bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over‐expression of PHO1 in Arabidopsis leaves reveals its role in mediating phosphate efflux
Authors: Stefanovic Aleksandra , Arpat A. Bulak , Bligny Richard , Gout Elisabeth , Vidoudez Charles , Bensimon Michaël , Poirier Yves
Published: February 2011

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in multi‐cellular eukaryotes depends not only on Pi influx into cells, but also on Pi efflux. Examples in plants for which Pi efflux is crucial are transfer of Pi into the xylem of roots and release of Pi at the peri‐arbuscular interface of mycorrhizal roots. Despite its importance, no protein has been identified that specifically mediates phosphate efflux either in animals or plants. The Arabidopsis thaliana PHO1 gene is expressed in roots, and was previously shown to be involved in long‐distance transfer of Pi from the root to the shoot. Here we show that PHO1 over‐expression in the shoot of A. thaliana led to a two‐ to threefold increase in shoot Pi content and a severe reduction in shoot growth. 31P‐NMR in vivo showed a normal initial distribution of intracellular Pi between the cytoplasm and the vacuole in leaves over‐expressing PHO1, followed by a large efflux of Pi into the infiltration medium, leading to a rapid reduction of the vacuolar Pi pool. Furthermore, the Pi concentration in leaf xylem exudates from intact plants was more than 100‐fold higher in PHO1 over‐expressing plants compared to wild‐type. Together, these results show that PHO1 over‐expression in leaves leads to a dramatic efflux of Pi out of cells and into the xylem vessel, revealing a crucial role for PHO1 in Pi efflux.
A revised mineral nutrient supplement increases biomass and growth rate in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Kropat Janette , Hong‐Hermesdorf Anne , Casero David , Ent Petr , Castruita Madeli , Pellegrini Matteo , Merchant Sabeeha S. , Malasarn Davin
Published: February 2011

Interest in exploiting algae as a biofuel source and the role of inorganic nutrient deficiency in inducing triacylglyceride (TAG) accumulation in cells necessitates a strategy to efficiently formulate species‐specific culture media that can easily be manipulated. Using the reference organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we tested the hypothesis that modeling trace element supplements after the cellular ionome would result in optimized cell growth. We determined the trace metal content of several commonly used Chlamydomonas strains in various culture conditions and developed a revised trace element solution to parallel these measurements. Comparison of cells growing in the revised supplement versus a traditional trace element solution revealed faster growth rates and higher maximum cell densities with the revised recipe. RNA‐seq analysis of cultures growing in the traditional versus revised medium suggest that the variation in transcriptomes was smaller than that found between different wild‐type strains grown in traditional Hutner’s supplement. Visual observation did not reveal defects in cell motility or mating efficiency in the new supplement. Ni2+‐inducible expression from the CYC6 promoter remained a useful tool, albeit with an increased requirement for Ni2+ because of the introduction of an EDTA buffer system in the revised medium. Other advantages include more facile preparation of trace element stock solutions, a reduction in total chemical use, a more consistent batch‐to‐batch formulation and long‐term stability (tested up to 5 years). Under the new growth regime, we analyzed cells growing under different macro‐ and micronutrient deficiencies. TAG accumulation in N deficiency is comparable in the new medium. Fe and Zn deficiency also induced TAG accumulation, as suggested by Nile Red staining. This approach can be used to efficiently optimize culture conditions for other algal species to improve growth and to assay cell physiology.
Neuroimmune regulation of alcohol consumption: behavioral validation of genes obtained from genomic studies
Authors: Blednov Yuri A. , Ponomarev Igor , Geil Chelsea , Bergeson Susan , Koob George F. , Harris R. Adron
Published: February 2011

Analysis of mouse brain gene expression, using strains that differ in alcohol consumption, provided a number of novel candidate genes that potentially regulate alcohol consumption. We selected six genes [beta‐2‐microglobulin (B2m), cathepsin S (Ctss), cathepsin F (Ctsf), interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (Il1rn), CD14 molecule (Cd14) and interleukin 6 (Il6)] for behavioral validation using null mutant mice. These genes are known to be important for immune responses but were not specifically linked to alcohol consumption by previous research. Null mutant mice were tested for ethanol intake in three tests: 24‐hour two‐bottle choice, limited access two‐bottle choice and limited access to one bottle of ethanol. Ethanol consumption and preference were reduced in all the null mutant mice in the 24‐hour two‐bottle choice test, the test that was the basis for selection of these genes. No major differences were observed in consumption of saccharin or quinine in the null mutant mice. Deletion of B2m, Ctss, Il1rn, Cd14 and Il6 also reduced ethanol consumption in the limited access two bottle choice test for ethanol intake; with the Il1rn and Ctss null mutants showing reduced intake in all three tests (with some variation between males and females). These results provide the most compelling evidence to date that global gene expression analysis can identify novel genetic determinants of complex behavioral traits. Specifically, they suggest a novel role for neuroimmune signaling in regulation of alcohol consumption.
Reversal of cocaine‐conditioned place preference and mesocorticolimbic Zif268 expression by social interaction in rats
Authors: Fritz Michael , El Rawas Rana , Salti Ahmad , Klement Sabine , Bardo Michael T. , Kemmler Georg , Dechant Georg , Saria Alois , Zernig Gerald
Published: February 2011

