bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Sports Rights
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: August 2010

This article examines the regulation of television sports rights in the UK. Since around the mid-1990s, UK government attempts to regulate the ownership of sports rights have centred on two significant policy initiatives: first, the reforming of legislation designed to ensure certain sporting or national events remain accessible to all television viewers — the listed events legislation; and second, the more rigorous application of competition policy principles to the selling of Premier League football rights, largely in an effort to reduce the market power of the dominant pay-TV broadcaster, BSkyB. The main object of this article is to consider each of these policy initiatives in turn and to highlight how the UK government’s approach to the regulation of sports rights has been shaped by changes to both the television industry and the nature of UK public policy making more generally.
Photodegradation Kinetics of Toluene in Indoor Air at Different Humidities Using UVA, UVC and UVLED Light Sources in the Presence of Silver Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Shie Je-Lueng , Pai Cheng-Yu
Published: August 2010

This study investigated the photo-decomposition kinetics of toluene in indoor air pollution by ultraviolet light using ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UVLEDs) instead of the more traditional ultraviolet lamp emitting at 254 nm (UVC) or 365 nm (UVA). The study was conducted at different humidities (RHs) and energy efficiencies of the lamps. Experiments were conducted over a range of residence times between 20 and 450 min, relative RHs of 0—50% and toluene concentrations between 20 and 350 ppm. Photo-catalytic decomposition of toluene at various initial concentrations and moisture contents were elucidated according to the Langmuir—Hinshelwood model. The reaction kinetics of the three light sources over 0.5 g of silver titanium oxide (Ag/TiO2) are proposed. A comparison of the simulation results with the experimental data was also made, indicating good agreement. The magnitudes of average energy effectiveness (Ee) under various RHs at the same degradation efficiency (η) were in the order of UVLED (6.7 × 10-4 mg · kW-1 · h-1) >UVC (1.1 × 10-4 mg · kW-1 · h-1) >UVA (9 × 10 -5 mg · kW-1 · h-1). The UVLED uses a lot less energy in comparison with traditional UV lamps. Thus, this study shows the feasible and potential use of UVLED for photocatalysis in the indoor environment with the advantage of energy conservation and greater security.
Effect of the Indoor Environment on the Condensing Rate and the Air-side Sensible Heat Transfer Resistance of a Direct Expansion Cooling Coil
Authors: Liang Xia  , Shiming Deng  , Chan M.Y.
Published: August 2010

Dehumidification and cooling performance are two most important features of a direct expansion (DX) cooling coil, which works as an evaporator for a DX air-conditioning system. The condensing rate and the sensible heat transfer resistance of a DX cooling coil represent its capacity for dehumidification and is an important characteristic of the cooling process. An experimental investigation on the effects of the indoor environment, that is, indoor air temperature and relative humidity (RH), on the condensing rate and the air-side sensible heat transfer resistance of a DX cooling coil has been conducted and is reported in this paper. It was found that both the condensing rate and the air-side sensible heat transfer resistance increased with increase of indoor air RH and decreased with an increase of indoor air temperature. Correlation of the experimental results of the condensing rate and the air-side sensible heat transfer resistance under different indoor air temperatures and RH were studied.
‘Annihilating framing’: How Israeli television framed wounded soldiers during the Second Lebanon War (2006)
Authors: Gavriely-Nuri Dalia , Balas Tiki
Published: August 2010

This article summarizes the findings of a case study conducted for the purpose of examining Israeli television coverage of wounded soldiers during the Second Lebanon War (2006). The findings indicate that this coverage dwelt on demonstrating the professionalism of the medical corps while blurring the injuries and personal suffering of the wounded soldiers. The theoretical claim made is that such coverage uses what we call annihilating framing. Annihilating framing aims to blur basic components of an object, phenomenon or event in order to exclude it from the public discourse and therefore from the public consciousness.

The article examines the various ways by which political challenges are translated into media challenges and exposes the contribution of political and cultural mechanisms in shaping news frames. It also contributes another level to the research probing the reciprocities maintained between journalism and politicians during wartime.
Framing news on risk industries: Local journalism and conditioning factors
Authors: Castelló Enric
Published: August 2010

This work describes the results obtained from a study of the journalistic handling of news related to the petrochemical industrial complex in the area of Tarragona (Spain), one of the most important such complexes in Europe. The research questions referred to how and in which sense the petrochemical industry is reported in the local newspapers and which conditioning factors must be taken into account to understand this treatment. The author applied frame analysis to a corpus of 1337 news items, conducted in-depth interviews with selected journalists, and analysed vocabulary choices and information sources. The results show that the industry was largely framed in economic terms and that almost three-quarters of the news articles on the sector were framed positively. The study highlights the fact that proximity is a conditioning factor that affects how journalists work, and points to the social and political context as a strong influence on how discourse regarding petrochemical risk develops.
Cascading activation: Bush’s ‘war on terrorism’ and the Israeli—Palestinian conflict
Authors: Handley Robert L.
Published: August 2010

