bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐dependent changes in bladder function and plantar sensitivity in a rat model of fibromyalgia syndrome induced by hydrochloric acid injection into the gluteus
Authors: Furuta Akira , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Honda Mariko , Koike Yusuke , Naruoka Takehito , Asano Koji , Chancellor Michael , Egawa Shin , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: August 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often occur concomitantly. In this study, we found that somatic (gluteus)‐to‐visceral (bladder) cross sensitization might underlie bladder hypersensitivity in patients with FMS.

OBJECTIVE

• To examine the correlation between muscular pain and bladder hypersensitivity in order to clarify the pathogenesis of comorbidity of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis with other chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• Under isoflurane anaesthesia, 0.2 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution (pH 4.0) was injected into the bilateral gluteus muscles of female Sprague–Dawley rats to produce an FMS model, as the gluteus is one of the specific tender points in patients with FMS. Control rats received saline injection (0.2 mL).

• The mechanical sensitivity of the plantar was evaluated using the mean number of bilateral hindlimb withdrawals in response to tactile stimulation with a 2.0‐g von Frey filament at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the HCl injection.

• In a separate rat group, cystometry was performed with the rats awake during saline infusion (0.06 mL/min) into the bladder before and after 1% lidocaine injection (0.2 mL) into the bilateral gluteus 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the HCl injection.

RESULTS

• The mean number of hindlimb withdrawals was significantly higher in FMS rats than in controls at 1 and 2 weeks.

• Using cystometry, we found that the intercontraction interval (ICI) and voided volume (VV) were significantly lower in FMS rats than in controls at 1 and 2 weeks. In addition, the voiding threshold pressure, ICI and VV were significantly higher after lidocaine injection in FMS rats, but not in controls, at 1 and 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

• HCl injection (pH 4.0) into the gluteus can induce plantar hypersensitivity and urinary frequency for up to 2 weeks after the injection, suggesting that somatic (gluteus)‐to‐visceral (bladder) cross‐sensitization might underlie bladder hypersensitivity in patients with FMS.

• Moreover, intervention at specific tender points outside the bladder could be effective in treating urinary frequency because lidocaine injection into the gluteus normalized bladder function in FMS rats for up to 2 weeks.
A Survey of Specularity Removal Methods
Authors: Artusi Alessandro , Banterle Francesco , Chetverikov Dmitry
Published: August 2011

The separation of reflection components is an important issue in computer graphics, computer vision and image processing. It provides useful information for the applications that need consistent object surface appearance, such as stereo reconstruction, visual recognition, tracking, objects re‐illumination and dichromatic editing. In this paper we will present a brief survey of recent advances in separation of reflection components, also known as specularity (highlights) removal. Several techniques that try to tackle the problem from different points of view have been proposed so far. In this survey, we will overview these methods and we will present a critical analysis of their benefits and drawbacks.
STRUCTURAL CHANGE AND PUBLIC SERVICE PERFORMANCE: THE IMPACT OF THE REORGANIZATION PROCESS IN ENGLISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: ANDREWS RHYS , BOYNE GEORGE
Published: August 2011

Organization theory suggests that structural change has disruptive effects on managerial behaviour and organizational outcomes, and that these effects are likely to emerge in the period between the announcement and the commencement of the new structure. We evaluate the validity of this argument by analysing the performance of English county councils in the transition period before the voluntary restructuring of a sub‐set of these organizations. Disruptive effects are tested while controlling for a range of other variables, including the relative prosperity of the local population and the diversity of their service needs. The empirical results indicate that the performance of local authorities facing reorganization deteriorated prior to the onset of the new structures, and support the view that structural change has disruptive effects on organizational outcomes.
Individual Wellbeing in a Dynamic Perspective
Authors: D'Ambrosio Conchita , Frick Joachim R.
Published: August 2011

We explore the determinants of individual wellbeing as measured by self‐reported levels of satisfaction with income and life. Making use of the German Socio‐Economic Panel, we provide empirical evidence for wellbeing depending on absolute and relative income levels in a dynamic framework where status and signal effects play a role. This finding holds after controlling for other factors in a multivariate setting. The main novelty is the consideration of dynamic aspects: the individual's own history and the relative income performance with respect to other society members play major roles in the assessment of individual wellbeing.
China and East Asian Regionalism
Authors: JiangYu Wang
Published: August 2011

East Asia is steadfastly marching towards regional economic integration through a number of regional trade agreements (RTAs) and China is a major driving force behind this movement. This paper analyses China's RTAs and their impact on regionalism in Asia. It addresses the criticisms that China's RTAs are politically but not economically driven, that China's RTAs create the hub‐and‐spoke bilateralism and that China's RTAs are not World Trade Organization consistent. It discusses China's position on East Asian regionalism, pointing out that China wishes East Asia to pursue regionalism on multi‐track and at multi‐speed, that China tends to ‘do easy things first’ with low integration and liberalisation and then gradually move to deeper liberalisation and integration and that China's definition of ‘open regionalism’ does not include outside countries such as the USA and the EU. The paper makes suggestions for improving China's RTAs in the interest of establishing an East Asia free trade agreement.
CARICOM: Regional Integration in a Post‐Colonial World
Authors: O'Brien Derek
Published: August 2011

