bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cirencester, 1969–1972: Ninth Interim Report
Authors: McWhirr Alan D.
Published: November 2011

The 1969–72 excavations have concentrated on two main areas to be affected by the proposed relief road around Cirencester. In insula XII two houses, apparently constructed in the second half of the third century A.D., have been uncovered and planned. A total of twelve mosaics were found in varying states of preservation. Building XII, I was rectangular with a bath suite to the west, whilst the latest phase of XII, 2 resembled the plan of a winged corridor villa. From this building came evidence of iron working. Both buildings continued to be used in the fourth century and there is slight structural evidence suggesting fifth century occupation.

To the west of Cirencester excavation of a late Roman cemetery has produced 268 burials, not all of which were complete, and a small number of associated finds. All but one were inhumations and two were in stone coffins. The skeletons have been studied by Dr. C. Wells and a short report on his work is included. Work has also been carried out on a road leading towards the amphitheatre. To the north of this road was a boundary(?) wall. Other excavated sites are mentioned in this report. Several interesting pieces of Roman sculpture were found.

Two appendices are included which discuss the mosaics and inscriptions found during the period under review.
The Late Twelfth-Century Rebuilding at Dundrennan Abbey
Authors: Fergusson Peter
Published: November 2011

A study of the surviving remains of the Cistercian abbey church of Dundrennan, Kirkcudbright, reveals that the monks undertook a massive remodelling of the eastern portions in the late twelfth century. It was largely confined to the east walls of the transepts, the transept chapels, and the crossing, and was intended to give greater height and space by the addition of a third storey. The inspiration for the new ideas was evidently derived from Cistercian houses in the north of England such as Kirkstead, Roche and Byland.
Metallic black slip vases from Central Gaul with applied and moulded decoration
Authors: Simpson Grace
Published: November 2011

Thirty-two fragments of this rare variety of Roman provincial pottery are illustrated in this paper. In England they are distributed from Southampton and Cirencester to York, London, and Colchester. On the Continent a cup was found at Rottweil (no. 14), and Déchelette recorded numerous examples found in France, in particular at Lezoux in Central Gaul.
A medieval pottery kiln in Exeter
Authors: Fox Aileen , Dunning G. C.
Published: November 2011

This kiln was first discovered in 1931 when Messrs. Hughes erected the Bedford Garage on the site of the former Blue-Coat School (St. John's Hospital) in the upper part of the city. The architect, the late Mr. Harbottle Read, was interested in the structure and arranged that it should be preserved in a pit, 4 ft. 6 in. square, beneath the new concrete floor and covered by heavy iron covers. In this way it survived the bombing of Exeter in 1942 when the garage and much else in the area was destroyed. In 1955 when Messrs. Hughes's rebuilding was due to start, the city surveyor, Mr. J. Brierley, invited me to make a record of the kiln before it was finally removed.
The Topography of Altars, Chantries and Shrines in York Minster
Authors: Gee Eric
Published: November 2011

York cathedral shows virtually no signs of the existence of chantry chapels or shrines, although there is documentary evidence for as many as sixty altars, dedicated to a bewildering variety of saints and often serving as multiple chantries. There are the remains of a shrine of St. William and possibly also of shrines at the tombs of Archbishops Richard le Scrope and Henry Bowet, but there are no stone chantry chapels like those found at St. Albar's Abbey or Winchester Cathedral, while any wooden parclose screens have long since vanished. This paper is an attempt, based on documentary and physical evidence, to show the location of altars within the cathedral church. Many of these altars were originally founded in the great Romanesque choir which was rebuilt after 1360, and they were suspended in 1364 until repositioned in the new building.
The Kelmscott Manor Volume of Italian Writing-Books
Authors: Osley A. S.
Published: November 2011

William Morris owned a volume, bound in red morocco and now preserved at Kelmscott Manor, which contains copies of four early printed Italian writing-manuals of the sixteenth century, i.e. La Operina and Il modo de temperare le Penne by Vicentino (Arrighi), Lo presente libro by G. A. Tagliente, and Thesauro de Scrittori by Ugo da Carpi. The article depicts the technical and social environment in which Italian writing-manuals originated, traces the complex printing history of the works mentioned above, and identifies the editions and dates to which they belong. It then shows how the ‘Kelmscott volume’ influenced the contributions of Morris, Emery Walker, Edward Johnston and, more recently, Alfred Fairbank in the fields of manuscript copying, type-design and italic handwriting.
A Sword of the Viking Period from the River Witham
Authors: Maryon Herbert
Published: November 2011

A Little more than a century ago, in October 1848, an inscribed iron sword of the tenth century (pl. xxi a) was presented to the British Museum by J. Hayward, Esquire, of Beaumont Manor, Lincoln. The sword was stated to have been found during the widening of the river Witham opposite Monks Abbey, Lincoln.
Thomas de Houghton: A Royal Carpenter of the Later Thirteenth Century
Authors: Taylor A. J.
Published: November 2011