The study employs the cascading activation model and indexing hypothesis to examine a process by which functional frames compete to reshape ideological frames. I apply the model to the post-9/11 framing struggle over whether Israel was a military ally or strategic liability for Bush’s ‘war on terrorism’. I argue that when states are involved in international coalition building, news media may undertake an ‘international indexing’, and American allies can become an important part of the cascade activation process. A president’s ability to frame always supersedes other frames sponsors’ power to spread frames in the US news media, however. When the President changes his frame, the media follow suit. Formerly problematic Israeli behavior is reframed as facilitating the ‘war on terror’.
Light and corporate identity: Using lighting for corporate communication
Authors: Schielke T.
Published: August 2010

The central focus of this study is to investigate what potential exists for brand communication in the lighting of retail outlets. Lighting not only facilitates the visual task, helping to present the merchandise and contributing to the feeling of well-being, but can also augment the communication of a brand’s appearance. For this study, computer visualisations of retail outlets with different lighting variations are evaluated in terms of light, spatial setting and brand impression by regional and international groups using the semantic differential technique. A comparison between rooms with and without luminaires yet with the same lighting effect demonstrates the effect of luminaires as design objects. From the results it can be deduced that light can be used for brand communication in order to define the image of a company more clearly.
Influence of ambient lighting in a vehicle interior on the driver’s perceptions
Authors: Caberletti L. , Elfmann K. , Kummel M. , Schierz C.
Published: August 2010

An experimental study on the effects of vehicle ambient lighting on the subjective perception of the driver has been conducted. In an experimental vehicle 12 different ambient interior lighting scenarios were displayed to 31 people while driving in an immersive simulation which created a visual environment similar to a night drive. After each experimental run the driver answered different questions on their perception of the vehicle interior under the different lighting scenarios. The results showed that ambient lighting, although being in a peripheral position in the driver’s field of view, has several significant positive influences on space perception, interior attractiveness, perceived safety, functionality and perceived interior quality.
From Quantitative to Qualitative: Adapting the Life History Calendar Method
Authors: Nelson Ingrid A.
Published: August 2010

Since its inception, the life history calendar (LHC) methodology has been primarily used for large-scale quantitative life course research. In a methodological innovation, the study described in this article explores the potential of a semistructured LHC to facilitate qualitative life course research. By merging the characteristic detail across multiple domains of the LHC with in-depth interviews, this semistructured protocol succeeds at producing nuanced longitudinal data. The author highlights benefits and limitations of this methodological innovation, as well as implementation advice. Practical matters discussed include choosing time cues, defining domain cues, allowing for multiple starting points, recommended materials, and data analysis. The article includes examples of semistructured life history calendars from a qualitative study of Latino young adults’ educational trajectories.
The Role of Uncertainty of Outcome and Scoring in the Determination of Fan Satisfaction in the NFL
Authors: Paul Rodney J. , Wachsman Yoav , Weinbach Andrew P.
Published: August 2010

Fan satisfaction with individual sports games is likely to be an important indicator of future sales of tickets, television and radio advertising, and team merchandise sales. For the 2009-2010 National Football League (NFL) season, NFL.com, the official website of the NFL, had fans enter a ‘‘fan rating’’ for each game of the season. This rating was on a scale of 0—100 with 100 being the most memorable. Using these figures, the authors test the economic hypotheses of the importance of uncertainty of outcome during the game and overall points scored by both teams in the game. As expected, the margin of victory in the game was shown to have a negative and significant effect on the fan rating, implying that fans enjoy uncertainty of outcome as the game is played. In addition, higher scoring games led to higher fan ratings than lower scoring games, implying fan preference for scoring.
Research Note: Estimates of College Football Player Rents
Authors: Brown Robert
Published: August 2010

Past research indicates that top college football players generate over $500,000 annually in team revenues, well beyond the effective compensation of an athletic scholarship. This article supplements past empirical literature using the most comprehensive, detailed financial information yet compiled on college athletics. An alternative method estimates an equations system to account for the endogeneity of both a team’s premium players and its overall performance. Estimates show that the marginal revenue product of a premium college football player—one drafted into the National Football League (NFL)—exceeds $1 million in 2004-2005 football revenues, over 30% higher than in previous estimates from 1988-1989 revenues.
Win or Go Home: Why College Football Coaches Get Fired
Authors: Holmes Paul
Published: August 2010

Models of dismissals of sports executives frequently ignore the development of expectations regarding performance. The author explores the interplay between these expectations and the coach’s tenure by examining dismissals of college football head coaches from 1983 to 2006. Using a discrete-time hazard model, the author demonstrates that schools use prior performance in two ways: to evaluate the ability of the coach and to establish performance standards for retention. As recent performance is more relevant for estimating ability, the author shows that stronger recent performances decrease the chance of dismissal but stronger historic performances increase the chance of dismissal. Results describe a continual learning process on the part of schools. The author also considers the effects of race, insider-ness, rivalries, and rules violations on retention.
Effects of Sesquiterpenes Isolated From Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome on Growth, Migration, and Differentiation of B16 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Yan Ye  , Chou Gui-Xin , Hui Wang  , Chu Jian-Hong , Fong Wang-fun , Yu Zhi-Ling
Published: August 2010

