐drought treatment. However ANPP decreased under both climatic treatments, but the effect was stronger on Cut+ (−24%) than Cut− (−15%). This decline was not compensated by the presence of three functional types because they were negatively affected by the climatic treatments, suggesting an absence of buffering effect on grassland production. In the following 2 years, lasting effects of climate disturbance on ANPP were observable. The unexpected stressful conditions of year 3 induced a decline in grassland production in the Cut+ control treatment. The fact that this treatment cumulated higher (45%) N export over the 3 years suggests that N plays a key role in ANPP stability. As ANPP in this mesic perennial grassland did not show engineering resilience, long‐term experimental manipulation is needed. Infrequent mowing appears more appropriate for sustaining grassland ANPP under future climate extremes.
Estimating Missing Data Values for GeoreferencedPoisson Counts
Authors: Griffith Daniel A.
Published: July 2013

Empirical scientists often are faced with incomplete data and desire imputations for their missing data values. The expectation–maximization algorithm is a generic tool that offers maximum likelihood solutions for such data sets. This article pursues this type of solution forPoisson random variables, utilizing a generalized linear model extension that mirrors the linear analysis of a covariance regression specification. This formulation allows a mixed model to be implemented and contrasted with aPoisson‐gamma mixture (i.e., negative binomial) model. Simple comparisons are made between model specification results for a population counts example, with and without a constraint on the total of the missing counts.

实证研究常面临数据缺失问题，需要相应的数据插补方法。最大期望算法（EM）为此类数据集进行最大似然求解提供了通用工具。本文通过提出一个可包含线性协方差回归(ANCOVA)等在内的扩展广义线性模型，将该类解决方案拓展到泊松随机变量。该方法允许建立混合模型，并可与泊松‐伽玛混合模型（即负二项式）对比。以人口计数为案例对有无缺失数据条件下模型的设定与结果进行了简要的对比。
Quantitative evaluation of apically extruded debris with different single‐file systems: Reciproc, F360 and OneShape versus Mtwo
Authors: Bürklein S. , Benten S. , Schäfer E.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To assess in a laboratory setting the amount of apically extruded debris associated with different single‐file nickel–titanium instrumentation systems compared to one multiple‐file rotary system.

Methodology

Eighty human mandibular central incisors were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20 teeth per group). The root canals were instrumented according to the manufacturers' instructions using the reciprocating single‐file system Reciproc, the single‐file rotary systems F360 and OneShape and the multiple‐file rotary Mtwo instruments. The apically extruded debris was collected and dried in pre‐weighed glass vials. The amount of debris was assessed with a micro balance and statistically analysed using anova and post hoc Student–Newman–Keuls test. The time required to prepare the canals with the different instruments was also recorded.

Results

Reciproc produced significantly more debris compared to all other systems (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted between the two single‐file rotary systems and the multiple‐file rotary system (P > 0.05). Instrumentation with the three single‐file systems was significantly faster than with Mtwo (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Under the condition of this study, all systems caused apical debris extrusion. Rotary instrumentation was associated with less debris extrusion compared to reciprocal instrumentation.
Human β defensin‐3 induces chemokines from monocytes and macrophages: diminished activity in cells from HIV‐infected persons
Authors: Petrov Velizar , Funderburg Nicholas , Weinberg Aaron , Sieg Scott
Published: July 2013