Much attention has been paid in recent years to the careers and conditions of service of some of the foremost English royal masons of the later medieval period. The craftsmen in wood, however, are on the whole less well known, partly, perhaps, because their medium is less durable than the mason's and therefore relatively fewer outstanding examples of their work have survived to witness to their skill. Carpenters of the capacity of Hugh Herland and timber work of the scale and quality of Westminster Hall roof are exceptions that prove the rule. There is, however, no lack of documentary evidence, the great bulk of it still unpublished, for the activities of many royal carpenters in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. But the details are scattered in works accounts and wardrobe books, Liberate and Memoranda rolls, and until these prolific sources are searched systematically for the almost limitless information they contain, the foundation for any authoritative general work on medieval English building craftsmen will scarcely have been laid. Such a search has yet to be undertaken. Meanwhile, the purpose of the present note is to illustrate the general problem and the nature of some of the available sources by collating facts about a single craftsman that have come to light more or less accidentally in the course of research directed to another objective.
Transitional Justice and Protracted Accountability in Re-democratised Uruguay, 1985–2011
Authors: RONIGER LUIS
Published: November 2011

This article analyses the protracted process by which democratised Uruguay has come to terms with its legacy of human rights violations. Central to this process has been the nature of Uruguayan transitional policies and their more recent partial unravelling. Due to the negotiated transition to electoral democracy, civilian political elites approached the transitional dilemma of balancing normative expectations and political contingency by promulgating legal immunity, for years avoiding initiatives to pursue trials or launch an official truth commission, unlike neighbouring Argentina. A constellation of national and transnational factors (including recurrent initiatives by social and political forces) eventually opened up new institutional ground for belated truth-telling and accountability for some historical wrongs – and yet, attempts to challenge the blanket legal impunity failed twice through popular consultation and in a recent parliamentary vote. Each time, the government officially projected a narrative that sacralised national consensus and reconciliation, now enshrined in two sovereign popular votes, and the adoption of a forward-looking democratic perspective.
Press Representation of Social Movements: Brazilian Resistance to the Candonga Hydroelectric Dam
Authors: DA SILVA PATRÍCIA PEREIRA , ROTHMAN FRANKLIN DANIEL
Published: November 2011

This article analyses how the Brazilian Movimento dos Atingidos por Barragens (Movement of Dam-Affected People, MAB) has been represented in the press, in the context of networks of resistance to large hydroelectric dams in Latin America. We analyse how the press deploys linguistic-discursive resources in producing and constructing meaning and focus in its presentation of news about anti-dam protests. The study analyses print media reporting on anti-dam protests in Minas Gerais between 1998 and 2005, and shows how, at different moments and in different political contexts, representations of social protest have changed and newspaper reports have either ignored, criminalised or provided visibility to MAB in this region.
Partial fin-clipping as an effective tool for tissue sampling seahorses, Hippocampus spp.
Authors: Woodall Lucy C. , Jones Rachel , Zimmerman Brian , Guillaume Samantha , Stubbington Teague , Shaw Paul , Koldewey Heather J.
Published: November 2011

Partial fin-clipping is a non-lethal sampling technique commonly used to sample tissue for molecular genetic studies of fish. The effect of this technique was tested on seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) as they have several peculiar biological characteristics when compared with other fish and are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Partial fin-clipping of the seahorse dorsal fin was evaluated on Hippocampus kuda. The fish were assessed for short-term effects (fin re-growth time) as well as the longer term effects (growth and mortality) of partial fin clipping over a four month period. Total fin re-growth occurred between 2 and 4 weeks with no significant difference observed in the fin re-growth time between sexes. There was no significant difference between the mortality rate/growth rate of clipped versus unclipped seahorses. Results indicate partial fin-clipping has no significant effect on seahorses, and should be considered as a useful method for tissue sampling.
The influence of maternal protein nutrition on offspring development and metabolism: the role of glucocorticoids
Authors: Almond K. , Bikker P. , Lomax M. , Symonds M. E. , Mostyn A.
Published: November 2011

The consequences of sub-optimal nutrition through alterations in the macronutrient content of the maternal diet will not simply be reflected in altered neonatal body composition and increased mortality, but are likely to continue into adulthood and confer greater risk of metabolic disease. One mechanism linking manipulations of the maternal environment to an increased risk of later disease is enhanced fetal exposure to glucocorticoids (GC). Tissue sensitivity to cortisol is regulated, in part, by the GC receptor and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) types 1 and 2. Several studies have shown the effects of maternal undernutrition, particularly low-protein diets, on the programming of GC action in the offspring; however, dietary excess is far more characteristic of the diets consumed by contemporary pregnant women. This study investigated the programming effects of moderate protein supplementation in pigs throughout pregnancy. We have demonstrated an up-regulation of genes involved in GC sensitivity, such as GC receptor and 11β-HSD, in the liver, but have yet to detect any other significant changes in these piglets, with no differences observed in body weight or composition. This increase in GC sensitivity was similar to the programming effects observed following maternal protein restriction or global undernutrition during pregnancy.
Introduction: The 11th International Circumpolar Remote Sensing Symposium
Authors: Rees Gareth
Published: November 2011