The aims of this study were to isolate sesquiterpene compounds from the largehead atractylodes rhizome (LAR) and to investigate their effects on B16 cancer cells. A total of 8 sesquiterpenes from LAR were identified, of which eudesm-4 (15), 7-diene-9α, 11-diol (7) was isolated for the first time. All 8 compounds inhibited growth of B16 cells, and atractylenolide I (AT-I), atractylenolide II (AT-II), and atractylenolactam (ATR) were the most potent, with IC50 values of 76.46, 84.02, and 54.88 μΜ, respectively. Monomer lactone or lactam structures in the 8 compounds appeared to be critical for their antiproliferative activities. In addition, AT-I, AT-II, and ATR could induce cell differentiation and inhibit cell migration. Western blot analysis indicated that 2 of the compounds, AT-I and AT-II, could inactivate ERK, where all 3 inhibited AKT activation, suggesting that Ras/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are involved in the action mechanisms of the LAR sesquiterpene compounds.
In Vitro and In Vivo Apoptosis-Inducing Antileukemic Effects of Mucuna macrocarpa Stem Extract on HL-60 Human Leukemia Cells
Authors: Lu Kuan-Hung , Chang Yuh-Fang , Yin Pen-Hui , Chen Ting-Ting , Ho Yu-Ling , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Chi Chin-Wen
Published: August 2010

Mucuna macrocarpa Wallich (Leguminosae) is believed to hold blood circulation activating effects, and has been used as a folk remedy in Southeast Asia for the treatment of various hematologic and circulatory-related ailments. The objective of this study was to investigate whether crude methanolic extract of M macrocarpa (CMEMM) possessed antileukemic effects on HL-60, human leukemia cells. CMEMM was prepared from dried stems of this plant, and its apoptosis-inducing effects were investigated using HL-60 cells in vitro and in vivo. With treatment of 25 to 75 μg/mL CMEMM, the in vitro antiproliferative effect on HL-60 cells increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner during the 72-hour treatment period. The concentration of CMEMM that exhibited a 50% growth inhibition (IC50) for 72-hour exposure was 36.4 μg/mL. Apoptosis triggered by CMEMM in HL-60 cells was confirmed by the following observations: ( a) characteristic apoptotic nuclear fragmentation, ( b) dose-dependent accumulation of sub-G1 phase in cell cycle analyses, ( c) increased percentages of annexin V-positive apoptotic cells, and ( d) dose-dependent elevation of active caspase-3. Furthermore, an in vivo tumor growth suppression effect by CMEMM (500 mg/kg/d intraperitoneally) was observed in mouse xenografts. The results suggest that CMEMM exerts antileukemic effects via an apoptotic pathway in HL-60 cells, and could be a candidate for developing antileukemic agents in the future.
The Internet as a Tool for Black Feminist Activism: Lessons From an Online Antirape Protest
Authors: Rapp Laura , Button Deeanna M , Fleury-Steiner Benjamin , Fleury-Steiner Ruth
Published: August 2010

This article explores how the Internet is a tool for Black women to challenge violence against women of color. It highlights online protest in response to the actions of civil rights organizations’ narrow focus on the treatment of Black male offenders while overlooking the civil rights of Black female victims. Specifically, the article examines a protest focusing on the reactions of racial justice leaders to a brutal gang rape in a Palm Beach housing project known as Dunbar Village. Drawing from the literature on collective action frames, this article illustrates how the Dunbar Village protest evolved from an online dialogue to social protest.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Girls’ Sentencing in the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Moore Lori D. , Padavic Irene
Published: August 2010

This article examines how gender-role ideology may affect racial/ethnic disparities, using data on the population of Black, White and Hispanic female juvenile offenders in Florida. As expected, Black girls received harsher dispositions than White girls, but contrary to predictions, Hispanic girls’ dispositions were no harsher than White girls’. Interaction models revealed that the effects of race/ethnicity depend on legal variables; up to a certain threshold, White girls appear to be granted leniency. As their offending severity and prior records increase, however, the juvenile justice system becomes increasingly intolerant, and sentencing decisions become harsher for White girls than for Black girls.
Bone marrow macrophages maintain hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches and their depletion mobilizes HSCs
Authors: Winkler Ingrid G. , Sims Natalie A. , Pettit Allison R. , Barbier Valérie , Nowlan Bianca , Helwani Falak , Poulton Ingrid J. , van Rooijen Nico , Alexander Kylie A. , Raggatt Liza J. , Lévesque Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2010

In the bone marrow, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in specific niches near osteoblast-lineage cells at the endosteum. To investigate the regulation of these endosteal niches, we studied the mobilization of HSCs into the bloodstream in response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). We report that G-CSF mobilization rapidly depletes endosteal osteoblasts, leading to suppressed endosteal bone formation and decreased expression of factors required for HSC retention and self-renewal. Importantly, G-CSF administration also depleted a population of trophic endosteal macrophages (osteomacs) that support osteoblast function. Osteomac loss, osteoblast suppression, and HSC mobilization occurred concomitantly, suggesting that osteomac loss could disrupt endosteal niches. Indeed, in vivo depletion of macrophages, in either macrophage Fas-induced apoptosis (Mafia) transgenic mice or by administration of clodronate-loaded liposomes to wild-type mice, recapitulated the: (1) loss of endosteal osteoblasts and (2) marked reduction of HSC-trophic cytokines at the endosteum, with (3) HSC mobilization into the blood, as observed during G-CSF administration. Together, these results establish that bone marrow macrophages are pivotal to maintain the endosteal HSC niche and that the loss of such macrophages leads to the egress of HSCs into the blood.
Low-strength T-cell activation promotes Th17 responses
Authors: Purvis Harriet A. , Stoop Jeroen N. , Mann Jelena , Woods Steven , Kozijn Anne E. , Hambleton Sophie , Robinson John H. , Isaacs John D. , Anderson Amy E. , Hilkens Catharien M. U.
Published: August 2010

