bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field tests of Poly(I:C) immunization with nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in sevenband grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg)
Authors: Oh M‐J , Takami I , Nishizawa T , Kim W‐S , Kim C‐S , Kim S‐R , Park M‐A
Published: January 2012

It was recently reported that Poly(I:C) immunization with live nervous necrosis virus (NNV) confers protection in sevenband grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg), from NNV infection. In the present study, we conducted field tests with sevenband grouper for the evaluation of Poly(I:C) immunization efficacy. In the first experiment, sevenband grouper were immunized with NNV followed by Poly(I:C) administration 7 weeks before natural occurrence of viral nervous necrosis (VNN). Survival rate of the naïve fish was 71.0%, whereas that of the immunized fish was 99.8%. In the second experiment, sevenband grouper were immunized 10 months before VNN occurrence and survival rate of the non‐treated and vaccinated fish was 79.5% and 97.5%, respectively. In the third experiment, we administered Poly(I:C) to sevenband grouper at 20 days after natural occurrence of VNN. The survival rate of the non‐treated fish was 9.8%, whereas that of fish administered Poly(I:C) was 93.7%. Based on these results, it was concluded that Poly(I:C) immunization conferred protection in fish against NNV infection in field tests and the protection lasted more than 10 months. Furthermore, even after occurrence of VNN, fish mortality could be reduced by Poly(I:C) administration and there was an unexpected curative effect on VNN‐affected fish.
Comparison of speech intelligibility, articulation and oromyofunctional behaviour in subjects with single‐tooth implants, fixed implant prosthetics or conventional removable prostheses
Authors: VAN LIERDE K. , BROWAEYS H. , CORTHALS P. , MUSSCHE P. , VAN KERKHOVEN E. , DE BRUYN H.
Published: January 2012

Summary  The purpose of this controlled study was to determine the impact of a single‐tooth implant, fixed implant prosthesis and completely removable dental prosthesis on intelligibility, articulation and oromyofunctional behaviour. Additionally, the self‐perceived overall satisfaction of the dental replacements and the effect on speech was questioned. Objective (acoustic analysis) as well as subjective assessment techniques (perceptual evaluation) were used. The satisfaction of single‐tooth implant group was very high (100%) followed by a satisfaction of 87% for the fixed implant prosthesis group and 68% for the removable prosthesis group. The results of the phonetic analyses revealed a normal intelligibility and oromyofunctional behaviour in the three groups of dental replacements. Only one type of articulation disorders was observed in the single‐tooth implant group, followed by three types of disorders in the removable prosthesis group and six types of disorders in the fixed implant prosthesis group. In this last group, not only 87% of the subjects showed distortions of one or more consonants but also most consonants of the Dutch language were disturbed in comparison with the single‐tooth implant and removable prosthesis users. Special attention must be paid to the fricative /s/ because in more than 50% of all groups, this sound is disturbed.
Additional role of O‐acetylserine as a sulfur status‐independent regulator during plant growth
Authors: Hubberten Hans‐Michael , Klie Sebastian , Caldana Camila , Degenkolbe Thomas , Willmitzer Lothar , Hoefgen Rainer
Published: January 2012

O‐acetylserine (OAS) is one of the most prominent metabolites whose levels are altered upon sulfur starvation. However, its putative role as a signaling molecule in higher plants is controversial. This paper provides further evidence that OAS is a signaling molecule, based on computational analysis of time‐series experiments and on studies of transgenic plants conditionally displaying increased OAS levels. Transcripts whose levels correlated with the transient and specific increase in OAS levels observed in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants 5–10 min after transfer to darkness and with diurnal oscillation of the OAS content, showing a characteristic peak during the night, were identified. Induction of a serine‐O‐acetyltransferase gene (SERAT) in transgenic A. thaliana plants expressing the genes under the control of an inducible promoter resulted in a specific time‐dependent increase in OAS levels. Monitoring the transcriptome response at time points at which no changes in sulfur‐related metabolites except OAS were observed and correlating this with the light/dark transition and diurnal experiments resulted in identification of six genes whose expression was highly correlated with that of OAS (adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate reductase 3, sulfur‐deficiency‐induced 1, sulfur‐deficiency‐induced 2, low‐sulfur‐induced 1, serine hydroxymethyltransferase 7 and ChaC‐like protein). These data suggest that OAS displays a signalling function leading to changes in transcript levels of a specific gene set irrespective of the sulfur status of the plant. Additionally, a role for OAS in a specific part of the sulfate response can be deduced.
Root proteases: reinforced links between nitrogen uptake and mobilization and drought tolerance
Authors: Kohli Ajay , Narciso Joan Onate , Miro Berta , Raorane Manish
Published: January 2012