The 11th International Circumpolar Remote Sensing Symposium (ICRSS) was held at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge from 20 to 24 September 2010. The ICRSS series began in Yellowknife in 1990 and has been held biennially since then. The 2010 meeting was the sixth time it had been held in Europe and the second time in the UK, but the first time in Cambridge. 35 people attended the meeting, from 11 countries, and over 20 oral presentations were made in addition to a well-attended poster session. The majority of the oral presentations have been developed into papers and appear in this issue of Polar Record, having been subjected to the normal peer review and editorial process, and they give a fair idea of the range of topics covered at this lively meeting. Sessions at the symposium were organised around the themes of cross-platform observations, ice and snow, topography, vegetation and observations of animals. The last theme produced three fascinating presentations on the monitoring of penguins, seals and fish from spaceborne and airborne platforms. The papers in this issue address two broad areas: terrestrial ice and snow, and high-latitude vegetation (sea ice, and polar zoology, were also represented at the meeting). All of them deal to a greater or lesser extent with technological innovation in assessing, mapping and monitoring these aspects of the polar regions, and several of them focus strongly on the development of new methods, or the assessment of newly available datasets. This issue of Polar Record thus provides a limited snapshot of the ‘state of the art’ in remote sensing of polar regions. It is the result of sustained effort by the authors of the papers, and the team of anonymous reviewers. I am glad here to record my gratitude to all of them, and to the helpers at the symposium, particularly Katya Shipigina, Allen Pope and Claire Lampitt.
Predictors and mediators of differences in soft drinks consumption according to gender and plans of further education among Norwegian secondary-school children
Authors: Hilsen Marit , te Velde Saskia J , Bere Elling , Brug Johannes
Published: November 2011

Objective

To explore mediators of gender and educational differences in sugar-sweetened soft drinks consumption (SDC) and whether gender and level of future education moderate the associations of accessibility, modelling, attitudes and preferences with SDC.

Design

A cross-sectional school-based survey within the Fruits and Vegetables Makes the Marks (FVMM) project from 2005.

Setting

The questionnaires were completed by the pupils in the classroom guided by a trained project worker during one class session. The questionnaire included questions on SDC (times/week), the potential mediators and moderators. Multilevel linear regression models were used to calculate the mediating and moderating effects.

Subjects

A total of 2870 children in 9th and 10th grade (mean age 15·5 years) at thirty-three Norwegian secondary schools were included in the present study.

Results

Girls (B = −1·06) and pupils planning higher education (B = −0·69) reported lower frequency of SDC. The strongest mediators were accessibility and modelling for future educational plans differences (explaining alone respectively 69 % and 44 %) and attitudes and preferences for gender differences (explaining alone respectively 57 % and 51 %). Significant but small moderating effects were found, and all associations between the mediators and SDC were in the same direction for both genders and for those with and without plans of higher future education.

Conclusions

Preferences and modelling may contribute to gender and educational differences in SDC. The small moderating effects indicate that interventions aiming to reduce SDC can target the same mediators for boys and girls and children planning different levels of future education.
Assessment of evaluations made to healthy eating policies in Europe: a review within the EATWELL Project
Authors: Pérez-Cueto Federico JA , Aschemann-Witzel Jessica , Shankar Bhavani , Brambila-Macias José , Bech-Larsen Tino , Mazzocchi Mario , Capacci Sara , Saba Anna , Turrini Aida , Niedzwiedzka Barbara , Piorecka Beata , Kozioł-Kozakowska Agniezska , Wills Josephine , Traill W Bruce , Verbeke Wim
Published: November 2011

Objective

To identify and assess healthy eating policies at national level which have been evaluated in terms of their impact on awareness of healthy eating, food consumption, health outcome or cost/benefit.

Design

Review of policy documents and their evaluations when available.

Setting

European Member States.

Subjects

One hundred and twenty-one policy documents revised, 107 retained.

Results

Of the 107 selected interventions, twenty-two had been evaluated for their impact on awareness or knowledge and twenty-seven for their impact on consumption. Furthermore sixteen interventions provided an evaluation of health impact, while three actions specifically measured any cost/benefit ratio. The indicators used in these evaluations were in most cases not comparable. Evaluation was more often found for public information campaigns, regulation of meals at schools/canteens and nutrition education programmes.

