bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salient egalitarian norms moderate activation of out-group approach and avoidance
Authors: Wyer Natalie A.
Published: March 2010

Recent research suggests that interaction-appropriate behavior may be automatically triggered by exposure to an out-group cue. Two experiments investigated the role of prejudice and salient egalitarian norms in determining the activation of two fundamental behavioral responses: approach and avoidance. The activation of approach and avoidance was investigated as a function of negative attitudes towards homosexuals (Experiment 1) and African-Caribbeans (Experiment 2). Results indicated that avoidance was automatically activated in response to out-group labels among participants with prejudiced attitudes (Experiments 1 and 2) whereas approach was less activated among prejudiced participants (Experiment 2). The former effect, however, was significantly diminished when egalitarian norms have been made temporarily salient.
Explaining the relationship between ingroup identification and intergroup bias following recategorization: A self-regulation theory analysis
Authors: Turner Rhiannon N. , Crisp Richard J.
Published: March 2010

We tested the hypothesis that regulation of discrepancies between perceived actual and ideal differentiation between the ingroup and outgroup could help to explain the relationship between ingroup identification and intergroup bias when participants are recategorized into a superordinate group. Replicating previous findings, we found that following recategorization, identification was positively related to intergroup bias. No such differences emerged in a control condition. However, we also, in the recategorization condition only, observed a positive association between ingroup identification and the perceived discrepancy between actual and ideal degree of differentiation from the outgroup: at higher levels of identification, participants increasingly perceived the ingroup to be less differentiated from the outgroup than they would ideally like. This tendency mediated the relationship between identification and bias. We discuss the theoretical, methodological and practical implications of these findings.
Self-focus and stereotyping of the self
Authors: Eidelman Scott , Silvia Paul J.
Published: March 2010

A study tested the effects of mirror-induced self-focus on participants tendency to self-stereotype. Americans high and low in identification with their nationality rated themselves and the group “Americans on traits that varied in stereotypicality and valence. Participants made these ratings under one of three conditions: (1) while facing a mirror, (2) while facing a mirror with an American flag visible, and (3) while not facing a mirror. High identifiers were more likely to endorse stereotypic traits and to rate themselves as similar to their national group when self-focused. In contrast, low identifiers were less likely to endorse stereotypic traits and to rate themselves as similar to their national group when self-focused. These patterns were limited to traits negative in valence. Correlational analyses indicated that self/group ratings were most similar when high identifiers were self-focused. Implications for the distinction between personal and social identity are discussed.
The self-regulation of prejudice: Toward understanding its lived character
Authors: Monteith Margo J. , Mark Aimee Y. , Ashburn-Nardo Leslie
Published: March 2010

Survey and laboratory studies provide support for the self-regulation of prejudice, but it is unclear whether people similarly self-regulate in“real life. Using a phenomenological approach, 153 non-Black participants recalled racial experiences in which they responded in ways they later wished had been different. Participants internally motivated to control prejudice reported discrepancies regardless of their external motivation, but even participants low on internal motivation reported prejudice-related discrepancies if they were externally motivated. Content analysis results are presented to summarize participants discrepancy experiences. Also, most participants discrepancies produced negative self-directed affect and the self-regulation of prejudice in the future. Findings suggest that self-regulation generalizes beyond the laboratory and occurs even among people who are not internally motivated to control their prejudice.
Social context and the self-regulation of implicit bias
Authors: Allen Thomas J. , Sherman Jeffrey W. , Klauer Karl Christoph
Published: March 2010

Placing outgroup members in positive social contexts can reduce implicit bias. Different contexts may activate different associations of the group. Alternatively, contexts may act as cues for inhibiting bias. We applied the Quad model (Sherman et al., 2008) to address these possibilities. We also examined how motivation moderates these effects. Participants completed a Black—White evaluative priming task with primes presented in positive versus negative contexts and a measure of motivation to control prejudice. Results showed less implicit bias in positive versus negative contexts and that this effect was stronger among highly motivated participants. Modeling revealed that these effects were related to inhibition of biased associations, but not to changing the associations that were activated. Implications for prejudice reduction are discussed.
Self-regulation within and between groups
Authors: Jonas Kai J. , Sassenberg Kai , Scheepers Daan
Published: March 2010

Over recent years, the study of self-regulation within and between groups has burgeoned into a vibrant field of research. Classic research findings, now substantiated with process analyses, feed back into and inform self-regulation theorizing. This Special Issue presents ten empirical articles that cover a broad range of current research on self-regulation processes and phenomena within and between groups.
Impact of Trade Liberalization on Poverty in Bangladesh
Authors: Nahar Bodrun , Siriwardana Mahinda
Published: March 2010