Little is known how social interaction, if offered as an alternative to drug consumption, affects neural circuits involved in drug reinforcement and substance dependence. Conditioned place preference (CPP) for cocaine (15 mg/kg i.p.) or social interaction (15 minutes) as an alternative stimulus was investigated in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Four social interaction episodes with a male adult conspecific completely reversed cocaine CPP and were even able to prevent reacquisition of cocaine CPP. Social interaction also reversed cocaine CPP‐induced expression of the immediate‐early gene zif268 in the nucleus accumbens shell, the central and basolateral amygdala and the ventral tegmental area. These findings suggest that social interaction, if offered in a context that is clearly distinct from the previously drug‐associated ones, may profoundly decrease the incentive salience of drug‐associated contextual stimuli. The novel experimental design facilitates the neurobiological investigation of this phenomenon which may be beneficial for human drug users in treatment.
Sex and estrous cycle differences in cocaine‐induced approach‐avoidance conflict
Authors: Kerstetter Kerry A. , Su Zu‐In , Ettenberg Aaron , Kippin Tod E.
Published: February 2011

Human and animal research indicates that females may have a higher biological propensity for cocaine abuse than do males. Furthermore, reproductive status modulates the subjective effects of cocaine in women and self‐administration rates in rats. Despite the attention that has been given to the modulation of appetitive responses by reproductive status and the well‐known mixed positive and negative subjective effects of cocaine, it is unknown if similar effects are observed on aversive responses to cocaine. The present study examines the impact of sex and estrous cycle on approach‐avoidance behavior for cocaine as measured in the runway self‐administration model. Male and freely cycling female Sprague Dawley rats were trained to traverse a straight alley for single daily injections of 1.0 mg/kg intravenous cocaine over 21 trials. Relative to males, females had significantly longer start latencies but significantly faster approach and shorter run times during the first week of training. Further, estrus females displayed significantly fewer approach‐avoidance retreats across all sessions relative to non‐estrus females. These results suggest that females initially exhibit greater motivation for cocaine (faster approach) than do males and that the drug's anxiogenic properties have a reduced impact on the motivation to seek cocaine (fewer retreats) in females during the estrus phase relative to other reproductive phases. These findings indicate that both sex and reproductive status contribute to the motivation for cocaine and that sex differences in addiction vulnerability may be attributable in part to differences in the motivational impact of both the appetitive and aversive properties of cocaine.
Impact of cancer on everyday life: a systematic appraisal of the research evidence
Authors: Okamoto Ikumi , Wright David , Foster Claire
Published: February 2011

Objective  To conduct a systematic appraisal of the published literature reviews related to the impact of cancer on everyday life. This theme was identified as the top priority area for research by participants in the Macmillan Listening Study, which was the first UK‐wide public consultation exercise to identify patients’ priorities for cancer research.

Search strategy  The top priority area was divided into ten sub‐themes, and a modified systematic review was undertaken for each sub‐theme using electronic searches.

Inclusion criteria  Literature review papers were included if they were written in English, involved patients diagnosed ≥18 years, any cancer types and published between 2000 and 2006.

Data extraction and synthesis  Two thousand and two hundred and fifty‐two potentially eligible papers were identified. Abstracts were read by the first author and selected for inclusion in the review. Twenty percentages of the papers were also read independently by other authors. Sixty‐two review papers were finally selected.

Main results  The systematic appraisal revealed that some sub‐themes of the patient‐identified priority area (e.g., how to support family members of cancer patients) were under‐researched, while other sub‐themes (e.g., anxiety and depression experienced by cancer patients) had been explored to some extent. Certain areas of research interest to patients were found to have been explored; however, their significance was limited by the quality of the research.

Conclusion  The systematic appraisal highlights important areas for future research and the need for more effective dissemination of study findings to wider audiences, including service users. This study also indicates the need for further research to enhance the generalizability and/or significance of findings.
The role of support groups in facilitating families in coping with a genetic condition and in discussion of genetic risk information
Authors: Plumridge Gillian , Metcalfe Alison , Coad Jane , Gill Paramjit
Published: February 2011

Background  Giving children and young people information about genetic conditions and associated risk has been shown to be important to their identity, coping and decision making. Parents, however, find talking to their children difficult, and support from health professionals is often not available to them.

Objective  To explore the role of support groups in family coping, and in assisting parents’ communication about risk with children in families affected by an inherited genetic condition.

Methods  Semi‐structured interviews analysed using grounded theory and informed by models focusing on aspects of family communication.