Human β defensin‐3 (hBD‐3) is an antimicrobial peptide with diverse functionality. We investigated the capacity of hBD‐3 and, for comparison, Pam3CSK4 and LL‐37 to induce co‐stimulatory molecules and chemokine expression in monocytes. These stimuli differentially induced CD80 and CD86 on the surface of monocytes and each stimulant induced a variety of chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), Gro‐α, macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP1β), while only hBD‐3 and Pam3CSK4 significantly induced the angiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Human BD‐3 induced similar chemokines in monocyte‐derived macrophages and additionally induced expression of Regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) in these cells. Comparison of monocytes from HIV+ and HIV– donors indicated that monocytes from HIV+ donors were more likely to spontaneously express certain chemokines (MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β and MCP‐1) and less able to increase expression of other molecules in response to hBD‐3 (MDC, Gro‐α and VEGF). Chemokine receptor expression (CCR5, CCR2 and CXCR2) was relatively normal in monocytes from HIV+ donors compared with cells from HIV– donors with the exception of diminished expression of the receptor for MDC, CCR4, which was reduced in the patrolling monocyte subset (CD14+ CD16++) of HIV+ donors. These observations implicate chemokine induction by hBD‐3 as a potentially important mechanism for orchestrating cell migration into inflamed tissues. Alterations in chemokine production or their receptors in monocytes of HIV‐infected persons could influence cell migration and modify the effects of hBD‐3 at sites of inflammation.
Human α1‐antitrypsin modifies B‐lymphocyte responses during allograft transplantation
Authors: Mizrahi Mark , Cal Pablo , Rosenthal Martin , Ochayon David , Shahaf Galit , Kaner Ziv , Kachker Peter , Lewis Eli C.
Published: July 2013

B‐lymphocyte activities are associated with allograft rejection. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) ‐expressing B cells, however, exhibit regulatory attributes. Human α1‐antitrypsin (hAAT), a clinically available anti‐inflammatory circulating glycoprotein that rises during acute‐phase responses, promotes semi‐mature dendritic cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells during alloimmune responses. Whether B lymphocytes are also targets of hAAT activity has yet to be determined. Here, we examine whether hAAT modulates B‐cell responses. In culture, hAAT reduced the lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated Ki‐67+ B‐cell population, IgM release and surface CD40 levels, but elevated IL‐10‐producing cells 1.5‐fold. In CD40 ligand‐stimulated cultures, hAAT promoted a similar trend; reduction in the Ki‐67+ B‐cell population and in surface expression of CD86, CD80 and MHCII. hAAT increased interferon‐γ‐stimulated macrophage B‐cell activating factor (BAFF) secretion, and reduced BAFF‐receptor levels. Draining lymph nodes of transgenic mice that express circulating hAAT (C57BL/6 background) and that received skin allografts exhibited reduced B‐lymphocyte activation compared with wild‐type recipients. BSA‐vaccinated hAAT transgenic mice exhibited 2.9‐fold lower BSA‐specific IgG levels, but 2.3‐fold greater IgM levels, compared with wild‐type mice. Circulating Treg cells were 1.3‐fold greater in transgenic hAAT mice, but lower in B‐cell knockout (BKO) and chimeric hAAT–BKO mice, compared with wild‐type mice. In conclusion, B cells are cellular targets of hAAT. hAAT‐induced Treg cell expansion appears to be B‐cell‐dependent. These changes support the tolerogenic properties of hAAT during immune responses, and suggest that hAAT may be beneficial in pathologies that involve excessive B‐cell responses.
Estimates and determinants of economic impacts from influenza‐like illnesses caused by respiratory viruses inAustralian children attending childcare: a cohort study
Authors: Yin Jiehui Kevin , Salkeld Glenn , Lambert Stephen B. , Dierig Alexa , Heron Leon , Leask Julie , Yui Kwan Chow Maria , Booy Robert
Published: July 2013

Background

Influenza and other respiratory infections cause excess winter morbidity in children. This study assessed the economic impact of influenza‐like illness (ILI) on families with children attending childcare using a societal perspective.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in 90 childcare centres and one general practitioner clinics in Sydney, Australia, during 2010. Healthy children aged ≥6 months to <3 years were enrolled. Economic impacts ofILI(temperature ≥37·8°C or parental report of fever, plus ≥1 respiratory symptoms) were collected at 2 and 4 weeks afterILIonset by telephone interview. Parent‐collected respiratory specimens were tested for respiratory viruses using real‐timePCR(RT‐PCR). Costs associated with healthcare visits, medication usage, carer time lost (work or recreation) and home care and/or additional childcare were collected. Influenza‐like illness costs were described and further analysed using a Tobit model. Zero‐inflated Poisson regression was employed to compare the numbers of healthcare visits for eachILI.