This article argues that the distinctive form of economic integration within the Commonwealth Caribbean can best be understood if account is taken of the imprint of colonial rule both upon relations between these former colonies and upon the political consciousness of the region's leaders. The legacy of colonial rule, including the abortive attempt at a West Indies Federation, resulted not only in a profound mistrust of any form of political union but also established the ideal of island self‐government as the centre of the region's political culture. This is clearly manifest in the institutional structure and governance of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), which is based on the principles of intergovernmentalism. Notwithstanding some recent changes to that institutional structure, such as the introduction of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Member States remain firmly committed to the pursuit of regional integration through cooperation and association without any transfer of their sovereign decision‐making powers. It will be argued, however, that this will not only make it increasingly difficult to achieve the economic objectives of CARICOM, but will also make it increasingly difficult to maintain the fragile sense of regional unity, originally forged in the crucible of colonial rule, in a post‐colonial world as new alliances both within and without the region begin to emerge.
MERCOSUR: What You See Is Not (Always) What You Get
Authors: Gardini Gian Luca
Published: August 2011

Twenty years after its creation MERCOSUR is not a common market yet; its regional parliament has virtually no competence; its first enlargement has been pending ratification for five years. However, MERCOSUR has delivered democratic stability, increased trade flows and international visibility to its members. This article proposes a historical‐institutionalist approach to reconcile more and less optimistic appraisals. The historical component suggests that MERCOSUR has evolved according to the evolution of national interests and agendas. The institutional component suggests that the limited and peculiar institutionalisation affects MERCOSUR's functionality and prospects. The article first reviews the historical evolution of MERCOSUR, then concentrates on the current agenda including the accession of Venezuela, the question of the regional parliament and the completion of the customs union, and finally explores the challenges that competing regional blocs pose to MERCOSUR. The conclusion suggests that institutional deepening might take place via parliamentary and judicial developments.
Legal Integration in the Andes: Law‐Making by the Andean Tribunal of Justice
Authors: Alter Karen J. , Helfer Laurence R.
Published: August 2011

The Andean Tribunal of Justice (ATJ) is a copy of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), and the third most active international court. This paper reviews our findings based on an original coding of all ATJ preliminary rulings from 1984 to 2007, and over 40 interviews in the region. We then compare Andean and European jurisprudence in three key areas: whether the Tribunals treat the founding integration treaties as constitutions for their respective communities, whether the ATJ and ECJ have implied powers for community institutions that are not expressly enumerated in the founding treaties and how the Tribunals conceive of the relationship between community law and other international agreements that are binding on the Member States.
The Stage Life: promoting the inclusion of young people through participatory arts
Authors: Stickley Theodore , Crosbie Brian , Hui Ada
Published: August 2011

Accessible summary

This article is about research with young people with learning disabilities who took part in music and drama groups.

The groups were held in a local disused cinema.

People greatly benefited from being a part of this work.

Joining in with arts activities can really help people with learning disabilities to feel a part of the community.

The Stage Life was a participatory arts programme for people attending a day services provision in Nottinghamshire. The uniqueness of this programme was that it was provided in a local disused cinema acquired by the local authority for community‐based activities amongst disadvantaged groups. The Stage Life aimed to build the community arts capacity for young adults with learning disabilities by introducing approximately fifty people to participatory arts activities over a period of 2 years. The research evaluation reported in this article was conducted by external academic researchers over this period. A multimethod ethnographic approach was used to phenomenologically capture the impact of the Stage Life upon individuals’ lives, as well as capturing people’s opinions and ideas regarding taking part in the activities. The research attempts to describe, both at the individual level and at group level, the effects upon people who are engaged with the programme. Very positive benefits are reported both on a personal and on a social level.
High doses of amphetamine augment, rather than disrupt, exocytotic dopamine release in the dorsal and ventral striatum of the anesthetized rat
Authors: Ramsson Eric S. , Howard Christopher D. , Covey Dan P. , Garris Paul A.
Published: August 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07407.x

High doses of amphetamine (AMPH) are thought to disrupt normal patterns of action potential‐dependent dopaminergic neurotransmission by depleting vesicular stores of dopamine (DA) and inducing robust non‐exocytotic DA release or efflux via dopamine transporter (DAT) reversal. However, these cardinal AMPH actions have been difficult to establish definitively in vivo. Here, we use fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) in the urethane‐anesthetized rat to evaluate the effects of 10 and 20 mg/kg AMPH on vesicular DA release and DAT function in dorsal and ventral striata. An equivalent high dose of cocaine (40 mg/kg) was also examined for comparison to psychostimulants acting preferentially by DAT inhibition. Parameters describing exocytotic DA release and neuronal DA uptake were determined from dynamic DA signals evoked by mild electrical stimulation previously established to be reinforcing. High‐sensitivity FSCV with nanomolar detection was used to monitor changes in the background voltammetric signal as an index of DA efflux. Both doses of AMPH and cocaine markedly elevated evoked DA levels over the entire 2‐h time course in the dorsal and ventral striatum. These increases were mediated by augmented vesicular DA release and diminished DA uptake typically acting concurrently. AMPH, but not cocaine, induced a slow, DA‐like rise in some baseline recordings. However, this effect was highly variable in amplitude and duration, modest, and generally not present at all. These data thus describe a mechanistically similar activation of action potential‐dependent dopaminergic neurotransmission by AMPH and cocaine in vivo. Moreover, DA efflux appears to be a unique, but secondary, AMPH action.
A tight coupling between β2Y97 and β2F200 of the GABAA receptor mediates GABA binding
Authors: Tran Phu N. , Laha Kurt T. , Wagner David A.
Published: August 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 283–293.

