bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raf-induced MMP9 disrupts tissue architecture of human breast cells in three-dimensional culture and is necessary for tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Beliveau Alain , Mott Joni D. , Lo Alvin , Chen Emily I. , Koller Antonius A. , Yaswen Paul , Muschler John , Bissell Mina J.
Published: December 2010

Organization into polarized three-dimensional structures defines whether epithelial cells are normal or malignant. In a model of morphogenesis, we show that inhibiting key signaling pathways in human breast cancer cells leads to “phenotypic reversion” of the malignant cells. Using architecture as an endpoint, we report that, in all cases, signaling through Raf/MEK/ERK disrupted tissue polarity via matrix metalloproteinase9 (MMP9) activity. Induction of Raf or activation of an engineered, functionally inducible MMP9 in nonmalignant cells led to loss of tissue polarity, and reinitiated proliferation. Conversely, inhibition of Raf or MMP9 with small molecule inhibitors or shRNAs restored the ability of cancer cells to form polarized quiescent structures. Silencing MMP9 expression also reduced tumor growth dramatically in a murine xenograft model. LC-MS/MS analysis comparing conditioned medium from nonmalignant cells with or without active MMP9 revealed laminin 111 (LM1) as an important target of MMP9. LM1 has been implicated in acinar morphogenesis; thus, its degradation by MMP9 provides a mechanism for loss of tissue polarity and reinitiation of growth associated with MMP9 activity. These findings underscore the importance of the dynamic reciprocity between the extracellular matrix integrity, tissue polarity, and Raf/MEK/ERK and MMP9 activities, providing an axis for either tissue homeostasis or malignant progression.
Metabolism strikes back: metabolic flux regulates cell signaling: Figure 1.
Authors: Metallo Christian M. , Vander Heiden Matthew G.
Published: December 2010

Mammalian cells depend on growth factor signaling to take up nutrients; however, coordination of glucose and glutamine uptake has been a mystery. In this issue of Genes & Development, Wellen and colleagues (pp. 2784–2799) show that glucose flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway regulates growth factor receptor glycosylation and enables glutamine consumption. This mechanism ensures that cells do not engage in anabolic metabolism when nutrients are limiting, and highlights how substrate availability for protein modifications can modulate cell signaling.
Epigenetic suppression of the TGF-beta pathway revealed by transcriptome profiling in ovarian cancer
Authors: Matsumura Noriomi , Huang Zhiqing , Mori Seiichi , Baba Tsukasa , Fujii Shingo , Konishi Ikuo , Iversen Edwin S. , Berchuck Andrew , Murphy Susan K.
Published: December 2010

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecologic malignancies. Diagnosis usually occurs after metastatic spread, largely reflecting vague symptoms of early disease combined with lack of an effective screening strategy. Epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, including DNA methylation, are fundamental to normal cellular function and also play a major role in carcinogenesis. To elucidate the biological and clinical relevance of DNA methylation in ovarian cancer, we conducted expression microarray analysis of 39 cell lines and 17 primary culture specimens grown in the presence or absence of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors. Two parameters, induction of expression and standard deviation among untreated samples, identified 378 candidate methylated genes, many relevant to TGF-beta signaling. We analyzed 43 of these genes and they all exhibited methylation. Treatment with DNMT inhibitors increased TGF-beta pathway activity. Hierarchical clustering of ovarian cancers using the 378 genes reproducibly generated a distinct gene cluster strongly correlated with TGF-beta pathway activity that discriminates patients based on age. These data suggest that accumulation of age-related epigenetic modifications leads to suppression of TGF-beta signaling and contributes to ovarian carcinogenesis.
SIZ1 Regulation of Phosphate Starvation-Induced Root Architecture Remodeling Involves the Control of Auxin Accumulation
Authors: Miura Kenji , Lee Jiyoung , Gong Qingqiu , Ma Shisong , Jin Jing Bo , Yoo Chan Yul , Miura Tomoko , Sato Aiko , Bohnert Hans J. , Hasegawa Paul M.
Published: December 2010

Phosphate (Pi) limitation causes plants to modulate the architecture of their root systems to facilitate the acquisition of Pi. Previously, we reported that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 regulates root architecture remodeling in response to Pi limitation; namely, the siz1 mutations cause the inhibition of primary root (PR) elongation and the promotion of lateral root (LR) formation. Here, we present evidence that SIZ1 is involved in the negative regulation of auxin patterning to modulate root system architecture in response to Pi starvation. The siz1 mutations caused greater PR growth inhibition and LR development of seedlings in response to Pi limitation. Similar root phenotypes occurred if Pi-deficient wild-type seedlings were supplemented with auxin. N-1-Naphthylphthalamic acid, an inhibitor of auxin efflux activity, reduced the Pi starvation-induced LR root formation of siz1 seedlings to a level equivalent to that seen in the wild type. Monitoring of the auxin-responsive reporter DR5::uidA indicated that auxin accumulates in PR tips at early stages of the Pi starvation response. Subsequently, DR5::uidA expression was observed in the LR primordia, which was associated with LR elongation. The time-sequential patterning of DR5::uidA expression occurred earlier in the roots of siz1 as compared with the wild type. In addition, microarray analysis revealed that several other auxin-responsive genes, including genes involved in cell wall loosening and biosynthesis, were up-regulated in siz1 relative to wild-type seedlings in response to Pi starvation. Together, these results suggest that SIZ1 negatively regulates Pi starvation-induced root architecture remodeling through the control of auxin patterning.
The Novel Cyst Nematode Effector Protein 19C07 Interacts with the Arabidopsis Auxin Influx Transporter LAX3 to Control Feeding Site Development
Authors: Lee Chris , Chronis Demosthenis , Kenning Charlotte , Peret Benjamin , Hewezi Tarek , Davis Eric L. , Baum Thomas J. , Hussey Richard , Bennett Malcolm , Mitchum Melissa G.
Published: December 2010

