bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural trait variants in a habitat‐forming species dictate the nature of its interactions with and among heterospecifics
Authors: Pruitt Jonathan N. , Cote Julien , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: October 2011

1. Although ecologists commonly categorize species in terms of their functional roles, function diversity occurring at the level of the individual is often dismissed.

2. Multi‐female colonies of the spider Anelosimus studiosus serve as habitat for a myriad of arthropods, and colony members display notably polymorphic behavioural tendencies: females exhibit either an ‘aggressive’ or ‘docile’ behavioural phenotype.

3. We manipulated the phenotypic composition of colonies (100% aggressive, 50% aggressive and 50% docile, 100% docile) and tested its effects on species interactions between A. studiosus and its web associates, and among the web associates themselves.

4. We found that the phenotypic composition of A. studiosus colonies significantly impacted interactions within their web. In colonies of all aggressive females, the relationship between A. studiosus (−) and its web associates (+) was exploitative and web associates negative impacted each other’s performance. In colonies of all docile females, the relationship between A. studiosus (+) and its web associates (+) was facilitative and web associates positively influenced each other’s performance. Colonies of mixed phenotype had intermediate interactions.

5. Our data suggest that (i) the mixture of behavioural trait variants within groups can mediate the nature of both direct and indirect species interactions, and (ii) community structure can affect which social group compositions enjoy highest fitness.
A Modified I‐PCR to detect the factor VIII Inv22 for genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis in haemophilia A
Authors: HE Z. H. , CHEN S. F. , CHEN J. , JIANG W. Y.
Published: October 2011

Summary.  To explore the effectiveness of modified inversion‐polymerase chain reaction (I‐PCR) to detect the factor VIII (FVIII) intron 22 inversion (Inv22) for genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis in haemophilia A (HA). Both modified I‐PCR and LD‐PCR were applied to analyse the FVIII Inv22 for 24 patients with HA. Prenatal diagnosis was performed on six foetuses. Foetal blood samplings were carried out by cordocentesis from 22 to 26 weeks of gestation. Ten patients with FVIII Inv22 in 10 HA families were found, and the remaining 14 patients were found without the Inv22 in 19 HA families. Prenatal diagnosis confirmed that four foetuses were normal and all of them born normally. However, two foetuses had been identified as abnormal and undergone abortion. Compared with LD‐PCR, modified I‐PCR is more rapid and convenient for detecting the FVIII Inv22 in genetic diagnosis. It is recommended that a patient undergoes both modified I‐PCR (to detect the FVIII Inv22) and biochemical assay (to measure the FVIII activity of umbilical cord blood) in prenatal diagnosis. When we have more experience, the DNA samples from chorionic villus or amniotic fluid can be analysed for prenatal diagnosis using the modified I‐PCR alone.
Influence of resin cement and post configuration on bond strength to root dentine
Authors: Soares C. J. , Pereira J. C. , Valdivia A. D. C. M. , Novais V. R. , Meneses M. S.
Published: October 2011

Soares CJ, Pereira JC, Valdivia ADCM, Novais VR, Meneses MS. Influence of resin cement and post configuration on bond strength to root dentine. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 136–145, 2012.

Aim  To evaluate the effect of luting agent and fibreglass post design on bond strength to root dentine at different depths within the canal.

Methodology  Ninety single‐rooted teeth were root filled and prepared to receive either a parallel‐sided and serrated fibreglass post (Reforpost no. 2) or a tapered and smooth fibreglass post (Exato Cônico). The posts were cemented with the following resin cements: dual‐cured resin cement (Rely X ARC), two self‐adhesive resin cements (Rely X Unicem and MaxCem) and a self‐cured resin cement (Cement‐Post). The roots were cross‐sectioned to obtain two 1‐mm‐thick discs for each cervical, middle and apical third of the prepared root portion. The posts were submitted to a micropush‐out test at a speed of 0.5 mm min−1, and the bond strength values (MPa) were submitted to anova in a split‐plot arrangement and Tukey’s test (P < 0.05).

Results  The RelyX Unicem demonstrated significantly higher bond strength values (P < 0.001) along the root dentine. The RelyX ARC and Cement‐Post had similar bond strength values in the cervical third; however, the bond strength decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in an apical direction for the RelyX ARC. Significantly lower bond strength values (P < 0.001), irrespective of canal region, were found for MaxCem cement. The bond strength was similar for both post configurations irrespective of the resin cement and canal region.

