bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Increased Aggressiveness in a Recent Widespread Strain of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Causing Stripe Rust of Wheat
Authors: Milus Eugene A. , Kristensen Kristian , Hovmøller Mogens S.
Published: December 2008

Stripe rust (yellow rust) of wheat, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, has become more severe in eastern United States, Australia, and elsewhere since 2000. Recent research has shown that this coincided with a global spread of two closely related strains that were similar based on virulence phenotype and amplified fragment length polymorphism. The objective of this research was to quantify differences in aggressiveness among isolates representative of the pre-2000 and post-2000 populations. Representative isolates were evaluated at low (10 to 18°C) and high (12 to 28°C) temperature regimes for latent period, lesion length, lesion width, lesion area, and spore production on adult plants of a susceptible wheat cultivar with no known genes for resistance to stripe rust. “New” isolates (since 2000) were significantly more aggressive than “old” isolates (before 2000) for all variables. At the low temperature regime, new isolates sporulated 2.1 days (16%) sooner, grew 0.3 mm per day (18%) faster, produced 999 (140%) more spores per inoculation site per day, and produced 6.5 (71%) more spores per mm2 of lesion per day compared with old isolates. At the high temperature regime, new isolates sporulated 3 days (26%) sooner, grew 0.2 mm per day (18%) and 2.2 mm2 per day (88%) faster, grew 1.2 mm (50%) wider, produced 774 (370%) more spores per inoculation site per day, and produced 6.2 (159%) more spores per mm2 of lesion per day than old isolates. New isolates showed significant adaptation to the warm temperature regime for all variables. Based on these results and previously published models for stripe rust epidemics, recent severe stripe rust epidemics were most likely enhanced by the pathogen's increased aggressiveness, especially at higher temperature. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that wheat rust fungi can adapt to warmer temperatures and cause severe disease in previously unfavorable environments.
Chromatin structure analyses identify miRNA promoters
Authors: Ozsolak Fatih , Poling Laura L. , Wang Zhengxin , Liu Hui , Liu X. Shirley , Roeder Robert G. , Zhang Xinmin , Song Jun S. , Fisher David E.
Published: December 2008

Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in normal human physiology and disease, transcriptional regulation of miRNAs is poorly understood, because most miRNA promoters have not yet been characterized. We identified the proximal promoters of 175 human miRNAs by combining nucleosome mapping with chromatin signatures for promoters. We observe that one-third of intronic miRNAs have transcription initiation regions independent from their host promoters and present a list of RNA polymerase II- and III-occupied miRNAs. Nucleosome mapping and linker sequence analyses in miRNA promoters permitted accurate prediction of transcription factors regulating miRNA expression, thus identifying nine miRNAs regulated by the MITF transcription factor/oncoprotein in melanoma cells. Furthermore, DNA sequences encoding mature miRNAs were found to be preferentially occupied by positioned-nucleosomes, and the 3′ end sites of known genes exhibited nucleosome depletion. The high-throughput identification of miRNA promoter and enhancer regulatory elements sheds light on evolution of miRNA transcription and permits rapid identification of transcriptional networks of miRNAs.
Aging and cancer resistance in lymphoid progenitors are linked processes conferred by p16Ink4a and Arf
Authors: Signer Robert A.J. , Montecino-Rodriguez Encarnacion , Witte Owen N. , Dorshkind Kenneth
Published: December 2008

Lymphoid progenitors exhibit severe growth defects during aging while myelopoiesis is relatively unperturbed. These effects are due in part to the preferential expression of p16Ink4a and Arf in aged lymphoid progenitors. Their increased expression contributes to reduced growth and survival of lymphoid progenitors and makes them refractory to malignant transformation. Down-regulation of p16Ink4a and Arf in aged lymphoid progenitors reverted the senescent phenotype and restored susceptibility to transformation. These data provide a molecular explanation for the preferential effects of aging on lymphopoiesis, suggest that inhibiting p16Ink4a and Arf expression can rejuvenate B lymphopoiesis, and link aging and cancer resistance.
NF1 loss disrupts Schwann cell–axonal interactions: a novel role for semaphorin 4F
Authors: Parrinello Simona , Noon Luke A. , Harrisingh Marie C. , Digby Patrick Wingfield , Rosenberg Laura H. , Cremona Catherine A. , Echave Pedro , Flanagan Adrienne M. , Parada Luis F. , Lloyd Alison C.
Published: December 2008