The GABAA receptor is an oligopentameric chloride channel that is activated via conformation changes induced upon the binding of the endogenous ligand, GABA, to the extracellular inter‐subunit interfaces. Although dozens of amino acid residues at the α/β interface have been implicated in ligand binding, the structural elements that mediate ligand binding and receptor activation are not yet fully described. In this study, double‐mutant cycle analysis was employed to test for possible interactions between several arginines (α1R67, α1R120, α1R132, and β2R207) and two aromatic residues (β2Y97 and β2F200) that are present in the ligand‐binding pocket and are known to influence GABA affinity. Our results show that neither α1R67 nor α1R120 is functionally coupled to either of the aromatics, whereas a moderate coupling exists between α1R132 and both aromatic residues. Significant functional coupling between β2R207 and both β2Y97 and β2F200 was found. Furthermore, we identified an even stronger coupling between the two aromatics, β2Y97 and β2F200, and for the first time provided direct evidence for the involvement of β2Y97 and β2F200 in GABA binding. As these residues are tightly linked, and mutation of either has similar, severe effects on GABA binding and receptor kinetics, we believe they form a single functional unit that may directly coordinate GABA.
Inhibitory effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss and carvacrol on histamine (H1) receptors of guinea‐pig tracheal chains
Authors: Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Tabanfar Hengameh , Gholamnezhad Zahra , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza
Published: August 2011

The inhibitory effect of aqueous‐ethanolic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Labiatae) and carvacrol on histamine (H1) receptors was examined on tracheal chains of guinea‐pigs. The effects of three concentrations of aqueous‐ethanolic extract, carvacrol, 10 nm chlorpheniramine, and saline on histamine (H1) receptors were tested on three groups of guinea‐pig tracheal chains as follows: incubated trachea with (i) indomethacin (n = 9), (ii) indomethacin, propranolol, and atropine (n = 7), and (iii) indomethacin and propranolol (n = 6). The EC50 (effective concentration of histamine causing 50% of maximum response) obtained in the presence of chlorpheniramine for all concentrations of the extract and carvacrol in all three groups was significantly higher than that of saline (P < 0.001 for all cases). The EC50 obtained in the presence of all concentrations of extract in groups 2 and 3 was lower than group 1 and in group 3 lower than group 2 (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). However, EC50 obtained in the presence of all concentrations of carvacrol in group 3 and two higher concentrations in group 2 was higher than that of group 1 (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the maximum response obtained in the presence of different concentrations of extract and carvacrol between three groups. There was a parallel rightward shift in concentration–response curves obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract and carvacrol in all three groups. These results indicated an inhibitory effect of Z. multiflora and its constituent carvacrol on histamine H1 receptors.
The Cord Blood Apgar: a novel scoring system to optimize selection of banked cord blood grafts for transplantation (CME)
Authors: Page Kristin M. , Zhang Lijun , Mendizabal Adam , Wease Stephen , Carter Shelly , Shoulars Kevin , Gentry Tracy , Balber Andrew E. , Kurtzberg Joanne
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Engraftment failure and delays, likely due to diminished cord blood unit (CBU) potency, remain major barriers to the overall success of unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT). To address this problem, we developed and retrospectively validated a novel scoring system, the Cord Blood Apgar (CBA), which is predictive of engraftment after UCBT.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a single‐center retrospective study, utilizing a database of 435 consecutive single cord myeloablative UCBTs performed between January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2008, precryopreservation and postthaw graft variables (total nucleated cell, CD34+, colony‐forming units, mononuclear cell content, and volume) were initially correlated with neutrophil engraftment. Subsequently, based on the magnitude of hazard ratios (HRs) in univariate analysis, a weighted scoring system to predict CBU potency was developed using a randomly selected training data set and internally validated on the remaining data set.