Integral subcellular and cellular functions ranging from gene expression, protein targeting and nutrient supply to cell differentiation and cell death require proteases. Plants have unique organelles such as chloroplasts composed of unique proteins that carry out the unique process of photosynthesis. Hence, along with proteases common across kingdoms, plants contain unique proteases. Improved knowledge on proteases can lead to a better understanding of plant development, differentiation and death. Because of their importance in multiple processes, plant proteases are actively studied. However, root proteases specifically are not as well studied. The associated rhizosphere, organic matter and/or inorganic matter make roots a difficult system. Yet recent research conclusively demonstrated the occurrence of endocytosis of proteins, peptides and even microbes by root cells, which, hitherto known for specialized pathogenesis or symbiosis, was unsuspected for nutrient uptake. These results reinforced the importance of root proteases in endocytosis or root exudate‐mediated nutrient uptake. Rhizoplane, rhizosphere or in planta protease action on proteins, peptides and microbes generates sources of nitrogen, especially during abiotic stresses such as drought. This article highlights the recent research on root proteases for nitrogen uptake and the connection of the two to drought‐tolerance mechanisms. Drought‐induced proteases in rice roots, as known from rice expression databases, are discussed for future research on certain M50, Deg, FtsH, AMSH and deubiquitination proteases. The recent emphasis on linking drought and plant hydraulics to nutrient metabolism is illustrated and connected to the value of a systematic study of root proteases in crop improvement.
Population differentiation and restricted gene flow in Spanish crossbills: not isolation‐by‐distance but isolation‐by‐ecology
Authors: EDELAAR P. , ALONSO D. , LAGERVELD S. , SENAR J. C. , BJÖRKLUND M.
Published: January 2012

Divergent selection stemming from environmental variation may induce local adaptation and ecological speciation whereas gene flow might have a homogenizing effect. Gene flow among populations using different environments can be reduced by geographical distance (isolation‐by‐distance) or by divergent selection stemming from resource use (isolation‐by‐ecology). We tested for and encountered phenotypic and genetic divergence among Spanish crossbills utilizing different species of co‐occurring pine trees as their food resource. Morphological, vocal and mtDNA divergence were not correlated with geographical distance, but they were correlated with differences in resource use. Resource diversity has now been found to repeatedly predict crossbill diversity. However, when resource use is not 100% differentiated, additional characters (morphological, vocal, genetic) must be used to uncover and validate hidden population structure. In general, this confirms that ecology drives adaptive divergence and limits neutral gene flow as the first steps towards ecological speciation, unprevented by a high potential for gene flow.
Size and asymmetry: are there costs to winning the royalty race?
Authors: MITCHELL R. E. , FROST C. L. , HUGHES W. O. H.
Published: January 2012

Body size and morphology are key fitness‐determining traits that can vary genotypically. They are likely to be important in social insect queens, which mate in swarms and found colonies independently, but genetic influences on queen morphology have been little investigated. Here, we show that the body size and morphology of queens are influenced by their genotype in the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior, a species in which certain lineages (patrilines) bias their development towards reproductive queens rather than sterile workers. We found no relationship between the queen‐worker skew of patrilines and the size or morphology of queens, but there was a significant relationship with fluctuating asymmetry, which was greater in more queen‐biased patrilines. Our results suggest that queen‐biased patrilines do not incur a fitness cost in terms of body size, but may face more subtle costs in developmental stability. Such costs may constrain the evolution of royal cheating in social insects.
Reciprocal translocations in cattle: frequency estimation
Authors: De Lorenzi L. , Morando P. , Planas J. , Zannotti M. , Molteni L. , Parma P.
Published: January 2012

Chromosomal anomalies, like Robertsonian and reciprocal translocations, represent a big problem in cattle breeding as their presence induces, in the carrier subjects, a well‐documented fertility reduction. In cattle, reciprocal translocations (RCPs, a chromosome abnormality caused by an exchange of material between non‐homologous chromosomes) are considered rare as to date only 19 reciprocal translocations have been described. In cattle, it is common knowledge that the Robertsonian translocations represent the most common cytogenetic anomalies, and this is probably due to the existence of the endemic 1;29 Robertsonian translocation. However, these considerations are based on data obtained using techniques that are unable to identify all reciprocal translocations, and thus, their frequency is clearly underestimated. The purpose of this work is to provide a first realistic estimate of the impact of RCPs in the cattle population studied, trying to eliminate the factors that have caused an underestimation of their frequency so far. We performed this work using a mathematical as well as a simulation approach and, as biological data, we considered the cytogenetic results obtained in the last 15 years. The results obtained show that only 16% of reciprocal translocations can be detected using simple Giemsa techniques, and consequently, they could be present in no <0.14% of cattle subjects, a frequency five times higher than that shown by de novo Robertsonian translocations. This data is useful to open a debate about the need to introduce a more efficient method to identify RCP in cattle.
Sequence Variations in Equine Candidate Genes For XX and XY Inherited Disorders of Sexual Development
Authors: Pujar S , Meyers‐Wallen VN
Published: January 2012