Plant-parasitic cyst nematodes penetrate plant roots and transform cells near the vasculature into specialized feeding sites called syncytia. Syncytia form by incorporating neighboring cells into a single fused cell by cell wall dissolution. This process is initiated via injection of esophageal gland cell effector proteins from the nematode stylet into the host cell. Once inside the cell, these proteins may interact with host proteins that regulate the phytohormone auxin, as cellular concentrations of auxin increase in developing syncytia. Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) Hg19C07 is a novel effector protein expressed specifically in the dorsal gland cell during nematode parasitism. Here, we describe its ortholog in the beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii), Hs19C07. We demonstrate that Hs19C07 interacts with the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) auxin influx transporter LAX3. LAX3 is expressed in cells overlying lateral root primordia, providing auxin signaling that triggers the expression of cell wall-modifying enzymes, allowing lateral roots to emerge. We found that LAX3 and polygalacturonase, a LAX3-induced cell wall-modifying enzyme, are expressed in the developing syncytium and in cells to be incorporated into the syncytium. We observed no decrease in H. schachtii infectivity in aux1 and lax3 single mutants. However, a decrease was observed in both the aux1lax3 double mutant and the aux1lax1lax2lax3 quadruple mutant. In addition, ectopic expression of 19C07 was found to speed up lateral root emergence. We propose that Hs19C07 most likely increases LAX3-mediated auxin influx and may provide a mechanism for cyst nematodes to modulate auxin flow into root cells, stimulating cell wall hydrolysis for syncytium development.
Lupus and pregnancy: integrating clues from the bench and bedside
Authors: Ruiz‐Irastorza Guillermo , Khamashta Munther A.
Published: December 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 672–678

Adequate pregnancy care of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) rests on three pillars: a coordinated medical‐obstetrical care, an agreed and well‐defined management protocol and a good neonatal unit. Pregnancy should be planned following a preconceptional visit for counselling. Women with severe active disease or a high degree of irreversible damage, such as those with symptomatic pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, severe restrictive pulmonary disease or severe chronic renal failure should best avoid pregnancy. Treatment is based on hydroxychloroquine, low‐dose steroids and azathioprine. Patients with antiphospholipid antibodies/syndrome should receive low‐dose aspirin +/− low molecular weight heparin. The addition and the dose of heparin depend on the clinical profile of the patient, i.e. a previous history of miscarriage, foetal loss, placental insufficiency or thrombosis. A close surveillance, with monitoring of blood pressure, proteinuria and placental blood flow by Doppler studies helps the early diagnosis and treatment of complications such as preeclampsia and foetal distress. Postpartum follow‐up is important.
The sucrose transporter family in Populus: the importance of a tonoplast PtaSUT4 to biomass and carbon partitioning
Authors: Payyavula Raja S. , Tay Kate H.C. , Tsai Chung‐Jui , Harding Scott A.
Published: December 2010

Plasma membrane, proton‐coupled Group II sucrose symporters (SUT) mediate apoplastic phloem loading and sucrose efflux from source leaves in Arabidopsis and agricultural crop species that have been studied to date. We now report that the most abundantly expressed SUT isoform in Populus tremula × alba, PtaSUT4, is a tonoplast (Group IV) symporter. PtaSUT4 transcripts were readily detected in conducting as well as mesophyll cells in stems and source leaves. In comparison, Group II orthologs PtaSUT1 and PtaSUT3 were very weakly expressed in leaves. Both Group II and Group IV SUT genes were expressed in secondary stem xylem of Populus. Transgenic poplars with RNAi‐suppressed PtaSUT4 exhibited increased leaf‐to‐stem biomass ratios, elevated sucrose content in source leaves and stems, and altered phenylpropanoid metabolism. Transcript abundance of several carbohydrate‐active enzymes and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyases was also altered in transgenic source leaves. Nitrogen‐limitation led to a down‐regulation of vacuolar invertases in all plants, which resulted in an augmentation of sucrose pooling and hexose depletion in source leaves and secondary xylem of the transgenic plants. These results are consistent with a major role for PtaSUT4 in orchestrating the intracellular partitioning, and consequently, the efflux of sucrose from source leaves and the utilization of sucrose by lateral and terminal sinks. Our findings also support the idea that PtaSUT4 modulates sucrose efflux and utilization in concert with plant N‐status.
A founder BRCA2 mutation in non‐Afrikaner breast cancer patients of the Western Cape of South Africa
Authors: van der Merwe NC , Hamel N , Schneider S‐R , Apffelstaedt JP , Wijnen JT , Foulkes WD
Published: December 2010

van der Merwe NC, Hamel N, Schneider S‐R, Apffelstaedt JP, Wijnen JT, Foulkes WD. A founder BRCA2 mutation in non‐Afrikaner breast cancer patients of the Western Cape of South Africa.