This article uses a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to investigate the impact of trade liberalization on poverty in Bangladesh. The simulation results show that the complete removal of tariffs favours export-oriented sectors in the economy. With trade liberalization, rural and urban areas experience an overall reduction in poverty in the short run. However, a marginal increase in the poverty gap and severity of poverty for urban areas is projected, implying that the poor become poorer in urban areas. Moreover, poverty incidences vary among various socio-economic groups. In the short run, poverty incidence increases for rural landless and urban illiterate and low-educated household groups. In contrast, the long-run results highlight that trade liberalization reduces absolute poverty for all groups, both in rural and urban areas.
Determinants of Participation in Higher Education and Choice of Disciplines
Authors: Chakrabarti Anindita
Published: March 2010

The primary focus of this article is to examine the role played by economic, social and demographic characteristics in determining the likelihood of participation in higher education for both rural and urban youth in India. Using data from the National Sample Survey (NSS), we examine how household’s demand for higher education is governed by its social composition, gender-related aspects, economic background and cost of acquisition of education. We also estimate significance of these factors in explaining choice of different stream of studies, for example, Arts, Commerce, Science and Technical Education. Youth belonging to schedule caste (SC) and schedule tribe (ST) background have significantly lower odds of going to a higher educational institution compared to other social groups in rural area. The gender impact in terms of higher education participation is more pronounced for the highest income/expenditure quartile for both urban and rural region. Even after controlling for gender, economic and social identity, educational profile of household head exerts a significant impact on the higher educational attendance. Rising cost of higher education exerts a significant detrimental impact on the odds of participation in higher education. Analysis of choice of individual discipline of higher education reveals that female youth have significantly higher odds of attending a higher education institution for Arts/Humanities course in urban India as compared to her male counterpart. However, for every other stream, that is, Science, Commerce, Medicine, Engineering and other professional courses, there is a strong gender bias against female even after controlling for social and economic background of the household.
Persistence of Shock in a Time Series
Authors: Islam Faridul , Khan Saleheen , Islam Anisul M. , Ahmed Syed Mushtaque
Published: March 2010

Services provided by Bangladesh Railway (BR), a popular mode of transportation, have been vital to the growth and development of the economy since their inception. However, the declining share of its revenue to the gross domestic product (GDP) remains a major policy concern which needs to be addressed. Public policy, particularly short-term stabilization policy, aimed at dealing with this concern would be effective if the series (share of revenue to GDP) is trend stationary. However, if the series is found to be stochastically non-stationary, such stabilization policy would be ineffective and would signal the need for long-term restructuring and reforms. Given this perspective, the article examines if the relevant time series (in this case, railway revenue as per cent of GDP) contains a deterministic or stochastic trend to assess whether short-term public stabilization policy would be effective or long-term structural adjustments and reforms would be necessary. In addition, the article also provides a measure of persistence in the above mentioned time series following Cochrane (1988). Loss of railway’s share appears to be due to long-term shifts in demand due to inter-modal competition as well as supply and capacity constraints.
Dynamic Relationship among the Stock Market and the Macroeconomic Factors
Authors: Bhattarai Ram Chandra , Joshi Nayan Krishna
Published: March 2010

This article examines the dynamic relationship among the stock market and macroeconomic factors for the stock market of Nepal. The study documented both short-run and long-run interdependence among stock index and some macroeconomic variables. The estimated results suggest unidirectional short-run (positive) causal relationship running from consumer price index (CPI) to stock index but reverse causality in the long run (from stock index to CPI), supporting the widely-held view that stock returns are a hedge against inflation. The multivariate results also confirmed absence of long-run causality but supported positive and unidirectional relationship flowing from money supply to stock index in the short run. Nevertheless, the multivariate results revealed longrun causality running from stock index to treasury bill rate but no short-run linkage. The variance decompositions results showed a strong relative exogeneity of stock index, while the impulse response graphs showed that the response of stock index to shocks in macroeconomic variables didn’t persist for long period. The policy implication of the study is that monetary authority in Nepal would be able to influence the stock market only in the short run, but not in the long run, either directly through its intermediate target (money supply) and its impact on the inflation or indirectly through increased access to the financial services.
The Practice of Ecotourism in Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandara Ranjith
Published: March 2010

There has been little assessment of ecotourism operator compliance in Sri Lanka towards the ecotourism guidelines set by the International Ecotourism Society (IES). This study presents the results from a survey of a sample of 15 ecotourism/ecolodge operators chosen from seven selected locations in the four provinces of Sri Lanka. This study shows that there is lack of understanding about the true policies of ecotourism. The majority of operators in the sample seem to practice more of nature-based operations, whilst others have a combination of nature and adventure-based tourism, but not proper ecotourism. Moreover, there is no enthusiasm towards the practice of ecotourism in its true sense and the current situation of the country with a low number of tourists, too, contributes towards it. Some of the ecotourism practices were not evident as it was expensive to implement them, yet, the simpler cost effective practices, too, were not given much consideration. Thus, the overall findings of this study overwhelmingly suggest that the authorities of tourism industry and various other stakeholder groups and conservers should work hand in hand to develop innovative ecotourism programmes which will create a market for Sri Lanka as an ecotourist destination in the world.
Reflections on and of Self in South Africa
Authors: Schmid Jeanette
Published: March 2010