Contents

Inherited disorders of sexual development (DSD) cause sterility and infertility in horses. Mutations causing such disorders have been identified in other mammals, but there is little information on the molecular causes in horses. While the equine genome sequence has made it possible to identify candidate genes, additional tools are needed to routinely screen them for causative mutations. In this study, we designed a screening panel of polymerase chain reaction primer pairs for 15 equine genes. These are the candidate genes for testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD and XY DSD, the latter of which includes gonadal dysgenesis, androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), persistent Mullerian duct syndrome and isolated cryptorchidism. Six horses with testicular or ovotesticular XX DSD and controls were screened. In addition, candidate genes for androgen insensitivity syndrome, persistent Mullerian duct syndrome and isolated cryptorchidism were screened in normal horses. While no sequence variants were uniquely associated with XX DSD, the 38 sequence variants identified can serve as intragenic markers in genome‐wide association studies or linkage studies to hasten mutation identification in equine XX DSD and XY DSD.
Experimental study of leflunomide on renal protective effect and on inflammatory response of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: YU WEI‐MIN , WANG HUAN , REN XIAO‐JUN , LIU JUN‐PING , WANG JIAN‐YING
Published: January 2012

Aim:  To further reveal the effects of leflunomide on renal protection and on inflammatory response using streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

Methods:  Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), diabetic group (DM) and leflunomide treatment group (LEF). LEF group rats were given leflunomide (5 mg/kg) once daily. At the end of the 12th week, general biochemical parameters in three groups were determined. The renal histopathology was observed by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Further biochemical analysis of the gene and protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and ED‐1 positive cells in renal tissue were provided using real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Compared with NC group rats, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose (BG), glycohemoglobin (HbAlc), renal hypertrophy index, urine albumin excretion rate (AER) and serum creatinine were increased in DM group rats (P < 0.05). Treatment with leflunomide can improve these parameters except systolic blood pressure, BG and HbAlc. Creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) in the DM group was significantly lower than that of the NC group, and leflunomide can increase its level. Compared with DM group rats, the pathological damages were significantly relieved in LEF group rats. Compared with NC group rats, the gene and protein expressions of NF‐κB, TNF‐α, MCP‐1 and ED‐1 positive cells in renal tissue of DM group rats were highly upregulated (P < 0.01). Leflunomide suppressed their high expressions in renal tissue of diabetic rats.

Conclusions:  Leflunomide can ameliorate the kidney structure and function injury of diabetic rats through suppressing the expression of NF‐κB, TNF‐α, MCP‐1 and macrophage infiltration in renal tissue.
Differences of molecular expression mechanisms among neural cell adhesion molecule 1, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A in lung cancer cells
Authors: Kashiwagi Korehito , Ishii Jun , Sakaeda Masashi , Arimasu Yuu , Shimoyamada Hiroaki , Sato Hanako , Miyata Chie , Kamma Hiroshi , Aoki Ichiro , Yazawa Takuya
Published: January 2012

Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), synaptophysin (SYPT), and chromogranin A (CGA) are immunohistochemical markers for diagnosing lung neuroendocrine tumors (LNETs). However, the precise expression mechanisms have not been studied in enough detail. The purpose of the present study is to define the molecular mechanisms of NCAM1, SYPT, and CGA gene expressions, using cultivated lung cancer cells and focusing upon NeuroD1 (ND1), achaete‐scute homolog‐like 1 (ASCL1), and known transcription factors, repressor element 1 (RE1)‐silencing transcription factor (REST) and c‐AMP responsive element‐binding protein (CREB). Promoter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and transfection experiments revealed that ND1 activated NCAM1, that ASCL1 weakly upregulated SYPT expression, and that CGA expression was not regulated by ND1 or ASCL1. REST expression was restricted in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and knockdown of REST could cause as much SYPT expression as in SCLC cells and weak CGA expression in NSCLC cells. However, CGA gene upregulation via CREB activation was not found in REST‐lacking NSCLC cells, indicating the requirement of some additional mechanism for sufficient expression. These results suggest that NCAM1, SYPT and CGA expressions are differently regulated by neuroendocrine phenotype‐specific transcription factors and provide a reason why NCAM1 and SYPT are frequently expressed in LNETs, irrespective of malignancy grade.
Müllerian adenosarcoma with a neuroectodermal component associated with an endometriotic cyst of the ovary: A case report
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Mise Yuka
Published: January 2012

Reported here is a case of Müllerian adenosarcoma of the ovary which contained a primitive neuroectodermal tissue component within the stroma. The adenosarcoma coexisted with clear cell adenocarcinoma in an endometriotic cyst. The patient was a 33‐year‐old woman with a large unilocular endometriotic cyst of the right ovary. On the internal wall of the cyst, both a plaque‐like protrusion with a papillary surface and a dome‐like mural nodule were noted. The former exhibited features of Müllerian adenosarcoma, and the latter showed those of clear cell adenocarcinoma. In the deeper portion of adenosarcoma, teratoma‐like tissue which contained various tissue components including primitive neuroectodermal tissue was found. The presence of primitive neuroectodermal tissue in the stroma of adenosarcoma suggested the diagnosis of ‘adenosarcoma with neuroectodermal differentiation’ (‘teratoid adenosarcoma’), although the possibility of the incidental occurrence of an immature teratoma could not be completely excluded.
Development and validation of a prognostic index for 2‐year mortality in Chinese older residents living in nursing homes
Authors: Chan Tuen Ching , Shea Yat Fung , Luk Ka Hay , Chan Hon Wai , Chu Leung‐Wing
Published: January 2012

Aim:  There is no mortality prediction index for Chinese nursing home older residents. The objective of this study was to derive and validate a 2‐year mortality prognostic index for them.

