bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Mycobacterium avium Decreases the Protective Effect of the DNA Vaccine pVAXhsp65 Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐Induced Inflammation of the Pulmonary Parenchyma
Authors: Martins D. R. , Pelizon A. C. , Zorzella‐Pezavento S. F. G. , Seger J. , Santos Junior R. R. , Fonseca D. M. , Justulin Jr L. A. , Silva C. L. , Sartori A.
Published: January 2011

This work investigated the effect of previous Mycobacterium avium exposure on the protective ability of the DNA vaccine pVAXhsp65 against inflammation in the pulmonary parenchyma. BALB/c mice were presensitized with heat‐killed M. avium and then immunized with three doses of pVAXhsp65 prior to challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. avium sensitization induced high levels of spontaneous IL‐5 production that were concomitant with a positive delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction; antigen‐specific IFN‐γ production was also observed upon splenocyte stimulation. Prior exposure to M. avium resulted in altered cytokine and antibody production induced by immunization with pVAXhsp65; instead of a Th1 response, vaccinated mice previously exposed to M. avium developed a strong Th2 response. This switch to a Th2 response coincided with the loss of the anti‐inflammatory effect of pVAXhsp65 vaccination previously observed in the pulmonary parenchyma of mice infected with M. tuberculosis. These results suggest that exposure to environmental mycobacteria can modulate immune responses induced by mycobacterial vaccines other than bacillus Calmette–Guérin.
Characterisation of TNF block haplotypes affecting the production of TNF and LTA
Authors: Tan J. H. , Temple S. E. L. , Kee C. , Waterer G. W. , Tan C. R. T. , Gut I. , Price P.
Published: January 2011

Polymorphisms in the central major histocompatibility complex (MHC) (particularly TNF and adjacent genes) associate with several immunopathological diseases and with susceptibility to pneumonia. The MHC is characterised by strong linkage disequilibrium (LD), so identification of loci affecting disease must be based on haplotypes. We have defined 31 tumour necrosis factor (TNF) block haplotypes (denoted FV1–31) in Caucasians, Asians and Australian Aboriginals. This study correlates the carriage of TNF block haplotypes with TNF and lymphotoxin alpha (LTA) protein production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 205 healthy Caucasian subjects, following in vitro stimulation with Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae; gram‐positive bacteria), Escherichia coli (E. coli; gram‐negative bacteria) or TNF over 4, 8 and 24 h. Fifteen haplotypes were present at >1%, accounting for 94.5% of the cohort. The haplotypes were grouped into five families based on common alleles. Following stimulation, cells from carriers of the FV10 haplotype (family 2) produced less LTA compared with non‐FV10 carriers. Carriers of the FV18 haplotype (family 4) produced more LTA than other donors. Induction of TNF by S. pneumoniae following 24 h stimulation was also greater in donors with FV18. The FV18 haplotype associated with the 44.1 MHC ancestral haplotype (HLA‐A2, ‐C5, ‐B44, ‐DRB1*0401 and ‐DQB1*0301) that has few disease associations. FV16 occurred in the 8.1 MHC haplotype (HLA‐A2, B8, DR3) that is associated with multiple immunopathological diseases. FV16 did not affect TNF or LTA levels. The findings suggest that many genetic variations critical in vivo are not effectively modelled by short‐term cultures.
Two novel HLA class I alleles, HLA‐B*40:122 and HLA‐B*40:127
Authors: Miao F. , Sun H. , Pan N. , Shen Y. , Xie W. , Zhang J.
Published: January 2011

The new alleles human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*40:122 and HLA‐B*40:127 differs from B*40:02:01 and B*40:06:01:01 by a single nucleotide, respectively.
Genetic variation in GREM1 is a risk factor for fibrosis in pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Heron M. , van Moorsel C. H. M. , Grutters J. C. , Huizinga T. W. J. , van der Helm‐van Mil A. H. M. , Nagtegaal M. M. , Ruven H. J. T. , van den Bosch J. M. M.
Published: January 2011

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous systemic disorder most often affecting the lung. Pulmonary fibrosis develops in approximately 10%–15% of patients with sarcoidosis. The human gene GREM1 encodes gremlin, a member of the bone morphogenetic protein antagonist family. Bone morphogenetic proteins are essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and regeneration after injury. We examined associations between genetic variation in GREM1 and pulmonary disease outcome in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Four common tag single nucleotide polymorphisms spanning GREM1 were genotyped in 483 controls and in 237 sarcoidosis patients with radiographic data at pulmonary disease outcome, defined by chest X‐ray after a minimum of 4 years follow‐up. Highly significant differences were found between GREM1 genotype frequencies in sarcoidosis patients without chest X‐ray abnormalities (stage 0) (n = 116) versus patients who had fibrosis on chest X‐ray (stage IV) (n = 59) at pulmonary disease outcome. The most significant association was with GREM1 rs1919364. The recessive model resulted in an increased risk of fibrosis development for homozygous carriers of the C allele at GREM1 rs1919364 versus carriers of the G allele [P = 9.3 × 10−7, χ2 = 24.1, odds ratio (OR) = 6.37 (2.89–14.1)]. This study is the first to suggest that genetic variation of GREM1 predisposes to pulmonary fibrosis in sarcoidosis patients. Carriers of the GREM1 CC genotype at position rs1919364 were at 6.4 times greater risk for developing fibrosis.
The complete genomic sequence of HLA‐DRB1*10:01:01 was identified by sequencing in a Han Chinese individual
Authors: Liu B. , Xiong Y. , Tian C. , Zhong Y. , Liu S.‐M.
Published: January 2011

