bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norovirus: A Possible Cause of Pneumatosis Intestinalis
Authors: Kim Mi Jin , Kim Yae‐Jean , Lee Ji Hyuk , Lee Jong Seung , Kim Ji Hye , Cheon Doo Sung , Jeong Hye Sook , Koo Hong Hoe , Sung Ki Woong , Yoo Keon Hee , Choe Yon Ho
Published: December 2010

Objective:

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) in children is associated with immunosuppression, mucosal disruption from trauma, obstructive pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, and gastrointestinal infections. Our study is the first report of norovirus infection–associated PI.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective review was performed in pediatric patients (older than 30 days) with PI from March 2005 to April 2009. Since December 2008, in addition to routine stool examinations, reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing for calicivirus (norovirus and sapovirus), adenovirus, astrovirus, and enterovirus has been performed.

Results:

Twenty‐seven patients with PI were identified. The median age was 1.4 (range 0.2–14.8 years). Seventeen patients (63.0%) were immunocompromised hosts. Pathogens were identified in 5 immunocompromised patients (5/27 and 5/8 since December 2008). Of note, norovirus was identified in 4 patients (80%, 4/5) during the cold weather season. The genotype of noroviruses in these patients was GII‐4. Among 27 patients with PI, 10 patients (37.0%) developed PI in the spring and 11 (40.7%) in the winter. Twenty‐four patients survived (88.9%, 24/27). None of the patients with norovirus or rotavirus infection died.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that norovirus infection may contribute to the development of PI in immunocompromised hosts.
Improvement in Growth of Children With Crohn Disease Following Anti‐TNF‐α Therapy Can Be Independent of Pubertal Progress and Glucocorticoid Reduction
Authors: Malik S , Wong SC , Bishop J , Hassan K , McGrogan P , Ahmed SF , Russell RK
Published: December 2010

Background and Aim:

Treatment with antitumour necrosis factor‐α therapy such as infliximab may improve growth in children with Crohn disease (CD), but the extent of improvement in growth and its relation to pubertal progress and glucocorticoid (GC) therapy are unclear. This is a retrospective study of growth, puberty, and disease activity during the 6 months before starting infliximab (T − 6), at baseline (T0), and for the following 6 months (T + 6) and 12 months (T + 12) in children with CD.

Patients and Methods:

The growth and treatment details of 28 children (male, 17) who were given infliximab at a median (10th, 90th) age of 13.1 years (10.0, 15.7) were reviewed. Data on disease markers (C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and albumin), total alkaline phosphatase, and a physician's global assessment were also collected. Results are expressed as median (10th, 90th).

Results:

Of the 28 cases, 21 (75%) demonstrated a clinical response to infliximab treatment. Overall, height velocity (HV) increased from 3.6 cm/y (0.4–7.8) at T0 to 5.5 cm/y (2.1–9.2) at T + 6 (P = 0.003). In infliximab responders, HV increased from 2 cm/y (0.3–7.1) to 6.4 cm/y (2.3–9.1) (P = 0.004) and in the nonresponders, HV remained static at 4.3 cm/y (2.5–8.6) at T0 and 3.0 cm/y (2.0–11.3) (P = 0.701) at T + 6. HV also increased in the subgroup of 13 children who had remained prepubertal from 4.5 cm/y (0.4–8) to 5.5 cm/y (3.3–8.4) (P = 0.050). In the subgroup of 11 children who had a reduction (n = 2) or cessation in GC (n = 9), HV increased from 1.8 cm/y (0.3–8.3) at T0 to 5.6 cm/y (2.2–9.2) at T + 6 (P = 0.14), whereas those children who did not receive GC during the 12 months had an increase from 3.7 cm/y (0.6–6.5) to 6.4 cm/y (2.9–9.0) (P < 0.05). HV at T0 and T + 6 showed a significant association with the average alkaline phosphatase during the prior 6 months (r = 0.39, P < 0.05). HV did not show any association with individual markers of disease activity.

Conclusions:

Clinical response to infliximab therapy is associated with an improvement in linear growth in the short term in children with CD. This increase in height may not be simply due to progress in pubertal status or reduction in GC dose.
The Dual-Targeted Plant Sulfiredoxin Retroreduces the Sulfinic Form of Atypical Mitochondrial Peroxiredoxin
Authors: Iglesias-Baena Iván , Barranco-Medina Sergio , Sevilla Francisca , Lázaro Juan-José
Published: December 2010

