bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balloon Angioplasty for Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Nguyen Thanh N. , Zaidat Osama O. , Gupta Rishi , Nogueira Raul G. , Tariq Nauman , Kalia Junaid S. , Norbash Alexander M. , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: November 2010

Background and Purpose—

Whether stenting is superior to angioplasty in the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease is unknown. Dissections, vessel rupture, and lesion recoil observed with primary angioplasty using balloon catheters designed for coronary arteries have undermined the role of primary angioplasty as a preferred treatment for intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The goal of this study is to report the immediate and 3-month outcomes of treating patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease with angioplasty balloon catheters in a multicenter study.

Methods—

This is a retrospective review of 74 patients from 4 institutions treated with primary angioplasty for intracranial atherosclerotic disease over a 6-year time period. Technical success (residual stenosis ≤50%), periprocedural success (no vascular complication within 72 hours), and 3-month outcomes are reported.

Results—

The mean degree of stenosis pretreatment was 79%±14% and reduced to 34%±18% after angioplasty. Technical success was achieved in 68 (92%; 95% CI, 83% to 97%) of the 74 patients. Periprocedural success was achieved in 65 (88%; 95% CI, 78% to 94%) of the 74 patients. There were 4 (5%; 95% CI, 1.5% to 13%) major procedure-related strokes, 2 of which resulted in death within 6 hours of the procedure. The 30-day stroke/death rate was 5% (4 of 74; CI, 1.5% to 13%). Three-month follow-up was available in 71 patients. In this interval, 2 patients had new stroke, 1 in the ipsilateral territory and the other in the contralateral territory. The 3-month stroke or death rate was 8.5% (6 of 71; CI, 3.1% to 17.5%); the retreatment rate was 2.8% (2 of 71; CI, 0.3% to 10%).

Conclusion—

Balloon angioplasty is a relatively safe alternative treatment for intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Its role in the long-term secondary prevention of recurrent stroke as compared with intracranial stenting and medical therapy remains to be determined, preferably in a randomized study.
Playing into the Machine: Improvising across the Electronic Abyss
Authors: Rothenberg David , Neill Ben
Published: November 2010

Two musicians who have focused on playing acoustic wind instruments into electronics for the purposes of enhancing their original sound reflect on how the use of such new technologies inherently pushes “old technologies” toward a new aesthetics of improvisation.
Blowin' in Birdland: Improvisation and the Australian Pied Butcherbird
Authors: Taylor Hollis
Published: November 2010

This paper challenges the assumption that improvisation is a process unique to humans. Despite the general reluctance of biologists to consider birdsong “music,” they routinely comment on improvisation found in the signals of songbirds. The Australian pied butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) is such a species. Analysis (including transcriptions and sonograms) of solo song, duets and mimicry illustrates their remarkable preoccupation with novelty and variety, and traces improvisation's role in the creation of their complex song culture. The author suggests further zoömusicological case studies for the relevance this research could have to other human (musical) capacities.
Relations Without Forms: Some Consequences of Aquinas’s Metaphysics of Relations
Authors: Ward Thomas M.
Published: November 2010

This article presents a new interpretation and critique of some aspects of Aquinas’s metaphysics of relations, with special reference to a theological problem—the relation of God to creatures—that catalyzed Aquinas’s and much medieval thought on the ontology of relations. I will show that Aquinas’s ontologically reductive theory of categorical real relations should equip him to identify certain relations as real relations, which he actually identifies as relations of reason, most notably the relation of God to creatures.
A New Agency Is Born in the European Union: The European Asylum Support Office
Authors: Comte Françoise
Published: November 2010

On 19 May 2010, the Spanish Minister for the Interior, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba and the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, signed the Regulation establishing the European Asylum Support Office. This Regulation allows the creation of a new European regulatory agency into the EU institutional landscape. The Office, a fledgling agency, is one of the active agencies in the home affairs sector: FRONTEX, the Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, EUROPOL, CEPOL and EUROJUST. The founding regulation of the Office is the first legal instrument, adopted as part of legislative proposals recently introduced by the European Commission in the asylum area. This allows an old project to achieve its purpose, by creating a structure primarily designed to support Member States of the European Union in their efforts to bring closer national practices in the field of asylum. If EASO’s founding Regulation can meet this first concern of the Member States, it can also in many ways be considered as a breakthrough in European law, from an institutional, as well as from a substantive point of view. This article intends to examine these elements.
‘Greedy’ Information Technology: The Digitalization of the European Migration Policy
Authors: Brom Frans W.A. , Besters Michiel
Published: November 2010

European borders are being transformed into digital borders. The ambition behind the European information systems ‐ like the Schengen Information System and Eurodac ‐ is to establish a single Union information system to control the flux of migrants. We show that in this process information technology is not a neutral tool to reach established goals but that it is ‘greedy’. This greediness indicates the distorting potential of information technology regarding the means-end logic. Our analysis suggests that the European migration policy is stuck in a ‘digital fix’, i.e. a technological fix focusing on ICT. We identify three political issues concerning greedy information technology within the context of the European migration policy. The first issue concerns the democratic control on information systems. The second issue discusses the weak legal position of immigrants. The third issue inquires into the effectiveness of information systems as a policy instrument.
Expression and Hate Speech in the ICCPR: Compatible or Clashing?
Authors: Ghanea Nazila
Published: November 2010