Participants  Affected and unaffected children and their parents, from families affected by one of six genetic conditions, that represent different patterns of inheritance, and variations in age of onset, life expectancy and impact on families.

Results  Parents often sought support they did not receive elsewhere from support groups. They identified benefits, but also potential disadvantages to this involvement. These related to the specific condition and also whether groups were run solely by parents or had professional input. Support groups rarely helped directly with family communication, but attendance often stimulated family discussion, and they provided information that improved parents’ confidence in discussing the condition.

Conclusions  Support groups should be seen only as additional to the support offered by health and social care professionals. An increased understanding of the role of support groups in assisting families with genetic conditions has been highlighted, but further work is needed to explore more fully how this may be made more sustainable and far‐reaching.
A framework for the evaluation of patient information leaflets
Authors: Garner Mark , Ning Zhenye , Francis Jill
Published: February 2011

Background  The provision of patient information leaflets (PILs) is an important part of health care. PILs require evaluation, but the frameworks that are used for evaluation are largely under‐informed by theory. Most evaluation to date has been based on indices of readability, yet several writers argue that readability is not enough. We propose a framework for evaluating PILs that reflect the central role of the patient perspective in communication and use methods for evaluation based on simple linguistic principles.

The proposed framework  The framework has three elements that give rise to three approaches to evaluation. Each element is a necessary but not sufficient condition for effective communication. Readability (focussing on text) may be assessed using existing well‐established procedures. Comprehensibility (focussing on reader and text) may be assessed using multiple‐choice questions based on the lexical and semantic features of the text. Communicative effectiveness (focussing on reader) explores the relationship between the emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses of the reader and the objectives of the PIL. Suggested methods for assessment are described, based on our preliminary empirical investigations.

Conclusions  The tripartite model of communicative effectiveness is a patient‐centred framework for evaluating PILs. It may assist the field in moving beyond readability to broader indicators of the quality and appropriateness of printed information provided to patients.
A geographical mosaic of coevolution in a slave‐making host–parasite system
Authors: RUANO F. , DEVERS S. , SANLLORENTE O. , ERRARD C. , TINAUT A. , LENOIR A.
Published: February 2011

Three different isolated populations of the slave‐making ant Rossomyrmex minuchae, sympatric with its obligate host Proformica longiseta, are known from the high mountains of southern Spain. To test the prediction that the slave‐maker and its host represent a coevolutionary geographical mosaic, we studied the variation in the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) as the trait most likely to show the selection mosaic, plus trait remixing by the gene flow in the populations of each species by means of microsatellites. We found within populations, host and parasite had more similar CHC profiles than between the populations or between parasites and allopatric hosts. The differences between the CHC profiles of the host and parasite, which may be responsible for the level of tolerance towards the parasite, varied between the populations suggesting the existence of a selection mosaic of coevolution. Furthermore, P. longiseta showed higher gene flow than R. minuchae, which would allow local variation in the coevolution of the host and parasite while allowing some trait remixing.
Structure‐based design of AIDS drugs and the development of resistance
Authors: Wlodawer Alexander
Published: February 2011

AIDS is a major worldwide epidemic spread primarily through contact with infected blood during sexual activity, drug injection, birth, and, rarely now, blood transfusion. More than a dozen drugs for the treatment of AIDS have been introduced in the last 15 years and the process leading to their development offers an excellent example of the progress made in the field of rational drug design. The principal targets of the approved drugs are reverse transcriptase and protease enzymes encoded by the human immunodeficiency virus. In particular, introduction of protease inhibitors has led to a significant decrease of the mortality and morbidity associated with AIDS. My presentation will discuss methods utilized for the development of selected AIDS drugs, primarily protease inhibitors, and the emergence of drug resistance which is presently the greatest challenge in fighting this disease in developed countries.
Mechanism of action of IVIG in ITP
Authors: Lazarus Alan H.
Published: February 2011

IVIG is prepared from large pools of plasma from healthy donors and the IgG is present predominantly in monomeric form. It was first reported in 1981 by Dr. Paul Imbach that high doses of IVIG promote fast recovery of ITP in children [1]. Despite extensive clinical use in a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory states, the mechanism of action of IVIG remains as yet incompletely understood. Several theories have been proposed to explain how administration of IVIG to individuals with ITP increases the platelet count. Following is an overview of some of the major theories.
Breathlessness and Blood: A Combustible Combination
Authors: Popovsky Mark A.
Published: February 2011