Conclusions  The retention of glass fibre posts remained unaffected by surface roughness but was influenced by resin cement type. The self‐adhesive cement RelyX Unicem yielded a significantly greater (P < 0.001) bond strength value when cementing the fibreglass posts.
Self‐injurious behaviour: limbic dysregulation and stress effects in an animal model
Authors: Muehlmann A. M. , Kies S. D. , Turner C. A. , Wolfman S. , Lewis M. H. , Devine D. P.
Published: October 2011

Background  Self‐injurious behaviour (SIB) is prevalent in neurodevelopmental disorders, but its expression is highly variable within, and between diagnostic categories. This raises questions about the factors that contribute to aetiology and expression of SIB. Expression of SIB is generally described in relation to social reinforcement. However, variables that predispose vulnerability have not been as clearly characterised. This study reports the aetiology and expression of self‐injury in an animal model of pemoline‐induced SIB. It describes changes in gross neuronal activity in selected brain regions after chronic treatment with pemoline, and it describes the impact that a history of social defeat stress has on the subsequent expression of SIB during pemoline treatment.

Methods  Experiment 1– Male Long‐Evans rats were injected on each of five consecutive days with pemoline or vehicle, and the expression of SIB was evaluated using a rating scale. The brains were harvested on the morning of the sixth day, and were assayed for expression of cytochrome oxidase, an index of sustained neuronal metabolic activity. Experiment 2– Male Long‐Evans rats were exposed to a regimen of 12 daily sessions of social defeat stress or 12 daily sessions of handling (i.e. controls). Starting on the day after completion of the social defeat or handling regimen, each rat was given five daily injections of pemoline. The durations of self‐injurious oral contact and other stereotyped behaviours were monitored, and the areas of tissue injury were quantified.

Results  Experiment 1– Neuronal metabolic activity was significantly lower in a variety of limbic and limbic‐associated brain structures in the pemoline‐treated rats, when compared with activity in the same regions of vehicle‐treated controls. In addition, neuronal activity was low in the caudate–putamen, and in subfields of the hypothalamus, but did not differ between groups for a variety of other brain regions, including nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra, ventral tegmentum, thalamus, amygdala, and cortical regions. Experiment 2– All the pemoline‐treated rats exhibited SIB, and whereas the social defeat regimen did not alter the total amount of self‐injurious oral contact or other stereotyped behaviours, it significantly increased the severity of tissue injury.

Conclusions  A broad sampling of regional metabolic activity indicates that the pemoline regimen produces enduring changes that are localised to specific limbic, hypothalamic and striatal structures. The potential role of limbic function in aetiology of SIB is further supported by the finding that pemoline‐induced self‐injury is exacerbated by prior exposure to social defeat stress. Overall, the results suggest brain targets that should be investigated further, and increase our understanding of the putative role that stress plays in the pathophysiology of SIB.
Nuclear roles and regulation of chromatin structure by the stress‐dependent MAP kinase Sty1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Sansó Miriam , Vargas‐Pérez Itzel , García Patricia , Ayté José , Hidalgo Elena
Published: October 2011

Microorganisms are invariably exposed to abrupt changes in their environment, and consequently display robust, high plasticity gene programmes to respond to stresses. In fission yeast, the Sty1 pathway is activated in response to diverse stress conditions, such as osmotic and oxidative stress, heat shock or nitrogen deprivation. The MAP kinase Sty1 and its substrate, the transcription factor Atf1, regulate diverse processes mainly at the nucleus. For instance, Sty1, Atf1 and its heterodimeric partner Pcr1 participate in promoting recombination at some hot spots, and in the assembly of heterochromatin at the mating locus. Their main role, however, is to engage a wide gene expression programme aimed to allow cellular survival by decreasing and repairing the damage exerted. Once Sty1 and Atf1 are activated by stress, they are recruited to promoters of up to 5–10% of the coding genes and regulate their transcription. Even though there is no simple, global relationship establishing RNA polymerase II occupancy, nucleosome architecture and transcriptional activity in eukaryotes, we discuss within this review the current knowledge and future perspectives of how activation of Sty1 and Atf1 affect chromatin architecture of a large fraction of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe genome to trigger the cellular response to environmental stress.
Activated chemoreceptor arrays remain intact and hexagonally packed
Authors: Briegel Ariane , Beeby Morgan , Thanbichler Martin , Jensen Grant J.
Published: October 2011