The complete genomic sequence of HLA (human leukocyte antigen)‐DRB1*10:01:01, including a part of the promoter and 3′‐downstream sequence, was identified by sequencing in a Han Chinese male donor.
Dendritic cells in networks of immunological tolerance
Authors: Gregori S.
Published: January 2011

Dendritic cells (DC) represent pacemakers of the immune system because they play a major role as antigen‐presenting cells in inducing adaptive immune responses on the one hand and are critically involved in promoting and maintaining immunological tolerance on the other. The latter function is mediated by specialized subsets of DC, named tolerogenic DC, as well as by DC activated or differentiated in the presence of specific biological or chemical agents. Suppression by tolerogenic DC is primarily mediated via the induction of regulatory T (Tr) cells. In the present review, we will focus on human tolerogenic DC with the aim to: (1) describe subsets of human tolerogenic DC; (2) define the modes of in vitro induction of myeloid tolerogenic DC and their ability to induce Tr cells; (3) elucidate the role of tolerogenic DC in orchestrating tolerance induction in vivo; and (4) envisage the use of tolerogenic DC as therapeutic tool to trigger immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Influences of increased levels of biotin, zinc or mannan‐oligosaccharides in the diet on foot pad dermatitis in growing turkeys housed on dry and wet litter
Authors: Youssef I. M. I. , Beineke A. , Rohn K. , Kamphues J.
Published: January 2011

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD) is very common in turkeys and it is an animal health and welfare issue affecting not only performance and walking ability but also the carcass quality. Thus, there is a great need to find out the preventive measures against this problem. The potential roles of extra dietary biotin, Zn and mannan‐oligosaccharides (MOS) in preventing the development of FPD were assessed in this study which was conducted on 2‐week‐old female turkeys over a period of 4 weeks. The birds were allotted to four groups, with 29 each, and housed on dry wood shavings in floor pens. The turkeys were fed a control (300 μg biotin and 50 mg Zn/kg), high biotin (2000 μg/kg), high Zn (150 mg/kg) or MOS (1%) diet. Half of the turkeys in each group were additionally exposed to wet litter (27% DM) for 8 h daily in adjacent separate boxes. Foot pads of the birds were examined on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 and assessed macroscopically and histopathologically for foot pad lesions. High dietary levels of biotin or Zn significantly reduced the severity of FPD on dry litter (score 1 vs. 2 in control) but not on wet litter. However, MOS did not affect the severity of foot pad lesions either on dry or wet litter. In addition, the severity was overall substantially higher on wet (approximately three times) than on dry litter. The present results suggest that adding high levels of biotin or Zn to the diet could reduce the development and severity of FPD on dry litter but without having any preventive effects on wet litter. Finally, the high litter moisture appears to be the major factor resulting in FPD. Therefore, the litter should be maintained dry to minimize the prevalence and severity of FPD in turkeys.
The clinical implications of hepatitis B virus genotype: Recent advances
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lin , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: January 2011

Outcomes of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are heterogeneous. Estimates of annual incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are 2–10% and 1–3%, respectively. Several viral factors, including HBV genotype, viral load and specific viral mutations, have been associated with disease progression. Among these, HBV genotype is not only predictive of clinical outcomes but has also been associated with response to interferon treatment. Currently, at least 10 HBV genotypes and several subtypes have been identified; they have distinct geographic distribution. Acute infection with genotypes A and D results in higher rates of chronicity than genotypes B and C. Compared to genotype A and B cases, patients with genotypes C and D have lower rates of spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion; when this occurs, it tends to be delayed. HBV genotype C has a higher frequency of basal core promoter (BCP) A1762T/G1764A mutation, pre‐S deletion and is associated with higher viral load than genotype B. Similarly, genotype D has a higher prevalence of BCP A1762T/G1764A mutation than genotype A. These observations suggest important pathogenic differences between HBV genotypes. These may contribute to more severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and HCC with genotypes C and D HBV infection. In addition, genotype A and B patients have better responses to interferon‐based therapy than genotypes C and D, but there are few consistent differences for direct HBV antivirals. In conclusion, genotyping of chronic HBV infections can help practicing physicians identify those at risk of disease progression and determine optimal anti‐viral therapy.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B: Evolution over two decades
Authors: Yuen Man‐Fung , Lai Ching‐Lung
Published: January 2011