Results

Of 381 children enrolled and analysed, 105 developed 124ILIs. Specimens were available for 117ILIs: five were positive byRT‐PCRfor A(H1N1)pdm09, 39 for adenovirus, 39 for rhinovirus, 15 for a coronavirus and 27 for a polyomavirus. The mean cost of allILIs wasAU$626 (95% confidence interval:AU$484–768) perILIwith no significant differences observed between viruses. Carers lost on average 13 hours of work and 3 hours of leisure time perILI. Independent drivers ofILIcosts were having both parents in employed work and longer duration ofILI. In multivariate analyses, four variables were significantly associated with an increased number of healthcare visits perILI: non‐Caucasian child, living in a detached house, both parents in employed work and having anILIwith one or more viruses identified.

Conclusions

For families with a child attending childcare,ILIs cause a substantial economic burden. AnILIin a child with working parents and/or with longer duration appears to cost more in monetary terms. Healthcare visits were increased if the child was non‐Caucasian, lived in a detached house, had working parents or had a virus‐positiveILI. Our findings on the estimates and determinants of economic impacts from respiratory virus infection highlight the importance and feasibility of an interdisciplinary (epidemiology/health economics) approach to such research.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT AND PERCEIVED SUPPORT IN RENAL NURSING: A COMPARATIVE INTERVIEW STUDY
Authors: Brown Stephen , Bain Paul , Broderick Pia , Sully Max
Published: July 2013

Background

Social support is an important moderator of poor well‐being outcomes for nurses engaged in emotional labour with patients; however, the most effective support for renal nurses is not well understood compared with other specialties.

Objectives

To identify patterns and themes in how renal nurses and two other specialties engage with patients' emotional expressions, express their own emotion and access and provide support for emotional expenditure.

Method

Renal, emergency and palliative care nurses from Perth, Western Australia, were interviewed.

Results

Renal nurses engage in significant amounts of emotional labour with patients, and identify co‐workers as the most important source of support due to their availability and a sense of shared experience. However, comparative analysis showed that renal nurses do not recognise their emotional expenditure as readily and have less certainty of co‐worker support.

Conclusions

Because their high levels of emotional engagement with patients are mostly positive, renal nurses are less prepared than other nurses to manage difficult emotional situations. As co‐worker support is highly valued, organisations should train renal nurses specifically to support one another.
Aberrant dynamin 2‐dependent Na+/H+ exchanger‐1 trafficking contributes to cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Li Jun , Xu Liang , Ye Jiangchuan , Li Xiang , Zhang Dasheng , Liang Dandan , Xu Xinran , Qi Man , Li Changming , Zhang Hong , Wang Jing , Liu Yi , Zhang Yuzhen , Zhou Zhaonian , Liang Xingqun , Li Jue , Peng Luying , Zhu Weidong , Chen Yi‐Han
Published: July 2013

Sarcolemmal Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1) activity is essential for the intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis in cardiac myocytes. Emerging evidence indicates that sarcolemmal NHE1 dysfunction was closely related to cardiomyocyte death, but it remains unclear whether defective trafficking of NHE1 plays a role in the vital cellular signalling processes. Dynamin (DNM), a large guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), is best known for its roles in membrane trafficking events. Herein, using co‐immunoprecipitation, cell surface biotinylation and confocal microscopy techniques, we investigated the potential regulation on cardiac NHE1 activity by DNM. We identified that DNM2, a cardiac isoform of DNM, directly binds to NHE1. Overexpression of a wild‐type DNM2 or a dominant‐negative DNM2 mutant with defective GTPase activity in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs) facilitated or retarded the internalization of sarcolemmal NHE1, whereby reducing or increasing its activity respectively. Importantly, the increased NHE1 activity associated with DNM2 deficiency led to ARVMs apoptosis, as demonstrated by cell viability, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling assay, Bcl‐1/Bax expression and caspase‐3 activity, which were effectively rescued by pharmacological inhibition of NHE1 with zoniporide. Thus, our results demonstrate that disruption of the DNM2‐dependent retrograde trafficking of NHE1 contributes to cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
MEASURING MACROECONOMIC INSTABILITY: A CRITICAL SURVEY ILLUSTRATED WITH EXPORTS SERIES
Authors: Cariolle Joël , Goujon Michaël
Published: July 2013