Conclusions

The study highlights the need not only to develop harmonized and verifiable procedures but also indicators for measuring effectiveness and success and for comparing between interventions and countries. EU policies are recommended to provide a set of indicators that may be measured consistently and regularly in all countries. Furthermore, public information campaigns should be accompanied by other interventions, as evaluations may show an impact on awareness and intention, but rarely on consumption patterns and health outcome.
A case for landing on the moon's farside to test nitrogen abundances
Authors: Chela-Flores J.
Published: November 2011

A high research priority in astrobiology is the search and eventual identification of biomarkers in the Solar System. In spite of numerous steps forward, lunar science remains largely disjoint from the main stream of astrobiology, but in recent years the Moon has begun to emerge as a novel target for astrobiologists. We discuss an overlap between lunar geology and terrestrial geomicrobiology that arises from analysis of lunar soils and some uncertainties in chemical evolution and the origin of life scenarios. Unexpected isotopic heterogeneity of nitrogen (N) was found to be remarkable in samples from Apollo and the Luna programme. Both the stable isotope geochemical data of the biogenic elements, as well as the noble gases trapped in lunar soils added valuable new and relevant data. These discoveries are potential sources of information on early Earth evolution. The elusive ratio of N's two stable isotopes15N/14N has played a fundamental role in this research. The analysis of individual grains of ilmenite suggests that 90% of all the trapped N does not originate from solar wind (SW). We discuss the significance of these stable isotopes from the point of view of astrobiology in the light of the next generation of lunar exploration. We underline the high priority of testing the origin of non-solar N source trapped in the regolith of the lunar farside. In the proposals of new lunar missions, the characterization of the geochemistry at several lunar sites is a major objective. Some arguments are presented in favour of using novel space technologies in a search for biomarkers in geographical distinct lunar landing sites. We restrict our attention to one aspect of the science requirements for the forthcoming missions by focusing on a very limited objective: to take a closer look at the geochemical characterization of the chemical element N on the soils of the lunar farside.
Spectral model of depth‐integrated water column photosynthesis and its inhibition by ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Cullen John J. , Davis Richard F. , Huot Yannick
Published: November 2011

Depth‐integrated models of primary production (DIMs) are used to estimate water column photosynthesis as a function of chlorophyll concentration, irradiance at the surface, the penetration of photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), and parameters of the relationship between photosynthesis and PAR. These models are inherently unable to account for variability in the ratio of photosynthetically utilizable radiation (PUR) to PAR with depth and water type, and they cannot account for the inhibition of photosynthesis by ultraviolet radiation, UVR. These important spectral effects — all sensitive to climate change — are readily described with numerical models that require many computations and are unsuitable for some important applications, including the estimation of aquatic productivity from remote sensing. We present a simple DIM that accounts for the spectral effects of irradiance on photosynthesis, including inhibition by UVR. Water column photosynthesis, normalized to surface chlorophyll and scaled to the maximum rate per unit chlorophyll, is described as a function of four dimensionless derived variables:E*PUR, PUR at the surface scaled to the saturation irradiance for photosynthesis; T*PUR, water transparency, normalized to a depth scale and weighted spectrally for photosynthetic absorption; E*PIR, surface irradiance weighted spectrally for inhibition of photosynthesis; and T*PIR, scaled transparency weighted for photosynthesis‐inhibiting radiation. Simple functions of these variables closely approximate (within 6%) the results of a full‐spectral numerical model of instantaneous and daily integrated water column photosynthesis with and without UVR for a broad range of water types, solar angles, stratospheric ozone concentrations and biological properties of phytoplankton. The spectral DIM is suitable for examining patterns in global ocean productivity and can be used to assess the biological effects of variations in solar radiation (e.g., ozone depletion) and water clarity in climate‐change scenarios for lakes and oceans.
Extreme rainstorms: Comparing regional envelope curves to stochastically generated events
Authors: Viglione A. , Castellarin A. , Rogger M. , Merz R. , Blöschl G.
Published: November 2011

The depth‐duration envelope curves (DDECs) are regional upper bounds on observed rainfall maxima for several durations. Recently, a probabilistic interpretation has been proposed in the literature in order to associate a recurrence interval T to the DDECs and, consequently, to retrieve point rainfall quantiles for ungauged sites. Alternatively, extreme rainfall quantiles can be retrieved from long synthetic rainfall series obtained with stochastic rainfall generators calibrated to local time series of rainfall events. While DDECs are sensitive to outliers and data errors, the stochastic rainfall generator performance is affected by the limited record lengths used for calibration. The objective of this study is to assess the reliability of the two alternative methods by verifying if they give consistent results for a wide study region in Austria. Relative to previous studies, we propose some generalizations of the DDEC procedure in order to better represent the Austrian data. The comparison of rainfall quantiles estimated with the two methods for large T shows an excellent agreement for intermediate durations (from 1 to 6 h), while the agreement worsen for very short (15 min) and long (24 h) durations. The results are scrupulously analyzed and discussed in light of the exceptionality of rainfall events that set the regional envelopes and the characteristics of the stochastic generator used. Our study points out that the combined use of these regional and local methods can be very useful for estimating reliable point rainfall quantiles associated with large T within regions where many rain gauges are available, but with limited record lengths.
In Silico Characterization of Tomato leaf curl Joydebpur virus (ToLCJV) DNA-A Proteins
Authors: Prajapat Rajneesh , Marwal Avinash , Sahu Anurag , Gaur Rajarshi Kumar
Published: November 2011