RESULTS: The CBA assigns transplanted CBUs three scores: a precryopreservation score (PCS), a postthaw score (PTS), and a composite score (CS), which incorporates the PCS and PTS values. CBA‐PCS scores, which could be used for initial unit selection, were predictive of neutrophil (CBA‐PCS ≥ 7.75 vs. <7.75, HR 3.5; p < 0.0001) engraftment. Likewise, CBA‐PTS and CS scores were strongly predictive of Day 42 neutrophil engraftment (CBA‐PTS ≥ 9.5 vs. <9.5, HR 3.16, p < 0.0001; CBA‐CS ≥ 17.75 vs. <17.75, HR 4.01, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: The CBA is strongly predictive of engraftment after UCBT and shows promise for optimizing screening of CBU donors for transplantation. In the future, a segment could be assayed for the PTS score providing data to apply the CS for final CBU selection.
Blood donation screening for hepatitis B virus markers in the era of nucleic acid testing: are all tests of value?
Authors: Stramer Susan L. , Zou Shimian , Notari Edward P. , Foster Gregory A. , Krysztof David E. , Musavi Fatemeh , Dodd Roger Y.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: The American Red Cross implemented hepatitis B virus (HBV) minipool (MP)‐nucleic acid testing (NAT) in June 2009, in addition to existing tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc). The value of all three tests was evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: HBsAg, anti‐HBc, and HBV DNA (Ultrio MP‐NAT, Gen‐Probe/Novartis) donation results were analyzed during a 12‐month period (July 1, 2009‐June 30, 2010). Additional testing by individual‐donation (ID) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm donor infection was performed when any HBV screening test was reactive or positive, except in the case of HBsAg neutralization‐positive, anti‐HBc–reactive samples. Numbers of blood donations identified as reactive or positive versus nonreactive or negative were compared.

RESULTS: Of about 6.5 million donations, 699 were defined as from HBV‐infected donors, of which 64% (444) were reactive for all three markers. More than 99% (697) had reactivity to one or both serologic tests with 68% (477) showing reactivity by MP‐NAT. Only two donations were DNA‐positive, seronegative NAT‐yield donations (1 per 3.23 million), fewer than expected (p = 0.0075). Among MP‐NAT–reactive donors, only small numbers represented early infection (2 or 0.4% with negative serology and 10 or 2.1% who were HBsAg confirmed positive, anti‐HBc nonreactive). Of the 142 occult HBV‐infected donors, 85% were MP‐NAT nonreactive requiring ID‐PCR for detection (121 or 54.5% of all MP‐NAT nonreactives vs. 21 or 4.4% of all MP‐NAT reactives).

CONCLUSIONS: The HBV DNA–positive yield rate from MP‐NAT was lower than expected, likely representing the rarity of such findings even in very large studies. With the implementation of HBV MP‐NAT, the value of maintaining anti‐HBc for the detection of low‐level HBV DNA–positive donors was confirmed; however, HBsAg screening showed no blood safety value.
Microstructure Evolution During Sintering of Sodium Niobate
Authors: Koruza Jurij , Malič Barbara , Kosec Marija
Published: August 2011

A detailed study of the macroscopic and microscopic behavior upon sintering of sodium niobate was carried out. A dynamic sintering curve, recorded at a constant heating rate of 5°C/min up to 1412°C, supported by the microstructural analysis of the samples, quenched at selected temperatures, revealed a multiple‐stage densification. This was connected with the activation of different material‐transport mechanisms: evaporation/condensation and surface diffusion up to 950°C, and other diffusion mechanisms, which contribute to both shrinkage and grain growth at higher temperatures. The second series of quenching experiments was used to track the microstructure development during the isothermal heating stage of the sintering process at 1350°C. The change from a fine‐grained microstructure, with an average grain size of 2.53 ± 1.1 μm, to a coarse‐grained microstructure, with an average grain size of 35.6 ± 32 μm occurred after isothermal sintering for 30 min. The first entrapped pores within the large grains of several 10 μm indicated the increased grain‐boundary migration velocity already after 15 min of sintering. These conditions were identified as the onset point for abnormal grain growth in sodium niobate.
Synthesis and Tunable Luminescent Properties of Red PhosphorLi1−mAgmLa0.99−nYnPr0.01(MoO4)2with Blue Excitation for WhiteLEDs
Authors: Xu Bo , Liu Jie , Song Chao , Luo Hui , Jie Peng Ying , Yu Xinbin
Published: August 2011

Preparation ofLi1−mAgmLa0.99−nYnPr0.01(MoO4)2phosphors was done by a convenient method of solid‐state reaction technique in the air. The effects of synthesis temperature, substitution ofAg+,Y3+on theLiLa(MoO4)2crystal structure, and luminescence properties ofPr3+in the molybdate host are investigated systematically. The observed excitation and emission spectra indicate that the phosphor can be excited effectively by the blue light (440–500 nm) and exhibit a satisfactory red emission at 605 and 649 nm, respectively. The substitution of a littleAg+forLi+enhances thePr3+luminescence intensity drastically. The variability ofY3+andLa3+content changes the emission intensity ratio of the1D2 → 3H4and3P0 → 3F2transition, so that theCIEchromaticity coordinates of the as‐preparedLi1−mAgmLa0.99−nYnPr0.01(MoO4)2phosphors are tuned from (0.639, 0.351) to (0.653, 0.337).
Partial‐ and full‐mouth scaling and root planing in type 2 diabetic subjects: a 12‐mo follow‐up of clinical parameters and levels of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis‐related factors
Authors: Santos V. R. , Ribeiro F. V. , Lima J. A. , Miranda T. S. , Feres M. , Bastos M. F. , Duarte P. M.
Published: August 2011