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients develop neurofibromas, tumors of Schwann cell origin, as a result of loss of the Ras-GAP neurofibromin. In normal nerves, Schwann cells are found tightly associated with axons, while loss of axonal contact is a frequent and important early event in neurofibroma development. However, the molecular basis of this physical interaction or how it is disrupted in cancer remains unclear. Here we show that loss of neurofibromin in Schwann cells is sufficient to disrupt Schwann cell/axonal interactions via up-regulation of the Ras/Raf/ERK signaling pathway. Importantly, we identify down-regulation of semaphorin 4F (Sema4F) as the molecular mechanism responsible for the Ras-mediated loss of interactions. In heterotypic cocultures, Sema4F knockdown induced Schwann cell proliferation by relieving axonal contact-inhibitory signals, providing a mechanism through which loss of axonal contact contributes to tumorigenesis. Importantly, Sema4F levels were strongly reduced in a panel of human neurofibromas, confirming the relevance of these findings to the human disease. This work identifies a novel role for the guidance-molecules semaphorins in the mediation of Schwann cell/axonal interactions, and provides a molecular mechanism by which heterotypic cell–cell contacts control cell proliferation and suppress tumorigenesis. Finally, it provides a new approach for the development of therapies for NF1.
Wheat Cryptochromes: Subcellular Localization and Involvement in Photomorphogenesis and Osmotic Stress Responses
Authors: Xu Pei , Xiang Yang , Zhu Huilan , Xu Haibin , Zhang Zhengzhi , Zhang Caiqin , Zhang Lixia , Ma Zhengqiang
Published: December 2008

Cryptochromes (CRYs) are blue light receptors important for plant growth and development. Comprehensive information on monocot CRYs is currently only available for rice (Oryza sativa). We report here the molecular and functional characterization of two CRY genes, TaCRY1a and TaCRY2, from the monocot wheat (Triticum aestivum). The expression of TaCRY1a was most abundant in seedling leaves and barely detected in roots and germinating embryos under normal growth conditions. The expression of TaCRY2 in germinating embryos was equivalent to that in leaves and much higher than the TaCRY1a counterpart. Transition from dark to light slightly affected the expression of TaCRY1a and TaCRY2 in leaves, and red light produced a stronger induction of TaCRY1a. Treatment of seedlings with high salt, polyethylene glycol, and abscisic acid (ABA) up-regulated TaCRY2 in roots and germinating embryos. TaCRY1a displays a light-responsive nucleocytoplasmic shuttling pattern similar to that of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CRY1, contains nuclear localization domains in both the N and C termini, and includes information for nuclear export in its N-terminal domain. TaCRY2 was localized to the nucleus in the dark. Expression of TaCRY1a-green fluorescent protein or TaCRY2-green fluorescent protein in Arabidopsis conferred a shorter hypocotyl phenotype under blue light. These transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed higher sensitivity to high-salt, osmotic stress, and ABA treatment during germination and postgermination development, and they displayed altered expression of stress/ABA-responsive genes. The primary root growth in transgenic seedlings was less tolerant of ABA. These observations indicate that TaCRY1 and TaCRY2 might be involved in the ABA signaling pathway in addition to their role in primary blue light signal transduction.
Kinetics and residues after intraperitoneal procaine penicillin G administration in lactating dairy cows
Authors: CHICOINE A. L. , BOISON J. O. , PARKER S. , CLARK C. , DOWLING P. M.
Published: December 2008

This paper describes the pharmacokinetic profile of procaine penicillin G after intraperitoneal (IP) administration in eight lactating dairy cows. Procaine pencillin G (PPG, 21 000 IU/kg) was deposited into the abdominal cavity of each cow following an incision in the right paralumbar fossa. Blood and milk samples were taken over the following 10 days, at which point the cows were euthanized. Plasma, milk, muscle, liver, and kidney penicillin concentrations were determined by HPLC, with a limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL for plasma and milk and 40 ng/g for tissue samples. A noncompartmental method was used to analyze plasma kinetics. The mean pharmacokinetic parameters (±SD) were:Cmax, 5.5 ± 2.6 μg/mL;Tmax, 0.75 ± 0.27 h;AUC0‐∞, 10.8 ± 4.9 μg·h/mL;MRT, 2.2 ± 0.9 h. All milk from treated cows contained detectable penicillin residues for a minimum of three milkings (31 h) and maximum of five milkings (52 h) after administration. Concentrations of penicillin in all muscle, liver, and kidney samples taken 10 days postadministration were below the limit of quantification. Necropsy examinations revealed foci of hemorrhage on the rumenal omentum of most cows but peritonitis was not observed. Systemic inflammation as determined by change in leukogram or plasma fibrinogen was noted in one cow. The results of this study demonstrate that IP PPG is absorbed and eliminated rapidly in lactating dairy cows.
The helical content of the YscP molecular ruler determines the length of the Yersinia injectisome
Authors: Wagner Stefanie , Sorg Isabel , Degiacomi Matteo , Journet Laure , Peraro Matteo Dal , Cornelis Guy R.
Published: December 2008

The length of the Yersinia injectisome needle is determined by the protein YscP, which could act as a molecular ruler. The analysis of the correlation between the size of YscP and the needle length in seven wild‐type strains of Yersinia enterocolitica reinforced this hypothesis but hinted that the secondary structure of YscP might influence needle length. Hence, 11 variants of YscP515 were generated by multiple Pro or Gly substitutions. The needle length changed in inverse function of the helical content, indicating that not only the number of residues but also their structure controls length. Taking the secondary motifs into account, Pro/Gly‐variants were subjected to in silico modelling to simulate the extension of YscP upon needle growth. The calculated lengths when the helical content is preserved correlated strikingly with the measured needle length, with a constant difference of ∼29 nm, which corresponds approximately to the size of the basal body. These data support the ruler model and show that the functional ruler has a helical structure.
The Arabidopsis glutathione transferase gene family displays complex stress regulation and co‐silencing multiple genes results in altered metabolic sensitivity to oxidative stress
Authors: Sappl Pia G. , Carroll Adam J. , Clifton Rachael , Lister Ryan , Whelan James , Harvey Millar A. , Singh Karam B.
Published: December 2008