This article aims to revisit the content and scope of Articles 19 and 20 of the ICCPR in an effort to better understand the relationship between them. Such navigation is essential in order to examine the duties these two articles imply for States Parties to the ICCPR and the protections that flow therefrom.
µφυτος Λγος: A New Covenant Motif in the Letter of James
Authors: Whitlark Jason A.
Published: November 2010

Understanding the significance of the of the implanted word in James 1:21 has divided between two lines of interpretation: (1) those that invest it with cosmological significance and understand it as something akin to human reason or (2) those who invest it with soteriological significance and relate it to Christian conversion. The argument in this article supports the soteriological line of reasoning and attempts to demonstrate through an examination of pagan, Jewish and Christian sources that the implanted word in James conveys the notion of divine enablement, a notion that was especially suited for articulating the hope of divine enablement for faithfulness promised in the new covenant of Jeremiah.
Toward a Theory of Human History
Authors: Margolis Joseph
Published: November 2010

I show the sense in which the concept of history as a human science affects our theory of the natural sciences and, therefore, our theory of the unity of the physical and human sciences. The argument proceeds by way of reviewing the effect of the Darwinian contribution regarding teleologism and of post-Darwinian paleonanthropology on the transformation of the primate members of Homo sapiens into societies of historied selves. The strategy provides a novel way of recovering the unity of the sciences: by construing the physical sciences themselves as human sciences ‐ and, therefore, as themselves historied.
Quality-Controlled Upper-Air Sounding Dataset for TiMREX/SoWMEX: Development and Corrections
Authors: Ciesielski Paul E. , Chang Wen-Ming , Huang Shao-Chin , Johnson Richard H. , Jong-Dao Jou Ben , Lee Wen-Chau , Lin Po-Hsiung , Liu Ching-Hwang , Wang Junhong
Published: November 2010

During the Terrain-Influenced Monsoon Rainfall Experiment (TiMREX), which coincided with Taiwan’s Southwesterly Monsoon Experiment—2008 (SoWMEX-08), the upper-air sounding network over the Taiwan region was enhanced by increasing the radiosonde (“sonde”) frequency at its operational sites and by adding several additional sites (three that were land based and two that were ship based) and aircraft dropsondes. During the special observing period of TiMREX (from 15 May to 25 June 2008), 2330 radiosonde observations were successfully taken from the enhanced network. Part of the challenge of processing the data from the 13 upsonde sites is that four different sonde types (Vaisala RS80, Vaisala RS92, Meisei, and Graw) were used. Post–field phase analyses of the sonde data revealed a significant dry bias in many of the sondes—in particular, in the data from the Vaisala RS80 sondes that were used at four sites. In addition, contamination of the sonde data by the ship’s structure resulted in poor-quality low-level thermodynamic data at a key oceanic site. This article examines the methods used to quality control the sonde data and, when possible, to correct them. Particular attention is given to the correction of the humidity field and its impact on various convective measures. Comparison of the corrected sonde humidity data with independent estimates shows good agreement, suggesting that the corrections were effective in removing many of the sonde humidity errors. Examining various measures of convection shows that use of the humidity-corrected sondes gives a much different perspective on the characteristics of convection during TiMREX. For example, at the RS80 sites, use of the corrected humidity data increases the mean CAPE by ∼500 J kg−1, decreases mean convective inhibition (CIN) by 80 J kg−1, and increases the midlevel convective mass flux by greater than 70%. Ultimately, these corrections will provide more accurate moisture fields for diagnostic analyses and modeling studies.
Gathering Time-Series Data for Evaluating Behavior-Change Campaigns in Developing Countries: Reactivity of Diaries and Interviews
Authors: Tobias Robert , Inauen Jennifer
Published: November 2010

Gathering time-series data of behaviors and psychological variables is important to understand, guide, and evaluate behavior-change campaigns and other change processes. However, repeated measurement can affect the phenomena investigated, particularly frequent face-to-face interviews, which are often the only option in developing countries. This article presents three intervention control studies to investigate this issue. Daily diaries in Cuba did not affect behavior or attitudes for persons with intervention but reduced attitudes for persons without intervention. Reactivity of face-to-face interviews in Bolivia was negligible if applied weekly, but strong if applied twice per week. The article concludes with recommendations for gathering time-series data in developing countries.
Relationship formalization and individual and relationship well-being among same-sex couples
Authors: Fingerhut Adam W. , Maisel Natalya C.
Published: November 2010