Founder mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been reported in many different populations. We studied 105 Coloured and 16 Black Xhosa women residing in the Western Cape of South Africa diagnosed with breast cancer. We screened these patients using our standard panel of six previously reported SA Afrikaner and Ashkenazi Jewish BRCA1/2 mutations and identified only two Afrikaner mutations. Further screening by the protein truncation test (BRCA1 exon 11, and BRCA2 exons 10 and 11) revealed an additional four deleterious mutations (BRCA1 c.1504_ 1508del,p.Leu502AlafsX2, BRCA2 c.2826_2829del,p.Ile943LysfsX16, c.6447_6448dup,p.Lys2150IlefsX19 and c.5771_5774del,p.Ile1924Argfs X38). The latter, also known in Breast Cancer Information Core nomenclature as 5999del4, was identified in 4 of 105 (3.8%) Coloureds and 4 of 16 (25%) Xhosa women, which makes it a frequent founder mutation in the Western Cape Province. Although this mutation was previously reported to occur in the Netherlands, haplotype analysis indicated two distinct origins for the Dutch and South African mutations, excluding the possibility of a common Dutch ancestor and suggesting gene flow from the indigenous tribes such as the Xhosa to the Coloured population instead. Further studies to determine the carrier rate of this variant in the Xhosa and other SA populations are warranted.
A novel proteomic approach reveals a role for Mg‐protoporphyrin IX in response to oxidative stress
Authors: Kindgren Peter , Eriksson Mats‐Jerry , Benedict Catherine , Mohapatra Anasuya , Gough Simon P. , Hansson Mats , Kieselbach Thomas , Strand Åsa
Published: December 2010

The presence of genes encoding organellar proteins in different cellular compartments necessitates a tight coordination of expression by the different genomes of the eukaryotic cell. This coordination of gene expression is achieved by organelle‐to‐nucleus communication. Stress‐induced perturbations of the tetrapyrrole pathway trigger large changes in nuclear gene expression. In order to investigate whether the tetrapyrrole Mg‐ProtoIX itself is an important part of plastid‐to‐nucleus communication, we used an affinity column containing Mg‐ProtoIX covalently linked to an Affi‐Gel matrix. The proteins that bound to Mg‐ProtoIX were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis combined with nano liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Thus, we present a novel proteomic approach to address the mechanisms involved in cellular signaling and we identified interactions between Mg‐ProtoIX and a large number of proteins associated with oxidative stress responses. Our approach revealed an interaction between Mg‐ProtoIX and the heat shock protein 90‐type protein, HSP81‐2 suggesting that a regulatory complex including HSP90 proteins and tetrapyrroles controlling gene expression is evolutionarily conserved between yeast and plants. In addition, our list of putative Mg‐ProtoIX‐binding proteins demonstrated that binding of tetrapyrroles does not depend on a specific amino acid motif but possibly on a specific fold of the protein.
83 Ma rhyolite from Mindoro – evidence for Late Yanshanian magmatism in the Palawan Continental Terrane (Philippines)
Authors: Knittel Ulrich
Published: December 2010

The discovery of a low‐grade meta‐rhyolite with an age of 83 ± 1 Ma documents a so‐far unknown episode of magmatism in northern Mindoro Island, which is located at the northeastern edge of the Palawan Continental Terrane. This terrane is thought to have rifted from Southeast China in the Oligocene as a result of the opening of the South China Sea. Rhyolite volcanism was widespread in southeastern China in the Cretaceous; hence this discovery provides the first direct link between the geological evolution of the Palawan Continental Terrane and Southeast China in Cretaceous time. In addition, it provides further evidence that the northeastern part of Mindoro is indeed part of the Palawan Continental Terrane and not part of the Philippine Mobile Belt to the east, a previously contentious issue.
Physical and anthropogenic factors predict distribution of the invasive weed Tradescantia fluminensis
Authors: BUTCHER ELLEN R. , KELLY DAVE
Published: December 2010

The increasing need to manage plant invasions has generated international interest in predicting the dispersal of invasive weeds, including the role of humans due to the influence of anthropogenic factors on invasions. Tradescantia fluminensis, an invasive weed, is spread in New Zealand only by vegetative fragments, with long‐distance dispersal thought to be largely by human dumping of garden waste. Here we test whether the occurrence of T. fluminensis is predictable from physical (slope, altitude, temperature, vegetation type and cover and stream presence) and anthropogenic (road surface type, proximity to settlement and proxies for ease of dumping) variables, to measure the influence humans exert on its dispersal. Sampling of both physical and anthropogenic variables was carried out with presence/absence of T. fluminensis noted at 151 sites throughout the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand. The best model included four anthropogenic and three physical variables, with the anthropogenic variables accounting for 70% of the deviance explained. K‐fold cross‐validation showed the model had a success rate of 78%, correctly predicting 118 out of 151 observations. This was significantly better than a null model based only on the overall fraction of sites with T. fluminensis. These results indicate that within the Marlborough Sounds region, anthropogenic factors play a strong role in the dispersal of T. fluminensis in ways that are amenable to predictive statistical modelling.
Crown condition assessment: An accurate, precise and efficient method with broad applicability to Eucalyptus
Authors: HORTON B. M. , CLOSE D. C. , WARDLAW T. J. , DAVIDSON N. J.
Published: December 2010