Sulfiredoxin (Srx) couples the energy of ATP hydrolysis to the energetically unfavorable process of reducing the inactive sulfinic form of 2-cysteine peroxiredoxins (Prxs) to regenerate its active form. In plants, Srx as well as typical 2-cysteine Prx have been considered as enzymes with exclusive chloroplast localization. This work explores the subcellular localization of Srx in pea (Pisum sativum) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Immunocytochemistry, analysis of protein extracts from isolated intact organelles, and cell-free posttranslational import assays demonstrated that plant Srx also localizes to the mitochondrion in addition to plastids. The dual localization was in line with the prediction of a signal peptide for dual targeting. Activity tests and microcalorimetric data proved the interaction between Srx and its mitochondrial targets Prx IIF and thioredoxin. Srx catalyzed the retroreduction of the inactive sulfinic form of atypical Prx IIF using thioredoxin as reducing agent. Arabidopsis Srx also reduced overoxidized human Prx V. These results suggest that plant Srx could play a crucial role in the regulation of Prx IIF activity by controlling the regeneration of its overoxidized form in mitochondria, which are sites of efficient reactive oxygen species production in plants.
The Jumonji C Domain-Containing Protein JMJ30 Regulates Period Length in the Arabidopsis Circadian Clock
Authors: Lu Sheen X. , Knowles Stephen M. , Webb Candace J. , Celaya R. Brandon , Cha Chuah , Siu Jonathan P. , Tobin Elaine M.
Published: December 2010

Histone methylation plays an essential role in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing proteins are generally known as histone demethylases. Circadian clocks regulate a large number of biological processes, and recent studies suggest that chromatin remodeling has evolved as an important mechanism for regulating both plant and mammalian circadian systems. Here, we analyzed a subgroup of JmjC domain-containing proteins and identified Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) JMJ30 as a novel clock component involved in controlling the circadian period. Analysis of loss- and gain-of-function mutants of JMJ30 indicates that this evening-expressed gene is a genetic regulator of period length in the Arabidopsis circadian clock. Furthermore, two key components of the central oscillator of plants, transcription factors CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL, bind directly to the JMJ30 promoter to repress its expression, suggesting that JMJ30 regulates the pace of the circadian clock in close association with the central oscillator. JMJ30 represents, to our knowledge, the first JmjC domain-containing protein involved in circadian function, and we envision that this provides a possible molecular connection between chromatin remodeling and the circadian clock.
Identification of Nuclear Genes Encoding Chloroplast-Localized Proteins Required for Embryo Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bryant Nicole , Lloyd Johnny , Sweeney Colleen , Myouga Fumiyoshi , Meinke David
Published: December 2010

We describe here the diversity of chloroplast proteins required for embryo development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Interfering with certain chloroplast functions has long been known to result in embryo lethality. What has not been reported before is a comprehensive screen for embryo-defective (emb) mutants altered in chloroplast proteins. From a collection of transposon and T-DNA insertion lines at the RIKEN chloroplast function database (http://rarge.psc.riken.jp/chloroplast/) that initially appeared to lack homozygotes and segregate for defective seeds, we identified 23 additional examples of EMB genes that likely encode chloroplast-localized proteins. Fourteen gene identities were confirmed with allelism tests involving duplicate mutant alleles. We then queried journal publications and the SeedGenes database (www.seedgenes.org) to establish a comprehensive dataset of 381 nuclear genes encoding chloroplast proteins of Arabidopsis associated with embryo-defective (119 genes), plant pigment (121 genes), gametophyte (three genes), and alternate (138 genes) phenotypes. Loci were ranked based on the level of certainty that the gene responsible for the phenotype had been identified and the protein product localized to chloroplasts. Embryo development is frequently arrested when amino acid, vitamin, or nucleotide biosynthesis is disrupted but proceeds when photosynthesis is compromised and when levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids, or terpenoids are reduced. Chloroplast translation is also required for embryo development, with genes encoding chloroplast ribosomal and pentatricopeptide repeat proteins well represented among EMB datasets. The chloroplast accD locus, which is necessary for fatty acid biosynthesis, is essential in Arabidopsis but not in Brassica napus or maize (Zea mays), where duplicated nuclear genes compensate for its absence or loss of function.
Evolution of paediatric off‐label use after new significant medicines become available for adults: a study on triptans in Finnish children 1994–2007
Authors: Lindkvist Johanna , Airaksinen Marja , Kaukonen Ann Marie , Klaukka Timo , Hoppu Kalle
Published: December 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Off‐label use in children is widespread. New medicines lack marketing authorization for paediatric use, even when they represent significant therapeutic advantages and are intended for treatment of conditions common in children.

• Until now no information exists on how off‐label use in children develops over time after a significant new medicine is approved for adults and what happens when it is later labelled for one paediatric age group.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Off‐label use of a new significant medicine begins in adolescents and extends to younger children with delay. First marketing authorization to adolescents, providing a more child‐friendly formulation, results in increase of off‐label use in younger children, and has limited effect on total off‐label use.

AIM To investigate the evolution of paediatric off‐label use after a therapeutically new group of medicines for a common condition becomes available for adults but is labelled for children with a delay of several years.

METHODS Triptans were used as a model, because migraine is common in children, and is the only indication for triptans. Data on all triptan prescriptions 1994–2007 were extracted from the nationwide Finnish Prescription Register. Prescriptions for children were compared over time.

RESULTS Paediatric patients with triptan prescriptions increased from 204 in 1994 to 2618 in 2007. Sumatriptan accounted for 64% of all paediatric triptan prescriptions. When sumatriptan in a nasal formulation was labelled for children ≥12 years in 2003, off‐label prescribing to younger children (6–11 years) doubled in 2003–2004. Sumatriptan on‐label prescriptions increased to 728 adolescents (45% of sumatriptan in the age group) in 2007, but its off‐label use continued also to increase to 1119 (61% of paediatric sumatriptan prescriptions) in 2007. In that year 72% of paediatric triptan use was off‐label, 28% on‐label.