Although legal recognition of same-sex relationships has received considerable attention in recent years, we know little about the effects of legal recognition (e.g., domestic partnership) and social recognition (e.g., a public ceremony) on same-sex couples. We conducted an Internet survey of 239 Californians in same-sex relationships, including a randomly selected subsample of individuals from the California Domestic Partnership Registry. Social recognition was associated with life satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, but was unrelated to relationship investments. Legal recognition was associated with investments, but was unrelated to life and relationship satisfaction. In addition, we found some support for the hypothesis that relationship formalization moderates links between gay-related stress (e.g., internalized homophobia) and individual and relationship outcomes.
The contexts and structures of relating to others: How memberships in different types of groups shape the construction of interpersonal relationships
Authors: Brito Rodrigo , Waldzus Sven , Sekerdej Maciej , Schubert Thomas
Published: November 2010

A study tested hypotheses derived from relational models theory on how four models — communal sharing, authority ranking, equality matching, and market pricing — are used to structure relationships in different types of social groupings. Portuguese participants rated 10 relationships on the Modes of Relationships Questionnaire and reported their shared group memberships. The four-factor structure of the models was confirmed, and a bottom-up approach identified families, friendships, and organizations as the main distinct types of social groupings. The main results showed that relations within families combine mostly communal relations with authority between age groups, whereas relations in organizations combine mostly market relations with authority between age groups as well as professions. Friendships feature a mix of all models, except authority.
Decreased antioxidase activities and oxidative stress in the spleen of chickens fed on high-fluorine diets
Authors: Chen Tao , Cui Hengmin , Cui Yun , Bai Caimin , Gong Tao
Published: November 2010

Three hundred one-day-old avian broilers were divided into four equal groups of 75 animals that were fed for 42 days as follows: a control diet containing 23 mg fluorine (F)/kg and three high F diets containing 400, 800, and 1200 mg F/kg, respectively, for high F groups I, II, and III. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were greatly decreased, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were markedly increased in high F groups II and III. At the same time, mitochondrial injury and expanded endocytoplasmic reticulum were obviously observed in high F groups II and III, and the fluoride contents both in spleen and serum were significantly increased in the three high F groups when compared with those of control group. The results showed that excess dietary F in the range of 800−1200 mg/kg caused obvious oxidative stress, which provided a possible pathway for the apoptosis of splenocytes in chickens.
Leucocytes DNA damage in mice exposed to JS-118 by the comet assay
Authors: Zhang Tao , Hu Jiye , Zhang Yuchao , Zhao Qianfei , Ning Jun
Published: November 2010

JS-118 is an extensively used insecticide in China. The present study investigated the genotoxic effect of JS-118 on whole blood at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h by using alkaline comet assay. Male Kunming mice were given 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of JS-118 intraperitoneally. A statistically significant increase in all comet parameters indicating DNA damage was observed at 24 h post-treatment ( p < 0.05). A clear concentration-dependent increase of DNA damage was revealed as evident by the OTM (arbitrary units), tail length (µm) and tail DNA (%). From 48 h post-treatment, a gradual decrease in mean comet parameters was noted. By 96 h of post-treatment, the mean comet tail length reached control levels indicating repair of damaged DNA. This study on mice showed different DNA damage depending on the concentration of JS-118 and the period of treatment. The present study provided further information of the potential risk of the genetic damage caused by JS-118.
India’s North East and Hydropower Development
Authors: Mahanta Chandan
Published: November 2010

Hydropower, while being projected as a clean and renewable energy source, has time and again been resisted vociferously in North East India in recent times because of the obvious and unintended social and environmental impacts. The anticipated negative impacts of the associated dam and reservoir construction have cast a threat to the security of the indigenous people in terms of water, food, livelihood, energy and above all, the related socio-economic concerns. This is all the more due to the uncertainties flowing from an inadequate understanding of the possible geo-environmental impacts in a highly sensitive terrain. To cope and live with the potential negative ramifications of hydropower projects, a comprehensive hydropower policy with emphasis on long-term environmental and social security and sustainability is imperative.
Physicochemical, Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Tempeh Flour from Common Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Reyes-Bastidas M. , Reyes-Fernández E.Z. , López-Cervantes J. , Milán-Carrillo J. , Loarca-Piña G.F. , Reyes-Moreno C.
Published: November 2010

The effects of solid state fermentation (SSF) on physicochemical, nutritional and antioxidant properties of common bean flour were studied. SSF increased protein content (21.7%) and decreased lipids (-38.4%), carbohydrates (-3.5%) and phytic acid (-58.3%). Fermented (tempeh) flour showed higher dispersability, lower water solubility index and pH than unfermented flour. Fermentation also increased an average of 0.21 g/100 g protein, six of the essential amino acids (EAAs), including total sulfur (Met + Cys), the limiting EAAs in unfermented flour (score = 0.91); Lys and Trp decreased 0.21 and 0.09 g/100 g protein, respectively. SSF improved the in vitro protein digestibility and the calculated protein efficiency ratio. Tempeh flour had 2.2-fold more phenolics than the bean flour and exhibited antiradical activity (43%) and antioxidant activity (38%) correlated with total phenolics content. Common bean tempeh flour may be considered for the fortification of widely consumed legume-based food products and also for the prevention of pathologies associated with oxidative stress.
Catalyzing Transdisciplinary Studies in Public Health
Authors: Gassman Ruth A. , Agley Jon , Johnston Jeanne D. , Middlestadt Susan E. , van Puymbroeck Marieke , YoussefAgha Ahmed H.
Published: November 2010