Assessment of crown condition is a useful tool for monitoring forest health and is used widely to assess tree dieback and decline. Multiple methods used to assess eucalypt crown condition are difficult to compare across studies. Furthermore, the relative effectiveness of the available methods has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to find an accurate, precise and efficient method for the assessment of crown condition in eucalypts. Four widely used methods were used to assess the crown condition of 516 eucalypt trees from Tasmania and Western Australia. Two of the methods assessed individual crown condition parameters (single‐parameter methods) which could then be added to give an overall score for condition (additive parameter). The other two methods use a single score to encompass many crown parameters (combined‐parameter methods). A selection of trees was scored on multiple occasions and by multiple assessors to determine repeatability and reproducibility. Data were analysed by Spearman's correlations and principal components analysis. All scored parameters were positively correlated to varying degrees. All parameters were distributed along a single‐principal components analysis axis, with the parameters from the single‐parameter methods having the greatest weightings. In order to address the objective of this study five criteria were developed for consideration of parameters that assess crown condition: (i) capacity to assess dieback (high correlation with other crown parameters, and capacity to indicate the presence of dieback symptoms in the crown); (ii) observer bias (sensitivity to minor change and small difference between observers); (iii) repeatability (sensitivity to minor change and small difference between years); (iv) capacity to assess different species; and (v) efficiency to score. Methods that best met these criteria used additive parameters derived from the crown parameters of primary crown dieback, epicormic growth and either crown shrinkage or dead branches. The single most useful parameter for assessment of eucalypt crown condition was primary crown dieback. This parameter was found to be the most accurate and precise measure of crown condition and is efficient to score. Primary crown dieback is recommended as the standard method for assessment of crown condition of eucalypt trees.
Effects of sandy beach cusps on wrack accumulation, sediment characteristics and macrofaunal assemblages
Authors: DUONG H. L. STEPHANIE , FAIRWEATHER PETER G.
Published: December 2010

Beach‐cast marine macroalgae and seagrasses, collectively termed wrack, provide shelter and habitat for beach fauna and can often provide a large input of energy and nutrients to sandy beaches. Wrack deposition on sandy beaches varies spatially and could be affected by morphological features on the beach face such as cusps. This study tested a series of hypotheses regarding the differences in wrack deposits, sediments and macrofaunal assemblages between cusp bays and horns on two beaches in South Australia. Bays had greater cover and larger pieces of wrack than horns. Sediment organic matter content was greater on horns than in bays but mean particle size did not differ consistently between bays and horns. Macrofaunal diversity was higher in bays and this pattern was probably driven by differences in the cover of wrack between bays and horns. Cusp morphology thus influences the distribution of wrack on the beach face, which in turn influences the distribution of macrofauna. Studies of sandy beaches with cusps should therefore be explicitly designed to sample cusp features and associated wrack deposits.
Rhabdomyolysis caused by tocolytic therapy with oral ritodrine hydrochloride in a pregnant woman with placenta previa
Authors: Nakajima Yoshiyuki , Masaoka Naoki , Tsuduki Yoko , Honda Nobuhisa , Sakai Masato
Published: December 2010

Oral‐ritodrine‐hydrochloride‐induced rhabdomyolysis is rare. We report a case of oral‐ritodrine‐hydrochloride‐induced rhabdomyolysis in a pregnant woman with placenta previa without neuromuscular disorders. The patient was a 30‐year‐old, Japanese primigravida woman, who became pregnant spontaneously. At 23 gestational weeks, she was diagnosed as having placenta previa and prophylactic oral ritodrine hydrochloride (15 mg/day) was initiated. At 29 1/7 gestational weeks, she was referred to our hospital for perinatal management of placenta previa. Two days thereafter, vaginal bleeding accompanied by frequent uterine contractions occurred and she was admitted. On admission, laboratory tests revealed an abnormal increase of blood creatine kinase (CK) value of 7200 IU/L. CK‐MB isoenzyme was 208 IU/L. Aspartate transaminase (163 IU/L), alanine transaminase (74 IU/L) and lactate dehydrogenase (536 IU/L) levels were also increased. The patient started to complain of extreme muscle pain in her upper and lower limbs and general weakness. The next day, laboratory tests revealed a tremendous increase of blood CK level of 87 300 IU/L, a blood myoglobin level of 11 200 ng/mL, and a urinary myoglobin level of 615 ng/mL. An emergency cesarean section was carried out. After delivery, the laboratory data improved gradually with the CK levels at 107 IU/L. If patients complain of muscular symptoms following oral ritodrine hydrochloride use, physicians should consider rhabdomyolysis.
Stage I ovarian cancer cases during early, mid and late pregnancy periods: Three case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Hasegawa Toru , Ishii Yoko , Yonezawa Rika , Yoneda Noriko , Shima Tomoko , Nakashima Akitoshi , Hidaka Takao , Saito Shigeru
Published: December 2010

Since ovarian cancer during pregnancy is rare, the decisions regarding pregnancy discontinuation or fertility preservation are often difficult. We report three ovarian cancer cases detected at early, mid and late pregnancy periods in which both babies and mothers were saved. In particular, case 2 is the first reported instance of a sertoliform endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary during pregnancy. In addition, we review the clinical characteristics of previously reported patients with stage I ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy.