For at least 40 years, the analysis of the causes and consequences of macroeconomic instability has greatly deepened our understanding of the handicaps faced by developing countries. This concern on economic instability is evidenced by a broad spectrum of indicators, based on the deviation of observed values of a given economic aggregate from its reference or trend value. In general, the choice of this or that indicator is not discussed advocating that the resulting instability indicators are closely correlated. Focusing on measurements of instability in export revenue data for 134 countries from 1970 to 2005, this paper finds that this assertion may be true for variance‐based indicators, measuring the average magnitude of deviations from the trend. However, great discrepancies may arise between different measures of the asymmetry or of the occurrence of extreme deviations around the trend when different trend computation methods are used. Our purpose is, therefore, to invite further discussions regarding the use of these indicators, and to highlight the different dimensions of instability, which have been so far unheeded by the economic literature.
Interactions and Thresholds of Limonin and Nomilin in Bitterness Perception in Orange Juice and Other Matrices
Authors: Dea Sharon , Plotto Anne , Manthey John A. , Raithore Smita , Irey Mike , Baldwin Elizabeth
Published: July 2013

Limonin and nomilin are two bitter compounds present in citrus and are thought to cause off‐flavor in Huanglongbing (HLB)‐infected fruit/juice. This study determined the best estimate thresholds of limonin, nomilin and their combination in matrices composed of sugars and acids at levels found in orange juice, and in orange juice, using the three‐alternate forced‐choice methodology. Further, the effect of sucrose or citric acid in orange juice on the bitterness perception of both compounds was investigated. In a simple matrix (sucrose and citric acid), the threshold of limonin was 4.0 mg/L, lower than the threshold of nomilin, which was 5.4 mg/L. Together in a 1:1 ratio, limonin and nomilin acted synergistically and both thresholds decreased. When adding nomilin at a fixed subthreshold concentration of 2 mg/L, limonin threshold decreased to 2.6 mg/L. Recognition thresholds in orange juice were 4.7 and 2.6 mg/L for limonin and nomilin, respectively. Added sucrose, but not citric acid, decreased the perception of bitterness induced by limonin and nomilin in orange juice.

Practical Applications

Florida orange juice processors are encountering increased juice bitterness resulting from elevated levels of the bitter compounds limonin and nomilin due to citrus greening or Huanglongbing disease (HLB). Increased knowledge of sensory perception of limonin and nomilin in orange juice will help processors determine the final quality of juice made with fruit from groves infected with HLB. In a model solution, nomilin decreased the perception threshold of limonin. In orange juice, recognition thresholds were 4.7 and 2.6 mg/L for limonin and nomilin, respectively, suggesting that orange juice containing such levels of these two compounds would taste bitter. As sucrose decreased bitterness perception of juice spiked with limonin and nomilin, blending with juice having higher sugar levels could be used for bitter off‐flavor management for juice made with fruit strongly affected by the disease.
Instructions to Rate Genital Vasocongestion Increases Genital and Self-Reported Sexual Arousal But Not Coherence Between Genital and Self-Reported Sexual Arousal
Authors: Prause Nicole , Barela James , Roberts Verena , Graham Cynthia
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Women are often reported to have a low coherence (often referred to as “discordance” in sexuality literature) between their genital response and self-reported sexual arousal.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differing instructions for rating sexual arousal would increase the coherence between genital response and self-reported arousal in women.

Methods

Genital responses were recorded, using vaginal photoplethysmography, from 32 young women while they fantasized in three different conditions. Conditions instructed women to rate their overall sexual arousal, any physical cues, and genital blood flow.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was the coherence of vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) and reported sexual response in the three conditions.