Pulmonary complications are increasingly recognized as serious hazards of transfusion. The evidence suggests that transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) are underrecognized. Both present with dyspnea but other signs and symptoms assist in determining the proper diagnosis. Males and females are equally affected. Morbidity is significant with both complications and in the case of TRALI, the mortality is in the range of 6‐10%. Although the clinical descriptions of both entities are well established, the clinical profile of the at‐risk population for both TRALI and TACO is not well understood. Because early intervention can reduce morbidity, it is important that clinicians recognize these disorders and apply appropriate treatment.
Correlation of cytological and biochemical parameters with resistance and tolerance to Mycosphaerella graminicola in wheat
Authors: El Chartouni L. , Randoux B. , Duyme F. , Renard‐Merlier D. , Tisserant B. , Bourdon N. , Pillon V. , Sanssené J. , Durand R. , Reignault Ph. , Halama P.
Published: February 2011

This study investigated the infection process of Mycosphaerella graminicola and enzyme activities related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) or oxylipin biosynthesis in four French wheat cultivars with variable resistance to M. graminicola infection. At field level, cultivars Caphorn, Maxyl and Gen11 were susceptible, whereas Capnor showed high levels of quantitative resistance. Moreover, Capnor and Gen11 were tolerant, i.e., their yield was less affected by infection compared to non‐tolerant Maxyl and Caphorn. These four cultivars were inoculated under laboratory conditions with the M. graminicola IPO323 reference strain. Cytological and biochemical responses were studied on collected first plantlet leaves and several features discriminated between cultivars. However, resistance and tolerance had no impact on the fungal infection process. Levels of lipoxygenase (LOX), peroxidase (PO) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activities were also compared with regard to cultivar resistance or tolerance to M. graminicola. LOX, PO and GST activities did not discriminate resistance and tolerance profiles, although a low level of PO in inoculated and non‐inoculated plants could be associated with tolerance. In addition, cell necrosis correlated positively with LOX in non‐tolerant cultivars, while mycelia surrounding stomata were positively correlated with PO in the resistant cultivar. GST activity presented correlations between cytological and biochemical parameters only for susceptible cultivars. Stomatal and direct penetration were positively correlated with GST activity in the susceptible non‐tolerant cultivars, while these correlations were negative in the tolerant cultivar. When combining cytological and biochemical observations with resistance and tolerance profiles, for each cultivar and at each time point, cultivars could be classified in tight accordance with their previous field characterisation. Moreover, tolerance allowed us to distinguish susceptible cultivars when both biochemical and cytological parameters were considered together.
New Zealand surveillance of neonatal vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB): 1998–2008
Authors: Darlow Brian A , Phillips Amanda A , Dickson Nigel P
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To undertake surveillance of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) from 1998, through the transition to a new single licensed vitamin K preparation in 2001, to 2008.

Methods:  VKDB was listed with other rare conditions on the card sent monthly to registered specialist paediatricians by the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit with a request to indicate whether or not a case had been seen in the previous month. Those notifying a case were sent a two‐page questionnaire. The main outcome measures were incidence of VKDB of early (first day of life), classic (days 2–7) and late‐onset (day 8 to 6 months) type; related morbidity and mortality; receipt of vitamin K; and predisposing factors.

Results:  Response rate of return of surveillance cards was high, averaging 94.5%. There were 35 notifications of which 23 were valid cases. Seventeen cases met criteria for confirmed VKDB, two for ‘probable’ and four for ‘possible’. There were eight confirmed classic cases with an overall incidence of 1.24 (95% confidence interval 0.54–2.45) per 100 000 births; none had received vitamin K prophylaxis, seven were fully breastfed and all fully recovered. There were nine confirmed late‐onset cases with an overall incidence of 1.40 (95% confidence interval 0.64–2.65) per 100 000 births; eight had received no vitamin K, eight were fully breastfed, six had liver disease, four suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and one died.

Conclusions:  In New Zealand, VKDB is virtually confined to fully breastfed infants not given vitamin K at birth. Late‐onset cases were frequently associated with liver disease.
Mental and motor development and psychosocial adjustment of Chinese children with phenylketonuria
Authors: Wu Wei , Sheng Diying , Shao Jie , Zhao Zhengyan
Published: February 2011

Aim:  This study was designed to evaluate mental and motor development, psychosocial adjustment (temperament and behavioural problems) in children with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Methods:  Twenty‐eight Chinese children aged from three to 36 months with early‐treated PKU were evaluated by Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS‐II), Toddler Temperament Questionnaire (TTQ) and Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The related factors, including blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels, and the socio‐economic status (SES) of the children's family were also explored.

Results:  In comparison with healthy control, early‐treated PKU children showed no delay in the mental and motor development. However, they presented higher levels on four of the nine temperamental dimensions (higher level in activity, more intense in reaction, more negative mood and more distraction). They also had more behavioural problems in depression, aggression and destructibility. A lower Phe level and a higher SES of children's family showed a positive effect on development index, temperamental characteristics and behavioural problems.

Conclusion:  Early‐treated PKU children were normal in the mental and motor development. However, they presented higher level on four of the nine temperamental dimensions and had more behavioural problems. Paediatric control combined with psycho‐counselling was suggested for young PKU children.
Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccine among the urban, affluent and educated parents of young girls residing in Kolkata, Eastern India
Authors: Basu Partha , Mittal Srabani
Published: February 2011

Aim:  The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescent girls and young women; however, the social structure in India will not permit vaccination of this age‐group without parental approval. Our study aimed to explore the attitude of affluent, urban Indian parents towards the HPV vaccine.