Researchers, educators, and service providers recognize that health behaviors and conditions are interdependent, yet they are too often addressed compartmentally. This “silo” approach is unfortunate because it leads to inefficiencies and less effective approaches to prevention. This article describes a process designed to promote better understanding of the interrelatedness of health behaviors and outcomes through a multidimensional Internet-based health survey aimed at undergraduate college students. In addition, we describe a data-sharing platform whereby faculty and students from across disciplines may access the raw data for a variety of uses. An analysis is performed illustrating a syndemic between binge drinking, sexually transmitted diseases, and using alcohol or drugs prior to sexual intercourse. Potential applications of the multidomain survey are discussed, as well as lessons learned and limitations of this approach.
Therapists as Trauma Survivors: A Case Study Detailing Cognitive Processing Therapy for Rape Victims With a Psychology Graduate Student
Authors: Wilson Laura C. , Jones Russell T.
Published: November 2010

This case study describes the treatment of a female psychology graduate student, referred to as Mary, who presented with complaints of “mild symptoms of depression and a lack of motivation.” It was revealed that Mary had been sexually assaulted 4 years before presenting for therapy and was diagnosed with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Because of the timing of the symptom onset and the nature of her symptomatology, it is likely that she was experiencing a form of vicarious traumatization that further complicated her own difficulties. The primary purpose of the current article is to draw attention to the importance of self-care for mental health professionals and to provide recommendations for the promotion of well-being in professionals working with trauma survivors. The secondary aim of the current study is to discuss Mary’s progress through 12 sessions of manualized cognitive processing therapy for rape victims as further support for its efficacy.
Genetic predisposition for femoral neck stress fractures in military conscripts
Authors: Korvala Johanna , Hartikka Heini , Pihlajamäki Harri , Solovieva Svetlana , Ruohola Juha-Petri , Sahi Timo , Barral Sandra , Ott Jürg , Ala-Kokko Leena , Männikkö Minna
Published: November 2010

Background

Stress fractures are a significant problem among athletes and soldiers and may result in devastating complications or even permanent handicap. Genetic factors may increase the risk, but no major susceptibility genes have been identified. The purpose of this study was to search for possible genetic factors predisposing military conscripts to femoral neck stress fractures.

Results

Eight genes involved in bone metabolism or pathology (COL1A1, COL1A2, OPG, ESR1, VDR, CTR, LRP5, IL-6) were examined in 72 military conscripts with a femoral neck stress fracture and 120 controls. The risk of femoral neck stress fracture was significantly higher in subjects with low weight and body mass index (BMI). An interaction between the CTR (rs1801197) minor allele C and the VDR C-A haplotype was observed, and subjects lacking the C allele in CTR and/or the C-A haplotype in VDR had a 3-fold higher risk of stress fracture than subjects carrying both (OR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.38-7.49, p = 0.007). In addition, the LRP5 haplotype A-G-G-C alone and in combination with the VDR haplotype C-A was associated with stress fractures through reduced body weight and BMI.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of stress fractures in individuals subjected to heavy exercise and mechanical loading. The present results can be applied to the design of future studies that will further elucidate the genetics of stress fractures.
Construction of an integrated genetic linkage map for the A genome of Brassica napus using SSR markers derived from sequenced BACs in B. rapa
Authors: Xu Jinsong , Qian Xiaoju , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Ruiyuan , Cheng Xiaomao , Yang Yuan , Fu Jie , Zhang Shunchang , King Graham J , Wu Jiangsheng , Liu Kede
Published: November 2010

Background

The MultinationalBrassica rapaGenome Sequencing Project (BrGSP) has developed valuable genomic resources, including BAC libraries, BAC-end sequences, genetic and physical maps, and seed BAC sequences forBrassica rapa. An integrated linkage map between the amphidiploidB. napusand diploidB. rapawill facilitate the rapid transfer of these valuable resources fromB. rapatoB. napus(Oilseed rape, Canola).

Results

In this study, we identified over 23,000 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from 536 sequenced BACs. 890 SSR markers (designated as BrGMS) were developed and used for the construction of an integrated linkage map for the A genome inB. rapaandB. napus. Two hundred and nineteen BrGMS markers were integrated to an existingB. napuslinkage map (BnaNZDH). Among these mapped BrGMS markers, 168 were only distributed on the A genome linkage groups (LGs), 18 distrubuted both on the A and C genome LGs, and 33 only distributed on the C genome LGs. Most of the A genome LGs inB. napuswere collinear with the homoeologous LGs inB. rapa, although minor inversions or rearrangements occurred on A2 and A9. The mapping of these BAC-specific SSR markers enabled assignment of 161 sequencedB. rapaBACs, as well as the associated BAC contigs to the A genome LGs ofB. napus.