Santos VR, Ribeiro FV, Lima JA, Miranda TS, Feres M, Bastos MF, Duarte PM. Partial‐ and full‐mouth scaling and root planing in type 2 diabetic subjects: a 12‐mo follow‐up of clinical parameters and levels of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis‐related factors. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 45–54. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of full‐mouth scaling and root planing (FMSRP) and partial‐mouth scaling and root planing (PMSRP), up to 12 mo after treatment, on clinical parameters, and levels of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis‐related factors in type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods:  Thirty‐four subjects received FMSRP (n = 17) or PMSRP (n = 17) within 24 h or in multiple sessions, respectively. Clinical parameters and local levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐23, IL‐4, receptor activator of NF‐β ligand and osteoprotegerin were assessed at baseline, and 3, 6 and 12 mo after therapies.

Results:  Clinical parameters improved after both therapies (p < 0.05), and no between‐group differences were observed at any time‐point (p > 0.05). Overall, there were no considerable differences in the local levels of the biomarkers studied between groups (p > 0.05). The IL‐23 concentration and total amount of IFN‐γ increased in the FMSRP group and decreased in the PMSRP group from baseline to 3 mo and from baseline to 6 mo, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Both PMSRP and FMSRP promoted benefits in clinical parameters and showed a similar modulation of cytokines and osteoclastogenesis‐related factors at 12 mo in type 2 diabetic subjects.
New Zealand's forest and shrubland communities: a quantitative classification based on a nationally representative plot network
Authors: Wiser Susan K. , Hurst Jennifer M. , Wright Elaine F. , Allen Robert B.
Published: August 2011

Question: What are the composition, structure and extent of contemporary, common woody vegetation communities in New Zealand? How do the woody plant communities we describe, based on representative sampling, compare to those of previous New Zealand classifications?

Methods: We used cluster analysis to classify data from 1177 systematically located vegetation plots, calculated spatial extent and ecological statistics for each alliance defined, and combined forest alliances into groups to assess correspondence with earlier mapped classifications. We used plot‐based data on vegetation structure to infer potential community changes.

Results: Twenty‐four alliances were recognized, each of 19 to 105 plots, with estimated extents of 144 000–794 000 ha. Stand structure data suggest that 15 alliances are largely stable whereas nine may undergo compositional change. Among alliances, the proportion of exotic species ranged from 0 to 50%. Our forest and shrubland classification is another stage in progressively revising such classifications (i.e. forest class maps, vegetative cover map, ECOSAT woody classification and land cover database) produced over the last five decades.

Conclusions: Compared to the previous classifications, our new classification incorporates alliances in disturbed landscapes, as well as those that are compositionally dynamic and which are also invaded by exotic species. It also provides greater partitioning within Nothofagus forests, but fails to distinguish some rare forest types, such as those dominated by Agathis australis. Our classification can contribute to a framework for national reporting of ecological indicators and management of woody vegetation.
Vegetation of zonal patterned‐ground ecosystems along the North America Arctic bioclimate gradient
Authors: Walker Donald A. , Kuss Patrick , Epstein Howard E. , Kade Anja N. , Vonlanthen Corinne M. , Raynolds Martha K. , Daniëls Fred J.A.
Published: August 2011

Question: How do interactions between the physical environment and biotic properties of vegetation influence the formation of small patterned‐ground features along the Arctic bioclimate gradient?

Location: At 68° to 78°N: six locations along the Dalton Highway in arctic Alaska and three in Canada (Banks Island, Prince Patrick Island and Ellef Ringnes Island).

Methods: We analysed floristic and structural vegetation, biomass and abiotic data (soil chemical and physical parameters, the n‐factor [a soil thermal index] and spectral information [NDVI, LAI]) on 147 microhabitat relevés of zonal‐patterned‐ground features. Using mapping, table analysis (JUICE) and ordination techniques (NMDS).

Results: Table analysis using JUICE and the phi‐coefficient to identify diagnostic species revealed clear groups of diagnostic plant taxa in four of the five zonal vegetation complexes. Plant communities and zonal complexes were generally well separated in the NMDS ordination. The Alaska and Canada communities were spatially separated in the ordination because of different glacial histories and location in separate floristic provinces, but there was no single controlling environmental gradient. Vegetation structure, particularly that of bryophytes and total biomass, strongly affected thermal properties of the soils. Patterned‐ground complexes with the largest thermal differential between the patterned‐ground features and the surrounding vegetation exhibited the clearest patterned‐ground morphologies.