Even with stage Ia ovarian cancer, restaging laparotomy at cesarean section or post‐delivery may be important to determine the treatment plan because staging during pregnancy is rarely complete.
Endoscopic rectal ultrasound and elastosonography are useful in flow chart for the diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis with rectal involvement
Authors: Mezzi Gianni , Ferrari Stefano , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Di Puppo Francesca , Candiani Massimo , Testoni Pier Alberto
Published: December 2010

Aim:  Endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. The disease causes pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia and urinary symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and elastosonography for detecting rectosigmoid endometriosis and to compare the findings, in selected and symptomatic patients, with surgical specimens in order to select the best surgical strategy.

Material & Methods:  Sixty‐three consecutive patients (mean age 34.2; range 25–50 years) with diagnosis of endometriosis were referred for rectal endosonography to evaluate the rectal involvement. Patients complained of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, constipation and dysmenorrhea. Sub‐stenosis of the rectosigmoid lumen was found endoscopically in one patient (1.5%), bulging in 21 (33.3%), mucosal hyperemia or edema in one (1.5%), and no lesions in 39 patients (61.9%); no abdominal masses or obstruction were reported. Each woman completed a self‐administered 100‐point questionnaire to evaluate endometriosis‐related pain (intensity of symptoms: 0 = absent, 100 = unbearable). After clinical imaging evaluation, 10 symptomatic patients (mean age 32.2; range 26–45 years) were evaluated for surgery.

Results:  EUS detected endometriotic lesions in all patients as a hypoechoic mass, poorly vascularized with irregular, undefined margins. In cases where the rectosigmoid wall was involved, there was invasion of the fourth layer. All patients who were operated had histologic findings of endometriotic lesions involving the rectal wall, as indicated by EUS.

Conclusion:  EUS and elastosonography offers a non‐invasive and sensitive technique to better define the endometriotic infiltration in the rectosigmoid wall.
Changes of dorsalis pedis artery flow pattern after caudal block in children: observational study using a duplex sonography
Authors: Hong Jeong‐Yeon , Ahn Seohui , Kil Hae K.
Published: December 2010

Objective:  To evaluate the changes of the flow velocity, the volume flow, and the diameter of dorsalis pedis artery using a duplex ultrasonography after caudal block with sevoflurane anesthesia in children.

Aim:  To know the acute change in peripheral arterial flow patterns of sympathetically blocked lower limbs in anesthetized children.

Background:  Caudal analgesia in combination with general anesthesia may affect the circulatory hemodynamics due to sympatholytic vasodilating effects.

Methods:  After approval by the Ethics Committee, we evaluated the changes of peripheral hemodynamics using a duplex ultrasonography before and after a caudal block in sevoflurane‐anesthetized children.

Results:  A caudal block using 0.15% ropivacaine 1.5 ml·kg−1 significantly altered the arterial flow patterns; increased peak velocity (24%) and volume flow (76%), and the diameter of the dorsalis pedis artery (20%) in children. However, blood pressures and heart rates were not affected significantly by caudal block.

Conclusions:  Duplex sonographic measurements indicate that a caudal block changes the flow patterns of the dorsalis pedis artery significantly in the anesthetized children.
Segmental distribution of high‐volume caudal anesthesia in neonates, infants, and toddlers as assessed by ultrasonography
Authors: Lundblad Märit , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne , Eksborg Staffan , Marhofer Peter
Published: December 2010

Background:  The aim of this prospective, age‐stratified, observational study was to determine the cranial extent of spread of a large volume (1.5 ml·kg−1, ropivacaine 0.2%), single‐shot caudal epidural injection using real‐time ultrasonography.

Methods:  Fifty ASA I‐III children were included in the study, stratified in three age groups; neonates, infants (1–12 months), and toddlers (1–4 years). The caudal blocks were performed during ultrasonographic observation of the spread of local anesthetic (LA) in the epidural space.

Results:  A significant inverse relationship was found between age, weight, and height, and the maximal cranial level reached by 1.5 ml·kg−1 of LA. In neonates, 93% of the blocks reached a cranial level of ≥Th12 vs 73% and 25% in infants and toddlers, respectively. Based on our data, a predictive equation of segmental spread was generated: Dose (ml/spinal segment) = 0.1539·(BW in kg)–0.0937.