Conclusion

The genetic mapping of SSR markers derived from sequenced BACs inB. rapaenabled direct links to be established between theB. napuslinkage map and aB. rapaphysical map, and thus the assignment ofB. rapaBACs and the associated BAC contigs to theB. napuslinkage map. This integrated genetic linkage map will facilitate exploitation of theB. rapaannotated genomic resources for gene tagging and map-based cloning inB. napus, and for comparative analysis of the A genome withinBrassicaspecies.
Genomic survey of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, a major pest of the honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Cornman R Scott , Schatz Michael C , Johnston J Spencer , Chen Yan-Ping , Pettis Jeff , Hunt Greg , Bourgeois Lanie , Elsik Chris , Anderson Denis , Grozinger Christina M , Evans Jay D
Published: November 2010

Background

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor has emerged as the primary pest of domestic honey bees (Apis mellifera). Here we present an initial survey of the V. destructor genome carried out to advance our understanding of Varroa biology and to identify new avenues for mite control. This sequence survey provides immediate resources for molecular and population-genetic analyses of Varroa-Apis interactions and defines the challenges ahead for a comprehensive Varroa genome project.

Results

The genome size was estimated by flow cytometry to be 565 Mbp, larger than most sequenced insects but modest relative to some other Acari. Genomic DNA pooled from ~1,000 mites was sequenced to 4.3× coverage with 454 pyrosequencing. The 2.4 Gbp of sequencing reads were assembled into 184,094 contigs with an N50 of 2,262 bp, totaling 294 Mbp of sequence after filtering. Genic sequences with homology to other eukaryotic genomes were identified on 13,031 of these contigs, totaling 31.3 Mbp. Alignment of protein sequence blocks conserved among V. destructor and four other arthropod genomes indicated a higher level of sequence divergence within this mite lineage relative to the tick Ixodes scapularis. A number of microbes potentially associated with V. destructor were identified in the sequence survey, including ~300 Kbp of sequence deriving from one or more bacterial species of the Actinomycetales. The presence of this bacterium was confirmed in individual mites by PCR assay, but varied significantly by age and sex of mites. Fragments of a novel virus related to the Baculoviridae were also identified in the survey. The rate of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pooled mites was estimated to be 6.2 × 10-5per bp, a low rate consistent with the historical demography and life history of the species.

Conclusions

This survey has provided general tools for the research community and novel directions for investigating the biology and control of Varroa mites. Ongoing development of Varroa genomic resources will be a boon for comparative genomics of under-represented arthropods, and will further enhance the honey bee and its associated pathogens as a model system for studying host-pathogen interactions.
The Vitis vinifera sugar transporter gene family: phylogenetic overview and macroarray expression profiling
Authors: Afoufa-Bastien Damien , Medici Anna , Jeauffre Julien , Coutos-Thévenot Pierre , Lemoine Rémi , Atanassova Rossitza , Laloi Maryse
Published: November 2010

Background

In higher plants, sugars are not only nutrients but also important signal molecules. They are distributed through the plant via sugar transporters, which are involved not only in sugar long-distance transport via the loading and the unloading of the conducting complex, but also in sugar allocation into source and sink cells. The availability of the recently released grapevine genome sequence offers the opportunity to identify sucrose and monosaccharide transporter gene families in a woody species and to compare them with those of the herbaceous Arabidopsis thaliana using a phylogenetic analysis.

Results

In grapevine, one of the most economically important fruit crop in the world, it appeared that sucrose and monosaccharide transporter genes are present in 4 and 59 loci, respectively and that the monosaccharide transporter family can be divided into 7 subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis of protein sequences has indicated that orthologs exist between Vitis and Arabidospis. A search for cis-regulatory elements in the promoter sequences of the most characterized transporter gene families (sucrose, hexoses and polyols transporters), has revealed that some of them might probably be regulated by sugars. To profile several genes simultaneously, we created a macroarray bearing cDNA fragments specific to 20 sugar transporter genes. This macroarray analysis has revealed that two hexose (VvHT1, VvHT3), one polyol (VvPMT5) and one sucrose (VvSUC27) transporter genes, are highly expressed in most vegetative organs. The expression of one hexose transporter (VvHT2) and two tonoplastic monosaccharide transporter (VvTMT1, VvTMT2) genes are regulated during berry development. Finally, three putative hexose transporter genes show a preferential organ specificity being highly expressed in seeds (VvHT3, VvHT5), in roots (VvHT2) or in mature leaves (VvHT5).

Conclusions

This study provides an exhaustive survey of sugar transporter genes in Vitis vinifera and revealed that sugar transporter gene families in this woody plant are strongly comparable to those of herbaceous species. Dedicated macroarrays have provided a Vitis sugar transporter genes expression profiling, which will likely contribute to understand their physiological functions in plant and berry development. The present results might also have a significant impact on our knowledge on plant sugar transporters.
Factors associated with Group A Streptococcus emm type diversification in a large urban setting in Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tartof Sara Y , Reis Joice N , Andrade Aurelio N , Ramos Regina T , Reis Mitermayer G , Riley Lee W
Published: November 2010

Background

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strain diversity varies across different regions of the world, according to low versus high-income countries. These differences may be related to geographic, environmental, socioeconomic, or host-related factors. However, local factors may also affect strain diversity. We compared the emm types of GAS isolates from children with and without sore throat in one large urban setting in Brazil.