We show that the strength of T-cell stimulation determines the capability of human CD4+ T cells to become interleukin-17 (IL-17) producers. CD4+ T cells received either high- (THi) or low (TLo)–strength stimulation via anti-CD3/CD28 beads or dendritic cells pulsed with superantigen in the presence of pro-Th17 cytokines IL-1β, transforming growth factor β, and IL-23. We found that TLo, but not THi, stimulation profoundly promoted Th17 responses by enhancing both the relative proportion and total number of Th17 cells. Titration of anti-CD3 revealed that low TCR signaling promoted Th17 cells, but only in the presence of anti-CD28. Impaired IL-17 production in THi cells could not be explained by high levels of Foxp3 or transforming growth factor β–latency-associated peptide expressed by THi cells. Nuclear factor of activated T cells was translocated to the nucleus in both THi and TLo cells, but only bound to the proximal region of the IL-17 promoter in TLo cells. The addition of a Ca2+ ionophore under TLo conditions reversed the pro-Th17 effect, suggesting that high Ca2+ signaling impairs Th17 development. Although our data do not distinguish between priming of naive T cells versus expansion/differentiation of memory T cells, our results clearly establish an important role for the strength of T-cell activation in regulating Th17 responses.
Prevalence of t(12;21)[ETV6-RUNX1]–positive cells in healthy neonates
Authors: Lausten-Thomsen Ulrik , Madsen Hans Ole , Vestergaard Therese Risom , Hjalgrim Henrik , Nersting Jacob , Schmiegelow Kjeld
Published: August 2010

t(12;21)(p13;q22)[ETV6-RUNX1] is the most common chromosomal translocation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and it can often be backtracked to Guthrie cards supporting prenatal initiation and high levels of circulating t(12;21)-positive cells at birth. To explore the prevalence of ETV6-RUNX1–positive cells in healthy neonates, mononuclear cells from 1417 umbilical cord blood samples were isolated within 24 hours from birth and subsequently screened for ETV6-RUNX1 transcripts using a highly sensitive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. In first-run polymerase chain reaction, 14 samples were positive at levels below 10−5, of which specific hybridization reflecting the relevant genetic region was positive in 9 cases. Repeated analyses using stored mRNA and flowcytometric sorting of a CD19+, CD8+, and CD19−/CD8− subpopulations from cryopreserved mononuclear cells from the same cord blood samples (mean sorted: 18 × 106 cells) revealed no positive findings, which demonstrates that the level and/or frequency of ETV6-RUNX1–positive cells is markedly lower than suggested in previous studies.
The incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Taiwan, 1986-2005: a distinct increasing trend with birth-cohort effect
Authors: Wu Shang-Ju , Huang Shang-Yi , Lin Chien-Ting , Lin Yu-Jr , Chang Chee-Jen , Tien Hwei-Fang
Published: August 2010

The incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in Taiwan is markedly lower than that in Western countries, but we have seen a drastically increasing trend. We explored this distinct incidence trend of CLL for Taiwanese. The epidemiologic data of CLL for Taiwanese and Caucasian Americans during 1986 to 2005 were obtained from the Taiwan National Cancer Registry and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, respectively. The individual effects of time period and birth cohort on the incidence trends were analyzed using an age-period-cohort model. Although there was a weak period effect corresponding to the increased applications of immunophenotyping in 1991 to 1995 in Taiwan, evidences suggested that the age-adjusted incidence rate of CLL for Taiwanese was continuously increasing during the 20-year period while that for Caucasian Americans remained steady. In addition, a much stronger birth-cohort effect was identified for Taiwanese but not for Caucasian Americans. This effect corresponded to the westernization of lifestyle in Taiwan since 1960. We conclude that, in addition to the ethnic difference of incidence, there is distinct increasing incidence trend of CLL in Taiwan. The strong birth-cohort effect underlying this increasing trend indicates that lifestyles and environmental factors may play a role in the development of CLL for Taiwanese.
Improvement in hematological, visceral, and skeletal manifestations of Gaucher disease type 1 with oral eliglustat tartrate (Genz-112638) treatment: 2-year results of a phase 2 study
Authors: Lukina Elena , Watman Nora , Arreguin Elsa Avila , Dragosky Marta , Iastrebner Marcelo , Rosenbaum Hanna , Phillips Mici , Pastores Gregory M. , Kamath Ravi S. , Rosenthal Daniel I. , Kaper Mathilde , Singh Tejdip , Puga Ana Cristina , Peterschmitt M. Judith
Published: August 2010