CONCLUSIONS When a new significant medicine becomes available in adults, off‐label use in children starts slowly but continues to extend to younger children reaching a market size which is little influenced by late appearance of a labelled product. Paediatric treatment remains dominated by off‐label use despite labelling of a product in an age appropriate formulation to the most relevant age group.
Four principles to help non‐native speakers of English write clearly
Authors: BOWER JOHN R.
Published: December 2010

The goal of scientific writing is clear communication of facts and ideas. Many books are available that explain the myriad of English grammar rules but clear communication requires more than just correct grammar; it also requires an understanding of how people read English. This paper briefly describes the structure of English prose and lists four principles to help non‐native speakers improve their writing. The first two deal with individual sentences, focusing on the importance of the stress position and the subject–verb link. The final two deal with series of sentences, focusing on the importance of cohesion and coherence.
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in resource‐constrained settings – experience from five pilot projects
Authors: Holloway Kathleen , Mathai Elizabeth , Gray Andy ,   on behalf of the Community‐Based Surveillance of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Resource‐Constrained Settings Project Group
Published: December 2010

Objective  The rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria is a major public health concern. The WHO Global Strategy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance proposed that model systems be developed for AMR surveillance and for monitoring antimicrobial use.

Methods  Pilot projects were established in three sites in India and two in South Africa to collect monthly AMR data on target bacteria for at least 12 months. Escherichia coli was used as the target bacterium in four sites (three in India, one in South Africa). One South African site used Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Each site sought to obtain at least 960 isolates per year. Resistance was determined by disc diffusion or minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods.

Results  Data were collected for 12 and 16 months respectively in the South African sites and for 14 months in one Indian site and 24 months in the other two. All sites found difficulty collecting the required number of isolates, with three sites failing to do so. Escherichia coli isolates were more easily obtained and two sites developed methods to increase their yield. Disc diffusion testing provided more timely and reliable AMR data than did MIC determinations. Although methodological issues limit the comparability of data, high AMR rates were observed at all five sites.

Conclusion  All five pilot sites provided data on AMR, but also raised several issues related to logistics of long‐term surveillance in settings under resource constraints. For surveillance of AMR in such settings, E. coli is probably the best indicator bacterium.
Towards large‐scale prediction of Lolium rigidum emergence. II. Correlation between dormancy and herbicide resistance levels suggests an impact of cropping systems
Authors: OWEN M J , MICHAEL P J , RENTON M , STEADMAN K J , POWLES S B
Published: December 2010

Owen MJ, Michael PJ, Renton M, Steadman KJ & Powles SB (2011). Towards large‐scale prediction of Lolium rigidum emergence. II. Correlation between dormancy and herbicide resistance levels suggests an impact of cropping systems. Weed Research51, 133–141.

This study investigated a possible link between seed dormancy and herbicide resistance status of Lolium rigidum (annual or rigid ryegrass). Mature seeds were collected from 406 populations across the 14‐million hectare grain belt of southern Western Australia. For each population, initial dormancy and change in dormancy over a 6‐month period were measured, and resistance status of seedlings to four herbicides (diclofop‐methyl, sethoxydim, clethodim and sulfometuron‐methyl) was assessed. Greater seed dormancy correlated with higher levels of herbicide resistance for all four herbicides tested. The herbicides represented two modes of action (acetyl CoA carboxylase‐ and acetolactate synthase inhibitors) and a contrast of generalist (metabolic) and target‐site mutation mechanisms. The coexistence of dormancy and herbicide resistance is suggested to be an adaptation to decades of intense cropping; the plants that are most likely to successfully reproduce are those that exhibit delayed germination (avoiding pre‐seeding weed control strategies) and possess herbicide resistance (surviving subsequent in‐crop herbicide application). We propose that herbicide resistance status may have a role as a predictive tool in modelling dormancy in L. rigidum at a large spatial scale.
Serum angiopoietin‐2 levels are elevated during acute exacerbations of COPD
Authors: CHO Yu Ji , MA Jeong Eun , YUN Eun Young , KIM Yu Eun , KIM Ho Cheol , LEE Jong Deog , HWANG Young Sil , JEONG Yi Yeong
Published: December 2010

Background and objective:  Recently, angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) was identified as a ligand of the endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase, Tie‐2. Ang‐2 is an angiopoietin‐1 antagonist that plays a role in vascular destabilization and remodelling, which may increase in some diseases. However, serum Ang‐2 levels have not been evaluated in patients with COPD. In this study, we examined serum Ang‐2 concentrations in patients experiencing COPD exacerbations and in patients with stable COPD.

Methods:  Serum samples were obtained from 49 patients experiencing COPD exacerbations, 22 patients with stable COPD and 18 healthy control subjects. Serum Ang‐2 concentrations were measured by ELISA.