There has been a recent paradigm shift in the indications and endpoints of treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative disease is being increasingly recognized. Antiviral treatment for both HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients should aim at long‐term suppression of HBV DNA, with the ultimate ideal endpoint of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion. Conventional interferon alpha (IFN‐α), the only agent licensed in 1991, has been superseded by pegylated IFN‐α. HBeAg seroconversion using pegylated IFN‐α is 33%, with only 25% of HBeAg‐positive patients achieving undetectable HBV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Five nucleoside/nucleotide analogues have been licensed since 1998. Lamivudine, an L‐nucleoside, is limited by the development of resistance in 76% of patients after 5 years of therapy. Telbivudine, another L‐nucleoside, is more potent than lamivudine but resistance still develops in 25% of HBeAg‐positive and 11% HBeAg‐negative patients after 2 years. Adefovir, an acyclic phosphonate, is relatively weak, but is effective against lamivudine‐ and telbivudine‐ resistant mutations, for which it should be used in combination (add‐on therapy) rather than substituted. Resistance to adefovir develops slowly, rising to 29% for HBeAg‐negative patients by year 5, but more rapidly when used alone for lamivudine‐resistant HBV. Currently the two first line nucleoside/nucleotides are entecavir and tenofovir. Entecavir, a cyclopentane (D‐nucleoside), is very potent, with 94% of patients having undetectable HBV DNA after 5 years. Resistance develops in only 1.2% of treatment‐naïve patients. Tenofovir, another acyclic nucleotide, is more potent with less renal toxicity compared to adefovir. It is effective against lamivudine‐resistant mutations when used alone. No resistance to tenofovir has been described after its use for 3 years or longer, often for patients with human immunodeficiency virus/HBV co‐infection. With these current, potent antiviral agents associated with very low rates of resistance, long‐term HBV DNA suppression and possibly even reversal of cirrhosis can now be achieved in a proportion of patients. In addition, long‐term treatment with these antiviral agents is associated with a reduced risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver in Asia: Firmly entrenched and rapidly gaining ground
Authors: Chitturi Shivakumar , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Farrell Geoff
Published: January 2011

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming an important chronic liver disorder in Asia. Prevalence figures show regional variations but at least 10% of the general population in Asia have fatty liver. Fatty liver can develop with relatively small changes in weight (2–3 kg), often with increasing central adiposity. The metabolic syndrome may precede or follow NAFLD. Overt diabetes is present in one‐third of cases but when oral glucose tolerance tests are performed, a further third of individuals have impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Natural history data are still scarce but cases of advanced hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are now regularly reported. Many cases of cryptogenic cirrhosis are also attributable to NAFLD. Histological progression has been demonstrated for patients with NASH as well as for those with hepatic steatosis alone. Genetic factors may in part contribute to the rise in NAFLD. Polymorphisms within apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) gene have been linked to NAFLD in lean Indian men. Although a number of other polymorphisms involving genes controlling adipose distribution, insulin signalling, adipokine responses and hepatic fibrosis have been reported, these studies have been underpowered. Transient elastography could help in detecting and monitoring hepatic fibrosis but further refinements in technique are necessary for obese individuals. Of the biomarkers, hyaluronic acid and cytokeratin‐18 fragment testing show promise as markers of hepatic fibrosis and NASH, respectively. Lifestyle alterations including dietary changes and increased physical activity remain the cornerstone of management. Attention should be paid to prevention through public education of campaigns addressing the increase in both adult and childhood obesity.
Diabetic gastroparesis—Backwards and forwards
Authors: Chang Jessica , Rayner Christopher K , Jones Karen L , Horowitz Michael
Published: January 2011

Diabetic gastroparesis was once thought to be rare, associated with a poor prognosis, and to affect only patients with type 1 diabetes and irreversible autonomic neuropathy. A landmark study conducted by Horowitz et al. and published in JGH in 1986 paved the way for further studies to examine the pathophysiology, natural history and prognosis of diabetic gastroparesis, as well as its optimal management. This review summarizes the developments in knowledge gained over the last ∼25 years that have led to understanding about normal and disordered gastric emptying in diabetes, with a particular emphasis on the inter‐relationship between the rate of gastric emptying and the regulation of blood glucose.
Prognosis of infantile obesity: Is infantile obesity “benign” childhood obesity?
Authors: Sugiura Reiko , Okada Tomoo , Murata Mitsunori
Published: January 2011

Background:  Obesity occurring earlier than 2 years of age is categorized as “benign” childhood obesity. In other words, no treatment is required for this type of obesity, and its course can simply be followed without any particular intervention. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether early infantile obesity is actually benign childhood obesity.

Methods:  The stature (length) and weight growth distance curves and growth velocity curves were determined for an obese infant (patient A), of his parents in infancy, and of his younger sister to determine whether their obesity in infancy was the benign childhood obesity. These data were also compared with other obese infants and those of normal infants.