Methods:  We carried out a prospective cohort study on 1120 older residents from 12 nursing homes of Hong Kong. We obtained potential predictors of mortality and carried out updated functional assessment. Each risk factor associated independently with 2‐year mortality in a derivation cohort was assigned a score based on the odds ratio, and risk scores were calculated for each participant by adding the points of risk factors present. Similar analysis was carried out on the validation cohort.

Results:  Independent predictors of mortality included: aged 86–90 years (3 points); aged ≥91 years (4 points); Charlson comorbidity index ≥4 (6 points); Barthel Index 5–60 (5 points); Barthel Index 0 (10 points); number of hospitalizations in the preceding year (Adbefore) 1 (4 points); Adbefore 2 (5 points) and Adbefore ≥3 (6 points). In the derivation cohort, 2‐year mortality was 10.8% in the low‐risk group (≤4 points) and 59.9% in the high‐risk group (≥14 points). In the validation cohort, 2‐year mortality was 11.8% in the low‐risk group and 60.4% in the high‐risk group. The receiver–operator characteristic curve area was 0.761 for the derivation cohort and 0.742 for the validation cohort.

Conclusions:  Our prognostic index had satisfactory discrimination and calibration in an independent sample of Chinese nursing home older residents. It can be used to identify older residents with a high risk for poor outcomes, who need a different level of care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 555–562.
Potentially inappropriate medication use in Indian elderly: Comparison of Beers' criteria and Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions
Authors: Nagendra Vishwas Hunsur , Harugeri Anand , Parthasarathi Gurumurthy , Ramesh Madhan
Published: January 2012

Aim:  To compare Beers' criteria (BC) and Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) for prevalence, specificity, sensitivity and predictors for potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use.

Methods:  Patients aged ≥60 years from medicine wards of a tertiary care hospital were included. Comparisons between BC and STOPP were made using Pearson's χ2‐test for categorical variables and Mann–Whitney U‐test for continuous variables. Specificity and sensitivity were assessed by using 2 × 2 contingency table. Bivariate analysis and subsequent multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of PIM use.

Results:  In the 540 patients included, prevalence of PIM use as per BC and STOPP was 24.6% and 13.3%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of BC in detecting PIM was 0.65 and 0.53, respectively. Considering the diagnoses/conditions, sensitivity and specificity of BC was 0.12 and 0.48, respectively, whereas independent of diagnoses/conditions, corresponding values were 0.75 and 0.54. PIM as per BC and STOPP accounted for 11 and 6 adverse drug reactions (ADR), respectively. Medications not listed in BC or STOPP were more likely to be associated with ADR. Multiple diseases (≥4) and use of more drugs during hospital stay (10–14) predicted PIM use as per BC, whereas age (60–74 years) predicted PIM use as per STOPP.

Conclusion:  Overall, BC is useful in the detection of PIM use independent of diagnoses/conditions, whereas STOPP is useful in detection of PIM use considering the diagnoses/conditions. There is a need for consensus on using the tool for detection of PIM use in Indian elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 506–514.
Prospective analysis of the invasive potential of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schiff.) in California
Authors: Gutierrez Andrew P. , Ponti Luigi , Cooper Monica L. , Gilioli Gianni , Baumgärtner Johann , Duso Carlo
Published: January 2012

The polyphagous European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schiff.) is the principal native pest of grape berries in the Palearctic region. It was found in Napa County, California, in 2009, and it has subsequently been recorded in an additional nine counties, despite an ongoing eradication programme. The present study aimed to assess prospectively its potential geographical distribution and relative abundance in California and the continental U.S.A. A subsidiary goal was to provide explanation for timing control measures.

Data from the European literature were used to formulate and parameterize a holistic physiologically‐based demographic model for L. botrana. This model was linked to an extant mechanistic model of grapevine phenology, growth and development that provides the bottom‐up effects of fruiting phenology, age and abundance on L. botrana dynamics. Fruit age affects larval developmental rates, and has carryover effects on pupal development and adult fecundity. Also included in the model were the effects of temperature on developmental, survival and fecundity rates.

Observed daily weather data were used to simulate the potential distribution of the moth in California, and the continental U.S.A. The relative total number of pupae per vine per year was used as the metric of favourability at all locations. The simulation data were mapped using grass gis (http://grass.osgeo.org/).