Plant glutathione transferases (GSTs) are induced by diverse biotic and abiotic stimuli, and are important for protecting plants against oxidative damage. We have studied the primary transcriptional stress response of the entire Arabidopsis GST family to seven stresses, including both biotic and abiotic stimuli, with a focus on early changes in gene expression. Our results indicate that individual GST genes are highly specific in their induction patterns. Furthermore, we have been able to link individual GSTs to particular stress stimuli. Using RNAi, we successfully co‐silenced a group of four phi GSTs that represent some of the most highly expressed GST genes. Despite a marked reduction in total phi GST protein levels, the transgenic plants showed no reduction in GST activity as measured using the model substrate 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB), and appeared to have surprisingly robust physical phenotypes during stress. However, analysis of metabolite pools showed oxidation of the glutathione pool in the RNAi lines, and we observed alterations in carbon and nitrogen compounds following salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide stress treatments, indicative of oxidative modification of primary metabolism. Thus, there appears to be a high degree of functional redundancy within the Arabidopsis GST family, with extensive disruption being required to reveal the roles of phi GSTs in protection against oxidative stress.
Ethylene reduces gas exchange and growth of lettuce plants under hypobaric and normal atmospheric conditions
Authors: He Chuanjiu , Davies Fred T. , Lacey Ronald E.
Published: December 2008

Elevated levels of ethylene occur in controlled environment agriculture and in spaceflight environments, leading to adverse plant growth and sterility. The objectives of this research were to characterize the influence of ethylene on carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation (CA), dark period respiration (DPR) and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Buttercrunch) under ambient and low total pressure conditions. Lettuce plants were grown under variable total gas pressures of 25 kPa (hypobaric) and 101 kPa (ambient) pressure. Endogenously produced ethylene accumulated and reduced CA, DPR and plant growth of ambient and hypobaric plants. There was a negative linear correlation between increasing ethylene concentrations [from 0 to around 1000 nmol mol−1 (ppb)] on CA, DPR and growth of ambient and hypobaric plants. Declines in CA and DPR occurred with both exogenous and endogenous ethylene treatments. CA was more sensitive to increasing ethylene concentration than DPR. There was a direct, negative effect of increasing ethylene concentration reducing gas exchange as well as an indirect ethylene effect on leaf epinasty, which reduced light capture and CA. While the CA was comparable, there was a lower DPR in hypobaric than ambient pressure plants – independent of ethylene and under non‐limiting CO2 levels (100 Pa pCO2, nearly three‐fold that in normal air). This research shows that lettuce can be grown under hypobaria (≅25% of normal earth ambient total pressure); however, hypobaria caused no significant reduction of endogenous ethylene production.
CRYOSURGICAL PROSTATECTOMY
Authors: Ortved W. E. , O'Kelly F. M. , Todd I. A. D. , Maxwell J. B. , Sutton M.R.
Published: December 2008

This paper discusses the background and effect of the use of intense cold to destroy and ablate unwanted tissue in the obstructive prostate. The equipment and methods so far adopted are explained. A review of the first 100 cases done by our Canadian group from January to August 1966 is tabulated. Our experience to date indicates that in selected cases this new modality offers a further tool in treating prostate gland disease, and thereby broadens the range of safety in surgery of the prostate.
AN EVALUATION OF ROUTINE CYTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE URINE
Authors: Cullen T. H. , Popham R. R. , Voss H. J.
Published: December 2008

The results of cytological examination of the urine in a series which includes malignant and benign lesions of the uro‐epithelium are reported.

The technique used is described and the cytological findings compared with the histology.

It is concluded that routine cytological examination of the urine, particularly in patients who have had hæmaturia, is a valuable additional diagnostic aid. Earlier diagnosis may be made in cases of malignant disease of the renal pelvis, ureter and bladder diverticulum.

Less success has been obtained in the detection of recurrence in the follow‐up of treated cases of malignant disease of the bladder in this series.
The return of the political in social work
Authors: Gray Mel , Webb Stephen A.
Published: December 2008

This article is a follow‐up to our article ‘Revisiting social work as art’ and in part a response to Karen Healy's reply [both published in IJSW 17(2)]. It is, however, also a significant extension of this material since it engages with more general concerns about the critical project that is intrinsic to social work. Social work is not just about self‐foundation based on knowledge, values and skills formation, but also about self‐assertion. Crucially, it is through this notion of self‐assertion that social work can be best understood as an agent of change. This transformative aspect of social work is our central focus. We are not concerned with structural conditions of power and domination but with theorising what a transformative politics would look like for social work using the lens of the French political philosopher Alain Badiou as a conceptual medium for permitting the return of the political for social work.
A better estimate of the internal consistency reliability of frontal EEG asymmetry scores
Authors: Towers David N. , Allen John J.B.
Published: December 2008