Methods:  Well‐to‐do married couples with at least one daughter between 9–26 years of age were interviewed using a questionnaire in two parts. The first part was to assess their attitude to vaccination in general and their knowledge of cervical cancer; the second part was to assess their acceptance of the HPV vaccine. An educational fact sheet about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine was administered in between the two parts.

Results:  Of the 522 participants, 27% of men and 24% of women agreed to vaccinate their daughters against a cancer initially. After going through the fact sheet, 74% of both men and women were in favor of vaccination.

Conclusions:  The HPV vaccine seems to be well accepted among this subgroup of population if appropriately educated.
Increased arterial stiffness in mildly‐hypertensive women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sasaki Aiko , Emi Yayoi , Matsuda Miwa , Sharula  , Kamada Yasuhiko , Chekir Chebib , Hiramatsu Yuji , Nakatsuka Mikiya
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Although risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, are commonly observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), impairment of vascular function is still controversial. We evaluated the vascular function in young women with PCOS.

Methods:  We evaluated arterial stiffness in 54 women with PCOS and 24 healthy control women using a volume‐plethysmographic apparatus equipped with a multi‐element applanation tonometry sensor for the left common carotid artery and studied the correlations of various factors.

Results:  There was no significant difference in age or body mass index between the controls and the women with PCOS. These women with PCOS had a significantly higher serum testosterone and C‐reactive protein levels and showed insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The mean blood pressure in women with PCOS was within the normal range, but still significantly higher than those in the controls. Women with PCOS had a significantly higher brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) than that for the controls (P < 0.02), whereas there was no significant difference in the carotid augmentation index between the two groups. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that blood pressure influences the baPWV in women with PCOS. Arterial stiffness evaluated using the baPWV in mildly‐hypertensive women (systolic blood pressure ≥120 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) with PCOS was significantly higher than that in the controls or normotensive women with PCOS.

Conclusions:  Early changes in vascular function were detected in mildly‐hypertensive women with PCOS. Lifestyle interventions to prevent hypertension, such as diet and exercise, should be the first‐line of treatment in women with PCOS.
Transcription of fdh and hyd in Syntrophobacter spp. and Methanospirillum spp. as a diagnostic tool for monitoring anaerobic sludge deprived of molybdenum, tungsten and selenium
Authors: Worm Petra , Fermoso Fernando G. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Lens Piet N. L. , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: February 2011

Formate dehydrogenases and hydrogenases contain molybdenum or tungsten and/or selenium. These enzymes are crucial for interspecies formate and hydrogen transfer between propionate degrading Syntrophobacter spp. and methanogenic Methanospirillum spp. Here we used reverse transcription of total RNA followed by quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) with specific primers to get insight into interspecies formate and hydrogen transfer. Transcriptional regulation of formate dehydrogenases and hydrogenases in Syntrophobacter and Methanospirillum spp. in a propionate‐fed up‐flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor was examined. In both microorganisms formate dehydrogenase and hydrogenase coding genes (fdh and hyd respectively) were transcribed simultaneously. During 249 days in which molybdenum, tungsten and selenium were not supplied to the reactor feed, the microbial activity and transcription of fdh and hyd in Syntrophobacter spp. decreased. Transcription of fdh and hyd in Methanospirillum spp. did not decrease, but transcription of fdh increased when after 249 days molybdenum, tungsten and selenium were supplied to the reactor feed. The developed RT‐qPCR is a technique that can give rapid information about active processes in methanogenic granular sludge and may contribute to predict metal limitation and failure in UASB reactors.
Histological study of the spermatheca in three thelytokous parthenogenetic ant species, Pristomyrmex punctatus, Pyramica membranifera and Monomorium triviale (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Gotoh Ayako , Billen Johan , Tsuji Kazuki , Sasaki Tomonori , Ito Fuminori
Published: February 2011

Gotoh, A., Billen, J., Tsuji, K., Sasaki, T. and Ito, F. 2011. Histological study of the spermatheca in three thelytokous parthenogenetic ant species, Pristomyrmex punctatus, Pyramica membranifera and Monomorium triviale (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00:1–8.