Conclusions:  This study found an inverse relationship between age, weight, and height and the number of segments covered by a caudal injection of 1.5 ml·kg−1 of ropivacaine 0.2% in children 0–4 years of age. However, the cranial spread of local anesthetics within the spinal canal as assessed by immediate ultrasound visualization was found to be in poor agreement with previously published predictive equations that are based on actual cutaneous dermatomal testing.
A comparative ontogenetic study of the tetraodontiform caudal complex
Authors: Konstantinidis Peter , Johnson G. David
Published: December 2010

Konstantinidis P. and Johnson, G. D. 2012. A comparative ontogenetic study of the tetraodontiform caudal complex. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 93: 98–114.

Interpretation of the caudal complex of adult Tetraodontiformes has proven problematic because of the consolidation of the component elements. Here, we show that an ontogenetic approach offers considerable elucidation of the homology of the caudal complex, resulting in a new understanding of the grundplan of these fishes. The reductions of structures of the caudal complex are interpreted in a phylogenetic context. The caudal skeleton of larval triacanthodids resembles that of many adult percomorphs; however, during subsequent development epural 3 disappears, while epural 2 is reduced so that it can hardly be distinguished from the uroneural remnants. Juvenile triacanthids have an epural 2 that is lost in ontogeny, and the cartilaginous parhypural becomes integrated into the large hypural plate. In ostraciids and diodontids, the parhypural is absent throughout development. The hypural plates of adult balistids, monacanthids and tetraodontids have a conspicuous diastema between the dorsal and ventral portions. However, in early stages of the former two, the dorsal and ventral portions are continuous in cartilage proximally and remain fused in the adults. In tetraodontids, the two hypurals are separate from their initial appearance in cartilage and never fuse, raising the question of homology of the individual hypurals among the different families.
DETERMINANTS AND EFFECTS OF RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS IN CHINA'S EMERGING MARKET
Authors: ZHOU WUBIAO
Published: December 2010

This study aims to explore the determinants and relative contributions of different types of research partnerships among Chinese firms. Using a large sample of innovating firms, it is found here that factors that determine the needs of the firms for external research and development (R&D) resources and the ability to utilize the knowledge learned through partnerships (i.e., firm size, industrial sectors, internal R&D intensity, and foreign competition) are major antecedents for research partnerships in China. In addition, these factors are found to have different effects on three different types of research partnerships, which, in turn, have different effects on product innovation and patent innovation. (JEL O32)
IS THERE A “DOUBLE BONUS” FROM REDUCING INEQUALITY?
Authors: ASANO AKIHITO
Published: December 2010

We study the effect of inequality on growth in an overlapping generations (OLG) model where inequality affects growth through accumulation of human capital and endogenous fertility. In contrast to much of the existing literature, we argue that the effect of inequality on growth might be non‐monotonic. Our model suggests that the effect depends on the demographic stage of development: inequality impedes growth in low‐fertility (high human capital) economies, but enhances growth in high‐fertility (low human capital) economies. Our finding casts doubt on a “double bonus” from reducing inequality in developing countries which are typically characterized by high fertility. (JEL O40, J13, O15)
TRADE, GEOGRAPHY AND THE SKILL PREMIUM IN U.S. MANUFACTURING
Authors: FRANCIS JOHN , ZHENG YUQING
Published: December 2010

A number of studies have suggested that countries (or regions) with access to larger markets have higher wages. In this paper, we examine whether access to larger markets affects skilled and unskilled workers differently. We develop a model relating two key measures of market size, market and supplier access, to industry value added prices. We then estimate the effects of growth in these measures on factor returns in U.S. manufacturing industries between 1984 and 1996. We find that growth in these measures can explain around 5% of the rise in the skill premium over the sample period. (JEL F12, F16, L60)
PEER EVALUATIONS AND TEAM PERFORMANCE: WHEN FRIENDS DO WORSE THAN STRANGERS
Authors: CORGNET BRICE
Published: December 2010

We use peer assessments as a tool to allocate joint profits in a real‐effort team experiment. We find that using this incentive mechanism reduces team performance. More specifically, we show that teams composed of acquaintances rather than strangers actually underperform in a context of peer evaluations. We conjecture that peer evaluations undermine the inherently high level of intrinsic motivation that characterizes teams composed of friends and possibly exacerbate negative reciprocity among partners. Finally, we analyze the determinants of peer assessments and stress the crucial importance of equality concerns. (JEL C92, M12, M54)
Peers increase adolescent risk taking by enhancing activity in the brain’s reward circuitry
Authors: Chein Jason , Albert Dustin , O’Brien Lia , Uckert Kaitlyn , Steinberg Laurence
Published: December 2010

The presence of peers increases risk taking among adolescents but not adults. We posited that the presence of peers may promote adolescent risk taking by sensitizing brain regions associated with the anticipation of potential rewards. Using fMRI, we measured brain activity in adolescents, young adults, and adults as they made decisions in a simulated driving task. Participants completed one task block while alone, and one block while their performance was observed by peers in an adjacent room. During peer observation blocks, adolescents selectively demonstrated greater activation in reward‐related brain regions, including the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex, and activity in these regions predicted subsequent risk taking. Brain areas associated with cognitive control were less strongly recruited by adolescents than adults, but activity in the cognitive control system did not vary with social context. Results suggest that the presence of peers increases adolescent risk taking by heightening sensitivity to the potential reward value of risky decisions.
The Status of our Ordinary Three Dimensions in a Quantum Universe1
Authors: Ney Alyssa
Published: December 2010