Frontal alpha asymmetry is typically computed using alpha power averaged across many overlapping epochs. Previous reports have estimated the internal consistency reliability of asymmetry by dividing resting EEG sessions into segments of equal duration (e.g., 1 min) and treating asymmetry scores for each segment as “items” to estimate internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. Cronbach's alpha partly depends on the number of items, such that this approach may underestimate reliability by using less than the number of distinct items available. Reliability estimates for resting EEG data in the present study (204 subjects, 8 sessions) were obtained using mean split‐half correlations with epoch alpha power as treated as separate items. Estimates at all scalp sites and reference schemes approached .90 with as few as 100 epochs, suggesting the internal consistency of frontal asymmetry is greater than that previously reported.
Factors for the presence of avian scavengers in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Campbell Michael
Published: December 2008

Avian scavengers are common and active in the social life of southern Ghana, yet few studies consider both the ecological factors for avian presence and the avian–human interactions from human gender and age perspectives, and compare avian behaviour in both human‐dominated and natural landscapes. This paper examines interactions between people, hooded vultures and pied crows in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana using both ecological and social research methods. Land use was classified for species presence into meat and waste production, vegetable marketing, non‐food production, residential and central business areas, green spaces and rural areas. One hundred and eighty‐four people were interviewed, classified according to age and gender. Hooded vultures and pied crows were more common in urban than rural areas, and their presence was positively correlated with human numbers. Birds were most common in meat and waste production areas, but also foraged for street discards in non‐food production and residential areas, and were most rare in rural areas. Bird consumption of waste was viewed positively, while eating of other foods, close proximity and unusual behaviours were viewed negatively. Both species, especially the larger vultures, were feared as spiritual agents, this measured by odd behaviours. Women and older people had stronger beliefs, due to cultural conditioning. These human perspectives and reactions influenced avian presence. This study contributes to urban avian ecology, socio‐cultural studies and urban planning.
Productivity and Subordinate Species Response to Dominant Grass Species and Seed Source during Restoration
Authors: Wilsey Brian J.
Published: December 2008

Grasses can be important regulators of species diversity and ecosystem processes in prairie systems. Although C4 grasses are usually assumed to be ecologically similar because they are in the same functional group, there may be important differences among species or between seed sources that could impact restorations. I tested whether C4 grass species identity, seed source, or grass species richness scales to influence aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), resistance to weed invasion, or establishment of subordinate prairie species during restoration. Plots in western Iowa, United States, were planted with equal‐sized transplants of one of five common grass species (Panicum virgatum L., Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash, Andropogon gerardii Vitman, Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, and Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torrey) either from local seed or from cultivar seed sources. These plots were compared to plots containing all five species in mixture and to nonplanted plots. Differences in ANPP were found among species but not between cultivars and noncultivars or between monocultures and mixtures. Panicum virgatum, S. nutans, and S. scoparium were more productive than A. gerardii and B. curtipendula. Weed invasion was much higher when plots were not planted with grasses. Schizachyrium scoparium allowed greater establishment of subordinant prairie species than all other focal grass species. There were two separate mechanisms by which grasses suppressed prairie species establishment either (1) by growing tall and capturing light or (2) by quickly filling in bare space by spreading horizontally through rhizome growth in short species. These results suggest that high ANPP can be found with noncultivar plantings during the first 2 years after planting and that subordinate species establishment is most likely when shorter bunchgrasses such as S. scoparium are dominant.
Comparing Direct Abiotic Amelioration and Facilitation as Tools for Restoration of Semiarid Grasslands
Authors: Pueyo Yolanda , Alados Concepción L. , García‐Ávila Beatriz , Kéfi Sonia , Maestro Melchor , Rietkerk Max
Published: December 2008

Desertification can be an irreversible process due to positive feedback among degraded plant and soil dynamics. The recovery of semiarid degraded ecosystems may need human intervention. In restoration practices, the abiotic conditions often need to be improved to overcome the positive plant–soil feedback loops. Using nurse‐plants to improve abiotic conditions for introduced individuals (facilitation) has been suggested as an alternative to direct abiotic amelioration. Here, we compared direct abiotic amelioration and facilitation as tools for restoration of semiarid grasslands in Spain. Seedlings and seeds of Lygeum spartum and Salsola vermiculata were planted and sown in a stably degraded semiarid area in Northeast Spain. Two levels of direct abiotic amelioration (ploughing and damming) and indirect abiotic amelioration through facilitation by Suaeda vera nurse shrubs were compared with a control with no amelioration treatment. The control treatment showed low plant establishment, confirming the practical irreversibility of the degraded state. Plant establishment was significantly higher in the three treatments with interventions than in the control treatment. The best treatment depended on the plant trait considered, but damming was in most cases better than plant facilitation. However, facilitation maintained the nutrient‐rich topsoil layer. Given the relative success of facilitation, revegetation using the facilitative effect of nurse‐plants would, in principle, be recommended for restoring semiarid grasslands. Direct abiotic amelioration would be needed under extreme degradation or harsh climatic conditions.
Interleukin‐10 is associated with resistance to febrile seizures: Genetic association and experimental animal studies
Authors: Ishizaki Yoshito , Kira Ryutaro , Fukuda Mitsumasa , Torisu Hiroyuki , Sakai Yasunari , Sanefuji Masafumi , Yukaya Naoko , Hara Toshiro
Published: December 2008

Purpose:  Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common form of childhood convulsions. Many reports have shown that a proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) β, may have a facilitatory effect on the development of FS. We have previously shown that the IL1B ‐511C/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is associated with simple FS of sporadic occurrence. The balance between pro‐ and antiinflammatory cytokines influences the regulation of infections and could, therefore, play a role in the pathogenesis of FS. Here, to determine whether pro‐ and antiinflammatory cytokine genes are responsible for the susceptibility to FS, we have performed an association study on functional SNPs of cytokine genes in FS patients and controls.