The model predicts L. botrana can spread statewide with the highest populations expected in the hotter regions of southern California and the lower half of the Central Valley. In the U.S.A., areas of highest favourability include south Texas, and much of the southeast U.S.A.

The effects of a warmer climate on pest abundance were explored by increasing observed mean temperatures 2° and 3 °C. L. botrana abundance is expected to increase in northern California and in the agriculturally rich Central Valley but to decrease in the hot deserts of southern California where summer temperatures would approach its upper thermal limit.

Analysis of the timing of mating disruption pheromone for control of L. botrana suggests the greatest benefit would accrue by targeting adults emerging from winter diapause pupae and the flight of first summer adults.
Oestradiol is a protective factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in healthy men
Authors: Tian G‐X. , Sun Y. , Pang C‐J. , Tan A‐H. , Gao Y. , Zhang H‐Y. , Yang X‐B. , Li Z‐X. , Mo Z‐N.
Published: January 2012

Visceral fat is a risk factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A reduction in sex hormones is associated with increased abdominal fat. Thus, we investigated whether reduced testosterone (T) or oestradiol (E2) levels in men are associated with NAFLD and central obesity. The study involved a survey of 1,882 men between 20 and 60 years of age. We detected hepatic fat infiltration by ultrasound. Early morning serum was analyzed for total testosterone (TT), E2, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Free testosterone (FT) was calculated using the Vermeulen method. In the studied population, the prevalence of NAFLD, FSH, LH and SHBG increased with age, TT and FT declined with age, and E2 remained stable. However, in the NAFLD group, TT remained stable, FT and E2 declined, and hepatic fat infiltration increased (P < 0.001 for both). Using multivariate analysis, a correlation was found between E2 and NAFLD, with an odds ratio of 0.954 (95% confidence interval: 0.946–0.967). E2 is one of the protective factors against NAFLD in healthy men. T has no significant correlation with NAFLD. Further investigation would be required to assess the clinical consequences of reduced E2 in men with NAFLD, particularly for men whose TT remained stable.
Using self‐made drawings to support modelling in science education
Authors: Leenaars Frank A. J. , van Joolingen Wouter R. , Bollen Lars
Published: January 2012

The value of modelling in science education is evident, both from scientific practice and from theories of learning. However, students find modelling difficult and need support. This study investigates how self‐made drawings could be used to support the modelling process. An experiment with undergraduate students (n = 37) at a predominantly technical university led to three conclusions. 1. Most learners created realistic rather than schematic drawings of real world systems. Furthermore, learners who represented situations realistically identified a greater number of important aspects of these situations than learners who represented them purely schematically. 2. Access to simulations during the construction of these drawings led to increased insight into the effects of variables that can be manipulated. However, participants with access to simulations thought of fewer important variables that were not explicitly available in the simulation than participants without this access. 3. Participants almost never drew multiple objects with a single stroke and generally drew objects sequentially. These patterns in the digital drawing process can simplify automatic sketch segmentation, which can be used to support learners in creating models from drawings.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Modelling plays a key role in scientific discovery and reasoning.

Computer modelling in science education allows for a focus on the processes as well as the products of science.

Students encounter difficulties during the modelling process and need to be supported.

What this paper adds

Self‐made drawings could be a good way to support the modelling process, because creating an informal drawing allows students to use their prior domain knowledge more easily than creating a formal model.

Students who created a realistic drawing showed more prior knowledge activation than students who created an abstract drawing.

Compared to students who only had access to a text, students who had access to a simulation during the creation of a drawing showed more insight into some variables of the system they represented, but found it more difficult to think of variables not adjustable in the simulation.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Before students are asked to create a formal model of some domain, their prior domain knowledge may be activated by the creation of an informal drawing.

When asking students to study a domain using a simulation, attention must be paid to the prevention of a focusing effect. This focusing effect may be attenuated by asking students to express their prior domain knowledge in a drawing before using the simulation.
SELF‐SERVICE SOCIETY: PARTICIPATIVE POLITICS AND NEW FORMS OF GOVERNANCE
Authors: ERIKSSON KAI
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this paper is to identify ‘participative politics' and what is here called ‘self‐service politics' as distinct political themes in many advanced democracies, in order to investigate their main elements and chart their interrelationships. These two themes are examined from the viewpoint of politicization and depoliticization tendencies. Participative politics consists of three main forms, defined as active citizenship, citizen networks and co‐production. Self‐service politics, in turn, connects each of these forms to a larger political transformation by pitting themes of activating politics, social governance and accountability against them. The paper investigates what bearing participative politics, and self‐service politics as its inevitable attendant, have on the sphere of democratic deliberation.
GOVERNANCE FROM THE BOTTOM UP: COMPLEXITY AND DIVERGENCE IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: CAPANO GILIBERTO , RAYNER JEREMY , ZITO ANTHONY R.
Published: January 2012