Conclusions: Characterizing the composition and structure of small‐scale plant communities growing on distinctive microhabitats within patterned‐ground complexes was necessary to understand the biological and physical controls of vegetation on patterned‐ground morphology. Coarser‐scale vegetation units, referred to here as ‘zonal patterned‐ground vegetation complexes’ (groups of patterned‐ground plant communities within zonal landscapes), were useful for landscape and regional‐level comparisons and for extrapolation of information collected at plot scales to larger regions. Vegetation maps of the representative landscapes in each subzone were needed for extrapolation. Different growth characteristics of plants growing in northern and southern parts of the gradient have an important effect in stabilizing highly frost‐active soils. A conceptual diagram summarizes the interactions between vegetation and patterned‐ground morphology along the Arctic climate gradient.
TDP‐43: Overview of the series
Authors: Baralle Francisco E. , Buratti Emanuele
Published: August 2011

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Nucleosome‐remodelling machines and other molecular motors observed at the single‐molecule level
Authors: Lavelle Christophe , Praly Elise , Bensimon David , Le Cam Eric , Croquette Vincent
Published: August 2011

Through its capability to transiently pack and unpack our genome, chromatin is a key player in the regulation of gene expression. Single‐molecule approaches have recently complemented conventional biochemical and biophysical techniques to decipher the complex mechanisms ruling chromatin dynamics. Micromanipulations with tweezers (magnetic or optical) and imaging with molecular microscopy (electron or atomic force) have indeed provided opportunities to handle and visualize single molecules, and to measure the forces and torques produced by molecular motors, along with their effects on DNA or nucleosomal templates. By giving access to dynamic events that tend to be blurred in traditional biochemical bulk experiments, these techniques provide critical information regarding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene activation and deactivation by nucleosome and chromatin structural changes. This minireview describes some single‐molecule approaches to the study of ATP‐consuming molecular motors acting on DNA, with applications to the case of nucleosome‐remodelling machines.
Mechanisms for ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling: the means to the end
Authors: Flaus Andrew , Owen‐Hughes Tom
Published: August 2011

Chromatin remodelling is the ATP‐dependent change in nucleosome organisation driven by Snf2 family ATPases. The biochemistry of this process depends on the behaviours of ATP‐dependent motor proteins and their dynamic nucleosome substrates, which brings significant technical and conceptual challenges. Steady progress has been made in characterising the polypeptides of which these enzymes are comprised. Divergence in the sequences of different subfamilies of Snf2‐related proteins suggests that the motors are adapted for different functions. Recently, structural insights have suggested that the Snf2 ATPase acts as a context‐sensitive DNA translocase. This may have arisen as a means to enable efficient access to DNA in the high density of the eukaryotic nucleus. How the enzymes engage nucleosomes and how the network of noncovalent interactions within the nucleosome respond to the force applied remains unclear, and it remains prudent to recognise the potential for both DNA distortions and dynamics within the underlying histone octamer structure.
Chromatin remodelling in mammalian cells by ISWI‐type complexes – where, when and why?
Authors: Erdel Fabian , Rippe Karsten
Published: August 2011

The specific location of nucleosomes on DNA has important inhibitory or activating roles in the regulation of DNA‐dependent processes as it affects the DNA accessibility. Nucleosome positions depend on the ATP‐coupled activity of chromatin‐remodelling complexes that translocate nucleosomes or evict them from the DNA. The mammalian cell harbors numerous different remodelling complexes that possess distinct activities. These can translate a variety of signals into certain patterns of nucleosome positions with specific functions. Although chromatin remodellers have been extensively studied in vitro, much less is known about how they operate in their cellular environment. Here, we review the cellular activities of the mammalian imitation switch proteins and discuss mechanisms by which they are targeted to sites where their activity is needed.
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse among Patients Seeking General Urological Care
Authors: Beck J. J.H. , Bekker M. D. , van Driel M. F. , Roshani H. , Putter H. , Pelger R. C.M. , Elzevier H. W.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Sexual abuse (SA) history can be found in the backgrounds of an important fraction of men (8–10%) and women (12–25%). Until now there are no data about this prevalence within a urological patient population.

Aim

To establish the prevalence of SA among men and women visiting a urological outpatient clinic and to assess their opinion on screening for SA by urologists.

Methods

A questionnaire to identify SA was translated into Dutch, English, and Turkish, and was adjusted for use in men. These questionnaires were anonymously distributed among 1,016 adult patients attending the urological outpatient clinic.

Main Outcome Measure

The self-reported prevalence of SA. Secondary outcome measures were data about the assailant, victim's age at the time of the abuse, if the abuse was disclosed to the urologist, if the urologist had asked for SA, and patient opinions on standard screening for SA in urological care.

Results

A total of 878 questionnaires were returned, giving a total response rate of 86.4% (878/1,016). Thirty-three patients refused to participate. This resulted in 845 filled-out questionnaires suited for analysis (845/1,016 = 83.2%). There were more male (75.7%) than female respondents (21.8%); 2.1% (13/624) and 13.0% (21/161) of the male and female respondents reported a history of SA, respectively. Almost 42% reported a stranger as assailant. In nearly 90%, the SA took place before adulthood: 56.2% in childhood and 31.2% in adolescence. Fifteen percent of the respondents with SA had it disclosed to their urologist. More than 70% of the abused respondents considered the idea to screen for SA in urological practice to be a good one.