We retrieved six protein sequences of Tomato leaf curl Joydebpur virus (ToLCJV) DNA-A [FJ345402] from GenBank-NCBI (ACJ03821, ACJ03822, ACJ03823, ACJ03824, ACJ03825 and ACJ03826) which were used for computational modeling structure prediction. Ramachandran plot of ACJ03826-AC4 had maximum 73.3% and ACJ03822-AV1 had 71% residues in core region therefore these models cannot be placed in a good quality category. ACJ03824-AC2 had only 18.6% residues in core and 13.6% residues in disallowed regions and therefore it was the least stable protein. Verify-3D graph profile scores for selected ToLCJV proteins were greater than zero. Therefore all the verify-3D graph corresponds to an acceptable environment for the model. Findings of the present study provide a base for docking and In-Silico anti-Begomoviral compound designing.
Fy
a
/Fy
b
antigen polymorphism in human erythrocyte Duffy antigen affects susceptibility to
Plasmodium vivax
malaria
Authors: King Christopher L. , Adams John H. , Xianli Jia , Grimberg Brian T. , McHenry Amy M. , Greenberg Lior J. , Siddiqui Asim , Howes Rosalind E. , da Silva-Nunes Monica , Ferreira Marcelo U. , Zimmerman Peter A.
Published: November 2011

Plasmodium vivax
(Pv) is a major cause of human malaria and is increasing in public health importance compared with falciparum malaria. Pv is unique among human malarias in that invasion of erythrocytes is almost solely dependent on the red cell's surface receptor, known as the Duffy blood-group antigen (Fy). Fy is an important minor blood-group antigen that has two immunologically distinct alleles, referred to as Fy
a
or Fy
b
, resulting from a single-point mutation. This mutation occurs within the binding domain of the parasite's red cell invasion ligand. Whether this polymorphism affects susceptibility to clinical vivax malaria is unknown. Here we show that Fy
a
, compared with Fy
b
, significantly diminishes binding of Pv Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) at the erythrocyte surface, and is associated with a reduced risk of clinical Pv in humans. Erythrocytes expressing Fy
a
had 41–50% lower binding compared with Fy
b
cells and showed an increased ability of naturally occurring or artificially induced antibodies to block binding of PvDBP to their surface. Individuals with the Fy
a+b−
phenotype demonstrated a 30–80% reduced risk of clinical vivax, but not falciparum malaria in a prospective cohort study in the Brazilian Amazon. The Fy
a+b−
phenotype, predominant in Southeast Asian and many American populations, would confer a selective advantage against vivax malaria. Our results also suggest that efficacy of a PvDBP-based vaccine may differ among populations with different Fy phenotypes.
The steroid interaction site in transmembrane domain 2 of the large conductance, voltage- and calcium-gated potassium (BK) channel accessory β1 subunit
Authors: Bukiya Anna N. , Singh Aditya K. , Parrill Abby L. , Dopico Alejandro M.
Published: November 2011

Large conductance, voltage- and calcium-gated potassium (BK) channels regulate several physiological processes, including myogenic tone and thus, artery diameter. Nongenomic modulation of BK activity by steroids is increasingly recognized, but the precise location of steroid action remains unknown. We have shown that artery dilation by lithocholate (LC) and related cholane steroids is caused by a 2× increase in vascular myocyte BK activity (EC
50
= 45 μM), an action that requires β1 but not other (β2–β4) BK accessory subunits. Combining mutagenesis and patch-clamping under physiological conditions of calcium and voltage on BK α- (cbv1) and β1 subunits from rat cerebral artery myocytes, we identify the steroid interaction site from two regions in BK β1 transmembrane domain 2 proposed by computational dynamics: the outer site includes L157, L158, and T165, whereas the inner site includes T169, L172, and L173. As expected from computational modeling, cbv1+rβ1T165A,T169A channels were LC-unresponsive. However, cbv1 + rβ1T165A and cbv1 + rβ1T165A,L157A,L158A were fully sensitive to LC. Data indicate that the transmembrane domain 2 outer site does not contribute to steroid action. Cbv1 + rβ1T169A was LC-insensitive, with rβ1T169S being unable to rescue responsiveness to LC. Moreover, cbv1 + rβ1L172A, and cbv1 + rβ1L173A channels were LC-insensitive. These data and computational modeling indicate that tight hydrogen bonding between T169 and the steroid α-hydroxyl, and hydrophobic interactions between L172,L173 and the steroid rings are both necessary for LC action. Therefore, β1 TM2 T169,L172,L173 provides the interaction area for cholane steroid activation of BK channels. Because this amino acid triplet is unique to BK β1, our study provides a structural basis for advancing β1 subunit–specific pharmacology of BK channels.
Wolbachia
induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent activation of the Toll pathway to control dengue virus in the mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Authors: Pan Xiaoling , Zhou Guoli , Wu Jiahong , Bian Guowu , Lu Peng , Raikhel Alexander S. , Xi Zhiyong
Published: November 2011