Eliglustat tartrate is an investigational oral substrate reduction therapy for Gaucher disease type 1 that is pharmacologically distinct from intravenous enzyme replacement therapy. Eliglustat tartrate improved clinical manifestations in patients who received 50 or 100 mg twice daily for 1 year during an open-label phase 2 study (Blood. 2010;116(6):893-899). We report further improvements after 2 years of treatment in 20 patients (11 females, 9 males; mean age, 33 years) with baseline splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia and/or anemia. Statistically significant (P < .001) percentage improvements from baseline occurred in platelet count (mean ± SD, 81% ± 56%), hemoglobin level (20% ± 15%), spleen volume (−52% ± 11%), and liver volume (−24% ± 13%). Mean platelet count increased ∼ 50 000/mm3. Mean hemoglobin level increased 2.1 g/dL overall and 3.1 g/dL in 10 patients with baseline anemia. Organ volume reductions were greatest in patients with severe baseline organomegaly. Seventeen (85%) patients met established therapeutic goals for ≥ 3 of the 4 parameters. Lumbar spine bone mineral density increased 7.8% ± 10.6% (P = .01) and T-score 0.6 ± 0.8 (P = .012), with major gains in osteoporotic and osteopenic patients. Magnetic resonance imaging assessment showed that bone marrow infiltration by Gaucher cells was decreased (8/18 patients) or stable (10/18 patients). No safety-related trends emerged during 2 years of treatment. This multisite, open-label, single-arm phase 2 study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00358150.
TOPSAN: a collaborative annotation environment for structural genomics
Authors: Weekes Dana , Krishna S Sri , Bakolitsa Constantina , Wilson Ian A , Godzik Adam , Wooley John
Published: August 2010

Background

Many protein structures determined in high-throughput structural genomics centers, despite their significant novelty and importance, are available only as PDB depositions and are not accompanied by a peer-reviewed manuscript. Because of this they are not accessible by the standard tools of literature searches, remaining underutilized by the broad biological community.

Results

To address this issue we have developed TOPSAN, The Open Protein Structure Annotation Network, a web-based platform that combines the openness of the wiki model with the quality control of scientific communication. TOPSAN enables research collaborations and scientific dialogue among globally distributed participants, the results of which are reviewed by experts and eventually validated by peer review. The immediate goal of TOPSAN is to harness the combined experience, knowledge, and data from such collaborations in order to enhance the impact of the astonishing number and diversity of structures being determined by structural genomics centers and high-throughput structural biology.

Conclusions

TOPSAN combines features of automated annotation databases and formal, peer-reviewed scientific research literature, providing an ideal vehicle to bridge a gap between rapidly accumulating data from high-throughput technologies and a much slower pace for its analysis and integration with other, relevant research.
Strong reproductive barriers in a narrow hybrid zone of West-Mediterranean green toads (Bufo viridissubgroup) with Plio-Pleistocene divergence
Authors: Colliard Caroline , Sicilia Alessandra , Turrisi Giuseppe Fabrizio , Arculeo Marco , Perrin Nicolas , Stöck Matthias
Published: August 2010

Background

One key question in evolutionary biology deals with the mode and rate at which reproductive isolation accumulates during allopatric speciation. Little is known about secondary contacts of recently diverged anuran species. Here we conduct a multi-locus field study to investigate a contact zone between two lineages of green toads with an estimated divergence time of 2.7 My, and report results from preliminary experimental crosses.

Results

The Sicilian endemicBufo siculusand the Italian mainland-originB. balearicusform a narrow hybrid zone east of Mt. Etna. Despite bidirectional mtDNA introgression over a ca. 40 km North-South cline, no F1hybrids could be found, and nuclear genomes display almost no admixture. Populations from each side of the contact zone showed depressed genetic diversity and very strong differentiation (FST= 0.52). Preliminary experimental crosses point to a slightly reduced fitness in F1hybrids, a strong hybrid breakdown in backcrossed offspring (F1x parental, with very few reaching metamorphosis) and a complete and early mortality in F2(F1x F1).

Conclusion

Genetic patterns at the contact zone are molded by drift and selection. Local effective sizes are reduced by the geography and history of the contact zone,B. balearicuspopulations being at the front wave of a recent expansion (late Pleistocene). Selection against hybrids likely results from intrinsic genomic causes (disruption of coadapted sets of genes in backcrosses and F2-hybrids), possibly reinforced by local adaptation (the ranges of the two taxa roughly coincide with the borders of semiarid and arid climates). The absence of F1in the field might be due to premating isolation mechanisms. Our results, show that these lineages have evolved almost complete reproductive isolation after some 2.7 My of divergence, contrasting sharply with evidence from laboratory experiments that some anuran species may still produce viable F1offspring after > 20 My of divergence.
Combination of genomic approaches with functional genetic experiments reveals two modes of repression of yeast middle-phase meiosis genes
Authors: Klutstein Michael , Siegfried Zahava , Gispan Ariel , Farkash-Amar Shlomit , Zinman Guy , Bar-Joseph Ziv , Simchen Giora , Simon Itamar
Published: August 2010

Background

Regulation of meiosis and sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a model for a highly regulated developmental process. Meiosis middle phase transcriptional regulation is governed by two transcription factors: the activator Ndt80 and the repressor Sum1. It has been suggested that the competition between Ndt80 and Sum1 determines the temporal expression of their targets during middle meiosis.