Results:  Patient A's weight growth velocity declined until the age of 6 months and was then constant from 7 months onward. Because patient A's weight growth velocity curve followed the same pattern as that seen in a normal infant, despite differing in degree, the reason why this patient became obese in early infancy was probably insufficient deceleration of his weight growth velocity compared to that of a normal infant. In addition, the weight growth patterns and growth velocities of his parents and young sister during infancy were similar to those of the patient.

Conclusions:  The present four subjects had benign childhood obesity. In addition, six other cases of infantile obesity have been encountered at the authors' pediatric outpatient clinic. The clinical characteristics of infantile obesity are discussed.
Social support as described by foreign‐born persons diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and living in Sweden
Authors: Berterö Carina , Hjelm Katarina
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the meaning of support and its impact on the life situation of foreign‐born persons diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and living in Sweden in relation to gender, age, and the duration of the disease. Mixed methods were used on a purposive sample of 34 foreign‐born adults who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Qualitative data were collected by semi‐structured interviews and quantitative data were collected by the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ). The meaning of “support” was described by the participants as medical support, information support, and aiding support to learn to manage diabetes. Support influenced the participants' entire life and their need for it was related to the severity of the diabetes and differences regarding age and gender. The participants scored low on the NSSQ regarding total emotional support, total aid, and total function and 42% had lost an important relationship during the last year. Their marital status had no impact on emotional support but aid was significant. Medical support, with regular follow‐up and information, is important in obtaining affirmation and aids in learning to manage diabetes mellitus.
Effects of toe and ankle training in older people: A cross‐over study
Authors: Nagai Koutatsu , Inoue Takuya , Yamada Yosuke , Tateuchi Hiroshige , Ikezoe Tome , Ichihashi Noriaki , Tsuboyama Tadao
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Maintenance of physical function in the elderly is important. Previous studies have focused mainly on training‐center‐based interventions, accompanied by training staff or equipped with training machinery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of toe and ankle training for the elderly.

Methods:  The four facilities were divided into two groups that received the intervention in 8‐week shifts. An exercise program, focused mainly on ankle, foot and toe function, was conducted with the subject in a sitting position. Muscle strength, physical function, fear of falling and health‐related quality of life were assessed at the beginning of the study and at the end of each 8‐week phase. Because subjects were not randomized, significant intergroup differences were present in some baseline measurements. Therefore, the study was conducted with a cross‐over design, and ancova was included with the baseline value as an independent covariate.

Results:  A significant improvement was found in quadriceps strength, functional reach, stepping in sitting and Euro Qol EQ5D score, together with a possible improvement in toe flexor strength.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that a training program carried out with the subject in a sitting position and focused mainly on ankle, foot and toe functions is effective in improving some aspects of motor function in the elderly. This approach may help elderly individuals maintain their activity level without increasing risks. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 246–255.
French current practice for ambulatory anesthesia in children: a survey among the French‐speaking Pediatric Anesthesiologists Association (ADARPEF)
Authors: Nivoche Yves , Lucas Marie‐Madeleine , Dahmani Souhayl , Brasher Christopher , Wodey Eric , Courrèges Philippe ,   French‐speaking Pediatric Anesthesiologists Association (ADARPEF)
Published: January 2011

Background:  This survey aims to describe current practice in ambulatory care among pediatric anesthesiologists in France.

Methods:  Members of the French‐speaking Pediatric Anesthesiologists Association (ADARPEF) were sent a questionnaire examining the proportion of pediatric ambulatory anesthesia practiced by each responder, the level of adherence to pediatric ambulatory Anesthesia guidelines, and responder consensus in decision making when faced with common case scenarios in pediatric ambulatory anesthesia. For the latter, consensus was defined as a > 80% opinion.

Results:  One hundred and forty‐five pediatric anesthesiologists replied (43%). Ambulatory anesthesia appears underused in France. Recent French pediatric ambulatory anesthesia guidelines are being applied. Postoperative pain is poorly managed. The choice of scheduling children for ambulatory anesthesia appears to be more heavily influenced by practitioners’ subjective evaluation than evidence from the literature.

Conclusion:  A better commitment for ambulatory care must be found among anesthesiologists. Further studies are required to improve coherence, safety, and efficiency of children selection for ambulatory anesthesia.
Aqueous humor and plasma concentrations of a compounded 0.2% solution of terbinafine following topical ocular administration to normal equine eyes
Authors: Clode Alison , Davis Jennifer , Davidson Gigi , Salmon Jacklyn , Lafevers Heath , Gilger Brian
Published: January 2011

Objective To determine the transcorneal penetration and systemic absorption of a compounded 0.2% terbinafine solution following repeated topical administration to normal equine eyes.

Sample population Six healthy adult horses with normal ocular examinations.

Procedures One eye of each horse received 0.2 mL of a compounded 0.2% terbinafine solution every 4 h for seven doses. During the 1 h following administration of the final dose, multiple peripheral blood samples were obtained, and a single aqueous humor (AH) sample was collected at the end of the hour. AH and plasma concentrations of terbinafine were determined using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Stability of the formulation was assessed with HPLC analysis over a 14‐day time period.