Wolbachia
are maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria that can spread within insect populations because of their unique ability to manipulate host reproduction. When introduced to nonnative mosquito hosts,
Wolbachia
induce resistance to a number of human pathogens, including dengue virus (DENV),
Plasmodium
, and filarial nematodes, but the molecular mechanism involved is unclear. In this study, we have deciphered how
Wolbachia
infection affects the
Aedes aegypti
host in inducing resistance to DENV. The microarray assay indicates that transcripts of genes with functions related to immunity and reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions are up-regulated in
Ae. aegypti
infected with
Wolbachia
. Infection with this bacterium leads to induction of oxidative stress and an increased level of reactive oxygen species in its mosquito host. Reactive oxygen species elevation is linked to the activation of the Toll pathway, which is essential in mediating the expression of antioxidants to counterbalance oxidative stress. This immune pathway also is responsible for activation of antimicrobial peptides—defensins and cecropins. We provide evidence that these antimicrobial peptides are involved in inhibition of DENV proliferation in
Wolbachia
-infected mosquitoes. Utilization of transgenic
Ae. aegypti
and the RNAi depletion approach has been instrumental in proving the role of defensins and cecropins in the resistance of
Wolbachia
-infected
Ae. aegypti
to DENV. These results indicate that a symbiotic bacterium can manipulate the host defense system to facilitate its own persistent infection, resulting in a compromise of the mosquito's ability to host human pathogens. Our discoveries will aid in the development of control strategies for mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Seed maturation in
Arabidopsis thaliana
is characterized by nuclear size reduction and increased chromatin condensation
Authors: van Zanten Martijn , Koini Maria A. , Geyer Regina , Liu Yongxiu , Brambilla Vittoria , Bartels Dorothea , Koornneef Maarten , Fransz Paul , Soppe Wim J. J.
Published: November 2011

Most plant species rely on seeds for their dispersal and survival under unfavorable environmental conditions. Seeds are characterized by their low moisture content and significantly reduced metabolic activities. During the maturation phase, seeds accumulate storage reserves and become desiccation-tolerant and dormant. Growth is resumed after release of dormancy and the occurrence of favorable environmental conditions. Here we show that embryonic cotyledon nuclei of
Arabidopsis thaliana
seeds have a significantly reduced nuclear size, which is established at the beginning of seed maturation. In addition, the chromatin of embryonic cotyledon nuclei from mature seeds is highly condensed. Nuclei regain their size and chromatin condensation level during germination. The reduction in nuclear size is controlled by the seed maturation regulator ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE 3, and the increase during germination requires two predicted nuclear matrix proteins, LITTLE NUCLEI 1 and LITTLE NUCLEI 2. Our results suggest that the specific properties of nuclei in ripe seeds are an adaptation to desiccation, independent of dormancy. We conclude that the changes in nuclear size and chromatin condensation in seeds are independent, developmentally controlled processes.
Belief in a just world and wellbeing in Indian schools
Authors: Kamble Shanmukh V. , Dalbert Claudia
Published: November 2011

This study investigates the meaning of belief in just world (BJW) for students’ subjective justice experiences with their parents and teachers and for students’ subjective well‐being. The hypotheses tested were that the more strongly students endorse BJW, the less the distress at school and depressive symptoms they experience. Two dimensions of BJW were assessed: personal BJW, reflecting the belief that events in one's own life are generally just, and general BJW, reflecting the belief that the world is basically a just place. The participants were 278 Indian students attending ten 10th grade classes at two private English‐medium schools. The results showed that only the personal BJW, not the general BJW, was important in explaining justice experiences and wellbeing. The more the students endorsed the belief in personal just world, the more they felt treated justly by their teachers and their parents alike, and the less distress at school and depressive symptoms they experienced. In addition, teacher justice, but not parent justice, explained distress at school. Finally, the effect of personal BJW on depressive symptoms was partly mediated by both teacher and parent justice. This pattern of results persisted when class effects were controlled. Overall, this pattern of results emphasizes the importance of the individual and subjective experience of justice of the teacher behavior for adolescent wellbeing. Implications for further studies on BJW and wellbeing at school are discussed.
Intracranial Hemorrhage Associated With Vitamin K–deficiency Bleeding in Patients With Biliary Atresia
Authors: Alatas Fatima S. , Hayashida Makoto , Matsuura Toshiharu , Saeki Isamu , Yanagi Yusuke , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim:

The prophylactic oral administration of vitamin K to newborns has markedly reduced the incidence of vitamin K deficiency (VKD); however, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is still one of the complications found in biliary atresia (BA) patients and is associated with VKD bleeding. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence and long‐term outcome of ICH in patients with BA who previously received prophylactic vitamin K during the neonatal period.

Methods:

Eighty‐eight consecutive infants with BA were treated and followed up at Kyushu University Hospital from 1979 to 2009. The clinical records and imaging study results were retrospectively reviewed in the infants with BA who presented with ICH.