Results:  Serum Ang‐2 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD than in those with stable COPD or control subjects, and were significantly positively correlated with serum CRP levels but inversely correlated with PaO2 in patients with exacerbations. In addition, Ang‐2 levels decreased significantly after clinical recovery from the acute exacerbation.

Conclusions:  Serum Ang‐2 levels are significantly elevated during acute exacerbations of COPD, as compared with stable COPD.
Germination responses to GA3 and short‐time chilling of three endemic species: Tripleurospermum pichleri, Cirsium leucopsis and Senecio olympicus (Asteraceae)
Authors: KIRMIZI SERAP , GÜLERYÜZ GÜRCAN , ARSLAN HÜLYA
Published: December 2010

In the present study, the germination characteristics of three endemic species from Turkey, Tripleurospermum pichleri (Boiss.) Bornm., Cirsium leucopsis D.C and Senecio olympicus Boiss. (Asteraceae), were investigated. Germination was studied for fresh seeds, for seeds subjected to short‐time chilling (15 days, moist +4°C), to GA3 (100, 150 and 250 ppm) and a combination of chilling and GA3; in all cases seeds were incubated either at 20/10°C day/night with light daytime or at 20°C in darkness with daily short‐time dim light (DSDL). In C. leucopsis seeds, all GA3 treatments enhanced the final germination percentages. The mean germination time (MGT) of C. leucopsis was lower under DSDL than with photoperiod. The chilling treatment with GA3 in DSDL significantly increased germination in S. olympicus seeds (from 45 to 87%). Germination increased to 55% in T. pichleri by chilling under photoperiod compared with 32% by chilling followed by DSDL. In conclusion, these three co‐existing endemic Asteraceae species have different germination behaviours; something that should be taken into account for ex situ propagation. However, an efficient way to germinate all species is to use 250 ppm GA3 and 20/10°C with photoperiod.
Maternal and paternal effects on the germination time of non‐dormant seeds of a monocarpic perennial species, Aster kantoensis (Compositae)
Authors: KAGAYA MITSUKO , TANI TAKASHI , KACHI NAOKI
Published: December 2010

In plant species producing non‐dormant seeds, the germination time (from the start of imbibition to radicle emergence) is the main factor determining the timing of seedling emergence. We investigated maternal and paternal genetic effects on the germination time of non‐dormant seeds of a monocarpic perennial, Aster kantoensis Kitamura (Compositae). Three sets of reciprocal diallel crosses among five plants were conducted to produce genetic variation in seeds, and the germination time of the progeny of each parent was determined. The effects of the maternal parent and the interaction of maternal and paternal parents on the germination time of progeny were significant in all sets, and the effect of the paternal parent was significant in two of the three sets. This result means that the germination time of the progeny of a maternal or paternal parent can vary with the genotype of its mating partners. Because variation in the emergence time of seedlings contributes to avoiding seedling loss owing to unpredictable environmental changes, genetic variation in the germination time among the progeny of each parent mating with multiple partners could contribute to the establishment of the parent's seedlings in species producing non‐dormant seeds in the field.
Does intra‐arterial thrombolysis have a role as first‐line intervention in acute ischaemic stroke?
Authors: Syfret D. A. , Mitchell P. , Dowling R. , Yan B.
Published: December 2010

Minimization of the clinical impact of acute ischaemic stroke depends largely on prompt restoration of blood flow to underperfused regions of the brain. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is currently the first‐line intervention for acute ischaemic stroke, with proven efficacy in randomized controlled trials. There are several major limitations associated with IVT, in particular, the relatively poor outcomes in large artery occlusions. A major emerging modality in acute stroke management is intra‐arterial thrombolysis (IAT), whereby clot‐retrieval or thrombolytics are applied under angiographic guidance to the site of the clot. Strong arguments exist for the use of IAT as first‐line ischaemic stroke management in preference of IVT, especially with large intracranial artery occlusion. Despite these arguments, the lack of data from randomized controlled studies in IAT means that it is appropriate to continue the current practice of IVT as first‐line treatment for the majority of acute ischaemic strokes at this stage. Advanced neuroimaging techniques, in particular a ‘multimodal’ computed tomography (CT) approach combining non‐contrast CT, CT angiography and perfusion CT, may serve as a valuable triage tool for patient selection. Ongoing research is required in endovascular approaches to stroke; in particular, randomized controlled trials with a focus on clinical outcomes and tackling the inherent delays between symptom onset and treatment.
Clinical survey of denture care in denture‐wearing edentulous patients of Indian population
Authors: Chowdhary Ramesh , Chandraker Neeraj K
Published: December 2010

Aim:  To evaluate patients’ knowledge regarding the post‐insertion care of complete denture prosthesis.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐five complete denture‐wearing patients who reported to the department of prosthodontics, HKES S Nijalingappa Institute of Dental Science and Research, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India constituted the sample. Questionnaires were distributed to them. The χ2‐test was used for statistical analysis, with a significance level of 5%.