Methods:  The promoter SNPs of four inflammatory cytokine genes (IL6 ‐572C/G, IL8 ‐251A/T, IL10 ‐592A/C and TNFA ‐1037C/T) were examined in 249 patients with FS (186 simple and 63 complex FS) and 225 controls. Because the IL10 ‐592 SNP showed a positive association with FS, two additional SNPs (IL10 ‐1082A/G and ‐819T/C) were subjected to haplotype analysis. Furthermore, we examined the in vivo role of IL‐10 in hyperthermia‐induced seizures using immature animal models.

Results:  The frequencies of the IL10 ‐592C allele and ‐1082A/‐819C/‐592C haplotype were significantly decreased in FS as compared with in controls (p = 0.014 and 0.013, respectively). The seizure threshold temperature in the IL‐10–administered rats was significantly higher than that in the saline‐treated control ones (p = 0.027).

Conclusions:  The present study suggests that IL‐10 is genetically associated with FS and, contrary to IL‐1β, confers resistance to FS.
Localized transmeningeal muscimol prevents neocortical seizures in rats and nonhuman primates: Therapeutic implications
Authors: Ludvig Nandor , Baptiste Shirn L. , Tang Hai M. , Medveczky Geza , Von Gizycki Hans , Charchaflieh Jean , Devinsky Orrin , Kuzniecky Ruben I.
Published: December 2008

Purpose: To determine whether muscimol delivered epidurally or into the subarachnoid space can prevent and/or terminate acetylcholine (Ach)–induced focal neocortical seizures at concentrations not affecting behavior and background electroencephalography (EEG) activity.

Methods: Rats (n = 12) and squirrel monkeys (n = 3) were chronically implanted with an epidural or subarachnoid drug delivery device, respectively, over the right frontal/parietal cortex, with adjacent EEG electrodes. Recordings were performed in behaving rats and chaired monkeys. Via the implants, either a control solution (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, ACSF) or muscimol (0.25–12.5 mm) was delivered locally as a “pretreatment,” followed by the similar delivery of a seizure‐inducing concentration of Ach. In five additional rats, the quantities of food‐pellets consumed during epidural ACSF and muscimol (2.5 mm) exposures were measured. In a last group of four rats, muscimol (0.8–2.5 mm) was delivered epidurally during the ongoing, Ach‐induced EEG seizure.

Results: In contrast to ACSF pretreatments, epidural muscimol pretreatment in rats completely prevented the seizures at and above 2.5 mm. In the monkeys, subarachnoid muscimol pretreatments at 2.5 mmcompletely prevented the focal‐seizure–inducing effect of Ach, whereas similar deliveries of ACSF did not affect the seizures. Furthermore, 2.5 mmepidural muscimol left the eating behavior of rats intact and caused only slight changes in the EEG power spectra. Finally, muscimol delivery during Ach‐induced EEG seizures terminated the seizure activity within 1–3 min.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that muscimol is a viable candidate for the transmeningeal pharmacotherapy of intractable focal epilepsy.
Measuring the Returns to Networking and the Accumulation of Social Capital: Any Evidence of Bonding, Bridging, or Linking?
Authors: Urwin Peter , Di Pietro Giorgio , Sturgis Patrick , Jack Gregor
Published: December 2008

Abstract

This article presents analyses of individual investment in social capital using both the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) and the UK Time Use Survey (2000) (UKTUS). We suggest a general theoretical framework that could possibly explain individual investment in various forms of social networking. Measures of social capital are then constructed in an attempt to capture the extent of individual investment in bonding, bridging, and linking networks. These measures, together with other socioeconomic indicators, are used as explanatory factors in wage equations, estimated using ordered probit, OLS, and instrumental variable approaches. We are unable to identify any consistent returns from investment in bonding and bridging networks. In contrast, the evidence suggests that any returns to investment in the development of linking social capital simply derive from the positive signals that group membership may transmit to potential employers. Our results underline the contrast between studies that consider social capital as an attribute of communities, as opposed to individuals, in that we find a negative return to social activity at the level of the individual.
Emergency Medical Practice: Advancing Cultural Competence and Reducing Health Care Disparities
Authors: Padela Aasim I. , Punekar Imran R.A.
Published: December 2008

In an increasingly diverse patient population, language differences, socioeconomic circumstances, religious values, and cultural practices may present barriers to the delivery of quality care. These obstacles contribute to the health care disparities observed in all areas of medical care. Increasing cultural competence has been cited as part of the solution to reduce disparities. The emergency department (ED) is an environment where cultural sensitivity is particularly needed, as it is often a primary source of health care for the underserved and ethnic and racial minorities and a place where high patient volume and acuity place the provider under demanding time pressures, yet the emergency medicine (EM) literature on health care disparities and cultural competence is limited.