Results:

ICH occurred in 7.95% of patients with BA. The onset of ICH occurred at 47 to 76 days after birth, before the patients underwent surgery for BA (9–37 days after the onset of ICH). Coagulopathy was found upon admission in all of the cases with available data and improved after intravenous administration of vitamin K. A craniotomy was required in 2 cases before the surgery for BA. During the 22 to 278 months of follow‐up, some neurologic sequelae persisted in 5 of 7 cases. Follow‐up head computed tomography scans showed a low‐density area in the left hemisphere in 5 cases.

Conclusions:

Although vitamin K prophylaxis had been given during the neonatal period, ICH‐associated VKD bleeding was still found in 7.95% of patients with BA. Persistent neurologic sequelae were found in 5 of 7 cases, with low‐density area in the left hemisphere.
Cell Walls of Developing Wheat Starchy Endosperm: Comparison of Composition and RNA-Seq Transcriptome
Authors: Pellny Till K. , Lovegrove Alison , Freeman Jackie , Tosi Paola , Love Christopher G. , Knox J. Paul , Shewry Peter R. , Mitchell Rowan A.C.
Published: November 2011

The transcriptome of the developing starchy endosperm of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) was determined using RNA-Seq isolated at five stages during grain fill. This resource represents an excellent way to identify candidate genes responsible for the starchy endosperm cell wall, which is dominated by arabinoxylan (AX), accounting for 70% of the cell wall polysaccharides, with 20% (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan, 7% glucomannan, and 4% cellulose. A complete inventory of transcripts of 124 glycosyltransferase (GT) and 72 glycosylhydrolase (GH) genes associated with cell walls is presented. The most highly expressed GT transcript (excluding those known to be involved in starch synthesis) was a GT47 family transcript similar to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) IRX10 involved in xylan extension, and the second most abundant was a GT61. Profiles for GT43 IRX9 and IRX14 putative orthologs were consistent with roles in AX synthesis. Low abundances were found for transcripts from genes in the acyl-coA transferase BAHD family, for which a role in AX feruloylation has been postulated. The relative expression of these was much greater in whole grain compared with starchy endosperm, correlating with the levels of bound ferulate. Transcripts associated with callose (GSL), cellulose (CESA), pectin (GAUT), and glucomannan (CSLA) synthesis were also abundant in starchy endosperm, while the corresponding cell wall polysaccharides were confirmed as low abundance (glucomannan and callose) or undetectable (pectin) in these samples. Abundant transcripts from GH families associated with the hydrolysis of these polysaccharides were also present, suggesting that they may be rapidly turned over. Abundant transcripts in the GT31 family may be responsible for the addition of Gal residues to arabinogalactan peptide.
Total viable molds and fungal DNA in classrooms and association with respiratory health and pulmonary function of European schoolchildren
Authors: Simoni Marzia , Cai Gui‐Hong , Norback Dan , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Lavaud François , Sigsgaard Torben , Wieslander Gunilla , Nystad Wenche , Canciani Mario , Viegi Giovanni , Sestini Piersante
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Simoni M, Cai G‐H, Norback D, Annesi‐Maesano I, Lavaud F, Sigsgaard T, Wieslander G, Nystad W, Canciani M, Viegi G, Sestini P. Total viable molds and fungal DNA in classrooms and association with respiratory health and pulmonary function of European schoolchildren. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011: 22: 843–852.

Indoor molds are associated with adverse respiratory effects in children. Although schools are important exposure sources of molds, objective measurements were more often taken in homes. Our aim was to assess indoor molds in schools and related effects on schoolchildren health. The Health Effects of the School Environment study (HESE) included 21 schools (46 classrooms) in Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and France and 654 schoolchildren (mean age 10 yr). Information on schoolchildren was collected by standardized questionnaires. Measurements of total viable molds (VM, colony‐forming units, cfu/m3) and total/specific fungal DNA (cell equivalents, CE/g dust) were taken inside all classrooms in the cold season during normal activities, using the same standardized methodology. Pulmonary function tests were performed on 244 pupils. VM (mean, 320 cfu/m3) and total fungal DNA (geometric mean, 2.2 × 105 ± 2.1 CE/g dust) were detectable in all classrooms. The levels were significantly higher in buildings with mold/dampness problems. VM, but not fungal DNA, were inversely related to ventilation rate. VM exceeded the maximum standard of 300 cfu/m3 in 33% of the classrooms. In the past 12 months, dry cough at night (34%) and rhinitis (32%) were the mostly reported. Children exposed to VM levels ≥300 cfu/m3, compared with those exposed to lower levels, showed higher risk for past year dry cough at night (odds ratio, OR: 3.10, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.61–5.98) and rhinitis (OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.65–4.95), as well as for persistent cough (OR: 3.79, 95% CI: 2.40–5.60). Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA was significantly positively associated with wheeze, and Aspergillus versicolor DNA with wheeze, rhinitis, and cough. There were significant inverse associations of Aspergillus versicolor DNA with forced vitality capacity (FVC) and Streptomyces DNA with both FEV1 and FVC. In conclusion, indoor VM and fungal DNA were commonly found in monitored European schools and adversely related to respiratory health. Schools should be routinely tested through both culturable and non‐culturable methods for global indoor molds’ evaluation.
Exposure to hypergravity during specific developmental periods differentially affects metabolism and vestibular reactions in adult C57BL /6j mice
Authors: Bojados Mickael , Jamon Marc
Published: November 2011