Conclusions

The prevalence of SA in patients seeking urological care in the Netherlands is 2.1% for men and 13.0% for women.
Investigation of the Effects of α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonism and L-Type Calcium Channel Blockade on Ejaculation and Vas Deferens and Seminal Vesicle Contractility in Vitro
Authors: de Almeida Kiguti Luiz Ricardo , Pupo André Sampaio
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Premature ejaculation is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions. Current pharmacological treatments involve reduction in penile sensitivity by local anesthetics or increase of ejaculatory threshold by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. α1-Adrenoceptors (α1-ARs) and L-type calcium channels are expressed in the smooth muscles of the male reproductive tract, and their activations play an important role in the physiological events involved in the seminal emission phase of ejaculation.

Aim

To evaluate if the inhibition of the contractility of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle by α1-AR antagonism or the L-type calcium channel blockade can delay ejaculation.

Methods

The effects of the α1-AR antagonist tamsulosin and of the L-type calcium channel blockers, nifedipine and (S)-(+)-niguldipine, on contractions induced by norepinephrine in the rat vas deferens and seminal vesicles in vitro and on the ejaculation latency of male rats in behavioral mating tests were evaluated.

Main Outcome Measure

Tension development of vas deferens and seminal vesicles in response to norepinephrine in vitro and behavioral mating parameters were quantified.

Results

Tension development of vas deferens and seminal vesicle to α1-AR activation was significantly inhibited by tamsulosin, nifedipine, and (S)-(+)-niguldipine. Tamsulosin displayed insurmountable antagonism of contractions induced by norepinephrine in the rat vas deferens and seminal vesicle. Ejaculation latency of male rats was not modified by tamsulosin, nifedipine, or (S)-(+)-niguldipine; however, both the number and weight of the seminal plugs recovered from female rats mated with male rats treated with tamsulosin were significantly reduced.

Conclusion

Seminal emission impairment by inhibition of vas deferens or seminal vesicle contractility by L-type calcium channel blockade or α1-AR antagonism is not able to delay the ejaculation.
Sexual Health Outcomes Improvement in Sickle Cell Disease: A Matter of Health Policy?
Authors: Burnett Arthur L.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Ischemic priapism is a true male sexual dysfunction, consisting of uncontrollable, prolonged, and often painful erections of the penis. A commonly observed outcome, as a result of erectile tissue damage and fibrosis in this setting, is the complete loss of natural erectile ability. Males with sickle cell disease (SCD) are commonly affected. Given the adverse health consequences of this condition coupled with its specific population extent, health policy considerations are warranted.

Aim

This article aimed to study circumstances surrounding priapism associated with SCD for the purpose of pushing forward health policy objectives that improve sexual health-related outcomes.

Methods

Medline searches through July 2010 were conducted using the following terms: priapism, sickle cell disease, epidemiology, public health, health economics, and health policy.

Main Outcome Measure

Expert opinion was based on review of the medical literature related to this subject matter.

Results

The literature search affirmed that SCD-associated priapism threatens sexual health and also exerts a greatly negative impact on the physical and mental health of affected individuals. Various socioeconomic, behavioral, and cultural factors in the SCD population bearing negatively on sexual health outcomes were delineated. Deficiencies in several aspects of medical services for patients with SCD including scientific research funding support, which evoke an element of ethnic healthcare disparities, were further delineated.

Conclusions

SCD-associated priapism is a medical condition of societal health significance, which can and should be addressed through comprehensive healthcare programmatic efforts. These efforts comprise advancement of educational and clinical training programs, support of interdisciplinary healthcare delivery services, diffusion of clinical advances, enactment of guidelines for effective clinical management, and resource allocation for enabling scientific advancements.
Oriental HLA‐A*11:90 detected in a Taiwanese cord blood sample and the haplotype in association with A*11:90 allele
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lee S. K. , Lin C. C. , Jiang S. , Chiu H. M. , Lin S. , Chen Y. C. , Jian Y. F. , Yang S. Y. , Yang Y. B. , Chen S. B. , Shyr M. H. , Lin C. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: August 2011

We report here an HLA‐A allele, A*11:90, found in a Taiwanese cord blood sample using DNA sequence‐based typing (SBT) protocol after observing an anomalous reaction pattern in a sequence‐specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing exercise. The sequence of A*11:90 is identical to A*11:01:01, the most predominant A*11 variant in Taiwanese, in exon 2 but differs from A*11:01:01 in exon 3 by two nucleotide substitutions at codon 163 (c.487C>G and c.488G>A), resulting R163E. In comparison with the sequence of A*11:02:01, the second most predominant subtype of A*11 in Taiwanese A*11:90 has one nucleotide difference at codon 19 (c.55A>G) in exon 2 resulting K19E and two nucleotides variations at codon 163 (c.487C>G and c.488G>A) in exon 3 resulting R163E. HLA‐A*11:90‐B*40:02‐DRB1*11:01 is the deduced probable HLA haplotype in association with A*11:90. The generation of A*11:90 is thought to involve a DNA recombination event between alleles A*11:01:01 and A*80:01 where A*80:01 donated a fragment of the DNA sequence (from n.t. 487 to n.t. 497) to the recipient sequence of A*11:01:01.
Assessing the Scale and Potential of Chinese Investment Overseas: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Armstrong Shiro
Published: August 2011