Results Terbinafine was not detected in the AH or plasma of any horse at any time point. No signs of ocular irritation or systemic toxicity were noted in any horse at any time point. The solution was stable over 14 days.

Conclusion Topical ocular administration of compounded 0.2% terbinafine solution does not result in detectable AH or plasma levels following administration to normal equine eyes, suggesting its use for deep corneal or intraocular fungal infections in equine ophthalmology may be limited.
Phylogeny of haplo–diploid, fungus‐growing ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) inferred from molecular and morphological data
Authors: Cognato Anthony I. , Hulcr Jiri , Dole Stephanie A. , Jordal Bjarte H.
Published: January 2011

Cognato, A. I., Hulcr, J., Dole, S. A. & Jordal, B. H. (2010). Phylogeny of haplo‐diploid, fungus‐growing ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) inferred from molecular and morphological data. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 174–186.

The ambrosia beetle tribe Xyleborini currently contains 30 genera and approximately 1200 species which are distributed throughout worldwide forests with most diversity located in the tropics. They also represent the most invasive scolytines in North America. Despite economic concerns and biological curiosity with this group, a comprehensive understanding of generic boundaries and the evolutionary relationship among species is lacking. In this study, we include 155 xyleborine species representing 23 genera in parsimony and Bayesian analyses using 3925 nucleotides from mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear genomes (28S, ArgK, CAD, EF‐1α) and 39 morphological characters. The phylogenies resulting from the parsimony analyses, which treated gap positions either as missing or fifth character states, and the Bayesian analysis were generally similar. Clades with high support or posterior probabilities were found in all trees, while those with low support were not recovered by all analyses. Fourteen of the 23 genera were monophyletic although not all relationships among the genera were resolved. We show monophyly of several species groups associated with particular morphological and biological characters and suggest recognition of these groups as genera. Most interesting was the monophyly of South and Central American species representing several genera. This finding suggests recent and fast radiation of xyleborines in the New World accompanied by morphological and biological diversification.
Another step towards understanding the slit‐limpets (Fissurellidae, Fissurelloidea, Vetigastropoda, Gastropoda): a combined five‐gene molecular phylogeny
Authors: Aktipis Stephanie W. , Boehm Emily , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: January 2011

Aktipis, S. W., Boehm, E. & Giribet, G. (2010). Another step towards understanding the slit‐limpets (Fissurellidae, Fissurelloidea, Vetigastropoda, Gastropoda): a combined five‐gene molecular phylogeny. —Zoologica Scripta,40, 238–259.

Fissurellids, commonly known as slit or keyhole limpets, are limpet‐shaped gastropods that typically possess a hole, slit or notch in their bilaterally symmetrical shells and usually occur on rocky marine substrates. Competing classifications for Fissurellidae have been circumscribed using various morphological characters such as radular, shell and mantle features; two to five different subfamilies have been recognized. Although fissurellid species are frequently included in larger vetigastropod phylogenies, relatively few phylogenetic studies of the group have been performed. This study presents a phylogenetic investigation of the relationships amongst slit‐limpets in the vetigastropod superfamily Fissurelloidea, representing the first molecular phylogeny of this clade. In this study, the monophyly of Fissurelloidea and Fissurellidae varied depending on the analytical method used, but clades compatible with the subfamilies Diodorinae and Fissurellinae were recovered with high bootstrap support in all analyses. Species traditionally classified in Emarginulinae formed two groups identified in this study as Hemitominae (Puncturella,CranopsisandHemitoma) and Emarginulinaesensu stricto(Emarginula,Montfortula,Tugali,ScutusandNannoscutum), but Hemitominae was only monophyletic in the maximum likelihood analysis. The results of this study contradict traditional fissurellid classifications as well as theories about the evolution of key fissurellid shell characters. The placement ofPuncturella,CranopsisandHemitomasister to all remaining fissurellids suggests that the presence of an anteriorly placed foramen or notch is plesiomorphic, and that an anterior notch or slit evolved multiple times in Fissurellidae.
The Important Thing Is Not (Always) Winning but Taking Part: Funding Public Goods with Contests
Authors: FARAVELLI MARCO
Published: January 2011

This paper considers a public good game with heterogeneous endowments and incomplete information affected by extreme free riding. I overcome this problem through the implementation of a deterministic contest in which several prizes may be awarded. I identify a monotone equilibrium, in which the contribution is strictly increasing in the endowment. I prove that it is optimal for the social planner to set the last prize equal to zero, but otherwise total expected contribution is invariant to the prize structure. Finally, I show that private provision via a contest Pareto‐dominates public provision and is higher than the total contribution raised through a lottery.
Public Goods and the Commons: A Common Framework
Authors: VICARY SIMON
Published: January 2011