For social workers who are working within a discipline associated with social control an awareness of one’s social location and the impacts thereof is critical. This is particularly true in South Africa, where issues of power, race and class have been overtly contested over centuries. However, the South African literature largely overlooks the necessity of such examination, ignoring issues of power and domination in the social work relationship. I offer my own auto-ethnographic reflections as a South African social worker and researcher, living in Canada, critically examining how power was negotiated. The issues raised here may be relevant for those examining their practice in other contexts. Further, these reflections are useful in the international social work discourse, particularly to researchers engaging in transnational endeavours.
Integrating Thematic, Grounded Theory and Narrative Analysis
Authors: Floersch Jerry , Longhofer Jeffrey L. , Kranke Derrick , Townsend Lisa
Published: March 2010

In this article, we integrate thematic, grounded theory and narrative analytic techniques. We apply methods from each to the same qualitative data to illustrate how they provide different interpretive scopes on medication meaning making. Findings from each are concatenated to produce an integrated conceptual framework for understanding adolescent experience of psychiatric medication. We conclude that thematic, grounded theory, and narrative methods, when integrated, produce a multidimensional understanding of medication experience.
Age Effects and Sample Size in Free Listing
Authors: Schrauf Robert W. , Sanchez Julia
Published: March 2010

The literature in the psychology of aging shows cognitive declines among older adults in many abilities. This study addresses the question of whether informant age affects production in free listing. The study compares numbers of free-listed items across four quotidian domains by groups of older ( n = 30) versus younger ( n = 31) adults. Smaller samples of five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five were also analyzed to assess age by sample size interaction at smaller sample sizes. Results show that at the level of the group and at every sample size, older adults produce more unique items than younger adults but that when idiosyncratic items (mentioned by only one person) are eliminated from the analysis, older and younger adults produce equivalent numbers of items. Finally, we varied the size of target sets (ten, fifteen, twenty) of most frequently cited items at thirty participants and examined the percentage of those items present for sample sizes of five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five participants. For all set sizes and for both age groups, approximately 74—79% of items were present at n = 20 and 80—87% were present at n = 25. No effects were found for either different target set sizes or for age groups. These results suggest a modest advantage for older versus younger adults in free listing.
Comparison of Cell Phone and Landline Surveys: A Design Perspective
Authors: Carley-Baxter Lisa R. , Peytchev Andy , Black Michele C.
Published: March 2010

Rapidly decreasing coverage of landline surveys is increasing the need to implement dual-frame surveys for inference to the adult U.S. population. Vast differences between the way cell phones and landlines are used, and the populations using them, require separate data collection designs. Yet research comparing cell phone surveys to landline telephone surveys is scarce with respect to operational outcomes. The authors test hypothesized differences between cell phone and landline interviewing through experiments on survey topic and length and find that these factors may not have the same impact in cell phone surveys. To help optimize calling cell phone numbers in future studies, the authors present self-reported cell phone use patterns and other factors affecting the probability of contact and sampling design.To inform the inclusion of adults with both a cell and landline phone, they compare cell phone use among cell phone only and cell with landline cases. The authors found notable differences between the cell only and cell with landline respondents in terms of cell phone use. Implications and directions for future work are discussed.
Review Papers: Current Techniques to Detect Foot Infection in the Diabetic Patient
Authors: Dinh Thanh , Snyder Graham , Veves Aristidis
Published: March 2010

Diabetic foot infections can be a challenge to diagnose, especially when osteomyelitis is in question. Evaluation of infection should involve a thorough examination of the extremity for clinical signs of infection along with appropriate laboratory and imaging studies. Laboratory markers of inflammation such as peripheral leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin may provide useful information when diagnosing soft tissue and bone infection. However, laboratory markers alone should not be used to diagnose a diabetic foot infection as they are non-specific in nature. Imaging studies may also provide valuable clues regarding the presence of infection. Plain radiographs are a good initial screening tool as they are both inexpensive and easily accessible. However, their sensitivity in diagnosing osteomyelitis is poor. Thus, more advanced imaging such as radionuclide imaging and magnetic resonance imaging are warranted when osteomyelitis is suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging is presently considered the gold standard in diagnosing osteomyelitis, despite its wide variation in reported sensitivity and specificity. However, the significant cost of magnetic resonance imaging prevents its use as a screening tool. Collection of reliable microbiologic data is critical in making a diagnosis as well as for treatment of infection, especially when osteomyelitis is concerned. Deep swabs and transcutaneous bone biopsy are considered the ideal methods of obtaining the necessary information. Finally, monitoring treatment should also be performed with an eye towards both laboratory data and the clinical exam.
How Can I Learn With all This Commotion?
Authors: Head-Dylla Candace
Published: March 2010

This case is intended for student use in a university classroom to examine the complex dilemmas school leaders may face when working to create opportunities for a more inclusive educational environment. Inclusive education may mean different things to different groups and educational leaders need to consider varied perspectives as they develop their own philosophies of inclusive education that balance the interests of students with and without disabilities, drawing upon student, parent, teacher, support staff, and administrator perspectives, and considering these perspectives in terms of academic, social, and personal goals.
Pragmatism or Gaming the System? One School District’s Solution to Low Test Scores
Authors: McKenzie Kathryn Bell
Published: March 2010