The development of the posturo‐motor control of movement is conditioned by Earth’s gravity. Missing or altered gravity during the critical periods of development delays development and induces durable changes in the vestibular, cerebellar, or muscular structures, but these are not consistently mirrored at a functional level. The differences in the time schedule of vestibular and motor development could contribute to this inconstancy. To investigate the influence of gravity on the development of vestibular and locomotor functions, we analysed the performance of adult mice subjected to hypergravity during the time covering either the vestibular or locomotor development. The mice were centrifuged at 2 g from embryonic day (E) 0 to postnatal day (P) 10 (PRE), from P10 to P30 (POST), from E0 to P30 (FULL), and from E7 to P21. Their muscular force, anxiety level, vestibular reactions, and aerobic capacity during treadmill training were then evaluated at the age of 2 and 6 months. The performance of young adults varied in relation to the period of exposure to hypergravity. The mice that acquired locomotion in hypergravity (POST and FULL) showed a lower forelimb force and delayed vestibular reactions. The mice centrifuged from conception to P10 (PRE) showed a higher aerobic capacity during treadmill training. The differences in muscular force and vestibular reactions regressed with age, but the metabolic changes persisted. These results confirmed that early exposure to hypergravity induces qualitative changes depending on the period of exposure. They validated, at a functional level, the existence of several critical periods for adaptation to gravity.
Intracorneal hemorrhage in 19 dogs (22 eyes) from 2000 to 2010: a retrospective study
Authors: Matas Màrian , Donaldson David , Newton Richard J.
Published: November 2011

Objective  The aim of this retrospective study is to review clinical data on patients that suffered intracorneal hemorrhage (ICH), and the veterinary and human literature available for this condition.

Animal Studied  A search for ICH was performed within the clinical database of the Animal Health Trust. Nineteen cases were identified (22 eyes).

Procedures  The patient’s age, breed, and gender were reviewed, together with etiology, location, treatment, and follow‐up. The relevant data were compared with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) ophthalmology referral population for the same period of time (n = 5555).

Results  Twenty‐two eyes were affected. No breed or sex predisposition could be identified. Patients aged 10 years and above were more frequently affected when compared with the AHT ophthalmology referral population. ICH was recorded in all corneal quadrants, with the mid‐peripheral cornea more often affected. Areas of corneas affected by the ICH showed long‐term loss of transparency. Ocular diseases as a source of neovascularization varied from ocular surface to intraocular disease. Systemic diseases were investigated in some patients, and no concomitant disease could be linked to the development of ICH.

Conclusions  Intracorneal hemorrhage is a rare condition associated with corneal neovasculature. As in the human ophthalmology literature, ICH could not be linked to a specific ocular or systemic disease. Severe complications described in humans with this condition, such as pupillary block or corneal perforation, were not seen in any of these canine patients. Canine ICH seem to reabsorb with time, with or without medical treatment. Surgical treatment was not required in any of our patients.
Enacting modesty in Chinese culture: The joint contribution of personal characteristics and contextual features
Authors: Bond Michael Harris , Lun Vivian Miu‐Chi , Chan Jade , Chan Whitney Wing‐Yan , Wong Dorcas
Published: November 2011

This research revealed the joint impact of personality traits, social axioms, role relationships and the privacy of social situations on the enactment of three types of modesty, namely, avoiding attention, self‐effacement, and enhancement of others, among Hong Kong Chinese teenage females. The modest personality trait was found to relate positively to these modest behaviours. An individual's belief in reward for application significantly predicted self‐effacement, and the belief in social cynicism significantly predicted avoiding attention and enhancement of others. Contextual variables as measured by the role relationships and the privacy of the social setting also significantly affected the levels of these modest behaviours.
Does knowledge of connectives play a unique role in the reading comprehension of English learners and English‐only students?
Authors: Crosson Amy C. , Lesaux Nonie K.
Published: November 2011

Connectives (e.g., although, meanwhile) carry abstract meanings and often signal key relationships between text ideas. This study explored whether understanding of connectives represents a unique domain of vocabulary knowledge that provides special leverage for reading comprehension, and whether the contribution of knowledge of connectives to reading comprehension differs for students from distinct language backgrounds. Understanding of connectives, word reading efficiency and breadth of vocabulary knowledge of 75 English language learners (ELLs) and 75 English‐only (EO) fifth graders were assessed. Hierarchical multiple regression techniques revealed that understanding of connectives explained a sizeable and significant portion of unique variance in comprehension beyond that explained by breadth of vocabulary knowledge when controlling for word reading efficiency. The magnitude of this relationship was larger for EO students than for ELLs. Findings indicate that connectives play an important role in comprehension, but that the strength of their influence varies by readers’ linguistic background.