This paper models the commons as a public good whose provision can only be lowered as a result of human action. We compare the equilibrium properties of a commons with those of a “subscription” public good, and find that in many respects they are “skew symmetric” with respect to one another. In a large commons economy, we expect widespread individual sacrifice of private consumption, with provision determined at the limit by those with the least, not the greatest, interest in the good. Making consumption more environmentally friendly will cause environmental quality to fall when the community is large. Furthermore, under certain conditions, equalizing transfers raise public good provision and might even be Pareto improving.
English phonological awareness in bilinguals: a cross‐linguistic study of Tamil, Malay and Chinese English‐language learners
Authors: Dixon L. Quentin , Chuang Hui‐Kai , Quiroz Blanca
Published: January 2011

To test the lexical restructuring hypothesis among bilingual English‐language learners, English phonological awareness (PA), English vocabulary and ethnic language vocabulary (Mandarin Chinese, Malay or Tamil) were assessed among 284 kindergarteners (168 Chinese, 71 Malays and 45 Tamils) in Singapore. A multi‐level regression analysis showed that English vocabulary, in interaction with mother's education, statistically significantly predicted Singaporean children's PA; ethnic language vocabulary did not. Thus, the present study supports the lexical restructuring hypothesis that growth in vocabulary changes how lexical items are stored, leading to the development of PA. Home language practices, as represented by mother's education, may also enhance children's PA after a threshold of English vocabulary is reached. In addition, specific ethnic language (Chinese, Malay or Tamil) was a statistically significant predictor of PA, suggesting that orthographic depth as well as syllabic complexity of a bilingual's other language may influence their development of English PA.
Probing the relative contribution of the first and second responses to sensory gating indices: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chang Wen‐Pin , Arfken Cynthia L. , Sangal Monica P. , Boutros Nash N.
Published: January 2011

Sensory gating deficit in schizophrenia patients has been well‐documented. However, a central conceptual issue, regarding whether the gating deficit results from an abnormal initial response (S1) or difficulty in attenuating the response to the repeating stimulus (S2), raise doubts about the validity and utility of the S2/S1 ratio as a measure of sensory gating. This meta‐analysis study, therefore, sought to determine the consistency and relative magnitude of the effect of the two essential components (S1 and S2) and the ratio. The results of weighted random effects meta‐analysis revealed that the overall effect sizes for the S1 amplitude, S2 amplitude, and P50 S2/S1 ratio were −0.19 (small), 0.65 (medium to large), and 0.93 (large), respectively. These results confirm that the S2/S1 ratio and the repeating (S2) stimulus differ robustly between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls in contrast to the consistent but smaller effect size for the S1 amplitude. These findings are more likely to reflect defective inhibition of repeating redundant input rather than an abnormal response to novel stimuli.
Environmentally friendly consumer: from determinism to emergence
Authors: Reijonen Satu
Published: January 2011

Several attempts have been made by academics in the past to explain the so‐called ‘environmentally conscious’ consumer. These explanations share an important feature, namely determinism. This paper identifies three different sources of determinism that are distinguished in recent literature on the green consumer: cultural determinism, psycho‐socio‐demographic determinism and calculative determinism. An explanation of the green consumer in these terms, however, loses sight of the emergence and processuality of consumer behaviour. Process oriented constructionism, by contrast, is useful to recover these important aspects. This paper suggests a research agenda focused on socio‐material processes and situated actions that lead to the emergence and stabilization of a particular type of consumer behaviour.
The enzyme‐mediated activation of radical source reaction: a new approach to identify partners of a given molecule in membrane microdomains
Authors: Honke Koichi , Kotani Norihiro
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 690–695.

Important biological events associated with plasma membranes, such as signal transduction, cell adhesion, and protein trafficking, are mediated through the membrane microdomains. However, it is difficult to assess the issue of how they assemble under physiological conditions. We developed a new approach to identify partners of a given molecule on the cell surface in living cells. The important feature of this system, termed as enzyme‐mediated activation of radical source, is that activation of cross‐linking reagent arylazide‐biotin tag can be accomplished not by ultraviolet light, but by an enzyme, horseradish peroxidase. By using this method, we found that many kinds of receptor tyrosine kinases are associated with β1 integrin whereas a few receptor tyrosine kinases are associated with ganglioside GM1 in HeLa S3 cells. This system is a comprehensive approach to identify interactions between cell surface molecules under living conditions. The advantages of this approach are as follows: (i) easy, high throughput, and without the need for special equipment, (ii) applicable to systematic approaches such as proteomic analysis, (iii) applicable to studies on the interactions among not only proteins but also glycans and lipids. The biochemical approach although the enzyme‐mediated activation of radical source reaction will provide a new insight into a wide range of research concerning cis‐interaction between biomolecules on the cell surface in living cells.
Phospholipases A2 and neural membrane dynamics: implications for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lee James C.‐M. , Simonyi Agnes , Sun Albert Y. , Sun Grace Y.
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 813–819.