Bacterial chemoreceptors cluster into exquisitively sensitive, tunable, highly ordered, polar arrays. While these arrays serve as paradigms of cell signalling in general, it remains unclear what conformational changes transduce signals from the periplasmic tips, where attractants and repellents bind, to the cytoplasmic signalling domains. Conflicting reports support and contest the hypothesis that activation causes large changes in the packing arrangement of the arrays, up to and including their complete disassembly. Using electron cryotomography, here we show that in Caulobacter crescentus, chemoreceptor arrays in cells grown in different media and immediately after exposure to the attractant galactose all exhibit the same 12 nm hexagonal packing arrangement, array size and other structural parameters. ΔcheB and ΔcheR mutants mimicking attractant‐ or repellent‐bound states prior to adaptation also show the same lattice structure. We conclude that signal transduction and amplification must be accomplished through only small, nanoscale conformational changes.
A novel FUT1 allele was identified in a Chinese individual with para‐Bombay phenotype
Authors: Xu X. , Tao S. , Ying Y. , Hong X. , He Y. , Zhu F. , Lv H. , Yan L.
Published: October 2011

Background: The para‐Bombay phenotype is characterised by H‐deficient or H partially deficient red blood cells (RBCs) in individuals who secrete ABH antigens in their saliva. Samples from an individual whose RBCs had an apparent para‐Bombay phenotype and his family members were investigated and a novel FUT1 allele was identified.

Materials and Methods: RBCs' phenotype was characterised by standard serologic technique. Genomic DNA was sequenced with primers that amplified the coding sequence of FUT1 and FUT2, respectively. Routine ABO genotyping analysis was performed. Haplotypes of FUT1 were identified by TOPO cloning sequencing. Recombination expression vectors of FUT1 mutation alleles were constructed and transfected into COS‐7 cells. The pα‐(1,2)‐fucosyltransferase activity of expression protein was determined.

Results:
B101/O02 genotype of the proband was correlated with ABH substances in saliva. The proband carried a new FUT1 allele which showed 35C/T, 235G/C and 682A/G heterozygote by directly DNA sequencing. Two haplotypes, 235C and 35T+682G, were identified by TOPO cloning sequencing and COS‐7 cells transfected with five recombination vectors including wild‐type, 35T, 235C, 682G and 35T+682G alleles were established respectively. The α‐(1,2)‐fucosyltransferase activities of cell lysates which had transfected with 35T, 235C, 682G and 35T+682G recombination vectors showed 79·45, 16·23, 80·32 and 24·59%, respectively, compared with that of the wild‐type FUT1‐transfected cell lysates.

Conclusion: A novel FUT1 allele 235C was identified, which greatly diminished the activity of α‐(1,2)‐fucosyltransferase.
Adolescent pre‐exposure to ethanol and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) increases conditioned rewarding effects of MDMA and drug‐induced reinstatement
Authors: Ribeiro Do Couto Bruno , Daza‐Losada Manuel , Rodríguez‐Arias Marta , Nadal Roser , Guerri Consuelo , Summavielle Teresa , Miñarro Jose , Aguilar Maria A.
Published: October 2011

Many adolescents often take ethanol (EtOH) in combination with 3,4‐methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA). In the present work, we used a mouse model to study the effect of repeated pre‐exposure during adolescence to EtOH (2 g/kg), MDMA (10 or 20 mg/kg) or EtOH + MDMA on the rewarding and reinstating effects of MDMA in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Pre‐exposure to EtOH, MDMA or both increased the rewarding effects of a low dose of MDMA (1.25 mg/kg). These pre‐treatments did not affect the acquisition of the CPP induced by 5 mg/kg of MDMA. However, the CPP was more persistent in mice pre‐exposed to both doses of MDMA or to EtOH + MDMA20. After extinction of the CPP induced by 5 mg/kg of MDMA, reinstatement was observed in all groups with a priming dose of 2.5 mg/kg of MDMA, in the groups pre‐exposed to EtOH or MDMA alone with a priming dose of 1.25 mg/kg, and in the groups pre‐treated with MDMA alone with a priming dose of 0.625 mg/kg. Pre‐treatment during adolescence with MDMA or EtOH induced long‐term changes in the level of biogenic amines [dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid, homovanillic acid, dopamine turnover, serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) and 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid (5‐HIAA) in the striatum, and 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA in the cortex] after the first reinstatement test, although these effects depended on the dose used during conditioning. These results suggest that exposure to EtOH and MDMA during adolescence reinforces the addictive properties of MDMA.
Long‐Term Field Drought Affects Leaf Protein Pattern and Chloroplast Ultrastructure of Winter Wheat in a Cultivar‐Specific Manner
Authors: Vassileva V. , Demirevska K. , Simova‐Stoilova L. , Petrova T. , Tsenov N. , Feller U.
Published: October 2011