Results

Using a combination of ChIP-on-chip and expression profiling, we characterized a middle phase transcriptional network and studied the relationship between Ndt80 and Sum1 during middle and late meiosis. While finding a group of genes regulated by both factors in a feed forward loop regulatory motif, our data also revealed a large group of genes regulated solely by Ndt80. Measuring the expression of all Ndt80 target genes in various genetic backgrounds (WT, sum1Δ and MK-ER-Ndt80 strains), allowed us to dissect the exact transcriptional network regulating each gene, which was frequently different than the one inferred from the binding data alone.

Conclusion

These results highlight the need to perform detailed genetic experiments to determine the relative contribution of interactions in transcriptional regulatory networks.
Hippocampal CA1/subiculum-prefrontal cortical pathways induce plastic changes of nociceptive responses in cingulate and prelimbic areas
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki , Katayama Yoko , Kawakami Yoriko
Published: August 2010

Background

Projections from hippocampal CA1-subiculum (CA1/SB) areas to the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which are involved in memory and learning processes, produce long term synaptic plasticity in PFC neurons. We examined modifying effects of these projections on nociceptive responses recorded in the prelimbic and cingulate areas of the PFC.

Results

Extracellular unit discharges evoked by mechanical noxious stimulation delivered to the rat-tail and field potentials evoked by a single stimulus pulse delivered to CA1/SB were recorded in the PFC. High frequency stimulation (HFS, 100 Hz) delivered to CA1/SB, which produced long-term potentiation (LTP) of field potentials, induced long-term enhancement (LTE) of nociceptive responses in 78% of cases, while, conversely, in 22% responses decreased (long-term depression, LTD). These neurons were scattered throughout the cingulate and prelimbic areas. The results obtained for field potentials and nociceptive discharges suggest that CA1/SB-PFC pathways can produce heterosynaptic potentiation in PFC neurons. HFS had no effects on Fos expression in the cingulated cortex. Low frequency stimulation (LFS, 1 Hz, 600 bursts) delivered to the CA1/SB induced LTD of nociceptive discharges in all cases. After recovery from LTD, HFS delivered to CA1/SB had the opposite effect, inducing LTE of nociceptive responses in the same neuron. The bidirectional type of plasticity was evident in these nociceptive responses, as in the homosynaptic plasticity reported previously. Neurons inducing LTD are found mainly in the prelimbic area, in which Fos expression was also shown to be inhibited by LFS. The electrophysiological results closely paralleled those of immunostaining. Our results indicate that CA1/SB-PFC pathways inhibit excitatory pyramidal cell activities in prelimbic areas.

Conclusion

Pressure stimulation (300 g) applied to the rat-tail induced nociceptive responses in the cingulate and prelimbic areas of the PFC, which receives direct pathways from CA1/SB. HFS and LFS delivered to the CA1/SB induced long-term plasticity of nociceptive responses. Thus, CA1/SB-PFC projections modulate the nociceptive responses of PFC neurons.
Functional effects of spinocerebellar ataxia type 13 mutations are conserved in zebrafish Kv3.3 channels
Authors: Mock Allan F , Richardson Jessica L , Hsieh Jui-Yi , Rinetti Gina , Papazian Diane M
Published: August 2010

Background

The zebrafish has been suggested as a model system for studying human diseases that affect nervous system function and motor output. However, few of the ion channels that control neuronal activity in zebrafish have been characterized. Here, we have identified zebrafish orthologs of voltage-dependent Kv3 (KCNC) K+ channels. Kv3 channels have specialized gating properties that facilitate high-frequency, repetitive firing in fast-spiking neurons. Mutations in human Kv3.3 cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 13 (SCA13), an autosomal dominant genetic disease that exists in distinct neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative forms. To assess the potential usefulness of the zebrafish as a model system for SCA13, we have characterized the functional properties of zebrafish Kv3.3 channels with and without mutations analogous to those that cause SCA13.

Results

The zebrafish genome (release Zv8) contains six Kv3 family members including two Kv3.1 genes (kcnc1a and kcnc1b), one Kv3.2 gene (kcnc2), two Kv3.3 genes (kcnc3a and kcnc3b), and one Kv3.4 gene (kcnc4). Both Kv3.3 genes are expressed during early development. Zebrafish Kv3.3 channels exhibit strong functional and structural homology with mammalian Kv3.3 channels. Zebrafish Kv3.3 activates over a depolarized voltage range and deactivates rapidly. An amino-terminal extension mediates fast, N-type inactivation. The kcnc3a gene is alternatively spliced, generating variant carboxyl-terminal sequences. The R335H mutation in the S4 transmembrane segment, analogous to the SCA13 mutation R420H, eliminates functional expression. When co-expressed with wild type, R335H subunits suppress Kv3.3 activity by a dominant negative mechanism. The F363L mutation in the S5 transmembrane segment, analogous to the SCA13 mutation F448L, alters channel gating. F363L shifts the voltage range for activation in the hyperpolarized direction and dramatically slows deactivation.