This symposium article examines how the threefold governance framework of the symposium actually works across multiple policy sectors and multiple politically systems. It undertakes a comparative survey of governance‐related developments across three policy sectors: environment, education/higher education and forests. To control for differentiation in political structures, the article studies the policy sectors with respect to three political systems Canada, England and Germany, taking into account the role of the European Union, the federal systems and international actors. This broad macro comparative focus enables the authors to make one of the first empirical efforts to assess the presence and sweep of governance arrangements across both policy sectors and states; and to assess the degree of convergence around particular governance practices.
EXPLAINING POLARISATION IN THE EU 27'S INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION DISTRIBUTION
Authors: HIERRO MARÍA , MAZA ADOLFO , VILLAVERDE JOSÉ
Published: January 2012

This paper is aimed at analysing the European Union's international migration distribution (EUIMD) for the period 1990–2010. Besides some relevant aspects of the distribution, such as inequality and dynamics, it mainly focuses on trends in polarisation and in exploring some key factors that might be behind these trends. The results of the study reveal that polarisation in EUIMD has followed a decreasing path and that factors like geographic location and government expenditure on health are those which better explain the polarisation phenomenon.
A SOCIAL‐NETWORK BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH TO OVERSEAS CHINESE AND OVERSEAS NON‐CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN CHINA
Authors: LU JIANTAO
Published: January 2012

This paper focuses on an ethnic dimension of Chinese FDI and non‐Chinese FDI in China. It seeks to highlight social‐network behavioural approach as a method for understanding the differences between the two types of investors. It examines the effect ofguanxion the locational and sectoral choices of FDI.Guanxiis the natural advantage and competitive advantage of Chinese FDI. Based on probability sampling, questionnaire surveys conducted in China are used to verify the expected significance ofguanxinetworks for overseas Chinese investors. Survey analysis results indicate thatguanxinetworks have played a significant role in the locational and sectoral choices of Chinese FDI compared with non‐Chinese FDI. This study also explains how small‐ and medium‐sized overseas Chinese investment can gain competitive advantage.
Gendering the Eye of the Norm: Exploring Gendered Concertive Control Processes in Two Self‐Managing Teams
Authors: Hawkins Beverley
Published: January 2012

This article is the result of an ethnographic research project exploring the workplace interactions of two self‐managed teams of recruitment consultants. I use data from participant observation and recorded interviews to show the gendered nature of what Barker terms concertive control: the social processes by which team members regulate each others' conduct in line with negotiated team values. My analysis examines how team members negotiate core team values, translate these into specific actions and regulate these actions through concertive control interactions. I then set out three ways in which gender acts as a resource for these concertive control processes. These are: team members' assumptions about men's and women's relative skills and capacities, the ‘tough’ masculinity of the haulage industry in which one of the teams operates and the regulation of performances of heterosexuality during customer interactions. Building on research by others, I show gender to be not only embedded in the values and managerial style associated with teamwork but also integrated into the collaborative process of team‐working itself. I emphasize that social categories like gender become resources in the regulation of conduct at work and can reify hierarchies even in so‐called participative practices like self‐managed teamwork.
Statutory union recognition in the UK: a work in progress
Authors: Brodtkorb Tor
Published: January 2012

The 1999 scheme for statutory union recognition has been criticised for being too complex, and for leaving important matters unclear, for doing too little for workers and unions and for requiring too much from employers. The similarity to the US system has also been criticised. There were fears that attempts to achieve statutory union recognition would redirect the energy of trade unions in the UK to fruitless limbs, forcing unions and employers into antagonistic litigation. Although some of these criticisms are tenable, legislation seldom satisfies all parties affected by it, and all new legislation is haunted by the spectre of unintended consequences. Nevertheless, the system of statutory union recognition adopted in the UK strikes a reasonable balance between the interests of the rival parties and appears to function efficiently and, for the most part, fairly.
The main organizational changes in dermatological practice in the Lombardy Region, Italy, from 2001 to 2009
Authors: Calzavara‐Pinton P.G. , Rossi M.T. , Piovanelli P. , Naldi L.
Published: January 2012

Background  Changes in financing health care delivery, including the adoption of diagnosis‐related groups (DRG), has deeply influenced dermatological practice across Europe.

Objective  To define the current status of dermatological care in the Lombardy Region, Italy, and compare the status of 2009 to that of 2001.

Methods  Data were analysed from the annual reports of the Healthcare General Department of the Lombardy Region; legislative and administrative data were taken into consideration.

Results  Beds for inpatients in Dermatologic Wards decreased from 251.7 (2001) to 49.07 (2009). In 2009, a large proportion of inpatients with skin diseases were admitted to non‐dermatological departments. Beds for day‐hospital activities increased from 55.9 (2001) to 61.0 (2009), and the proportion of admissions for surgical purposes progressively increased. In addition, the complexity and quality of surgical procedures increased, in view of the need to justify a day‐hospital admission. The total number of services for outpatients increased from 1 090 052 (2001) to 1 503 692 (2009); in addition, the weighted numbers (an indicator of complexity) increased from 2 117 000 (2001) to 3 644 032 (2009). The number of dermatologists with unlimited contracts decreased, and the number of low paid scholarship recipients and external consultants increased. Three of six medical faculties currently do not have a university department of Dermatology.