Methods

Children 3-15 years of age were consecutively recruited from slum and non-slum pediatric outpatient clinics between April-October, 2008. Throat cultures were performed and data intake forms were completed. GAS isolates were typed by emm sequencing.

Results

From 2194 children, 254 (12%) GAS isolates were obtained. Of 238 GAS isolates that were emm-typed, 61 unique emm types were identified. Simpson's diversity index of the emm types was higher among isolates from slum children [97% (96%-98%)] than those of non-slum children [92% (89%-96%)]. Two emm types (66.0, 12.0) were more frequently isolated from children with sore throat (p < 0.05), and one emm type (27G.0) demonstrated a protective effect.

Conclusions

The emm type diversity from children attending slum clinics resembled the emm diversity of low income countries rather than that of children attending a non-slum clinic in the same city. Local factors, such as crowding, may enhance the frequency of GAS transmission and horizontal gene transfers that contribute to increased strain diversity in the slums. GAS vaccine coverage and control of GAS infections will need to take these local factors and strain differences into consideration.
Identification of differentially expressed genes using an annealing control primer system in stage III serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Kim Yun-Sook , Hwan Do Jin , Bae Sumi , Bae Dong-Han , Shick Ahn Woong
Published: November 2010

Background

Most patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with advanced stage disease (i.e., stage III-IV), which is associated with a poor prognosis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in stage III serous ovarian carcinoma compared to normal tissue were screened by a new differential display method, the annealing control primer (ACP) system. The potential targets for markers that could be used for diagnosis and prognosis, for stage III serous ovarian cancer, were found by cluster and survival analysis.

Methods

The ACP-based reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) technique was used to identify DEGs in patients with stage III serous ovarian carcinoma. The DEGs identified by the ACP system were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cluster analysis was performed on the basis of the expression profile produced by quantitative real-time PCR and survival analysis was carried out by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards multivariate model; the results of gene expression were compared between chemo-resistant and chemo-sensitive groups.

Results

A total of 114 DEGs were identified by the ACP-based RT PCR technique among patients with stage III serous ovarian carcinoma. The DEGs associated with an apoptosis inhibitory process tended to be up-regulated clones while the DEGs associated with immune response tended to be down-regulated clones. Cluster analysis of the gene expression profile obtained by quantitative real-time PCR revealed two contrasting groups of DEGs. That is, a group of genes including: SSBP1, IFI6 DDT, IFI27, C11orf92, NFKBIA, TNXB, NEAT1 and TFG were up-regulated while another group of genes consisting of: LAMB2, XRCC6, MEF2C, RBM5, FOXP1, NUDCP2, LGALS3, TMEM185A, and C1S were down-regulated in most patients. Survival analysis revealed that the up-regulated genes such as DDAH2, RNase K and TCEAL2 might be associated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the prognosis of patients with chemo-resistance was predicted to be very poor when genes such as RNase K, FOXP1, LAMB2 and MRVI1 were up-regulated.

Conclusion

The DEGs in patients with stage III serous ovarian cancer were successfully and reliably identified by the ACP-based RT PCR technique. The DEGs identified in this study might help predict the prognosis of patients with stage III serous ovarian cancer as well as suggest targets for the development of new treatment regimens.
Temporomandibular joint disc repositioning using bone anchors: an immediate post surgical evaluation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang ShanYong , Liu XiuMing , Yang XiuJuan , Yang Chi , Chen MinJie , Haddad Majd S , Chen ZhuoZhi
Published: November 2010

Background

Open joint procedures using bone anchors have shown clinical and radiograph good success, but post surgical disc position has not been documented with MRI imaging. We have designed a modified technique of using two bone anchors and 2 sutures to reposition the articular discs. This MRI study evaluates the post surgical success of this technique to reposition and stabilize the TMJ articular discs.

Methods

Consecutive 81 patients with unilateral TMJ internal derangement (ID) (81 TMJs) were treated between December 1, 2003, and December 1, 2006, at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ninth Peoples Hospital, Shanghai, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. All patients were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging before and one to seven days post surgery to determine disc position using the modified bone anchor technique.

Results

Postoperative MRIs (one to seven days) confirm that 77 of 81 joints were identified as excellent results and one joint was considered good for an overall effective rate of 96.3% (78 of 81 joints). Only 3.7% (3 of 81) of the joints were designated as poor results requiring a second open surgery.