The recent rise in Chinese outward direct investment (ODI) has significant global implications and impacts on host country policy. The present paper attempts to provide a theoretical basis and to define a robust econometric approach to assess the performance and potential of Chinese ODI. In this paper, foreign direct investment (FDI) performance is estimated using a frontier FDI model to measure how foreign investors, especially China, and the recipients of this direct investment perform relative to a benchmark of potential FDI. The results show that Chinese ODI achieves less of its potential compared with other investors. However, its ODI to Australia has performed much better than investment to other destinations. The results suggest that Chinese policy‐makers should look at the pattern of China's ODI and, in light of superior performance in destinations like Australia, adjust policy strategies and institutional arrangements to enhance performance and reduce barriers to Chinese ODI.
Comparative Analysis of the Determinants of China's State‐owned Outward Direct Investment in OECD and Non‐OECD Countries
Authors: Hurst Luke
Published: August 2011

Chinese outward direct investment (ODI) is expanding at an unprecedented rate. The present study augments the understanding of the determinants and drivers of Chinese ODI. It reviews the literature on Chinese ODI and analyzes investment by state‐owned enterprises (SOE) for the period 2003–2008, focusing specifically on the differences between the determinants of Chinese investment in developed (OECD) and developing (non‐OECD) economies. In addition, the study assesses the appropriateness of the general framework used for investigating ODI determinants (Dunning's eclectic paradigm) to analyze the experience of Chinese SOE. The findings indicate that Dunning's eclectic paradigm provides an excellent theoretical framework for analyzing the determinants of Chinese SOE investment in developed countries, and provides a good starting point for analysis of Chinese investment in developing countries. However, Dunning's specification requires refinement for developing countries. This paper finds a distinct difference between the motivations for Chinese SOE investment in developed and developing countries.
Inside the China–EU FDI Bond
Authors: Clegg Jeremy , Voss Hinrich
Published: August 2011

For some 20 years, the rate of investment by EU enterprises into China has been rising, reaching an annual average of some US$5bn over the 10 years to 2009. Conversely, the EU has not been a focus for Chinese investments, nor has Chinese investment been important to the EU despite the wide attention given to recent landmark cross‐border acquisitions. Therefore, the overall impact of Chinese investment on the European economy is small. However, this situation might now be changing following institutional changes in the EU. In light of the potential for Chinese foreign direct investment to the EU, in this paper we outline the motives for, and patterns of, Chinese outward investments to the EU, and the impacts that these investments might exert on the recipient.
Chinese Private Direct Investment and Overseas Chinese Network in Africa
Authors: Song Hong
Published: August 2011

Based on extensive interviews in China and in Africa over 2 years, the present paper investigates Chinese private direct investment in Africa. Drawing on the Swedish Uppsala model, we explore two mian issues. First, do Chinese private enterprises follow the linear mode to invest in Africa? Second, if not, how do they go out and develop their investments, and who helps them overcome the obstacles to investing in Africa? We find that very few Chinese private enterprises follow a linear internationalization process, and most depend on the local overseas Chinese network and other networks to facilitate their entry into the host market. The reason lies in that Chinese private enterprises are still at the early stage of internationalization. Entrepreneurship is one of the most important ownership advantages of Chinese private enterprises investing in Africa.
A Toxicokinetic Study of Oxytetracycline Antibiotics in Farmed Pacific White Shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Faroongsarng Damrongsak , Chiayvareesajja Sommai , Theapparat Yongyuth
Published: August 2011

Toxicokinetics has demonstrated abnormal signs in drug distribution/disposition without waiting until the drug damages the tissues/organs. It is a study of the kinetic assessment of administering high‐dose of oxytetracycline (OTC) to white shrimp. Male Penaeus vannamei in the C–D0 molting stage, were force fed with medicated feeds at various accurate dose levels including 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg‐body weight (BW). After dosing with different time intervals, hemolymph, muscle, and hepatopancreas were collected, and assayed for OTC by validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method. The simulated profile based on the maximum recommended dose was tested to approach the systemic level where the drug was anticipated not to cause significant toxic responses. OTC kinetic profiles in the hemolymph were fitted into the flow limited model having r2 value between 0.8341 and 0.9373. The relative affinities for the muscle and hepatopancreas changed at dose level exceeding 1000 mg/kg BW. Although hepatopancreatic clearance was non‐linearly related with dose, the persistence of OTC in muscle after 2500 mg/kg BW dosing was observed to indicate abnormalities in drug distribution/disposition. It was hypothesized that the pharmacokinetic alteration after extreme dosing was because of induction of functional abnormalities in hepatopancreas. In addition, a single administration of OTC at 1000 mg/kg BW was anticipated to be a tolerated dose.