Conclusion  Over the last decade, the number of patients hospitalized in Dermatological Departments has declined; moreover, patients hospitalized with dermatological disorders have been increasingly admitted to wards with a non‐dermatologist attending physician.
Dermatological emergencies: a comparative study of activity in 2000 and 2010
Authors: Mirkamali A. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S. , Valeyrie‐Allanore L. , Bouvresse S. , Duong T.‐A. , Chosidow O. , Wolkenstein P.
Published: January 2012

Background and objective  Studies of dermatological emergencies (DE) are few. We evaluated the activity in our DE unit in a 1‐month retrospective study and compared the results with a similar study performed in the same department in 2000.

Methods  We reviewed the charts of all outpatients seen in the DE unit in January 2010, collecting data on age, sex, place of residence, referral mode, day and hour of consultation, true emergency or non‐emergency, diagnosis and follow‐up.

Results  In January 2010, we serviced 605 patients (58% males, mean age 40 ± 21 years), 21% more than in 2000; 43.5% were seen during off‐duty hours vs. 49% in 2000 (P = 0.066), 49% were considered true emergencies vs. 43% in 2000 (P = 0.046), and 14% were referred by a physician vs. 23% in 2000 (P = 0.0001). In total, 35.2% of cases were infectious dermatoses in 2010 vs. 29% in 2000 (P = 0.026). Other diagnoses were eczema, urticaria and drug‐related eruptions. Follow‐up was suggested to 53.3% of the patients.

Conclusions  Our DE unit satisfies a genuine need. Its activity increased over 10 years, most likely because of the decrease in the number of dermatologists in France. Although our results are close to those reported in the literature, comparison with previously published studies is difficult because of the heterogeneity of the definition of DE.
Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule modulates neurotrophin signaling
Authors: Wade Anna , Thomas Claire , Kalmar Bernadett , Terenzio Marco , Garin Jerome , Greensmith Linda , Schiavo Giampietro
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 575–586.

Cell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgCAMs) have been shown to modulate growth factor signaling and follow complex trafficking pathways in neurons. Similarly, several growth factors, including members of the neurotrophin family, undergo axonal retrograde transport that is required to elicit their full signaling potential in neurons. We sought to determine whether IgCAMs that enter the axonal retrograde transport route co‐operate with neurotrophin signaling. We identified activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), a protein involved in axon pathfinding and development of the neuromuscular junction, to be associated with an axonal endocytic compartment that contains neurotrophins and their receptors. Although ALCAM enters carriers that are transported bidirectionally in motor neuron axons, it is predominantly co‐transported with the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR toward the cell body. ALCAM was found to specifically potentiate nerve growth factor (NGF)‐induced differentiation and signaling. The extracellular domain of ALCAM is both necessary and sufficient to potentiate NGF‐induced neurite outgrowth, and its homodimerization is required for this novel role. Our findings indicate that ALCAM synergizes with NGF to induce neuronal differentiation, raising the possibility that it functions not only as an adhesion molecule but also in the modulation of growth factor signaling in the nervous system.
Microglial neurotransmitter receptors trigger superoxide production in microglia; consequences for microglial–neuronal interactions
Authors: Mead Emma L. , Mosley Angelina , Eaton Simon , Dobson Lucianne , Heales Simon J. , Pocock Jennifer M.
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 287–301.

Microglia express three isoforms of the NADPH oxidase, Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4, with the potential to produce superoxide (O2˙−). Microglia also express neurotransmitter receptors, which can modulate microglial responses. In this study, microglial activity of Nox1, Nox2 and Nox4 in primary rat cultured microglia or the rodent BV2 cell line were altered by microglial neurotransmitter receptor modulation. Glutamate, GABA or ATP triggered microglial O2˙− production via Nox activation. Nox activation was elicited by agonists of metabotropic mGlu3 receptors and by group III receptors, by GABAA but not GABAB receptors, and by purinergic P2X7 or P2Y2/4 receptors but not P2Y1 receptors, and inhibited by metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonists. The neurotransmitters also modulated Nox mRNA expression and NADPH activity. The activation of Nox by BzATP or GABA promoted a neuroprotective phenotype whilst the activation of Nox by glutamate promoted a neurotoxic phenotype. Taken together, these data indicate that microglial neurotransmitter receptors can signal via Nox to promote neuroprotection or neurotoxicity. This has implications for the subsequent neurotoxic profile of microglia when neurotransmitter levels may become skewed in neurodegeneration.
Comparison of Geonics EM38 and Dualem 1S electromagnetic induction sensors for the measurement of salinity and other soil properties
Authors: Urdanoz V. , Aragüés R.
Published: January 2012