Conclusions

This procedure has provided successful repositioning of the articular discs in unilateral TMJ ID at one to seven days post surgery.
Func tional treatment versus plaster for si mple el bow dislocations (FuncSiE): a randomized trial
Authors: de Haan Jeroen , den Hartog Dennis , Tuinebreijer Wim E , Iordens Gijs IT , Breederveld Roelf S , Bronkhorst Maarten WGA , Bruijninckx Milko MM , De Vries Mark R , Dwars Boudewijn J , Eygendaal Denise , Haverlag Robert , Meylaerts Sven AG , Mulder Jan-Willem R , Ponsen Kees J , Roerdink W Herbert , Roukema Gert R , Schipper Inger B , Schouten Michel A , Sintenie Jan Bernard , Sivro Senail , Van den Brand Johan GH , Van der Meulen Hub GWM , Van Thiel Tom PH , Van Vugt Arie B , Verleisdonk Egbert JMM , Vroemen Jos PAM , Waleboer Marco , Willems W Jaap , Polinder Suzanne , Patka Peter , van Lieshout Esther MM , Schep Niels WL
Published: November 2010

Background

Elbow dislocations can be classified as simple or complex. Simple dislocations are characterized by the absence of fractures, while complex dislocations are associated with fractures. After reduction of a simple dislocation, treatment options include immobilization in a static plaster for different periods of time or so-called functional treatment. Functional treatment is characterized by early active motion within the limits of pain with or without the use of a sling or hinged brace. Theoretically, functional treatment should prevent stiffness without introducing increased joint instability. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare early functional treatment versus plaster immobilization following simple dislocations of the elbow.

Methods/Design

The design of the study will be a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 100 patients who have sustained a simple elbow dislocation. After reduction of the dislocation, patients are randomized between a pressure bandage for 5-7 days and early functional treatment or a plaster in 90 degrees flexion, neutral position for pro-supination for a period of three weeks. In the functional group, treatment is started with early active motion within the limits of pain. Function, pain, and radiographic recovery will be evaluated at regular intervals over the subsequent 12 months. The primary outcome measure is the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. The secondary outcome measures are the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, Oxford elbow score, pain level at both sides, range of motion of the elbow joint at both sides, rate of secondary interventions and complication rates in both groups (secondary dislocation, instability, relaxation), health-related quality of life (Short-Form 36 and EuroQol-5D), radiographic appearance of the elbow joint (degenerative changes and heterotopic ossifications), costs, and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion

The successful completion of this trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of a functional treatment for the management of simple elbow dislocations.

Trial Registration

The trial is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR2025).
Lack of awareness of erectile dysfunction in many men with risk factors for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Shabsigh Ridwan , Kaufman Joel , Magee Michelle , Creanga Dana , Russell David , Budhwani Meeta
Published: November 2010

Background

Men with erectile dysfunction often have concurrent medical conditions. Conversely, men with these conditions may also have underlying erectile dysfunction. The prevalence of unrecognized erectile dysfunction in men with comorbidities commonly associated with erectile dysfunction was determined in men invited to participate in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of sildenafil citrate.

Methods

Men ≥30 years old presenting with ≥1 erectile dysfunction risk factor (controlled hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, metabolic syndrome, stable coronary artery disease, diabetes, depression, lower urinary tract symptoms, obesity [body mass index ≥30 kg/m2] or waist circumference ≥40 inches), and not previously diagnosed with erectile dysfunction were evaluated. The screening question, "Do you have erectile dysfunction?," with responses of "no," "yes," and "unsure," and the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) were administered.

Results

Of 1084 men screened, 1053 answered the screening question and also had IIEF-EF scores. IIEF-EF scores indicating erectile dysfunction occurred in 71% (744/1053), of whom 54% (399/744) had moderate or severe erectile dysfunction. Of 139 answering "yes," 526 answering "unsure," and 388 answering "no," 96%, 90%, and 36%, respectively, had some degree of erectile dysfunction. The mean±SD (range) number of risk factors was 2.9 ± 1.7 (3-8) in the "yes" group, 3.2 ± 1.7 (3-9) in the "unsure" group, and 2.6 ± 1.5 (2-8) in the "no" group.

Conclusion

Although awareness of having erectile dysfunction was low, most men with risk factors had IIEF-EF scores indicating erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction should be suspected and assessed in men with risk factors, regardless of their apparent level of awareness of erectile dysfunction.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00343200.
The effects of arm swing on human gait stability
Authors: Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Meijer Onno G. , Beek Peter J. , van Dieën Jaap H.
Published: November 2010

Arm swing during human gait has been shown to reduce both angular momentum about the vertical and energy expenditure, and has been hypothesized to enhance gait stability. To examine this hypothesis, we studied the effect of arm swing on the local and global stability of steady-state gait, as well as the ability to perform adequate recovery actions following a perturbation. Trunk kinematics of 11 male subjects was measured in treadmill walking with normal and with restricted arm swing. In half of the trials, gait was perturbed by a position-controlled forward pull to the trunk. We constructed state spaces using data recorded from the unperturbed steady-state walking trials, and quantified local gait stability by calculating maximum Lyapunov exponents. In addition, we analyzed perturbation forces, the distance from the unperturbed gait pattern, and the return toward the normal gait pattern following an external perturbation. Walking without arm swing led to a non-significantly lower Lyapunov exponent (P=0.06), significantly higher perturbation forces (P<0.05), and significantly slower movements away from the attractor (P<0.01). These results suggest that gait without arm swing is characterized by similar local stability to gait with arm swing and a higher perturbation resistance. However, return towards the normal gait pattern was significantly slower (P<0.05) when walking with restricted arms, suggesting that the arms play an important role in the recovery from a perturbation. Collectively, the results suggest that arm swing as such does not enhance gait stability, but rather that recovery movements of the arms contribute to the overall stability of human gait.
Plant cues for aphid navigation in vascular tissues
Authors: Hewer Angela , Will Torsten , van Bel Aart J. E.
Published: November 2010