The evolution of obligate parthenogenesis may induce the degeneration of female mating ability and subsequently affect the morphology of the female reproductive organs related to mating and/or sperm storage. Here, we investigated the size and structure of the sperm storage organ, the spermatheca, in three thelytokous parthenogenetic myrmicine ant species, Pristomyrmex punctatus, Pyramica membranifera and Monomorium triviale, and compared it with that of their related sexually reproducing species. So far, mated individuals have never been found in these three species, which appears to be in line with their parthenogenetic status. Although the spermatheca appears to be useless in these species, we could not find any evidence on the degeneration in size and morphology of their spermathecae. The spermathecal reservoir still has the columnar hilar epithelium, which is one of the major features for a functional spermatheca in ants.
The liposome‐incorporating cell wall skeleton of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guéin can directly enhance the susceptibility of cancer cells to lymphokine‐activated killer cells through up‐regulation of natural‐killer group 2, member D ligands
Authors: Miyazaki Jun , Kawai Koji , Kojima Takahiro , Oikawa Takehiro , Joraku Akira , Shimazui Toru , Nakaya Akihiro , Yano Ikuya , Nakamura Takashi , Harashima Hideyoshi , Akaza Hideyuki
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

• To conduct a preclinical evaluation of the ability of natural killer cells to cytolyze bladder cancer cells that were modified to show enhanced expression of natural‐killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligands by R8‐liposome‐bacillus Calmette‐Guéin (BCG)‐cell wall skeleton (CWS) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• The T24 cells and RT‐112 cells were co‐cultured with R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS and BCG for 2, 4, or 6 h, and then the surface expression of NKG2D ligands was analyzed using TaqMan real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR.

• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained with a conventional preparation kit, and then lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells were generated from these purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells via interleukin‐2 stimulation.

• The anti‐tumour effect of LAK cells against untreated and R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS co‐cultured with cells of the human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and RT‐112 was analyzed using the cytotoxic WST‐8 assay method at 4 h of culture at various effector/target (E : T) ratios.

RESULTS

• Major histocompatibility complex class I‐related chain B (MICB) expression was increased ≈1.5‐fold on T24 cells and RT‐112 cells with BCG.

• UL‐16‐binding protein (ULBP) 1 expression was also increased ≈1.5‐fold on T24 cells and RT‐112 cells with BCG. R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS increased the surface expression of MICB 2.2‐fold on T24 cells but did not increase it significantly on RT‐112 cells.

• ULBP1 expression was increased ≈2.2‐fold on RT‐112 cells, although no differences were observed between the expression of ULBP2 and 3 with R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS.

• T24 cells that were co‐cultured with R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS showed an ≈1.3‐fold increase in sensitivity to cytolysis by LAK cells at an E : T ratio of 4 and RT‐112 cells showed an ≈1.4‐fold increase at an E : T ratio of 2.

CONCLUSIONS

• In the present study, the induction of surface NKG2D ligands by R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS rendered cancer cells more susceptible to cytolysis by LAK cells.

• T24 cells and RT‐112 cells, even when cultured singly in the absence of immune cells, can directly respond to R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS.

• The results obtained in the present study may therefore indicate a novel adoptive immunotherapy against bladder cancers.
Increasing the energy density of vegetative tissues by diverting carbon from starch to oil biosynthesis in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Sanjaya  , Durrett Timothy P. , Weise Sean E. , Benning Christoph
Published: February 2011

Increasing the energy density of biomass by engineering the accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in vegetative tissues is synergistic with efforts to produce biofuels by conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. Typically, TAG accumulates in developing seeds, and little is known about the regulatory mechanisms and control factors preventing oil biosynthesis in vegetative tissues in most plants. Here, we engineered Arabidopsis thaliana to ectopically overproduce the transcription factor WRINKLED1 (WRI1) involved in the regulation of seed oil biosynthesis. Furthermore, we reduced the expression of APS1 encoding a major catalytic isoform of the small subunit of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase involved in starch biosynthesis using an RNAi approach. The resulting AGPRNAi‐WRI1 lines accumulated less starch and more hexoses. In addition, these lines produced 5.8‐fold more oil in vegetative tissues than plants with WRI1 or AGPRNAi alone. Abundant oil droplets were visible in vegetative tissues. TAG molecular species contained long‐chain fatty acids, similar to those found in seed oils. In AGPRNAi‐WRI1 lines, the relative expression level of sucrose synthase 2 was considerably elevated and correlated with the level of sugars. The relative expression of the genes encoding plastidic proteins involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis, biotin carboxyl carrier protein isoform 2 and acyl carrier protein 1, was also elevated. The relative contribution of TAG compared to starch to the overall energy density increased 9.5‐fold in one AGPRNAi‐WRI1 transgenic line consistent with altered carbon partitioning from starch to oil.
Communitition: The Tension between Competition and Collaboration in Community‐Based Design Contests
Authors: Hutter Katja , Hautz Julia , Füller Johann , Mueller Julia , Matzler Kurt
Published: February 2011