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are essential enzymes in cells. They are not only responsible for maintaining the structural organization of cell membranes, but also play a pivotal role in the regulation of cell functions. Activation of PLA2s results in the release of fatty acids and lysophospholipids, products that are lipid mediators and compounds capable of altering membrane microdomains and physical properties. Although not fully understood, recent studies have linked aberrant PLA2 activity to oxidative signaling pathways involving NADPH oxidase that underlie the pathophysiology of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, we review studies describing the involvement of cytosolic PLA2 in oxidative signaling pathways leading to neuronal impairment and activation of glial cell inflammatory responses. In addition, this review also includes information on the role of cytosolic PLA2 and exogenous secretory PLA2 on membrane physical properties, dynamics, and membrane proteins. Unraveling the mechanisms that regulate specific types of PLA2s and their effects on membrane dynamics are important prerequisites towards understanding their roles in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, and in the development of novel therapeutics to retard progression of the disease.
Brain pathology in Niemann Pick disease type A: insights from the acid sphingomyelinase knockout mice
Authors: Ledesma Maria Dolores , Prinetti Alessandro , Sonnino Sandro , Schuchman Edward H.
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 779–788.

Severe neurological involvement characterizes Niemann Pick disease (NPD) type A, an inherited disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the gene encoding acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). Mice lacking ASM, which mimic NPD type A, have provided important insights into the aberrant brain phenotypes induced by ASM deficiency. For example, lipid alterations, including the accumulation of sphingolipids, affect the membranes of different subcellular compartments of neurons and glial cells, leading to anomalies in signalling pathways, neuronal polarization, calcium homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, myelin production or immune response. These findings contribute to our understanding of the overall role of sphingolipids and their metabolic enzymes in brain physiology, and pave the way to design and test new therapeutic strategies for type A NPD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Some of these have already been tested in mice lacking ASM with promising results.
Gangliosides are essential in the protection of inflammation and neurodegeneration via maintenance of lipid rafts: elucidation by a series of ganglioside‐deficient mutant mice
Authors: Ohmi Yuhsuke , Tajima Orie , Ohkawa Yuki , Yamauchi Yoshio , Sugiura Yasuo , Furukawa Keiko , Furukawa Koichi
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 926–935.

Gangliosides are considered to be involved in the maintenance and repair of nervous tissues. Recently, novel roles of gangliosides in the regulation of complement system were reported by us. In this study, we compared complement activation, inflammatory reaction and disruption of glycolipid‐enriched microdomain (GEM)/rafts among various mutant mice of ganglioside synthases, i.e. GM2/GD2 synthase knockout (KO), GD3 synthase KO, double KO (DKO) of these two enzymes and wild type. Up‐regulation of complement‐related genes, deposits of C1q, proliferation of astrocytes and infiltration of microglia also showed similar gradual severity depending on the defects in ganglioside compositions. In the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor α, only DKO showed definite up‐regulation. Immunoblotting of fractions from sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation revealed that lipid raft markers such as caveolin‐1 and flotillin‐1 tended to disperse from the raft fractions with intensities of DKO > GM2/GD2 synthase KO > GD3 synthase KO > wild type. Decay‐accelerating factor and neural cell adhesion molecule tended to disappear from the raft fraction. Phospholipids and cholesterol also tended to decrease in GEM/rafts in GM2/GD2 synthase KO and DKO, although total amounts were almost equivalent. These results indicate that destruction of GEM/rafts is caused by ganglioside deficiency with gradual intensity depending on the degree of defects of their compositions.
Insights into the spatiotemporal component of feeding ecology: an isotopic approach for conservation management sciences
Authors: Ramos Raül , Ramírez Francisco , Carrasco Josep Lluís , Jover Lluís
Published: January 2011

Aim  Bringing new approaches to trace spatiotemporal variations in animals’ feeding ecology, which is fundamental for wildlife management and conservation since the accessibility of animals to trophic resources plays a key role in the dynamics of populations and metapopulations.

Location  Western Mediterranean coast.

Methods  The analysis of naturally occurring stable isotopes constitutes an exceptional approach to assess variations in the trophic ecology of species within the spatiotemporal dimensions. Here, we examined the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in resource exploitation of a nuisance and overpopulated gull species with a great feeding plasticity, the Yellow‐legged gull Larus michahellis, by measuring the stable isotope ratios of carbon (13C/12C, δ13C), nitrogen (15N/14N, δ15N) and sulphur (34S/33S, δ34S) in different wing feathers.

Results  Tracing isotopic changes among feathers in relation to moulting sequence, we showed that isotopic analyses on first primary feathers were good indicators of breeding trophic ecology, while others, such as eighth secondary feathers, reflected the feeding behaviour during the non‐breeding period. This knowledge was then used to report on estimations of seasonal feeding patterns throughout the year for seven gull populations along the Western Mediterranean coast.