Results

Unexpectedly, both VPA response and self-reported sexual arousal were higher when women were asked to rate their genital blood flow. Examining only participants who reported at least some sexual arousal in all conditions (n=17), coherence was highest when women were instructed to rate overall sexual arousal.

Conclusion

Results suggest that focusing on genital blood flow during sexual fantasy may increase women's (self-reported and genital) sexual response. Focusing on any physical arousal cues during sexual fantasy was associated with lower coherence of women's genital response and self-reported arousal compared with when they were instructed to rate their overall sexual arousal.
Comprehensive Questionnaire for Assessment of Dhat Syndrome: Development and Use in Patient Population
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Avasthi Ajit , Aneja Jitender , Shankar Gauri , Mohan M Ravi , Nehra Ritu , Padhy Sushanta K.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome, characterized by the core belief of loss of semen accompanied by symptoms of general weakness, lack of energy and concentration, impaired sexual functions, and vague somatic troubles, often associated with an anxious or dysphoric mood state. Although many studies have described the clinical picture of Dhat syndrome, there is lack of availability of an instrument which can comprehensively assess patients presenting with Dhat syndrome.

Aim

The aim of this article is to develop a questionnaire that can comprehensively assess Dhat syndrome and guide the clinicians in managing such patients.

Methods

Initially, an extensive literature review was done to prepare a comprehensive list of clinical features, beliefs associated with the passage of “Dhat,” and attribution of the symptoms by the patients. These items were converted into a questionnaire for investigational interview. The questionnaire thus developed was administered to 54 patients and was also sent to eight subject experts for their opinion on the questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measure

To develop and evaluate the content validity of the Comprehensive Questionnaire for Assessment of Dhat Syndrome.

Results

As per the opinion of experts, the questionnaire had good content validity and was useful for not only clinicians dealing with patients of Dhat syndrome but was also considered useful for the patients presenting with Dhat syndrome. All the experts found the questionnaire to be comprehensive, and two-third of the experts regarded the length to be adequate. Although none of them suggested any deletion of items, yet some additions were suggested. The language of the questionnaire was rated from simple to very simple. Results of administration of the questionnaire on 54 patients of Dhat syndrome established that the questionnaire was helpful in providing comprehensive clinical picture of Dhat syndrome.

Conclusion

The questionnaire designed for the purposes of this study is a useful instrument for comprehensive assessment of the clinical picture of Dhat syndrome.
The Role of Community Assessments, Place, and the Great Recession in the Migration Intentions of Rural Americans
Authors: Ulrich‐Schad Jessica D. , Henly Megan , Safford Thomas G.
Published: July 2013

Many rural areas of the United States are experiencing population decline due to out‐migration. However, others—especially those places rich in natural amenities and recreational opportunities—are attracting new residents and losing less of their native population. In this article we investigate the predictors of rural Americans' migration intentions by examining how individual‐level community assessments, including community attachment and perceptions of community‐level problems, shape rural Americans' migration decision making while controlling for individual and place effects. Drawing on survey data from 17,000 residents in 11 different rural areas around the United States, we find that community attachment is a key predictor of rural migration, even during periods of economic recession, and regardless of individual and place characteristics or perceptions of community‐level problems. We also find that multiple dimensions of community attachment (e.g., practical, natural, family, community trust) have independent effects on the propensity of rural residents to migrate. Our research contributes to knowledge on migration trends among rural Americans by exploring the complicated reasoning behind why people stay in, or move to, certain rural communities and not others.
Changes in the critical erosion velocity for sediment colonized by biofilm
Authors: Fang Hongwei , Shang Qianqian , Chen Minghong , He Guojian
Published: July 2013