Results:  Questionnaire results showed that: 59.2% of the subjects, with a mean age of 69.28 years, had used the same complete denture for less than a year; 36% of them slept with their prosthesis in their mouth; 83.82% were male; 100% of upper class subjects removed there prosthesis before sleep; 67.2% removed their prostheses at some point during the day; 35.2% removed their prostheses and kept them in a separate denture box with water; 97.6% of patients cleaned their denture daily; there was a statistically significant difference in frequencies of cleaning between socioeconomic status (χ2‐test = 48.25, P < 0.05); 94.26% of subjects used a toothbrush for prosthesis cleaning; there was a statistically significant difference in other aids used to clean the prostheses between socioeconomic status (χ2‐test = 57.20, P < 0.05); 50.40% of the population reported ulceration due to prostheses; and 85.5% of subjects never used adhesive to retain their denture.

Conclusion:  Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the edentulous patients surveyed had limited awareness of prostheses hygiene and long‐term oral care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 191–195.
Impact of a geriatric assessment clinic on organizational interventions in primary health‐care facilities at a university hospital
Authors: Boongird Chitima , Thamakaison Sangsulee , Krairit Orapitchaya
Published: December 2010

Aim:  (i) To uncover geriatric problems and syndromes in multiple domains, including medical, functional, social and psychological aspects; and (ii) to evaluate the impact of a geriatric assessment clinic on practice management from the perspective of the family practitioner.

Methods:  177 patients were approached in a geriatric assessment clinic by a multidisciplinary team of geriatricians, nurses, clinical pharmacists, social workers and clinical psychologists. A cross‐sectional study survey was conducted after the clinic had been established for 18 months to evaluate the impact of the clinic in three areas: knowledge, system and attitude improvement.

Results:  In the medical domain, the three most common disorders found were poor vision (81.5%), drug related problems (67.8%) and dental problems (30.5%). Prevention and screening had rarely been afforded patients. Eighty‐seven percent were never given stool occult tests or an influenza vaccination. The three most common geriatric syndromes found were dementia/mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (60.4%), depression (29.9%) and gait problems (30.5%). Each patient had roughly three syndromes. Regarding social domains, we found that 21.7% were caregiver burdens, 24% experienced family conflicts and 16.1% were subjected to elderly abuse. The impact of the geriatric assessment clinic on various satisfaction levels for care benefits as perceived by patients and caregivers was reported as high. Physicians reported high levels of satisfaction with respect to the holistic approach to primary care, although they also reported low levels of satisfaction with perceived knowledge gained from the clinic.

Conclusion:  A geriatric assessment clinic has been shown to be effective in discovering geriatric problems in several domains and enhancing the overall primary health‐care system. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 204–210.
Modification of protein transfer across blood/cerebrospinal fluid barrier in response to altered plasma protein composition during development
Authors: Liddelow S. A. , Dziegielewska K. M. , VandeBerg J. L. , Noor N. M. , Potter A. M. , Saunders N. R.
Published: December 2010

A developmentally regulated protein‐specific transfer mechanism across choroid plexus epithelial cells has previously been proposed to contribute to the characteristically high concentration of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the immature brain. Here we demonstrate that this mechanism is sensitive to protein variations in plasma resulting in changed numbers of transferring cells for individual proteins and altered transfer into the CSF. Pups of Monodelphis domestica at postnatal day (P)9, P65 and P110 were injected intraperitoneally with either adult Monodelphis plasma or exogenous bovine fetuin. Samples of CSF, blood and brain were collected from terminally anaesthetized animals 3–48 h later. The concentration of total protein was measured and levels of albumin, hemopexin, α‐fetoprotein and bovine fetuin were estimated by western blotting. Numbers of lateral ventricular choroid plexus cells positive for total and individual plasma proteins were counted in paraffin sections of brains stained with appropriate antibodies. Following intraperitoneal injections, the content of proteins in the CSF increased at all three ages, but the concentration increased only in the CSF of older animals. The total numbers of plexus cells positive for plasma protein did not change significantly, but cells positive for individual proteins did. Fetuin was detected in all protein‐positive cells, but apparently displaced α‐fetoprotein and, to a lesser degree, hemopexin. The results indicate that protein transfer across the blood/CSF barrier appears to be regulated by a molecular recognition mechanism that is probably saturable but may not be as specific for individual proteins as previously suggested.
Critical patch size generated by Allee effect in gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar(L.)
Authors: Vercken E. , Kramer A. M. , Tobin P. C. , Drake J. M.
Published: December 2010

Ecology Letters(2011) 14: 179–186

Allee effects are important dynamical mechanisms in small‐density populations in which per capita population growth rate increases with density. When positive density dependence is sufficiently severe (a ‘strong’ Allee effect), a critical density arises below which populations do not persist. For spatially distributed populations subject to dispersal, theory predicts that the occupied area also exhibits a critical threshold for population persistence, but this result has not been confirmed in nature. We tested this prediction in patterns of population persistence across the invasion front of the European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) in the United States in data collected between 1996 and 2008. Our analysis consistently provided evidence for effects of both population area and density on persistence, as predicted by the general theory, and confirmed here using a mechanistic model developed for the gypsy moth system. We believe this study to be the first empirical documentation of critical patch size induced by an Allee effect.
Seasonal differences in bacterial community composition following nutrient additions in a eutrophic lake
Authors: Newton Ryan J. , McMahon Katherine D.
Published: December 2010