Following the concepts of crowdsourcing, co‐creation or open innovation, companies are increasingly using contests to foster the generation of creative solutions. Currently, online idea and design contests are enjoying a resurgence through the usage of new information and communication technologies. These virtual platforms allow users both to competitively disclose their creative ideas to corporations and also to interact and collaborate with like‐minded peers, communicating, discussing and sharing their insights and experiences, building social networks and establishing a sense of community. Little research has considered that contest communities both promote and benefit from simultaneous co‐operation and competition and that both types of relationships need to be emphasized at the same time. In this article, it is argued that the firm‐level concept of co‐opetition might also be relevant for an innovation's success on the individual level within contest communities. Our concept of ‘communitition’ should include the elements of competitive participation without disabling the climate for co‐operation, as numerous user discussions and comments improve the quality of submitted ideas and allow the future potential of an idea to shine through the so‐called ‘wisdom of the crowd’.
Disagreement and Opposition in Social Networks: Does Disagreement Discourage Turnout?
Authors: Nir Lilach
Published: February 2011

Scholars studying the effects of political disagreement on participation have advanced competing propositions and mixed evidence to bear on whether disagreement in discussion networks either mobilizes or demobilizes voters. This article proposes that the seeming contradiction is due to different conceptual definitions of disagreement. Briefly, researchers have implicitly defined and measured disagreement in the respondents' political discussion network as either: (a) competition between points of view; or (b) opposition to a person's view. This article clarifies a distinction between two forms of disagreement, integrates past insights on its effects on turnout and tests the hypothesized effects of network composition on voting, in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Results demonstrate the differential effects of supportive, mixed and oppositional discussion networks on the likelihood of participation. Implications for future research are discussed in conclusion.
Facing the Voters: The Potential Impact of Ballot Paper Photographs in British Elections
Authors: Johns Robert , Shephard Mark
Published: February 2011

A growing body of literature has found that photographs of politicians can influence electoral preferences. In this article we assess whether candidates rating higher on electoral attractiveness perform better in a series of hypothetical elections, and whether their advantage is magnified when their appearance is printed not only on campaign materials but also on ballot papers. We find that candidate appearance only had a significant impact on vote choice when photographs were printed on ballot papers, and even then there was an impact on only some of the elections, notably those pitting male against female candidates. Photographs had most impact on the choices of those least interested in politics and least likely to vote, and magnified a tendency (among voters of all ages) to favour younger candidates and to penalise older candidates. Findings suggest that the addition of photographs to ballot papers could affect the outcomes of marginal British constituency races.
THE CREATIVE CLASS, SOCIAL CAPITAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN JAPAN
Authors: Westlund Hans , Calidoni Federica
Published: February 2011

Do the social and cultural environments have any impact on regional development, expressed in terms of e.g. entrepreneurship, innovations and growth of new industries? In the current literature, two partly contradicting hypotheses can be discerned: 1. Florida's hypothesis, saying that a heterogeneous civil society with diverse values combined with tolerance is influencing regional growth in a positive way, and 2. Putnam's hypothesis, saying that a homogenous civil society with common norms and values and trust between its citizens is having a positive impact on regional development. This paper studies the validity of these two hypotheses on the current regional development in Japan. The analysis does not give any significant support to any of the hypotheses. A number of reasons for this lack of support for the hypotheses are discussed.
Cytokines and memory across the mature life span of women
Authors: LEKANDER MATS , Von ESSEN JAN , SCHULTZBERG MARIANNE , ANDREASSON ANNA NIXON , GARLIND ANITA , HANSSON LARS‐OLOF , NILSSON LARS‐GÖRAN
Published: February 2011

Lekander, M., von Essen, J., Schultzberg, M., Andreasson, A. N., Garlind, A., Hansson, L.‐O. & Nilsson, L.‐G. (2011). Cytokines and memory across the mature life span of women. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology52, 229–235.

Increasing evidence suggests a role of the immune system in modulation of cognition, but details on affected memory systems are largely lacking. We therefore aimed to study the relation between selected cytokines and subsets of memory, and the impact of age in these relations. From a random population‐based sample (the Betula Prospective Cohort Study), 298 women (age 45–90) were studied in terms of episodic recall and recognition, semantic fluency and knowledge, and prospective memory. Circulating cytokines of relevance for cognition and aging were measured with ELISA. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐6 and sIL‐2R were significantly and negatively associated with most cognitive variables, while the opposite was true for IL‐1β. Age shared substantial variance with both cytokines and memory, and turned most correlations non‐significant when controlled for together with education, BMI and presence of disease. Interactions between age and cytokines were further analyzed in multiple regressions. For IL‐6, significant negative interactions with age were found for semantic fluency (p < 0.05) and prospective memory (p < 0.01), and for sIL‐2R in predicting semantic knowledge (p < 0.05), indicating an increased negative impact of these cytokines on memory with increasing age. In conclusion, the study indicates a relation between cytokines and memory that appears to be largely mediated by age, and supports the suggestion that cytokine dysregulation with higher age may interact with cognitive aging.
Toward a General Theory of Strategic Action Fields
Authors: Fligstein Neil , McAdam Doug
Published: February 2011