There are now several, realist versions of quantum mechanics on offer. On their most straightforward, ontological interpretation, these theories require the existence of an object, the wavefunction, which inhabits an extremely high‐dimensional space known as configuration space. This raises the question of how the ordinary three‐dimensional space of our acquaintance fits into the ontology of quantum mechanics. Recently, two strategies to address this question have emerged. First, Tim Maudlin, Valia Allori, and her collaborators argue that what I have just called the ‘most straightforward’ interpretation of quantum mechanics is not the correct one. Rather, the correct interpretation of realist quantum mechanics has it describing the world as containing objects that inhabit the ordinary three‐dimensional space of our manifest image. By contrast, David Albert and Barry Loewer maintain the straightforward, wavefunction ontology of quantum mechanics, but attempt to show how ordinary, three‐dimensional space may in a sense be contained within the high‐dimensional configuration space the wavefunction inhabits. This paper critically examines these attempts to locate the ordinary, three‐dimensional space of our manifest image “within” the ontology of quantum mechanics. I argue that we can recover most of our manifest image, even if we cannot recover our familiar three‐dimensional space.
Realism and the Common Security and Defence Policy
Authors: RYNNING STEN
Published: December 2010

The European Union has ventured into the business of power politics with its common security and defence policy (CSDP). Realism can explain both why the EU is being pulled into this business and why it is failing to be powerful. Although realism has much to offer, it is not the dominant approach to the study of the EU and its foreign affairs because the EU is commonly perceived as capable of transcending power politics as we used to know it. The first purpose of this article is therefore to question the stereotyping of realism as a framework that only applies to great power confrontations. The second is to introduce the complexity of realist thought because realism is a house divided. The analysis first examines structural realism, then the classical realist tradition. The third and final purpose of the article is to evaluate the contributions these approaches can make to the study of the CSDP. The most powerful realist interpretation of the CSDP is found to be the classical one, according to which the CSDP is partly a response to international power trends but notably also the institutionalization of the weakness of European nation‐states. The article defines this perspective in relation to contending realist and constructivist perspectives. It highlights classical realism as a dynamic framework of interpretation that does not provide an image of a CSDP end‐state, but rather a framework for understanding an evolving reality and for speaking truth to power.
Solidifying Constructivism: How Material and Ideational Factors Interact in European Defence
Authors: MEYER CHRISTOPH O. , STRICKMANN EVA
Published: December 2010

Constructivist approaches have made a substantial contribution to our understanding of the European Union's security and defence policy, but their ability to explain and forecast change has suffered from neglecting the link between material structures and ideas. This article attempts to ‘solidify’ constructivism by drawing on realist thought to elaborate a theoretical argument about how material and ideational factors are interrelated and offers four propositions about how changes in material conditions affect the ideational dimension of defence co‐operation.
Parasitological efficacy of antimalarials in the treatment and prevention of falciparum malaria in pregnancy 1998 to 2009: a systematic review
Authors: McGready R , White NJ , Nosten F
Published: December 2010

Please cite this paper as: McGready R, White N, Nosten F. Parasitological efficacy of antimalarials in the treatment and prevention of falciparum malaria in pregnancy 1998 to 2009: a systematic review. BJOG 2011;118:123–135.

Background  Pregnant women are at increased risk from malaria. Resistance to all classes of antimalarials has affected the treatment and prevention of malaria in pregnancy.

Objectives  To review the therapeutic efficacy of antimalarials used for treatment and intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) in pregnancy.

Search strategy  We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library between January 1998 and December 2009 for publications using the medical subject headings: efficacy, antimalarials, malaria, pregnancy, pharmacokinetics, treatment, IPT and placenta positive. In May 2010 we searched the register of clinical trials (http://clinicaltrials.gov/) and of WHO (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/) using ‘malaria’, and ‘pregnancy’ and ‘treatment’.

Selection criteria  We identified 233 abstracts, reviewed 83 full text articles and included 60 studies.

Data collection and analysis  Two authors entered extracted data to an excel spreadsheet.

Main results  Parasitological failure rates, placenta positivity rates (assessed by microscopy) or both were reported in 44% (21/48), 46% (22/48) and 10% (5/48) of articles, respectively. Most pharmacokinetic studies (9/12) suggested dose optimisation. In 23 treatment studies 17 different antimalarial drugs were delivered in 53 study arms; 43.4% (23/53) reported a failure rate of < 5%; 83.3% of sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) arms and 9% of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) arms had failure rates ≥ 10%. Placenta‐positive rates (mostly reported in the context of IPT in pregnancy) were > 10% in 68% (23/34) of SP trial arms and > 15% in all seven chloroquine arms. The ACT provided lower parasitological failure and gametocyte carriage rates.