We examined the effects of nutrient amendments on epilimnetic freshwater bacteria during three distinct periods in the eutrophic Lake Mendota's seasonal cycle (spring overturn, summer stratification and autumn overturn). Microcosm treatments enriched solely with phosphorus containing compounds did not result in a large bacterial community composition (BCC) change or community activity response (assessed via alkaline phosphatase activity, APA) relative to the controls during any season. Treatments enriched with carbon‐ and nitrogen‐containing compounds resulted in a dramatic BCC change and a large APA increase in the autumn and spring seasons, but only treatments receiving carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus (CNP) exhibited similar responses in the summer season. Despite the fact that the amendments created similar CNP concentration conditions across seasons, the BCC following amendment greatly varied among seasons. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that many common freshwater bacterial lineages from the Alpha‐ and Betaproteobacteria class and Bacteroidetes phylum were favoured following nutrient (CNP) addition, but individual taxa were generally not favoured across all seasons. Targeted quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the abundance of the Actinobacteria acIB1 cluster decreased in all microcosms during all three seasons, while the Flavobacterium aquatile (spring) and ME‐B0 (summer) clusters of Bacteroidetes increased following CNP addition. These results suggest a particular bacterial group is not universally favoured by increased nutrient loads to a lake; therefore, efforts to predict which bacteria are involved in nutrient cycling during these periods must take into account the seasonality of freshwater bacterial communities.
Entrepreneurial Initiative Selling within Organizations: Towards a More Comprehensive Motivational Framework
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Castañer Xavier , Belausteguigoitia Imanol
Published: December 2010

abstract

We develop and test a motivational framework to explain the intensity with which individuals sell entrepreneurial initiatives within their organizations. Initiative selling efforts may be driven by several factors that hitherto have not been given full consideration: initiative characteristics, individuals' anticipation of rewards, and their level of dissatisfaction. On the basis of a survey in a mail service firm of 192 managers who proposed an entrepreneurial initiative, we find that individuals' reported intensity of their selling efforts with respect to that initiative is greater when they (1) believe that the organizational benefits of the initiative are high, (2) perceive that the initiative is consistent with current organizational practices (although this effect is weak), (3) believe that their immediate organizational environment provides extrinsic rewards for initiatives, and (4) are satisfied with the current organizational situation. These findings extend previous expectancy theory‐based explanations of initiative selling (by considering the roles of initiative characteristics and that of initiative valence for the proponent) and show the role of satisfaction as an important motivational driver for initiative selling.
FORECASTING THE UK/US EXCHANGE RATE WITH DIVISIA MONETARY MODELS AND NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Bissoondeeal Rakesh K. , Karoglou Michail , Gazely Alicia M.
Published: December 2010

This paper compares the UK/US exchange rate forecasting performance of linear and nonlinear models based on monetary fundamentals, to a random walk (RW) model. Structural breaks are identified and taken into account. The exchange rate forecasting framework is also used for assessing the relative merits of the official Simple Sum and the weighted Divisia measures of money. Overall, there are four main findings. First, the majority of the models with fundamentals are able to beat the RW model in forecasting the UK/US exchange rate. Second, the most accurate forecasts of the UK/US exchange rate are obtained with a nonlinear model. Third, taking into account structural breaks reveals that the Divisia aggregate performs better than its Simple Sum counterpart. Finally, Divisia‐based models provide more accurate forecasts than Simple Sum‐based models provided they are constructed within a nonlinear framework.
BUBBLES IN EXCHANGE RATES AND MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Alexandre Fernando , Bação Pedro , Driffill John
Published: December 2010

We evaluate the macroeconomic performance of different monetary policy rules when there are bubbles in the exchange rate. We do this in the context of a non‐linear rational expectations model. The exchange rate is allowed to deviate from its fundamental value and the persistence of the deviation is modeled as a Markov switching process. Our results suggest that reacting to exchange rate movements does not significantly improve welfare. However, taking into account the switching nature of the economy may be more beneficial.
THE RETURN OF UNIVERSAL HISTORY
Authors: CHRISTIAN DAVID
Published: December 2010

The prediction defended in this paper is that over the next fifty years we will see a return of the ancient tradition of “universal history”; but this will be a new form of universal history that is global in its practice and scientific in its spirit and methods. Until the end of the nineteenth century, universal history of some kind seems to have been present in most historiographical traditions. Then it vanished as historians became disillusioned with the search for grand historical narratives and began to focus instead on getting the details right through document‐based research. Today, however, there are many signs of a return to universal history. This has been made possible, at least in part, by the detailed empirical research undertaken in the last century in many different fields, and also by the creation of new methods of absolute dating that do not rely on the presence of written documents. The last part of the paper explores some of the possible consequences for historical scholarship of a return to a new, scientific form of universal history. These may include a closer integration of historical scholarship with the more historically oriented of the sciences, including cosmology, geology, and biology. Finally, the paper raises the possibility that universal history may eventually be taught in high schools, where it will provide a powerful new way of integrating knowledge from the humanities and the sciences.
The Livingness of God; or, the Place of Substance and Dynamism in a Theology of the Divine Perfections
Authors: WYNNE JEREMY
Published: December 2010