In recent years there has been an outpouring of work at the intersection of social movement studies and organizational theory. While we are generally in sympathy with this work, we think it implies a far more radical rethinking of structure and agency in modern society than has been realized to date. In this article, we offer a brief sketch of a general theory of strategic action fields (SAFs). We begin with a discussion of the main elements of the theory, describe the broader environment in which any SAF is embedded, consider the dynamics of stability and change in SAFs, and end with a respectful critique of other contemporary perspectives on social structure and agency.
Multiple Levels of Analysis and the Limitations of Methodological Individualisms
Authors: Jepperson Ronald , Meyer John W.
Published: February 2011

This article discusses relations among the multiple levels of analysis present in macro-sociological explanation—i.e., relations of individual, structural, and institutional processes. It also criticizes the doctrinal insistence upon single-level individualistic explanation found in some prominent contemporary sociological theory. For illustrative material the article returns to intellectual uses of Weber's “Protestant Ethic thesis,” showing how an artificial version has been employed as a kind of proof text for the alleged scientific necessity of individualist explanation. Our alternative exposition renders the discussion of Protestantism and capitalism in an explicitly multilevel way, distinguishing possible individual-level, social-organizational, and institutional linkages. The causal processes involved are distinct ones, with the more structural and institutional forms neither captured nor attainable by individual-level thinking. We argue more generally that “methodological individualisms” confuse issues of explanation with issues about microfoundations. This persistent intellectual conflation may be rooted in the broader folk models of liberal individualism.
Outsourcing and the US Labour Market
Authors: Ahmed Syud Amer , Hertel Thomas W. , Walmsley Terrie L.
Published: February 2011

There is worldwide concern about the vulnerability of the current labour force to displacement by future imported services. In the USA, some have suggested that as much as one‐third of the workforce might be vulnerable to such outsourcing. However, the labour market impacts of this displacement are difficult to assess using purely analytical or statistical approaches. In this paper, simulation methods are used to understand how sensitive the US economy and labour market are to increases in services imports. Specifically, the scenario examined assumes that the share of imported services in total employment increases from 0.8 per cent to 7.25 per cent over a time horizon in which workers are unable to change occupations. In response, it is found that all industries increase their use of imported services and their use of the composite input that is comprised of imported services and tradable labour. With the exception of legal workers, all workers in tradable occupations experience declines in their real wages. Demand for non‐tradable occupations labour rises in the industries that expand the most, while demand falls in shrinking industries. The non‐tradable occupations that are used intensively in the shrinking industries experience declines in real wages, while the real wages rise for workers in non‐tradable occupations used intensively in the expanding industries.
Rebalancing IMF Quotas
Authors: Bénassy‐Quéré Agnès , Béreau Sophie
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we address the issue of IMF quota calculation in several directions. We first discuss the relevance of various specifications regarding the choice of variables, the way to measure them and the potential functional forms. Then, relying on long‐run projections for GDP, trade and foreign direct investment, we compare the ‘old’ system of formulas to the new one adopted in 2008 at different time horizons until 2030. Two major results emerge from our analysis. First, a single chair for the Eurozone can free 2–3 percentage points of quota shares, but this amount fades over time because intra‐Eurozone trade is relatively less dynamic than world trade. Second, introducing population in quota formulas would be the most transparent and efficient way of significantly raising the quota shares for less developed countries.
English in French print advertising from 1999 to 2007
Authors: RUELLOT VIVIANE
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT: This study supplements previous research on the use of English in French print advertising with a diachronic and quantitative analysis of its evolution over an eight‐year period. Despite France's long tradition of linguistic protectionism, language laws aimed at restricting the use of English have shaped the language of advertising in France, resulting into greater bilingual creativity. The evolution of the use of English as an attention‐getter and as an incentive to purchase commercial products in France is examined from a socio‐linguistic perspective. Results indicate an increase in the previously documented association of English with positive concepts such as technological advance, reliability, business efficiency, and sophistication. There is also evidence that advertisers using English in their ads no longer primarily resort to North American landscapes to convey an impression of exoticism, but to a variety of other global images, suggesting that one growing function of English in French print advertising is that of a purely linguistic tool of communication (i.e. a lingua franca) favoring cultural and business exchanges in a linguistically diverse global world.
THE COUPLING AND DECOUPLING OF BUSINESS CYCLES IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: SCANDINAVIAN EVIDENCE FROM THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY*
Authors: SIKLOS PIERRE L.
Published: February 2011

Annual data for Norway, Sweden, the UK and the USA are investigated. What drive business cycle movements is influenced by the availability of a range of macroeconomic time series. The relationship between output movements in Norway, Sweden, the UK and the USA is non‐linear. Large shocks, such as the Great Depression or global conflicts, do get transmitted and there is seemingly little that a chosen monetary policy regime can do to prevent such an outcome. Finally, 19th and 20th century business cycles are different likely due to the introduction of counter‐cyclical policies in all of the countries in our sample.