In this era of accountability and high stakes testing, district and school administrators are vigilant in their attention to student test scores and the ramifications these have for district and school performance labels. In other words, no school or district wants to be labeled “low performing.” This case, based on a real situation, demonstrates the extremes a district and school may go to in an effort to ensure that student scores in a particular population group do not adversely affect a school’s or district’s accountability rating.
Narcissism as Ethical Practice?
Authors: Campbell Elaine
Published: March 2010

An auto/biographical society brings with it fears of a drift towards a culture of narcissism in which the mutuality and ethicality of collective life may be eclipsed in favour of a self-indulgent ‘aesthetics of existence’. This article focuses on auto/ biographical practice, regarding it as a quintessential ‘technology of the self’ in the Foucauldian sense. Paradoxically, this positions auto/biography within a thesis which emphasizes the constitution of the self as a project of aesthetic inscription, posing dangers for ethicality and commitment to public life. Is an aesthetic disposition ethically indispensable? The paper explores this problematic through the lens of Foucauldian ethics. A critical (re-)examination of the aesthetics of reading and writing auto/biography suggests the potential for realizing a different kind of ethical relation to ourselves and others. These issues are explicated by reference to the popular cultural text, Dead Man Walking — an auto/biographical narrative which is explicitly ‘aestheticized’ as entertainment.
In the Blood:The Racializing Tones of Music Categorization
Authors: Haynes Jo
Published: March 2010

This article examines the categorization of world music and how vexed and contentious issues pertaining to ideas of difference are navigated within processes of production and consumption of world music. By drawing on a study of British world music, it highlights the ambivalence expressed towards ethno-cultural hybridity and the way that racialized pathologies can be challenged or created and reinforced. It explores ideas about musicality and cultural expression that underpin the musical preferences and cultural values of consumers, musicians and professionals as a manifestation of the cultural logic of differentiation. It highlights the ongoing difficulty of explaining social and cultural phenomena without recourse to the idea of race, in contexts shaped by antiracist and cosmopolitan ideals. By illustrating how world music categorization does not erase race or nation, but instead recontextualizes both, this article provides an helpful insight into the changing dynamics of race.
Multilineage dysplasia has no impact on biologic, clinicopathologic, and prognostic features of AML with mutated nucleophosmin (NPM1)
Authors: Falini Brunangelo , Macijewski Katja , Weiss Tamara , Bacher Ulrike , Schnittger Susanne , Kern Wolfgang , Kohlmann Alexander , Klein Hans-Ulrich , Vignetti Marco , Piciocchi Alfonso , Fazi Paola , Martelli Maria Paola , Vitale Antonella , Pileri Stefano , Miesner Miriam , Santucci Antonella , Haferlach Claudia , Mandelli Franco , Haferlach Torsten
Published: March 2010

NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a provisional entity in the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms. The significance of multilineage dysplasia (MLD) in NPM1-mutated AML is unclear. Thus, in the 2008 WHO classification, NPM1-mutated AML with MLD is classified as AML with myelodysplasia (MD)–related changes (MRCs). We evaluated morphologically 318 NPM1-mutated AML patients and found MLD in 23.3%. Except for a male predominance and a lower fms-related tyrosine kinase 3–internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) incidence in the MLD+ group, no differences were observed in age, sex, cytogenetics, and FLT3-–tyrosine kinase domain between NPM1-mutated AML with and without MLD. NPM1-mutated AML with and without MLD showed overlapping immunophenotype (CD34 negativity) and gene expression profile (CD34 down-regulation, HOX genes up-regulation). Moreover, overall and event-free survival did not differ among NPM1-mutated AML patients independently of whether they were MLD+ or MLD−, the NPM1-mutated/FLT3-ITD negative genotype showing the better prognosis. Lack of MLD impact on survival was confirmed by multivariate analysis that highlighted FLT3-ITD as the only significant prognostic parameter in NPM1-mutated AML. Our findings indicate that NPM1 mutations rather than MLD dictate the distinctive features of NPM1-mutated AML. Thus, irrespective of MLD, NPM1-mutated AML represents one disease entity clearly distinct from AML with MRCs.
Engraftment of human hematopoietic stem cells is more efficient in female NOD/SCID/IL-2Rgc-null recipients
Authors: Notta Faiyaz , Doulatov Sergei , Dick John E.
Published: March 2010