Theological reflection on the divine character is serviceable to the extent that it prevents the livingness of the triune God – and so the subject matter of theology – from disappearing behind rigorous consideration of the perfections themselves. The topic of God's livingness, in other words, informs the locus de Deo as a whole. The present article begins with a biblical‐dogmatic proposal for the form and content of this livingness: God's life in and for the world, it is proposed, is at every point rooted in the life which God has from himself as Father, Son and Spirit. Two clarifications are subsequently offered. An appeal to the livingness of God should be distinguished both from an abstract rejection of ‘substance’ language and from a conceptualization of reality under a general theory of the forward advancement of the world process.
Sociology's misfortune: disciplines, interdisciplinarity and the impact of audit culture
Authors: Holmwood John
Published: December 2010

This paper is about tendencies to the subversion of sociology as a discipline. It connects external factors of the wider socio‐political environment of higher education in the UK, especially those associated with the audit culture and new systems of governance, with the internal organization of the discipline. While the environment is similar for all social science subjects, the paper argues that there are specific consequences for sociology because of characteristics peculiar to the discipline. The paper discusses these consequences in terms of the changing relationship between sociology and the growing interdisciplinary area of applied social studies as a form of ‘mode 2 knowledge’. It argues that while sociology ‘exports’ concepts, methodologies and personnel it lacks the internal disciplinary integrity of other ‘exporter’ disciplines, such as economics, political science and anthropology. The consequence is an increasingly blurred distinction between sociology as a discipline and the interdisciplinary area of applied social studies with a potential loss of disciplinary identity. The paper concludes with a discussion of how this loss of identity is associated with a reduced ability to reproduce a critical sensibility within sociology and absorption to the constraints of audit culture with its preferred form of mode 2 knowledge.
But the kids are okay: motherhood, consumption and sex work in neo‐liberal Latin America
Authors: Rivers‐Moore Megan
Published: December 2010

Although sex work remains highly stigmatized around the world, its relatively high value (when compared to other kinds of work available for low‐income women) allows sex workers to attain some level of economic, if not social, mobility. This article challenges the idea that sex work in ‘third world’ settings is always about mere subsistence. Instead, it suggests that sex workers in Costa Rica's tourism sector work to survive, but they also demonstrate significant personal ambition and aim not only to increase their own consumption levels, but crucially to get ahead. Women are clear about what sex work enables for their families and themselves: not the maintenance of the status quo, but rather a level of consumption otherwise unavailable to them as low‐income and poor women. Sex work offers an opportunity to consume and to get ahead that these women have been unable to attain in other kinds of employment, primarily domestic and factory work. Furthermore, sex work allows women to think of themselves as particularly good mothers, able to provide for and spend important quality time with their kids. The article argues that survival, consumption, and motherhood are discursively deployed, in often contradictory and conflicting ways, in order to counteract the effects that stigma has on sex workers. It also suggests that sex workers may very well be the quintessential subjects of neo‐liberalism in Latin America, in their embrace of entrepreneurial work and consumption.
Resonances in the cardiovascular system caused by rhythmical muscle tension
Authors: Vaschillo Evgeny G. , Vaschillo Bronya , Pandina Robert J. , Bates Marsha E.
Published: December 2010

Paced 0.1 Hz breathing causes high‐amplitude HR oscillation, triggering resonance in the cardiovascular system (CVS). This oscillation is considered to be a primary therapeutic factor in HRV biofeedback treatments. This study examined whether rhythmical skeletal muscle tension (RSMT) can also cause 0.1 Hz resonance in the CVS, and compared oscillatory reactivity in CVS functions caused by RSMT and paced breathing (PB). Sixteen young healthy participants completed five tasks: baseline, three RSMT tasks at frequencies of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 Hz, and a 0.1 Hz PB task. ECG, respiration, finger pulse, and skin conductance data were collected. Results showed that 0.1 Hz RSMT as well as 0.1 Hz PB triggered resonance in the CVS and caused equivalent oscillations in all measured CVS functions, although in women, RSMT compared to PB caused lower HR oscillation. Clinical application of 0.1 Hz RSMT is discussed.
The meanings of migration, remittances and gifts: views of Honduran women who stay
Authors: MCKENZIE SEAN , MENJÍVAR CECILIA
Published: December 2010

In this article we examine the non‐economic, emotional meanings that men's economic migration has for the wives and mothers who stay in two rural communities in Honduras. Combining the literature on economic sociology and on the social meanings of relations within transnational families, we identify three areas that allow us to capture what the men's migration means for the women who stay – communication between the non‐migrant women and migrant men, stress and anxiety in women's personal lives, and added household responsibilities. Through interviews with 18 non‐migrant mothers and wives and qualitative fieldwork in Honduras, we find that women's interpretations of men's migration are not simple, black‐and‐white assessments. Instead, these are multifaceted and shaped by the social milieu in which the women live. Whereas the remittances and gifts that the men send improve the lives of the women and their families, these transfers also convey assurances that the men have not forgotten them and they become expressions of love.
Organizational structure and strength and transnational campaign outcomes: a comparison of two transnational advocacy networks
Authors: SHAWKI NOHA
Published: December 2010