The ability of aphids to detect and find sieve tubes suggests that aphids receive cues for sieve-tube recognition by taking samples. Specific natural conditions such as pH value, sugar species and concentration, viscosity, and oxygen pressure may enable sieve-tube detection. We tested the preference of Megoura viciae and Myzus persicae for potential plant-borne orientation parameters in artificial choice-chamber systems. Both species preferred sucrose (in comparison with fructose, glucose, raffinose or sorbitol) at concentrations of 15–22.5% (over a tested range of 0–22.5%) and at approximately pH 7 (over a tested range of pH 5–8). This preference matches the composition of the sieve-tube sap of their host plants. Likewise, Rhopalosiphum padi (normally found on barley plants with sucrose in the phloem sap) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (normally found on pumpkin plants with raffinose-family oligosaccharides in the phloem sap) showed a significant preference for sucrose. In the absence of sucrose, however, M. euphorbiae strongly preferred raffinose. No clear preference for any carbohydrate was observed for Macrosiphum rosae and Aphis pomi (both normally found on plants with various amounts of sorbitol in the phloem sap). Electrical penetration graph (EPG) measurements of M. persicae feeding on artificial diets confirmed that sieve tubes are recognized solely by a combination of carbohydrate abundance and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Catastrophe Economics: The National Flood Insurance Program
Authors: Michel-Kerjan Erwann O
Published: November 2010

Hurricane Betsy, which hit Louisiana September 9, 1965, was one of the most intense, deadly, and costly storms ever to make landfall in the United States: it killed 76 people in Louisiana and caused $1.5 billion in damage—equal to nearly $10 billion in 2010 dollars. In 1965, no flood insurance was available, so victims had to rely on friends and family, charities, or federal relief. After that catastrophe, the U.S. government established a new program in 1968—the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)—to make flood insurance widely available. Now, after more than 40 years of operation, the NFIP is today one of the longest standing government-run disaster insurance programs in the world. In this paper, I present an overview of the 40 years of operation of the National Flood Insurance Program, starting with how and why it was created and how it has evolved to now cover $1.23 trillion in assets. I analyze the financial balance of the NFIP between 1969 and 2008. Excluding the 2005 hurricane season (which included Hurricane Katrina) as an outlier, policyholders have paid nearly $11 billion more in premiums than they have received in claim reimbursements over that period. However, the program has spent an average of 40 percent of all collected premiums on administrative expenses, more than three quarters of which were paid to private insurance intermediaries who sell and manage flood insurance policies on behalf of the federal government but do not bear any risk. I present challenges the NFIP faces today and propose ways those challenges might be overcome through innovative modifications.
The Job Market for New Economists: A Market Design Perspective
Authors: Coles Peter , Cawley John , Levine Phillip B , Niederle Muriel , Roth Alvin E , Siegfried John J
Published: November 2010

This paper, written by the members of the American Economic Association (AEA) Ad Hoc Committee on the Job Market, provides an overview of the market for new Ph.D. economists. It describes the role of the AEA in the market and focuses in particular on two mechanisms adopted in recent years at the suggestion of our Committee. First, job market applicants now have a signaling service to send an expression of special interest to up to two employers prior to interviews at the January Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA) meetings. Second, the AEA now invites candidates who are still on the market, and employers whose positions are still vacant, to participate in a web-based “scramble” to reduce search costs and thicken the late part of the job market. We present statistics on the activity in these market mechanisms and present survey evidence that both mechanisms have facilitated matches. The paper concludes by discussing the emergence of platforms for transmitting job market information and other design issues that may arise in the market for new economists.
Retrospectives: An Early Supply-Side–Demand-Side Controversy: Petty, Law, Cantillon
Authors: Berdell John
Published: November 2010

Early modern Europe in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries witnessed an unprecedented increase in the rate of economic growth, and governments entertained a wide range of proposals aimed at developing and harnessing foreign trade and emerging financial markets. In his magisterial survey of foreign trade doctrine titled Studies in the Theory of International Trade (1936), Jacob Viner pointed out that enlightened authors of that time were often nonbullionist mercantilists: they favored export promotion and import reduction not on the grounds that it would lead to an accumulation of gold, but on the grounds that it would increase trade and employment. My focus here is on how some key economists of this time period—William Petty, John Law, and Richard Cantillon—adumbrated disputes between supply-side and demand-side macroeconomics that have continued to the present day.