The authors present three clinical scenarios highlighting challenges in providing equitable emergency care to minority populations. Using these cases as illustrations, three processes are proposed that may improve the quality of care delivered to minority populations: 1) increase cultural awareness and reduce provider biases, enabling providers to interact more effectively with different patient populations; 2) accommodate patient preferences and needs in medical settings through practice adjustments and cultural modifications; and 3) increase provider diversity to raise levels of tolerance, awareness, and understanding for other cultures and create more racially and/or ethnically concordant patient–physician relationships.
Chemical Contamination of Soft Drinks in Sealed Plastic Bottles by Environmental Stress Cracking
Authors: Muller Dan , Israelsohn‐Azulay Osnat
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  A contamination of soft drinks in sealed bottles by organic solvents is reported: closed bottles full of soft drinks were accidentally placed on a cardboard soaked with thinner and the organic fluid subsequently fissured the bottom of the bottles and penetrated into the soft drinks without any apparent leakage of the soft drinks. Experiments were carried out to simulate the process: the penetration of different organic solvents into soft drinks through the bottom of closed bottles was tested. The penetration occurred only when the closed bottles contained carbonated soft drinks (CSD), indicating that inner pressure is a necessary condition for the fissuring of the bottles. This paper discusses environmental stress cracking of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles by organic solvents and migration of chemicals to CSD. Experiments were conducted to determine the conditions in which PET can be permeable to poisoning organic products.
The Effect of Buscopan®on the Development of the Blow FlyChrysomya megacephala(F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Oliveira Helena G. , Gomes Guilherme , Morlin Jr José J. , Von Zuben Cláudio J. , Linhares Arício X.
Published: December 2008

Abstract: This work investigated the effects of butylscopolamine bromide, a drug present in the pharmaceutical formulation Buscopan®, on the development ofChrysomya megacephala, a blow fly species of considerable forensic and medical importance in Brazil. Larvae exposed to the drug showed a decreased rate of development, with higher drug concentrations further retarding the development. Besides, larvae reared on the presence of the drug showed smaller body weight and body length when compared with larvae reared on the absence of Buscopan®. The drug also affected the mortality of the species.
Functional MRI Detection of Deception After Committing a Mock Sabotage Crime*
Authors: Andrew Kozel F. , Johnson Kevin A. , Grenesko Emily L. , Laken Steven J. , Kose Samet , Lu Xinghua , Pollina Dean , Ryan Andrew , George Mark S.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Using Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) to detect deception is feasible in simple laboratory paradigms. A mock sabotage scenario was used to test whether this technology would also be effective in a scenario closer to a real‐world situation. Healthy, nonmedicated adults were recruited from the community, screened, and randomized to either a Mock‐crime group or a No‐crime group. The Mock‐crime group damaged and stole compact discs (CDs), which contained incriminating video footage, while the No‐crime group did not perform a task. The Mock‐crime group also picked up an envelope from a researcher, while the No‐crime group did not perform this task. Both groups were instructed to report that they picked up an envelope, but did not sabotage any video evidence. Participants later went to the imaging center and were scanned while being asked questions regarding the mock crime. Participants also performed a simple laboratory based fMRI deception testing (Ring‐Watch testing). The Ring‐Watch testing consisted of “stealing” either a watch or a ring. The participants were instructed to report that they stole neither object. We correctly identified deception during the Ring‐Watch testing in 25 of 36 participants (Validated Group). In this Validated Group for whom a determination was made, computer‐based scoring correctly identified nine of nine Mock‐crime participants (100% sensitivity) and five of 15 No‐crime participants (33% specificity). BOLD fMRI presently can be used to detect deception concerning past events with high sensitivity, but low specificity.
Expression of NEDD‐1, a PTEN regulator, in gastric and colorectal carcinomas
Authors: KIM SUNG SOO , YOO NAM JIN , JEONG EUN GOO , KIM MIN SUNG , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: December 2008

Recent studies have disclosed that NEDD4‐1 regulates PTEN activity by ubiquitination. NEDD4‐1 negatively regulates PTEN in cytosol and acts as an oncogenic protein. By contrast, NEDD4‐1 promotes PTEN nuclear import and acts as a tumor suppressor. Despite the importance of NEDD4‐1 in PTEN regulation in cancer cells, expression of NEDD4‐1 protein in cancer tissues is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze NEDD4‐1 expression in colorectal and gastric cancer tissues. We investigated NEDD4‐1 protein expression in 103 colorectal and 60 gastric carcinoma tissues by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray approach. In the cancers, expression of NEDD4‐1 was detected in 82 (80%) of the colorectal carcinomas and 45 (75%) of the gastric carcinomas in cytoplasm. By contrast, the normal mucosal cells of both stomach and colon showed no or very weak expression of NEDD4‐1. There was no significant association of NEDD4‐1 expression with clinicopathologic characteristics, including invasion, metastasis and stage. Our data indicate that NEDD4‐1 overexpression is a feature of both colorectal and gastric carcinomas. The increased expression of NEDD4‐1 in malignant gastric and colorectal cells compared to their normal epithelial cells suggests that NEDD4‐1 expression may play a role in colorectal and gastric cancer development.
Platelet deposition in rabbit common carotid arteries promoted by arterial stenosis and spasm
Authors: JØRGENSEN LEIF , STRAUME BJØRN , MUSTARD JAMES FRASER
Published: December 2008