The electromagnetic induction (EMI) Geonics EM38 (G‐EM38) and Dualem 1S (D‐1S) sensors are used frequently for assessment of soil salinity and other soil characteristics in irrigated agriculture. We compared these two sensors to determine whether they could be used interchangeably for the measurement of apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) in horizontal (ECa‐h) and vertical (ECa‐v) coil receiver modes. Readings were taken at 201 locations identified in three irrigation districts in both modes, and statistical comparisons were made on the raw data and from maps of a 2‐ha irrigated field made using 1680 horizontal mode readings. Both sensors gave the same ECa‐v readings (mean G‐EM38 and D‐1S difference = 0), whereas the ECa‐h readings were slightly greater with the Geonics EM38 than with the Dualem D‐1S (mean difference = 0.075 and 0.05 dS/m for the 201 and 1680 observations, respectively). The degree of coincidence between both sensors for soil profile ECa classification was acceptable: 82% for normal profiles (i.e. ECa‐h/ECa‐v < 0.9) and 90% for inverted profiles (i.e. ECa‐h/ECa‐v > 1.1). In practical terms, Geonics EM38 and Dualem 1S sensors could be used interchangeably with similar or very close results.
Inhibition of high glucose‐induced inflammatory response and macrophage infiltration by a novel curcumin derivative prevents renal injury in diabetic rats
Authors: Pan Yong , Wang Yi , Cai Lu , Cai Yuepiao , Hu Jie , Yu Congcong , Li Jianling , Feng Zhiguo , Yang Shulin , Li Xiaokun , Liang Guang
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammation is involved in the development and/or progression of many diseases including diabetic complications. Investigations on novel anti‐inflammatory agents may offer new approaches for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy. Our previous bioscreening of synthetic analogues of curcumin revealed C66 as a novel anti‐inflammatory compound against LPS challenge in macrophages. In this study, we hypothesized that C66 affects high glucose (HG)‐induced inflammation profiles in vitro and in vivo and then prevents renal injury in diabetic rats via its anti‐inflammatory actions.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Primary peritoneal macrophages (MPM), prepared from C57BL/6 mice, were treated with HG in the presence or absence of C66. Diabetes was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats with streptozotocin, and the effects of C66 (0.2, 1.0 or 5.0 mg·kg−1), administered daily for 6 weeks, on plasma TNF‐α levels and expression of inflammatory genes in the kidney were assessed.

KEY RESULTS

Pretreatment of MPMs with C66 reduced HG‐stimulated production of TNF‐α and NO, inhibited HG‐induced IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐12, COX‐2 and iNOS mRNA transcription, and the activation of JNK/NF‐kB signalling. In vivo, C66 inhibited the increased plasma TNF‐α levels and renal inflammatory gene expression, improved histological abnormalities and fibrosis of diabetic kidney, but did not affect the hyperglycaemia in these diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The anti‐inflammatory effects of C66 are mediated by inhibiting HG‐induced activation of the JNK/NF‐κB pathway, rather than by reducing blood glucose in diabetic rats. This novel compound is a potential anti‐inflammatory agent and might be beneficial for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in childhood epilepsy: A neuropsychological and functional imaging study
Authors: Bechtel Nina , Kobel Maja , Penner Iris‐Katharina , Specht Karsten , Klarhöfer Markus , Scheffler Klaus , Opwis Klaus , Schmitt‐Mechelke Thomas , Capone Andrea , Weber Peter
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  Children with epilepsy have a significant risk for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is often accompanied by deficits in working memory performance. However, it is not yet clear whether there are specific differences in the underlying mechanisms of working memory capability between children with epilepsy‐related ADHD and those with developmental ADHD. There is evidence that methylphenidate can improve the behavioral difficulties in children with developmental ADHD. Whether this medication has the same effect on ADHD symptoms in patients with epilepsy is not yet well understood. The aim of the present study is, therefore, to evaluate whether boys with epilepsy‐related ADHD and developmental ADHD share a common behavioral, pharmacoresponsive, and neurofunctional pathophysiology.

Methods:  Seventeen boys with diagnosed combined epilepsy/ADHD, 15 boys with developmental ADHD, and 15 healthy controls (aged 8–14 years) performed on working memory tasks (N‐back) while brain activation was recorded using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Each patient was tested twice: once after the intake of methylphenidate and once without in a counterbalanced order.

Key Findings:  On a behavioral level, we show that boys with epilepsy‐related ADHD as well as those with developmental ADHD performed similarly poorly on tasks with high cognitive load when compared to healthy controls, and that intake of methylphenidate improved performance almost to normal levels in both ADHD groups. On the functional level, both patient groups showed similar reductions of activation in all relevant parts of the functional network of working memory when compared to controls. Of interest, intake of methylphenidate did not significantly alter this activity pattern.

Significance:  Our data show strong similarities between epilepsy‐related and developmental ADHD on the behavioral, pharmacoresponsive, and neural level, favoring the view that ADHD with and without epilepsy shares a common underlying neurobehavioral pathophysiology.