Author’s conclusions  Drugs used in pregnancy should aim for 95% efficacy but many currently deployed regimens are associated with much lower cure rates.
Photoinhibition and the assembly of light‐limited phytoplankton communities
Authors: Gerla Daan J. , Mooij Wolf M. , Huisman Jef
Published: December 2010

Photoinhibition is characterised by a decreasing rate of photosynthesis with increasing light. It occurs in many photosynthetic organisms and is especially apparent in phytoplankton species sensitive to high light. Yet, the population and community level consequences of photoinhibition are not well understood. Here, we present a resource competition model that includes photoinhibition. The model shows that, in strong light, photoinhibition leads to an increase of the specific growth rate with increasing population density due to self‐shading. This so‐called Allee effect can be either weak or strong. In monoculture, a strong Allee effect results in two alternative stable states. A low population density does not provide sufficient shade to protect itself against photoinhibition, such that the population goes extinct. Conversely, above a threshold population density the population may create sufficiently turbid conditions to suppress photoinhibition, so that the population can establish itself. When several species compete for light, a species which cannot establish itself due to photoinhibition can be facilitated by other species less sensitive to photoinhibition. If such facilitators are absent, photoinhibition may cause alternative stable states in community composition. Since each alternative stable state is dominated by a single species, photoinhibition does not favour species coexistence. The model predictions are consistent with published competition experiments, and illustrate the complex effects of photoinhibition on community assembly.
Sampling method influences the structure of plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Gibson Rachel H. , Knott Ben , Eberlein Tim , Memmott Jane
Published: December 2010

The search for general properties in the structure of ecological networks is currently a very active area of research. Meta‐analyses of published networks are a widely used technique. To have the best chance of discovering common properties though, networks should be constructed using a standardized approach. However, this is rarely the case, and pollination networks are constructed using two main methods: transects and timed observations. To investigate the potential for variation in network structure arising from different construction techniques we constructed plant–pollinator networks using two different methods at a single site, repeating our protocol over three field seasons. Transects and timed observation methods differ in the evenness of observation effort allocated among plant species in the observed community. We show that the uneven allocation of observation effort significantly affects the number of unique interactions in the network, and we reveal a strong trend in effects on web asymmetry and evenness of marginal abundance distributions. However, these effects do not appear to extend to the higher‐order properties of connectance and nestedness.
Routes to Low Mortality in Poor Countries Revisited
Authors: Kuhn Randall
Published: December 2010

In June 1986, Population and Development Review published a highly influential article by John Caldwell entitled “Routes to Low Mortality in Poor Countries.” Amid growing anxiety over decelerating world mortality decline, Caldwell explored social and political pathways to mortality success on the basis of two lists of superior mortality achievers and exceptionally poor mortality achievers, countries whose mortality rankings drastically differed from their income rankings. To mark the quarter‐century since Caldwell's study and chart new pathways, this article looks at the subsequent performance of Caldwell's original exceptional achievers and develops an updated list of achievers. Analysis highlights the presence of many more poor achievers today; the rising importance of adult mortality as a marker of exceptional achievement; the increasing success of countries in Latin America and the Muslim world; the continued success of China, Vietnam, Cuba, and Costa Rica. dramatic improvements in schooling outcomes, particularly for women, have reduced the importance of education as a determinant of superior achievement. Reinforcing Caldwell's original assertions, the synthesis highlights how interactions between social consensus, health care systems, and human capital dependence offer a pathway to superior achievement. These forces may be especially powerful at moments of national crisis.
Child‐Care Availability and Fertility in Norway
Authors: Rindfuss Ronald R. , Guilkey David K. , Morgan S. Philip , Kravdal ØYstein
Published: December 2010

The child‐care and fertility hypothesis has been in the literature for a long time and is straightforward: As child care becomes more available, affordable, and acceptable, the antinatalist effects of increased female educational attainment and work opportunities decrease. As an increasing number of countries express concern about low fertility, the child‐care and fertility hypothesis takes on increased importance. Yet data and statistical limitations have heretofore limited empirical tests of the hypothesis. Using rich longitudinal data and appropriate statistical methodology, We show that increased availability of child care increases completed fertility. Moreover, this positive effect of child‐care availability is found at every parity transition. We discuss the generalizability of these results to other settings and their broader importance for understanding variation and trends in low fertility.
The Educational Gradient of Childbearing within Cohabitation in Europe
Authors: Perelli‐Harris Brienna , Sigle‐Rushton Wendy , Kreyenfeld Michaela , Lappegård Trude , Keizer Renske , Berghammer Caroline
Published: December 2010

Nearly every European Country has experienced some increase in nonmarital childbearing, largely due to increasing births within cohabitation. Relatively few studies in Europe, however, investigate the educational gradient of childbearing within cohabitation or how it changed over time. Using retrospective union and fertility histories, we employ competing risk hazard models to examine the educational gradient of childbearing in cohabitation in eight countries across europe. In all countries studied, birth risks within cohabitation demonstrated a negative educational gradient. When directly comparing cohabiting fertility with marital fertility, the negative educational gradient persists in all countries except Italy, although differences were not significant in Austria, France, and West Germany. To explain these findings, we present an alternative explanation for the increase in childbearing within cohabitation that goes beyond the explanation of the Second Demographic Transition and provides a new interpretation of the underlying mechanisms that may influence childbearing within cohabitation.