Recurrent drought periods of varying duration often cause extensive crop damage and affect wheat production in Southern Europe. This study compares biochemical and ultrastructural responses of four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to long‐term field drought, and their contribution to final grain yield. Gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting analyses combined with transmission electron microscopy and grain yield evaluation were employed to assess drought susceptibility of the wheat cultivars. Two of them behaved as drought‐tolerant, the other two presented as drought sensitive. Enhanced degradation of Rubisco large subunit (RLS), Rubisco small subunit (RSS) and Rubisco activase (RA) accompanied by an increased protease activity and reduced levels of heat shock proteins (HSP70) and dehydrins (DHNs) were associated with drought sensitivity. Drought tolerance coincided with relatively stable or increased HSP70 and DHN contents, and unchanged/higher levels of RLS, RSS and RA. Sensitive cultivars were more vulnerable to ultrastructural damages, showing obvious degradation of chloroplast membrane systems and depletion of leaf starch reserves. These drought responses affected yield potential, as tolerant cultivars gave higher yield under intense drought. Thus, our results provide additional insights into the complexity of plant drought responses, identifying multiple interacting traits that may serve as indirect selection criteria for wheat drought tolerance.
Influence of adult diet and exposure to methyl eugenol in the mating performance of Bactrocera philippinensis
Authors: Obra G. B. , Resilva S. S.
Published: October 2011

Enhancement of the sterile male performance in Bactrocera philippinensis through access to protein (yeast hydrolysate) and/or exposure to methyl eugenol (ME) was investigated in this study. The temporal occurrence of sexual maturity of B. philippinensis was determined for both laboratory sterile and wild flies. Laboratory tests were also conducted to determine the peak age of ME feeding in relation to male fly age and sexual maturity and effect of protein on the longevity of sterile males. Field cage mating tests were performed to examine the effect of adult diet (P+ vs. P−) and ME exposure (ME+ vs. ME−) on the mating competitiveness of the sterile male B. philippinensis. P+ME+ sterile male flies achieved significantly more matings with wild females than P+ME− or PE−ME− sterile males. Based on the relative sterile index, P+ sterile male flies were significantly more sexually competitive when competing for wild females than P− flies. The results confirm that the pre‐release diet can be significantly improved to increase the effectiveness of the application of the sterile technique against B. philippinensis.
Complete Genome Sequence, Phylogenetic Relationships and Molecular Diagnosis of an Indian Isolate of Potato Virus X
Authors: Mandal Bikash , Kumar Alok , Rani Pooja , Jain Rakesh Kumar
Published: October 2011

The complete genome of a Potato virus X (PVX) isolate from India (ptDel‐9), which occurred symptomlessly in potato but induced ringspots on Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi and necrotic mosaic on Nicotiana benthamiana, was sequenced. The genome was 6435 nucleotides long (JF430080) and contained five open reading frames. The isolate was closely related to those reported from the Eurasian region (95.1–97.1% sequence similarity) and distantly related to those reported from South America (77.2–77.9%). The CP gene was expressed in Escherichia coli as a 76‐kDa fusion protein with maltose‐binding protein and used to generate polyclonal antibodies, which successfully detected PVX in field samples of potato by ELISA. In 20% of field samples, for which ELISA failed, the virus was successfully detected by RT‐PCR. This is the first report of molecular characterization of PVX occurring in India.
Split‐weaning Before Altrenogest Synchronization of Multiparous Sows Alters Follicular Development and Reduces Embryo Survival
Authors: van Leeuwen JJJ , Verhoeven M , van der Heden‐van Noort I , Kranenbarg S , Kemp B , Soede NM
Published: October 2011