Main conclusions  The high diversity in the exploitation patterns of the foraging habitats found in the study area both at spatial and at temporal scale indicated the opportunistic feeding behaviour of Yellow‐legged gulls. Proposed isotopic approach has revealed as a useful tool to evaluate spatiotemporal variations in the feeding ecology of populations which may become clue for dealing with the management of wild species, not only nuisance populations but also endangered species. We finally pointed out the relevance of the isotopic variability among individuals to infer diet diversity and food availability of a given population, thereby allowing demographic forecasts when trophic resources vary in abundance.
Positive and negative: Partner derogation and enhancement differentially related to relationship satisfaction
Authors: SEIDMAN GWENDOLYN
Published: January 2011

Previous research on positive illusions has treated negatively biased views of one's romantic partner as existing along the same continuum as positively biased views. However, research on the greater psychological impact of negative events suggests that overly negative views of one's partner (derogation) may have a stronger association with relationship outcomes than overly positive views (enhancement). In this study, 353 couples completed 2 measures of relationship satisfaction and rated themselves and their partners on 3 trait domains. For most domains, with the exception of interpersonal virtues, derogating one's partner was a stronger predictor of satisfaction than enhancing one's partner. Being the object of derogation or enhancement had little association with relationship satisfaction, with some exceptions.
Familiarity, Legitimation, and Frequency: The Influence of Others on the Criminal Self‐view*
Authors: Asencio Emily K.
Published: January 2011

From an identity theory perspective, reflected appraisals from others are relevant for social behavior, because behavior is motivated by the desire to achieve congruence between reflected appraisals and the self‐view for a particular identity. This study extends prior identity theory work from the laboratory setting by examining identity processes with respect to the criminal identity in the unique “natural” setting of a total institution. The findings build on prior work which finds that reflected appraisals do have an influence on identities and behavior by demonstrating that the relationship one has to the source of reflected appraisals is important for the way in which reflected appraisals influence the criminal self‐view for an incarcerated population.
World Economy, World Society, and Environmental Harms in Less‐Developed Countries*
Authors: Jorgenson Andrew K. , Dick Christopher , Shandra John M.
Published: January 2011

World economy and world society theories are engaged to assess the extent to which environmental harms in less‐developed countries are tied to particular kinds of economic and social integration. Results of panel models indicate that world economy integration in the context of sector‐level foreign investment contributes to a variety of environmental harms. With the exception of deforestation, world society integration in the mode of environmental international non‐governmental organization presence has no direct effect. However, a stronger presence of such organizations in less‐developed countries mitigates the effect of foreign investment on all tested outcomes. The authors contend that comparative sociologists should adopt theoretically integrative approaches and pay closer attention to how and under what circumstances world economy and world society factors interact to partially shape social and environmental conditions.
The impact of human immunodeficiency virus on viral hepatitis
Authors: Mallet Vincent , Vallet‐Pichard Anaïs , Pol Stanislas
Published: January 2011

The combination of antiretroviral (ARV) therapies introduced at the end of the 1990s profoundly changed the natural history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Liver diseases are one of the three primary causes of ‘non‐AIDS‐related’ death in people living with HIV for three reasons: the high prevalence of hepatotropic viral co‐infections, the hepatotoxicity of ARV drugs and new emerging liver diseases, including nodular regenerative hyperplasia and hepatitis E virus infection. The impact of HIV infection on the natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV)/HIV co‐infection has markedly changed in the past few decades with the progress made in ARV treatment and the improved definition of therapeutic strategies for HCV or HBV. Initially, HIV had a negative impact on hepatotropic infections. Today, HIV does not appear to significantly modify the natural history of HCV and HBV infection. This is associated with fair immune restoration, viral suppression associated with analogues having dual activity against HBV and HIV and with the increasing efficacy of antiviral treatments against HCV. A significant decline is expected in the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic liver infection in co‐infected patients. Nevertheless, today, there are three major issues: (i) improving preventive measures including vaccination and risk reduction; (ii) screening patients infected with HBV or HCV and evaluating the impact of chronic infection on the liver and finally; (iii) early screening of hepatocellular carcinoma whose occurrence is higher and that evolves more rapidly in co‐infected than in mono‐infected patients.
The role of triple therapy in HCV genotype 1‐experienced patients
Authors: Fried Michael W.
Published: January 2011

The ability to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) to peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) depends on numerous host and virological factors, as well as adherence to a prescribed treatment regimen. Patients who have failed to achieve a SVR to PEG‐IFN and RBV have limited options for retreatment. Emerging data from phase II and phase III clinical trials of direct‐acting antiviral agents suggest that new therapeutic regimens will be available for many patients. Treatment with protease inhibitors such as PEG‐IFN, RBV, ribavirin. and boceprevir, combined with PEG‐IFN and RBV, has been shown to produce high rates of virological response in both prior relapsers and, to a lesser extent, prior non‐responders. The benefits of these novel treatment regimens for each individual patient must be weighed against the side effects, costs and potential of developing viral resistance. Regulatory approval of telaprevir and boceprevir is expected to begin in mid‐late 2011.