Coronary arteriograhy in patients with ischemic heart disease often shows spasm of the coronary arteries. The question is whether spasm is a triggering factor for thrombosis in a stenotic artery. If so, what are the mechanisms for this? A stenosing teflon ring was applied to the right common carotid artery of anesthetized rabbits and l‐nor‐epinephrine was dripped over the outer surface of both carotid arteries, causing spasm. In control animals an indifferent solution did not cause spasm. Nineteen rabbits were killed 30 min or 24 h after treatment. Microscopically, arteries with stenosis and spasm contained thrombi nearby the stenosis significantly more often than arteries in control animals. In another 14 rabbits, killed at 30 min, the number of platelets on the intimal surface away from the stenosis was quantified. In arteries with both stenosis and spasm the counts were significantly greater than in arteries with no treatment. The intimal surface in stenotic and spastic arteries showed assumed imprints of eddying flow and endothelial injury downstream and upstream of the stenosis. Spastic arteries showed increased folding of the internal elastic membrane, altered endothelial cells, and adhering platelets. Spasm in a rabbit artery with a preformed stenosis facilitates thrombosis probably by creating increased flow disturbances. Spasm may induce endothelial injury, causing adherence of platelets.
The Sin of Ian McEwan's Fictive Atonement: Reading his Later Novels
Authors: Shah Bruno M.
Published: December 2008

Ian McEwan is arguably the best living British novelist. His most successful novel, Atonement, was recently made into an internationally successful film. And indeed, through analysis of his novels, it is clear that Ian McEwan believes literature—precisely as fictive—might very well bear the task of atonement for postmodernity. His novels, though, are patently hopeless, (even as they are truly well-written). Because McEwan doesn't accept or see the causes of sin as such—formally understood as rebellion against the Creator—his diagnostic aesthetic of our postmodern malaise is incomplete and ineffectual. The literary or fictive atonement that he would achieve through his novels does not satisfy. This article aims to lay bare the philosophico-literary characteristics of Ian McEwan's later novels. The ultimate goal of this critical reading, though—tending toward an “evangelical lection”—is to transfigure McEwan's imaginative and creative virtuosity for otherwise disappointed Christian readers, precisely by envisioning his novels in the dark light of their redemptive deficit. Thus, the literary or fictive atonement that Ian McEwan's atheism cannot achieve might be saved apropos the Judeo-Christian revelation of divine atonement.
Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder in 18 Dutch Women: Part I. MRI, EEG, and Transvaginal Ultrasonography Investigations
Authors: Waldinger Marcel D. , Van Gils Ad P.G. , Pauline Ottervanger H. , Vandenbroucke Waldina V.A. , Tavy Dénes L.J.
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Systematic blood analysis and electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study in women with persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) are needed to get more insight into the syndrome’s etiology and pathogenesis.

Aim

To investigate possible causes of PGAD.

Methods

Eighteen women fulfilling all five criteria of PGAD were included in the study. In-depth interviews and routine blood and hormonal investigations, together with EEG and MRI scans of the brain and pelvis, were performed in all women. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and MRI scans with contrast were performed in subjects who had indications of abnormalities on MRI scans.

Main Outcome Measures

Detailed descriptions of blood, neurophysiological, and (neuro)anatomical findings.

Results

The majority of women experienced PGAD symptoms during early menopause without existing laboratory abnormalities, besides those belonging to menopause. The EEG studies showed no severe diffuse or focal abnormalities. The MRI scans of the brain did not show any specific abnormalities, apart from an already known pericallosal aneurysm in one patient and postoperative findings of meningioma surgery in another patient. MRI scans of the pelvis showed clear to moderate-clear indications of pelvic varices in 55% of the women. TVUS confirmed the existence of pelvic varices in nine women; these had a mild, moderate, and severe extent in two, three, and four women. In three of the latter four patients, an additional MRI with gadolinium contrast disclosed mild to moderate dilation of ovarian veins; 39% of the women were known with varices of one or both legs.