Repopulation of immunodeficient mice remains the primary method to assay human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here we report that female NOD/SCID/IL-2Rgc-null mice are far superior in detecting human HSCs (Lin−CD34+CD38−CD90+CD45RA−) compared with male recipients. When multiple HSCs were transplanted, female recipients displayed a trend (1.4-fold) toward higher levels of human chimerism (female vs male: injected femur, 44.4 ± 9.3 vs 32.2 ± 6.2; n = 12 females, n = 24 males; P = .1). Strikingly, this effect was dramatically amplified at limiting cell doses where female recipients had an approximately 11-fold higher chimerism from single HSCs (female vs male: injected femur, 8.1 ± 2.7 vs 0.7 ± 0.7; n = 28 females, n = 20 males; P < .001). Secondary transplantations from primary recipients indicate that females more efficiently support the self-renewal of human HSCs. Therefore, sex-associated factors play a pivotal role in the survival, proliferation, and self-renewal of human HSCs in the xenograft model, and recipient sex must be carefully monitored in the future design of experiments requiring human HSC assays.
MicroRNA and proliferation control in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: functional relationship between miR-221/222 cluster and p27
Authors: Frenquelli Michela , Muzio Marta , Scielzo Cristina , Fazi Claudia , Scarfò Lydia , Rossi Claudia , Ferrari Giuliana , Ghia Paolo , Caligaris-Cappio Federico
Published: March 2010

We investigated functional relationships between microRNA 221/222 (miR-221/222) cluster and p27, a key regulator of cell cycle, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The enforced expression of miR-221/222 in the CLL cell line MEC1 induced a significant down-regulation of p27 protein and conferred a proliferative advantage to the transduced cells that exhibited faster progression into the S phase of the cell cycle. Accordingly, expression of miR-221/miR-222 and p27 was found to be inversely related in leukemic cells obtained from peripheral blood (PB) of 38 patients with CLL. Interestingly, when miR-221/222 and p27 protein were evaluated in different anatomic compartments (lymph nodes or bone marrow) of the same patients, increased expression of the 2 miRNAs became apparent compared with PB. This finding was paralleled by a low expression of p27. In addition, when CLL cells were induced in vitro to enter cell cycle (eg, with cytosine phosphate guanine oligodeoxynucleotide), a significant increase of miR-221/222 expression and a marked down-regulation of p27 protein were evident. These data indicate that the miR-221/222 cluster modulates the expression of p27 protein in CLL cells and lead to suggest that miR-221/222 and p27 may represent a regulatory loop that helps maintaining CLL cells in a resting condition.
Cyclic stretch enhances the expression of Toll-like Receptor 4 gene in cultured cardiomyocytes via p38 MAP kinase and NF-κB pathway
Authors: Shyu Kou-Gi , Wang Bao-Wei , Lin Chiu-Mei , Chang Hang
Published: March 2010

Background

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an important role in innate immunity. The role of TLR4 in stretched cardiomyocytes is not known. We sought to investigate whether mechanical stretch could regulate TLR4 expression, as well as the possible molecular mechanisms and signal pathways mediating the expression of TLR4 by cyclic mechanical stretch in cardiomyocytes.

Methods

Neonatal Wistar rat cardiomyocytes grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched by vacuum to 20% of maximum elongation at 60 cycles/min. Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and promoter activity assay were performed. In vitro monocyte adhesion to stretched myocyte was detected.

Results

Cyclic stretch significantly increased TLR4 protein and mRNA expression after 2 h to 24 h of stretch. Addition of SB203580, TNF-α antibody, and p38α MAP kinase siRNA 30 min before stretch inhibited the induction of TLR4 protein. Cyclic stretch increased, while SB203580 abolished the phosphorylated p38 protein. Gel shifting assay showed significant increase of DNA-protein binding activity of NF-κB after stretch and SB203580 abolished the DNA-protein binding activity induced by cyclic stretch. DNA-binding complexes induced by cyclic stretch could be supershifted by p65 monoclonal antibody. Cyclic stretch increased TLR4 promoter activity while SB203580 and NF-κB siRNA decreased TLR4 promoter activity. Cyclic stretch increased adhesion of monocyte to cardiomyocytes while SB203580, TNF-α antibody, and TLR4 siRNA attenuated the adherence of monocyte. TNF-α and Ang II significantly increased TLR4 protein expression. Addition of losartan, TNF-α antibody, or p38α siRNA 30 min before Ang II and TNF-α stimulation significantly blocked the increase of TLR4 protein by AngII and TNF-α.

Conclusions

Cyclic mechanical stretch enhances TLR4 expression in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. The stretch-induced TLR4 is mediated through activation of p38 MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways. TLR4 up-regulation by cyclic stretch increases monocyte adherence.
Systematic identification and evolutionary features of rhesus monkey small nucleolar RNAs
Authors: Zhang Yong , Liu Jun , Jia Chunshi , Li Tingting , Wu Rimao , Wang Jie , Chen Ying , Zou Xiaoting , Chen Runsheng , Wang Xiu-Jie , Zhu Dahai
Published: March 2010

Background

Recent studies have demonstrated that non-protein-coding RNAs (npcRNAs/ncRNAs) play important roles during eukaryotic development, species evolution, and in the etiology of disease. Rhesus macaques are the most widely used primate model in both biomedical research and primate evolutionary studies. However, most reports on these animals focus on the functional roles of protein-coding sequences, whereas very little is known about macaque ncRNAs.