In this article I address the question of why some transnational advocacy networks (TANs) are better able to influence policy outcomes than others. How do we explain the variation in the political impact of TAN campaigns? Drawing on some of the theoretical formulations developed by social movement and international relations scholars, I argue that organizational structure and organizational strength can help us understand this variation. A comparison of a highly influential and successful TAN, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, with a less successful TAN, the International Action Network on Small Arms, demonstrates that such networks can mobilize a large number of diverse civil society groups. However, a coherent and well‐coordinated campaign with a clear political message provides the major explanation as to why some TANs are more likely to shape the global policy process than others.
Role of β‐adrenoceptors in glucose uptake in astrocytes using β‐adrenoceptor knockout mice
Authors: Catus Stephanie L , Gibbs Marie E , Sato Masaaki , Summers Roger J , Hutchinson Dana S
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEβ1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors determined by functional, binding and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) studies are present in chick astrocytes and activation of β2‐ or β3‐adrenoceptors increase glucose uptake. The aims of the present study are to identify which β‐adrenoceptor subtypes are present in mouse astrocytes, the signal transduction mechanisms involved and whether β‐adrenoceptor stimulation regulates glucose uptake.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHAstrocytes were prepared from four mouse strains: FVB/N, DBA/1 crossed with C57BL/6J, β3‐adrenoceptor knockout and β1β2‐adrenoceptor knockout mice. RT‐PCR and radioligand binding studies were used to determine β‐adrenoceptor expression. Glucose uptake and cAMP were assayed to elucidate the signalling pathways involved.

KEY RESULTSmRNAs for all three β‐adrenoceptors were identified in astrocytes from wild‐type mice. Radioligand binding studies identified that β1‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors were predominant. cAMP studies showed that β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptors coupled to Gswhereas β3‐adrenoceptors coupled to both Gsand Gi. However, activation of any of the three β‐adrenoceptors increased glucose uptake in mouse astrocytes. Interestingly, there was no functional compensation for receptor subtype loss in knockout animals.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThis study demonstrates that although β1‐adrenoceptors are the predominant β‐adrenoceptor in mouse astrocytes and are primarily responsible for cAMP production in response to β‐adrenoceptor stimulation, β3‐adrenoceptors are also present in mouse astrocytes and activation of β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors increases glucose uptake in mouse astrocytes.
Divergence, Sensitivity, and Nonequilibrium in Ecosystems
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D.
Published: December 2010

Contemporary theoretical debate in ecology and biogeography is often focused on equilibrium vs. nonequilibrium behavior in ecosystems and on the nature and source of ecosystem dynamics. It is suggested that these debates be recast in terms of the way ecosystems develop and respond to disturbances, rather than in terms of concepts often imported from mathematics, physics, and other fields. Using nonlinear dynamical systems theory, it is shown that key theoretical implications can be cast in terms of geoecologically significant phenomenologies such as divergent evolution, sensitivity to initial conditions and small disturbances, historical contingency, and path dependence. Examples show these phenomena are widely observed in ecosystems. Ecological and biogeographical theory can be problematized from within geography and ecology rather than fuzzy, abstract concepts such as equilibrium, self‐organization, “balance of nature,” or chaos. Complexity, sensitivity, variability, nonsteady states, and other concepts often associated with nonequilibrium or complexity‐theory frameworks have manifestations that are evident in observable ecological phenomena, in addition to theory and models.
Managing Wildfire Events: Risk‐Based Decision Making Among a Group of Federal Fire Managers
Authors: Wilson Robyn S. , Winter Patricia L. , Maguire Lynn A. , Ascher Timothy
Published: December 2010

Managing wildfire events to achieve multiple management objectives involves a high degree of decision complexity and uncertainty, increasing the likelihood that decisions will be informed by experience‐based heuristics triggered by available cues at the time of the decision. The research reported here tests the prevalence of three risk‐based biases among 206 individuals in the USDA Forest Service with authority to choose how to manage a wildfire event (i.e., line officers and incident command personnel). The results indicate that the subjects exhibited loss aversion, choosing the safe option more often when the consequences of the choice were framed as potential gains, but this tendency was less pronounced among those with risk seeking attitudes. The subjects also exhibited discounting, choosing to minimize short‐term over long‐term risk due to a belief that future risk could be controlled, but this tendency was less pronounced among those with more experience. Finally, the subjects, in particular those with more experience, demonstrated a status quo bias, choosing suppression more often when their reported status quo was suppression. The results of this study point to a need to carefully construct the decision process to ensure that the uncertainty and conflicting objectives inherent in wildfire management do not result in the overuse of common heuristics. Individual attitudes toward risk or an agency culture of risk aversion may counterbalance such heuristics, whereas increased experience may lead to overconfident intuitive judgments and a failure to incorporate new and relevant information into the decision.