Contents

This study used split‐weaning (SW) to induce differences in follicle size at weaning and study its consequences for follicle development during and after post‐weaning altrenogest feeding and for reproductive performance. Multiparous sows (n = 47) were assigned to SW (n = 23; litter size reduced to the six smallest piglets 3 days before weaning) or control (C; n = 24; normal weaning). Altrenogest (20 mg/day) was fed to all 47 sows from Day −1 till Day 5 (complete weaning = Day 0). Follicle size on Day 1, 2 and 8 was smaller in C than in SW (p ≤ 0.05). Ovulation rate was similar, but C sows had higher embryo survival rate (ESR) than SW sows (83 ± 19 and 58 ± 31%, respectively; p = 0.001). SW sows with low ESR (<63%; n = 10) had a greater follicle size on days 3–6 than SW sows with high ESR (>63%; n = 10; p ≤ 0.04). A decrease in follicle size between Day 5 and 6 of altrenogest feeding was associated with increased ESR in both treatments (p = 0.002). Follicle pool analyses (assessment of all follicles >2 mm) revealed that on Day 3, sows with low ESR had a higher % of follicles >5 mm compared with sows with high ESR (30% vs 10%; p = 0.04). Thus, sows in which follicle growth was less suppressed during altrenogest feeding had a lower ESR. These effects on follicle development and ESR were more pronounced in split‐weaned sows.
Identification of Soluble Forms of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor receptors, sVEGFR‐1 and sVEGFR‐2, in Bovine Dominant Follicles
Authors: Macias VR , Pinzón C , Fierro F , Vergara M , Martínez D , Rosado A , Gutiérrez CG , Rosales‐Torres AM
Published: October 2011

Contents

The development of dominant follicles requires the parallel growth of a vascular network, regulated by VEGF and its receptors VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2. Here, we demonstrate the presence of mRNA for the soluble forms of VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2 by RT‐PCR and the respective proteins by Western blot, in bovine dominant follicles. The 3′ end of the mRNA coding region and the deduced C‐terminal amino acid sequence of the bovine VEGFR soluble forms were similar to those previously described in human and mice. The relative abundance of sVEGFR‐1 was higher in dominant follicles of day 4, decreasing on day 6 and further on day 9 of the cycle. In contrast, sVEGFR‐2 expression was low on day 4 follicles and increased as the cycle advanced, becoming greater on day 9. The changes of sVEGFR‐1 and sVEGFR‐2 with the age of the bovine dominant follicle indicate a physiological role in its growth and atresia.
Functional characteristics of green alga Scenedesmus obliquus (Chlorophyceae): 276–6 wild type and its two photosystems deficient mutants cultured under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions
Authors: Pokora Wojciech , Aksmann Anna , Tukaj Zbigniew
Published: October 2011

Functional features of Scenedesmus obliquus: wild type 276–6 strain (WT) and its two mutants reported as photosystem I‐deficient (mutant 56.80) and photosystem II‐deficient (mutant 57.80) were characterized. Algae were cultured aseptically under continuous light or in darkness on mineral bold basal medium (BBM), yeast extract‐enriched BBM and yeast extract to evaluate the physiology of algal cells under photoautotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions. Growth, superoxide dismutase activity and photosynthetic parameters, including polyphasic fluorescence rise during the first seconds of chlorophyll a illumination (OJIP), were analyzed to find relationships between the photosynthetic/respiratory activity of the cells, occurrence of oxidative stress and trophic conditions applied to PSs‐deficient algae. Despite the highest superoxide dismutase activity, indicating the presence of oxidative stress, mixotrophic conditions appeared to be optimal for S. obliquus WT and mutant strains kept in non‐aerated cultures. OJIP analysis indicated that in mutant 56.80 part of photosystem (PS) I was functional and in mutant 57.80 residual PS II activity was found.
Social support and self‐management behaviour among patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Schiøtz M. L. , Bøgelund M. , Almdal T. , Jensen B. B. , Willaing I.
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 654–661 (2012)

Aims  To investigate the relationship between structural and functional social support and patient activation, diabetes‐related emotional distress, perceived diabetes care, self‐management behaviour and HbA1c levels among patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Self‐administered questionnaires were collected from 2572 patients with Type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for gender, age and education, Tobit and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between social network and patient activation, psychosocial problems, self‐management behaviours and HbA1c levels.

Results  Frequent contact with friends was associated with more positive scores for activation, fewer psychosocial problems, more positive assessment of care and health‐promoting self‐management behaviours such as frequent exercising and frequent foot examinations. Frequent contact with family was associated with more positive assessments of care. Living with a partner was associated with lower prevalence of smoking, a higher frequency of foot examinations and higher HbA1c levels. A poor functional social network, measured as perceived lack of help in the event of severe illness, was associated with low patient activation, greater emotional distress, negative assessment of care, less health‐promoting eating habits and less frequent foot examinations.