Conclusions

The current study did not show overt pathology that could causally explain PGAD sensations. As pelvic varices are a common finding in adult women, the current findings do not allow the conclusion that PGAD is causally related to pelvic varices. However, the high prevalence of pelvic and lower limb varices in the current group of women warrants further research of their role in PGAD.
Religious Experience in Hindu Tradition
Authors: McDaniel June
Published: December 2008

This article argues against the popular stereotype of religious experience having been invented by modern scholars. It examines understandings of religious experience from a variety of Hindu traditions, from the Vedas to the present.
Effect of Flour Extraction Rate and Baking on Thiamine and Riboflavin Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Traditional Rye Bread
Authors: Martinez‐Villaluenga C. , Michalska A. , Frias J. , Piskula M.K. , Vidal‐Valverde C. , Zieliński H.
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT:  The effect of rye flour extraction rates and baking on thiamine and riboflavin content, and antioxidant capacity of traditional rye bread were studied and compared with white wheat flour. The content of thiamine was higher (10.9%) in rye dough formulated with dark rye flour (F‐100%; extraction rate of 100%) than in rye dough formulated with brown rye flour (F‐92%; extraction rate of 92%) that was similar to dough made with wheat flour. The riboflavin content in rye dough made from flour F‐100% was also higher (16%) than in dough formulated with flour F‐92%, and both provided larger riboflavin content than wheat dough. Baking led to reductions in thiamine of 56% for wheat bread and of 20% for both rye breads; however, this process caused only a 10% decrease in riboflavin for wheat bread and a 30% decrease for rye breads. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, peroxyl radical scavenging capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and Folin–Ciocalteu reducing capacity were higher in rye than in wheat dough and bread. Baking process produced slight changes in antioxidant activity, except for Superoxide Dismutase‐like activity where a sharp decrease was observed. Our findings showed that rye breads are an important source of B vitamins and rye breads formulated with dark and brown flours showed better antioxidant properties than wheat bread. Therefore, rye breads should be more widely recommended in human nutrition.
Development of a Theoretical Screening Tool to Assess Caries Risk in Nevada Youth
Authors: Ditmyer Marcia M. , Mobley Connie , Draper Quinn , Demopoulos Christina , Smith E. Steven
Published: December 2008

Objectives: One objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of caries among Nevada youth, subsequently comparing these data with national statistics. A second objective was to identify the risk factors associated with caries prevalence and severity in order to develop and tailor a theoretical screening tool for this cohort for future validation. Methods: Researchers computed the prevalence rates of dental caries (D‐score) and severity rates of decayed, missing, and filled teeth indices in a cohort of 9,202 students, 13 to 18 years of age, attending public/private schools in the 2005/2006 academic year. Multiple regression established which of the 13 variables significantly contributed to caries risk, subsequently using logistic regression to ascertain the weight of contribution and odds ratios of significant variables. Results: Living in counties with no municipal water fluoridation, increased exposure to environmental smoke, minority race, living in rural communities, and increasing age were the largest significant contributors (respectively). Exposure to tobacco, being female, lack of dental insurance, increased body mass index risk, and lack of dental sealants were also significant, but to a lesser extent. Nonsignificant factors included socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and family history of diabetes. Conclusions: This study confirmed high caries prevalence and severity and identified significant risk factors for inclusion in a theoretical risk screening tool for future validation and translation for use in the early detection of caries risk in Nevada youth.
Entry and regulation: evidence from health care professions
Authors: Schaumans Catherine , Verboven Frank
Published: December 2008

In many countries, pharmacies receive high regulated markups and are protected from competition through geographic entry restrictions. We develop an empirical entry model for pharmacies and physicians with two features: entry restrictions and strategic complementarities. We find that the entry restrictions have directly reduced the number of pharmacies by more than 50%, and also indirectly reduced the number of physicians by about 7%. A removal of the entry restrictions, combined with a reduction in the regulated markups, would generate a large shift in rents to consumers, without reducing the availability of pharmacies. The public interest motivation for the current regime therefore has no empirical support.
Price‐increasing competition
Authors: Chen Yongmin , Riordan Michael H.
Published: December 2008

In a discrete choice model of product differentiation, the symmetric duopoly price may be lower than, equal to, or higher than the single‐product monopoly price. Whereas the market share effect encourages a duopolist to charge less than the monopoly price because a duopolist serves fewer consumers, the price sensitivity effect motivates a higher price when more consumer choice steepens the firm's demand curve. The joint distribution of consumer values for the two conceivable products determines the relative strength of these effects. The analysis provides precise conditions for price‐increasing competition and reveals that it is unexceptional from a theoretical perspective.
Specific knowledge and performance measurement
Authors: Raith Michael
Published: December 2008

I examine optimal incentives and performance measurement in a model where an agent has specific knowledge (in the sense of Jensen and Meckling) about the consequences of his actions for the principal. Contracts can be based both on “input” measures related to the agent's actions and an “output” measure related to the principal's payoff. Whereas input‐based pay minimizes income risk, only output‐based pay encourages the agent to use his knowledge efficiently. In general, it is optimal to use both kinds of performance measures. The results help to explain some empirical puzzles and lead to several new predictions.
Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method for the Simulation of Rarefied Gas Flow in Discrete Track Recording Head/Disk Interfaces
Authors: Duwensee Maik , Talke Frank E. , Suzuki Shoji , Lin Judy , Wachenschwanz David
Published: December 2008

The direct simulation Monte Carlo method is used to study rarefied gas flow between an inclined plane slider bearing and a nanochannel representing one groove in discrete track recording head/disk interfaces. The forces acting on the slider are determined as a function of slider pitch angle, disk velocity, groove pitch, width, and groove depth. It is found that the influence of manufacturing tolerances on slider forces is smaller for deep and wide grooves than for the case of shallow and narrow grooves.