Results

In the present study, we performed the first systematic profiling of intermediate-size ncRNAs (50 to 500 nt) from the rhesus monkey by constructing a cDNA library. We identified 117 rhesus monkey ncRNAs, including 80 small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), 29 other types of known RNAs (snRNAs, Y RNA, and others), and eight unclassified ncRNAs. Comparative genomic analysis and northern blot hybridizations demonstrated that some snoRNAs were lineage- or species-specific. Paralogous sequences were found for most rhesus monkey snoRNAs, the expression of which might be attributable to extensive duplication within the rhesus monkey genome. Further investigation of snoRNA flanking sequences showed that some rhesus monkey snoRNAs are retrogenes derived from L1-mediated integration. Finally, phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that birds and primates share some snoRNAs and host genes thereof, suggesting that both the relevant host genes and the snoRNAs contained therein may be inherited from a common ancestor. However, some rhesus monkey snoRNAs hosted by non-ribosome-related genes appeared after the evolutionary divergence between birds and mammals.

Conclusions

We provide the first experimentally-derived catalog of rhesus monkey ncRNAs and uncover some interesting genomic and evolutionary features. These findings provide important information for future functional characterization of snoRNAs during primate evolution.
Identification of 5 novel genes methylated in breast and other epithelial cancers
Authors: Hill Victoria K , Hesson Luke B , Dansranjavin Temuujin , Dallol Ashraf , Bieche Ivan , Vacher Sophie , Tommasi Stella , Dobbins Timothy , Gentle Dean , Euhus David , Lewis Cheryl , Dammann Reinhard , Ward Robyn L , Minna John , Maher Eammon R , Pfeifer Gerd P , Latif Farida
Published: March 2010

Background

There are several high throughput approaches to identify methylated genes in cancer. We utilized one such recently developed approach, MIRA (methylated-CpG island recovery assay) combined with CpG island arrays to identify novel genes that are epigenetically inactivated in breast cancer.

Results

Using this approach we identified numerous CpG islands that demonstrated aberrant DNA methylation in breast cancer cell lines. Using a combination of COBRA and sequencing of bisulphite modified DNA, we confirmed 5 novel genes frequently methylated in breast tumours; EMILIN2, SALL1, DBC1, FBLN2 and CIDE-A. Methylation frequencies ranged from between 25% and 63% in primary breast tumours, whilst matched normal breast tissue DNA was either unmethylated or demonstrated a much lower frequency of methylation compared to malignant breast tissue DNA. Furthermore expression of the above 5 genes was shown to be restored following treatment with a demethylating agent in methylated breast cancer cell lines. We have expanded this analysis across three other common epithelial cancers (lung, colorectal, prostate). We demonstrate that the above genes show varying levels of methylation in these cancers. Lastly and most importantly methylation of EMILIN2 was associated with poorer clinical outcome in breast cancer and was strongly associated with estrogen receptor as well as progesterone receptor positive breast cancers.

Conclusion

The combination of the MIRA assay with CpG island arrays is a very useful technique for identifying epigenetically inactivated genes in cancer genomes and can provide molecular markers for early cancer diagnosis, prognosis and epigenetic therapy.
Prediction of breast cancer sensitivity to neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on status of DNA damage repair proteins
Authors: Asakawa Hideki , Koizumi Hirotaka , Koike Ayaka , Takahashi Makiko , Wu Wenwen , Iwase Hirotaka , Fukuda Mamoru , Ohta Tomohiko
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Various agents used in breast cancer chemotherapy provoke DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). DSB repair competence determines the sensitivity of cells to these agents whereby aberrations in the repair machinery leads to apoptosis. Proteins required for this pathway can be detected as nuclear foci at sites of DNA damage when the pathway is intact. Here we investigate whether focus formation of repair proteins can predict chemosensitivity of breast cancer.

Methods

Core needle biopsy specimens were obtained from sixty cases of primary breast cancer before and 18-24 hours after the first cycle of neoadjuvant epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide (EC) treatment. Nuclear focus formation of DNA damage repair proteins was immunohistochemically analyzed and compared with tumor response to chemotherapy.

Results

EC treatment induced nuclear foci of γH2AX, conjugated ubiquitin, and Rad51 in a substantial amount of cases. In contrast, BRCA1 foci were observed before treatment in the majority of the cases and only decreased after EC in thirteen cases. The presence of BRCA1-, γH2AX-, or Rad51-foci before treatment or the presence of Rad51-foci after treatment was inversely correlated with tumor response to chemotherapy. DNA damage response (DDR) competence was further evaluated by considering all four repair indicators together. A high DDR score significantly correlated with low tumor response to EC and EC + docetaxel whereas other clinicopathological factors analyzed did not.