In flowing water the incipient motion of sediment can be affected by the presence of microbial biofilm growth. This article documents a series of flume experiments using non‐uniform sediments, in which sediment entrainment was investigated for cases where the sediment was immersed in deionized water, so that no biofilm developed, and for cases where a bio‐sediment was cultivated by placing the sediment in a mixture of natural water and nutrient solution. Differences in entrainment and the velocity at incipient motion were measured over an eight week period, as biofilm grew. It was found that the incipient motion phenomena were quite distinct between the two kinds of sediment. Sediment with biofilm was more stable and, over time, incipient velocity increased to a threshold level, before declining. Biofilm development is clearly an important control on the stability of sediments, especially in eutrophic water bodies. Two incipient velocity formulas were derived for sliding and rolling conditions. Film water theory was utilized to describe the cohesive force between sediment particles and the adhesive force generated by biofilm was introduced into the formula derivation; the time variation characteristics of biofilm strength and the features of the substrate were also taken into consideration. Such analyses can help to predict sediment transport changes due to biofilm presence in nutrient‐rich water bodies.
VDR Gene Polymorphisms, Interaction with Smoking and Risk of Periodontal Disease in Japanese Women: the Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Tanaka K. , Miyake Y. , Hanioka T. , Arakawa M.
Published: July 2013

Epidemiological evidence on the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms and periodontal disease is inconsistent. We investigated associations between four VDR single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including rs731236 (TaqI), rs7975232 (ApaI), rs1544410 (BsmI) and rs2228570 (FokI), and the risk of periodontal disease among young Japanese women. Cases included 131 women who had at least one tooth with a probing depth of 3.5 mm or deeper. Controls included 1019 women without periodontal disease. Adjustment was made for age, region of residence, education, toothbrushing frequency and use of an interdental brush. Compared with the AA genotype of SNP rs731236, the GG genotype had a significantly increased risk of periodontal disease: the adjusted OR was 3.68 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–12.78). There were no significant relationships between SNPs rs7975232, rs1544410 or rs2228570 and periodontal disease. None of the haplotypes were significantly related to periodontal disease. Compared with subjects with the AA or AG genotype of SNP rs731236 who had never smoked, those with the GG genotype who had ever smoked had a significantly increased risk of periodontal disease; nevertheless, neither multiplicative nor additive interaction was significant. The additive interaction between SNP rs7975232 and smoking was significant, although the multiplicative interaction was not statistically significant. No multiplicative or additive interactions were observed between the other SNPs and smoking. Our results indicated that VDR SNP rs731236 might be associated with periodontal disease. In addition, we present new evidence for a biological interaction between VDR SNP rs7975232 and smoking that affects periodontal disease.
Rhyme as reason in commercial and social advertising
Authors: Filkuková Petra , Klempe Sven Hroar
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the rhyme‐as‐reason effect on new artificially created advertising slogans. Rhymes and non‐rhymes were in Experiment 1 and 2 compared in a between‐subjects design and in Experiment 3 in a within‐subjects design. The quality of the form and content of the slogans was always evaluated by separate groups. In Experiment 1, we found a strong preference for rhyming slogans as opposed to their non‐rhyming counterparts. Rhymes were rated as more likeable, more original, easier to remember, more suitable for campaigns, more persuasive and more trustworthy. In Experiment 2, social advertising messages were evaluated favorably in both rhyming and non‐rhyming versions. However, when participants directly compared rhymes and non‐rhymes on the same scale (Experiment 3), the difference between commercial and social advertising disappeared and for all slogans rhymes were clearly preferred to non‐rhymes in terms of both form and content. A detailed analysis revealed that the rhymes scoring high on formal aspects were also favored in the questionnaire investigating content aspects.
Academic Freedom, Democracy and the Public Policy Process
Authors: Bryden John , Mittenzwei Klaus
Published: July 2013

This article is framed by the 900‐plus year old debate on the importance of academic freedom for democracy and human progress outlined by Karran. In particular, it discusses some contemporary threats to academic freedom in relation to the role of researchers and research institutes in the public policy process. Using a series of recent case studies of attempts to interfere with the publication of research findings in key sensitive policy areas of genetically modified foodstuffs, climate change, and agriculture, it is argued that while academic freedom plays a crucial role in relation to the development of public policies, it is currently under threat. This matter is discussed within a framework that allows the understanding of the relationship between researchers and the intervening State, the corporate and non‐government sectors with economic or social interests in any particular intervention, the media, and citizens. We apply the framework to recent cases in several controversial areas of policy that illustrate problems that have arisen. Moreover, we hypothesise that the problems have become more acute since the start of the era of privatisation and new public management with research agendas and targets often being increasingly set by policymakers. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the role of researchers and institutes in relation to agricultural and rural matters in modern democracies, arguing that freedom of speech and expression is an essential element in the policy role of researchers. At the root of this is the intensifying debate between representative and participatory democracy.
Climate Change and the Co‐Production of Knowledge and Policy in Rural USA Communities
Authors: Homsy George C. , Warner Mildred E.
Published: July 2013