Conclusions

The functional properties of zebrafish Kv3.3 channels are consistent with a role in facilitating fast, repetitive firing of action potentials in neurons. The functional effects of SCA13 mutations are well conserved between human and zebrafish Kv3.3 channels. The high degree of homology between human and zebrafish Kv3.3 channels suggests that the zebrafish will be a useful model system for studying pathogenic mechanisms in SCA13.
A population-based survey of the epidemiology of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease: the Systematic Investigation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in China
Authors: He Jia , Ma Xiuqiang , Zhao Yanfang , Wang Rui , Yan Xiaoyan , Yan Hong , Yin Ping , Kang Xiaoping , Fang Jiqian , Hao Yuantao , Li Qiang , Dent John , Sung Joseph JY , Zou Duowu , Wallander Mari-Ann , Johansson Saga , Liu Wenbin , Li Zhaoshen
Published: August 2010

Background

The epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has yet to be investigated using the symptomatic threshold criteria recommended by the Montreal Definition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD across five regions of China, and to investigate variables associated with GERD.

Methods

A representative sample of 18 000 adults (aged 18-80 years) were selected equally from rural and urban areas in each region (n = 1800). According to the Montreal Definition, GERD is present when mild symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on ≥2 days a week, or moderate-to-severe symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on ≥1 day a week.

Results

In total, 16 091 participants completed the survey (response rate: 89.4%) and 16 078 responses were suitable for analysis. Applying the Montreal criteria, the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD was 3.1% and varied significantly (p< 0.001) among the five regions (from 1.7% in Guangzhou to 5.1% in Wuhan) and between rural and urban populations (3.8% vs 2.4%). Factors significantly associated with GERD included living in a rural area and a family history of gastrointestinal diseases.

Conclusions

This population-based survey found that the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD in China was 3.1%, which is lower than that found in Western countries.
Downregulation of metastasis suppressor 1(MTSS1) is associated with nodal metastasis and poor outcome in Chinese patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Ke , Wang Gefang , Ding Houzhong , Chen Ying , Yu Guanzhen , Wang Jiejun
Published: August 2010

Background

The putative tumor metastasis suppressor 1(MTSS1) is an actin-binding scaffold protein that has been implicated to play an important role in carcinogenesis and cancer metastasis, yet its role in the development of gastric cancer has not been well illustrated. In this study, we detected MTSS1 expression and explored its clinical significance in gastric cancer.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed using tissue microarrays containing gastric adenocarcinoma specimens from 1,072 Chinese patients with normal adjacent mucosa, primary gastric cancer and lymph node (LN) metastasis and specific antibody against MTSS1. MTSS1 mRNA and protein expression were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The clinical follow-up was done in the 669 patients living in Shanghai that was chose from the 1072 cases.

Results

Complete loss of MTSS1 expression was observed in 751 cases (70.1%) of the 1,072 primary tumors and 103 (88%) of 117 nodal metastases; and loss of MTSS1 expression was significantly associated with poorly differentiated tumors, large tumor size, deep invasion level, the presence of nodal metastases and advanced disease stage. Moreover, multivariate analysis demonstrated that loss of MTSS1 expression correlated significantly with poor survival rates (RR = 0.194, 95% CI = 0.144-0.261, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

MTSS1 expression decreased significantly as gastric cancer progressed and metastasized, suggesting MTSS1 may serve as a useful biomarker for the prediction of outcome of gastric cancer.
Analysis of genetic copy number changes in cervical disease progression
Authors: Policht Frank A , Song Minghao , Sitailo Svetlana , O'Hare Anna , Ashfaq Raheela , Muller Carolyn Y , Morrison Larry E , King Walter , Sokolova Irina A
Published: August 2010

Background

Cervical dysplasia and tumorigenesis have been linked with numerous chromosomal aberrations. The goal of this study was to evaluate 35 genomic regions associated with cervical disease and to select those which were found to have the highest frequency of aberration for use as probes in fluorescent in-situ hybridization.

Methods

The frequency of gains and losses using fluorescence in-situ hybridization were assessed in these 35 regions on 30 paraffin-embedded cervical biopsy specimens. Based on this assessment, 6 candidate fluorescently labeled probes (8q24, Xp22, 20q13, 3p14, 3q26, CEP15) were selected for additional testing on a set of 106 cervical biopsy specimens diagnosed as Normal, CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, and SCC. The data were analyzed on the basis of signal mean, % change of signal mean between histological categories, and % positivity.

Results

The study revealed that the chromosomal regions with the highest frequency of copy number gains and highest combined sensitivity and specificity in high-grade cervical disease were 8q24 and 3q26. The cytological application of these two probes was then evaluated on 118 ThinPrep™ samples diagnosed as Normal, ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL and Cancer to determine utility as a tool for less invasive screening. Using gains of either 8q24 or 3q26 as a positivity criterion yielded specificity (Normal +LSIL+ASCUS) of 81.0% and sensitivity (HSIL+Cancer) of 92.3% based on a threshold of 4 positive cells.