Conclusions

High performing DDR focus formation resulted in tumor resistance to DNA damage-inducing chemotherapy. Our results suggested an importance of evaluation of DDR competence to predict breast cancer chemosensitivity, and merits further studying into its usefulness in exclusion of non-responder patients.
Implementation of 2D explicit depth extrapolation FIR digital filters for 3D seismic volumes using singular value decomposition
Authors: Mousa Wail A. , Boussakta Said , McLernon Desmond C. , Van der Baan Mirko
Published: March 2010

We propose a new scheme for implementing predesigned 2D complex-valued wavefield extrapolation finite impulse response (FIR) digital filters, which are used for extrapolating 3D seismic wavefields. The implementation is based on singular value decomposition (SVD) of quadrantally symmetric 2D FIR filters (extrapolators). To simplify the SVD computations for such a filter impulse response structure, we apply a special matrix transformation on the extrapolation FIR filter impulse responses where we guarantee the retention of their wavenumber phase response. Unlike the existing 2D FIR filter implementation methods that are used for this geophysical application such as the McClellan transformation or its improved version, this implementation via SVD results in perfect circularly symmetrical magnitude and phase wavenumber responses. In this paper, we also demonstrate that the SVD method can save (depending on the filter size) more than 23% of the number of multiplications per output sample and approximately 62% of the number of additions per output sample when compared to direct implementation with quadrantal symmetry via true 2D convolution. Finally, an application to extrapolation of a seismic impulse is shown to prove our theoretical conclusions.
Reservoir property prediction using abductive networks
Authors: Ahmed Osama A. , Abdel-Aal Radwan E. , AlMustafa Husam
Published: March 2010

Statistical methods, such as linear regression and neural networks, are commonly used to predict reservoir properties from seismic attributes. However, a huge number of attributes can be extracted from seismic data and an efficient method for selecting an attribute subset with the highest correlation to the property being predicted is essential. Most statistical methods, however, lack an optimized approach for this attribute selection. We propose to predict reservoir properties from seismic attributes using abductive networks, which use iterated polynomial regression to derive high-degree polynomial predictors. The abductive networks simultaneously select the most relevant attributes and construct an optimal nonlinear predictor. We applied the approach to predict porosity from seismic data of an area within the 'Uthmaniyah portion of the Ghawar oil field, Saudi Arabia. The data consisted of normal seismic amplitude, acoustic impedance, 16 other seismic attributes, and porosity logs from seven wells located in the study area. Out of 27 attributes, the abductive network selected only the best two to six attributes and produced a more accurate and robust porosity prediction than using the more common neural-network predictors. In addition, the proposed method requires no effort in choosing the attribute subset or tweaking their parameters.
The Lipoprivic Control of Feeding Is Governed by Fat Metabolism, Not by Leptin or Adipose Depletion
Authors: Hudson Bryan D. , Emanuel Alan J. , Wiater Michael F. , Ritter Sue
Published: March 2010

A lipoprivic control of feeding has been proposed based on the finding that appetite is stimulated by drugs such as β-mercaptoacetate (MA) that reduce fatty acid oxidation. The adipose-derived hormone, leptin, has effects on feeding and fat oxidation that are opposite those produced by MA. However, effects of this hormone on MA-induced feeding are not known. Here we examined the effects of endogenous leptin levels and of acute central and peripheral leptin administration on MA-induced feeding. We also examined leptin-induced changes in feeding, body weight, and plasma fuels after capsaicin-induced deletion of the lipoprivic control. MA-induced feeding was not altered under any of these conditions, and leptin’s effects were not altered by capsaicin. We then examined MA-induced feeding during chronic leptin treatment. Because chronic leptin produces several distinct metabolic states as body adiposity is reduced, we tested MA before, during, and after leptin treatment at times that coincided with these states. MA-induced feeding was unchanged on d 3 of leptin treatment when rats were in a lipolytic state and rapidly metabolizing body fat stores but reduced on d 10 when they were adipose deplete and their level of fat oxidation was reduced. Together results suggest that the lipoprivic control is normally less active in the fat deplete state than during states associated with fat availability. If so, its insensitivity to leptin would enable the lipoprivic control to operate when dietary fat, adiposity, and leptin levels are elevated. The role played by the lipoprivic control under such conditions remains uncertain.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Activate Rodent Thyroid C-Cells Causing Calcitonin Release and C-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Bjerre Knudsen Lotte , Madsen Lars Wichmann , Andersen Søren , Almholt Kasper , de Boer Anne S. , Drucker Daniel J. , Gotfredsen Carsten , Egerod Frederikke Lihme , Hegelund Anne Charlotte , Jacobsen Helene , Jacobsen Søren Dyring , Moses Alan C. , Mølck Anne-Marie , Nielsen Henriette S. , Nowak Jette , Solberg Helene , Thi Tu D. L. , Zdravkovic Milan
Published: March 2010

Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog developed for type 2 diabetes. Long-term liraglutide exposure in rodents was associated with thyroid C-cell hyperplasia and tumors. Here, we report data supporting a GLP-1 receptor-mediated mechanism for these changes in rodents. The GLP-1 receptor was localized to rodent C-cells. GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulated calcitonin release, up-regulation of calcitonin gene expression, and subsequently C-cell hyperplasia in rats and, to a lesser extent, in mice. In contrast, humans and/or cynomolgus monkeys had low GLP-1 receptor expression in thyroid C-cells, and GLP-1 receptor agonists did not activate adenylate cyclase or generate calcitonin release in primates. Moreover, 20 months of liraglutide treatment (at >60 times human exposure levels) did not lead to C-cell hyperplasia in monkeys. Mean calcitonin levels in patients exposed to liraglutide for 2 yr remained at the lower end of the normal range, and there was no difference in the proportion of patients with calcitonin levels increasing above the clinically relevant cutoff level of 20 pg/ml. Our findings delineate important species-specific differences in GLP-1 receptor expression and action in the thyroid. Nevertheless, the long-term consequences of sustained GLP-1 receptor activation in the human thyroid remain unknown and merit further investigation.
Androgens Induce Nongenomic Stimulation of Colonic Contractile Activity through Induction of Calcium Sensitization and Phosphorylation of LC20 and CPI-17
Authors: González-Montelongo María C. , Marín Raquel , Gómez Tomás , Marrero-Alonso Jorge , Díaz Mario
Published: March 2010

We show that androgens, testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), acutely (∼40 min) provoke the mechanical potentiation of spontaneous and agonist-induced contractile activity in mouse colonic longitudinal smooth muscle. The results using flutamide, finasteride, cycloheximide, and actinomycin D indicate that androgen-induced potentiation is dependent on androgen receptors, requires reduction of testosterone to DHT, and occurs independently of transcriptional and translational events. Using permeabilized colonic smooth muscle preparations, we could demonstrate that mechanical potentiation is entirely due to calcium sensitization of contractile machinery. In addition, DHT (10 nm) increased phosphorylation of both 20-kDa myosin light chain (LC20) [regulatory myosin light chain, (MLC)] and CPI-17 (an endogenous inhibitor of MLC phosphatase). Paralleling these findings, inhibition of Rho-associated Rho kinase (ROK) and/or protein kinase C (PKC) with, respectively, Y27632 and chelerythrine, prevented LC20 phosphorylation and abolished calcium sensitization. In addition, inhibition of ROK prevents CPI-17 phosphorylation, indicating that ROK is located upstream PKC-mediated CPI-17 modulation in the signalling cascade. Additionally, androgens induce a rapid activation of RhoA and its translocation to the plasma membrane to activate ROK. The results demonstrate that androgens induce sensitization of colonic smooth muscle to calcium through activation of ROK, which in turn, activates PKC to induce CPI-17 phosphorylation. Activation of this pathway induces a potent steady stimulation of LC20 by inhibiting MLC phosphatase and displacing the equilibrium of the regulatory subunit towards its phosphorylated state. This is the first demonstration that colonic smooth muscle is a physiological target for androgen hormones, and that androgens modulate force generation of smooth muscle contractile machinery through nongenomic calcium sensitization pathways.
Determinants of Self-Reported Medicine Underuse Due to Cost: A Comparison of Seven Countries
Authors: Kemp Anna , Roughead Elizabeth , Preen David , Glover John , Semmens James
Published: March 2010

Objectives

To compare the predictors of self-reported medicine underuse due to cost across countries with different pharmaceutical subsidy systems and co-payments.

Methods

We analysed data from a 2007 survey of adults in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand (NZ), the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). The predictors of underuse were calculated separately for each country using multivariate poisson regression.

Results

Reports of underuse due to cost varied from 3% in the Netherlands to 20% in the US. In Australia, Canada, NZ, the UK and the US, cost-related underuse was predicted by high out-of-pocket costs (RR range 2.0-4.6), below average income (RR range 1.9-3.1), and younger age (RR range 3.9-16.4). In all countries except Australia and the UK, history of depression was associated with cost-related underuse (RR range 1.2- 4.1). In Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK and the US lack of patient involvement in treatment decisions was associated with cost-related underuse (RR range 1.2-1.4). In Australia, Canada and NZ, indigenous persons more commonly reported underuse due to cost (RR range 2.1-2.9).

Conclusions

Cost-related underuse of medicines was least commonly reported in countries with the lowest out-of-pocket costs, the Netherlands and the UK. Countries with reduced co-payments or cost ceilings for low income patients showed the least disparity in rates of underuse between income groups. Despite differences in health insurance systems in these countries, age, ethnicity, depression, and involvement with treatment decisions were consistently predictive of underuse. There are opportunities for policy makers and clinicians to support medicine use in vulnerable groups.
Victorian medical politics: the fate of Dr Alfred Stephens (1821–90)
Authors: Ward O C
Published: March 2010

Dr Alfred Stephens was the co-founder of the Liverpool Children's Infirmary. The institution was funded initially by Matthew Gregson (1800–76) and later by public subscription. Opened in 1851, it was the second Children's Hospital in England. Alfred Stephens was a general practitioner without higher qualifications. In due course he perceived that the free treatment of children at the Infirmary affected his income and he redirected patients to his practice. This led to confrontation with his colleagues and the Board of the Infirmary, and good relations were never restored. His name has not been commemorated nor his charitable work remembered.