Climate change requires action at multiple levels of government. We focus on the potential for climate change policy creation among small rural governments in the USA. We argue that co‐production of scientific knowledge and policy is a communicative approach that encompasses local knowledge flowing up from rural governments as well as expertise and power (to coordinate and ensure compliance) flowing down from higher level authority. Using environmental examples related to land use policy, natural gas hydro‐fracturing, and watershed protection, we demonstrate the importance of knowledge flows, power, and coordination in policy creation. Co‐production of knowledge and policy requires respect for local knowledge and a broader framing of issues to include both environmental and economic perspectives. While we see potential for local action, we caution that polycentric approaches lead to externality problems that require multilevel governance to ensure coordination and compliance.
Scientific Knowledge and Rural Policy: A Long‐distant Relationship
Authors: Reimer Bill , Brett Matthew
Published: July 2013

This article examines the extent to which social science evidence is considered by community leaders in small towns and rural areas. It uses secondary analysis of 18 transcriptions from interviews in rural regions within two Canadian provinces to examine what types of support (if any) are used by respondents to justify their claims and assess the extent to which they depend on systematically collected and analysed evidence. The results indicate that the respondents seldom provided justification for their claims and when they did, scientific evidence was infrequently used. Instead, the respondents most often used examples from their personal experience or public meetings as support. Comparative analysis of the two rural region showed that the pattern of support was different in each – with respondents from British Columbia (BC) relying more on personal examples and those from Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) relying more on public presentations or the internet. The results suggest that much work needs to be done to make social science evidence available and useful to those in small towns and rural places. According to those results, the most strategic way to begin is through existing networks, community groups, and local examples.
Using Evidence in Policy: The Importance of Mediating Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Shortall Sally
Published: July 2013

This article argues that to understand the use of evidence in policy, we need to examine how meanings and practices in the civil service shape what is accepted as knowledge, and how differences between the beliefs and values of the academy and the polity can impede the flow and transfer of knowledge. It considers the importance of social context and shared meanings in legitimating knowledge. Who counts as legitimate knowledge providers has expanded and here the role of stakeholder groups and experiential knowledge is of particular interest. How hierarchy, anonymity, and generalist knowledge within the civil service mediate the use of evidence in policy is examined. The difference in values and ideology of the civil service and the academy has implications for how academic research is interpreted and used to formulate policy and for its position in knowledge power struggles. There are particular issues about the social science nature of evidence to inform rural policy being mediated in a government department more used to dealing with natural science knowledge. This article is based on participant observation carried out in a UK Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Homicide and Social Disorganization on the Border: Implications for Latino and Immigrant Populations
Authors: Emerick Nicholas A. , Curry Theodore R. , Collins Timothy W. , Fernando Rodriguez S.
Published: July 2013

Objective

We advance social disorganization theory by examining homicides disaggregated by motive and gang relation and by using data from El Paso, Texas—a predominantly Latino city with high levels of immigration and poverty.

Methods

We analyze homicide data from the El Paso Police Department's detective logs, 1985–1995, as well as data from the 1990 U.S. Decennial Census.

Results

Key measures of social disorganization tend to be associated with homicide but these relationships vary across type of homicide. Immigration and percent African American show no connection with any homicide measure, while percent Latino is only positively associated with gang‐related homicides.

Conclusion

Overall, social disorganization is useful in understanding homicide in El Paso, but race/ethnicity and immigration do not operate as predicted. These results add important knowledge to a growing literature regarding the neighborhood‐level associations between immigration, Latinos, and crime.