Conclusions

The application of a FISH assay comprised of chromosomal probes 8q24 and 3q26 to cervical cytology specimens confirms the positive correlation between increasing dysplasia and copy gains and shows promise as a marker in cervical disease progression.
Incidence of type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal Australians: an 11-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Hoy Wendy E , Si Damin
Published: August 2010

Background

Diabetes is an important contributor to the health inequity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. This study aims to estimate incidence rates of diabetes and to assess its associations with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among Aboriginal participants in a remote community.

Methods

Six hundred and eighty six (686) Aboriginal Australians aged 20 to 74 years free from diabetes at baseline were followed for a median of 11 years. During the follow-up period, new diabetes cases were identified through hospital records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess relationships of the incidence rates of diabetes with IFG, IGT and body mass index (BMI).

Results

One hundred and twenty four (124) new diabetes cases were diagnosed during the follow up period. Incidence rates increased with increasing age, from 2.2 per 1000 person-years for those younger than 25 years to 39.9 per 1000 person-years for those 45-54 years. By age of 60 years, cumulative incidence rates were 49% for Aboriginal men and 70% for Aboriginal women. The rate ratio for developing diabetes in the presence of either IFG or IGT at baseline was 2.2 (95% CI: 1.5, 3.3), adjusting for age, sex and BMI. Rate ratios for developing diabetes were 2.2 (95% CI: 1.4, 3.5) for people who were overweight and 4.7 (95% CI: 3.0, 7.4) for people who were obese at baseline, with adjustment of age, sex and the presence of IFG/IGT.

Conclusions

Diabetes incidence rates are high in Aboriginal people. The lifetime risk of developing diabetes among Aboriginal men is one in two, and among Aboriginal women is two in three. Baseline IFG, IGT and obesity are important predictors of diabetes.
The correlation of osteoporosis to clinical features: a study of 4382 Female Cases of a Hospital Cohort with musculoskeletal symptoms in Southwest China
Authors: Li Shasha , He Hongchen , Ding Mingfu , He Chengqi
Published: August 2010

Background

By analyzing the clinical features and risk factors in female patients with musculoskeletal symptoms of Southwest China, this report presents the initial analysis of characteristics in this region and compared with international evaluative criteria.

Methods

Diagnosis of osteoporosis (OP) was made in female hospital patients age ≥ 18 years admitted from January 1998 to December 2008 according to WHO definition. Case data were analyzed by symptoms, age, disease course and risk factors to reveal correlation with diagnosis of OP. Logistic regression was used to identify the risks of osteoporosis.

Results

A total of 4382 patients were included in the analysis of the baseline characteristics, among which 1455 in the OP group and 2927 in the non-OP group. The morbidity of OP is significantly increased in females' ≥ 50 years. Both groups had symptoms related to pain and numbness; no significant difference was found in reported upper and lower back pain, or leg pain between two groups (p > 0.05). Neck, shoulder and arm pain, leg and arm numbness were more common in the non-osteoporosis group (p < 0.05, OR < 1, and upper limit of 95% CI of OR < 1). Hypertension, diabetes, hyperostosis were major risk factors for the patients with OP. The most common lifestyle-related risk factors for osteoporosis were smoking, body mass index, lack of physical activity and menopause.

Conclusions

The present study offers the first reference data of the relationship between epidemiologic distribution of osteoporosis and associated factors in adults Chinese women. These findings provide a theoretical basis for its prevention and treatment in developing country.
Effect of candesartan monotherapy on lipid metabolism in patients with hypertension: a retrospective longitudinal survey using data from electronic medical records
Authors: Nishida Yayoi , Takahashi Yasuo , Nakayama Tomohiro , Soma Masayoshi , Kitamura Noboru , Asai Satoshi
Published: August 2010

Background

Studies focusing on the add-on effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) other than their antihypertensive effect are receiving attention. However, the effects of prolonged administration of ARBs on lipid metabolism in clinical cases are unclear. Our aims were to survey the changes in plasma lipid profile in patients with hypertension over a one-year period, and to examine the correlations between these values and the time after the start of ARB monotherapy with candesartan.

Methods

We carried out candesartan monotherapy in patients with mild to moderate hypertension and examined the longitudinal changes in plasma lipid profile. Data from 405 patients for triglyceride (TG), 440 for total cholesterol (TC), 313 for high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and 304 for low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were obtained from the electronic medical records (EMRs) in the Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW) of Nihon University School of Medicine (NUSM). The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method (calculated from the inverse of the propensity score) was used to balance the covariates and reduce bias in each treatment duration. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyse the relationship between these longitudinal data of blood examinations and covariates of patient sex, age, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and duration of candesartan monotherapy.

Results

Plasma HDL-C level was associated with sex, duration of treatment, and interaction of sex and treatment duration, but not with age or diagnosis of DM. HDL-C level was significantly decreased during the 6~9 months period (p = 0.0218) compared with baseline. TG and TC levels were associated with sex, but not with age, diagnosis of DM or treatment duration. LDL-C level was not associated with any covariate. Analysis of the subjects divided by sex revealed a decrease in HDL-C in female subjects (during the 6~9 months period: p = 0.0054), but not in male subjects.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that administration of candesartan slightly decreased HDL-C in female subjects. However, TG, TC and LDL-C levels were not influenced by candesartan monotherapy. Candesartan may be safely used for patients with hypertension with respect to lipid metabolism, because the effect of candesartan on lipids may be small.