Conclusions  Good social support is significantly associated with health‐promoting behaviours and well‐being among patients with Type 2 diabetes. However, HbA1c levels are higher for cohabitant persons, indicating barriers for social support. Intervention research is needed to investigate the causal relationship between social networks and health‐promoting behaviours. This knowledge should be used in clinical practice when targeting and designing education, support and care for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Farming the battlefield: the meanings of war, cattle and soil in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Cox T. Paul
Published: October 2011

Prior to 1996 and the Congolese wars, exploitative land policies pushed farmers in the eastern highlands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into a vulnerable position, with cattle manure sustaining intensive cultivation. This exposed households to a complete breakdown in mixed farming as cattle became targets of war. This study of villages in South Kivu offers an inside understanding of continuity and change in farming practices in a region where there are no easy solutions, and it assesses how the province lost its present and where farmers look when they glance to the future. For farmers, who hold a broad view of soil fertility, the casualties of war were not only people and cattle but also the land itself, which has enduring scars. Perceiving a rupture in tradition, South Kivu farmers are searching desperately for new livelihoods that are built on education instead of livestock, setting aside old ethnic signifiers to seek a future beyond protracted conflict.
Danish Political Culture: Fair Conditions for Inclusion of Immigrants?
Authors: Olsen Tore Vincents
Published: October 2011

In the age of migration, the inclusion of immigrants in national politics is crucial for democratic reasons, and because it increases the coordination and cooperation ability of society. The informal norms, values and beliefs of the political culture are one aspect of the institutional and discursive opportunity structures immigrants face as ethnic and religious minorities. This article analyses the Danish political culture with regard to the potential barriers it has for the inclusion of immigrants in national political life. It finds that the predominantly liberal, secular and republican character of the Danish political culture excludes certain kinds of cultural and religious identities and interests at the symbolic discursive level, while Danish political culture may in fact provide more openness at the practical and institutional level. However, the question of whether or not Danish political culture is able to deal adequately with cultural and religious diversity remains.
Housing Provision for Rural–Urban Migrant Workers in Chinese Cities: The Roles of the State, Employers and the Market
Authors: Li Bingqin , Zhang Yongmei
Published: October 2011

In Chinese cities, about 1.45 million migrant workers stay away from their home villages for longer than six months. The total will reach 230 million if those who work less than six months outside their home villages are also included (National Bureau of Statistics PRC 2010). The scale of migration has put huge pressure on urban housing. Apart from a few local exceptions, little state effort has been dedicated to improve migrant housing for a long time.

Existing studies of migrant housing in Chinese cities have focused on the necessity for the state to remove discriminatory policies and offer equal access to urban housing benefits. However, few studies have examined carefully who are the most vulnerable and what are the causes of some of the problems. The authors of this article argue that without proper understanding of the interaction between the state and the private providers, equal access to urban housing benefits may not lead to improved housing conditions for migrant workers. We use three surveys in three cities, Tianjin, Taiyuan and Lanzhou in China to support our argument.
FROM HUTS TO ‘THE HOUSE’: THE SHIFT IN PERCEIVING HOME BETWEEN THE BRONZE AGE AND THE EARLY IRON AGE IN CENTRAL IBERIA (SPAIN)
Authors: BLANCO‐GONZÁLEZ ANTONIO
Published: October 2011

This paper focuses on the domestic realm in Late Prehistory in inland Iberia. A diachronic study of living quarters reveals two organizational approaches based on very different principles. The Bronze Age societies consisted of ephemeral family units: their huts are scattered, being relocated completely and regularly about every decade. From 800 BC onward, nucleated and permanent villages are formed: they are centred around ‘the house’. This is an institution that shelters generations of a family; it is the basic cell of the social order introduced in the Iron Age when everyday domestic practices were differently organized. Dwelling places become larger and are rebuilt over earlier ones. This change in practice is due to a new emphasis on links with the ancestral past and the genealogical transmission of land rights.
Augmentation of rat skin flap viability by relaxin‐expressing adenovirus
Authors: Lee Won Jai , Yun Chae‐Ok , Yun In Sik , Kim Yong‐Oock , Choi Il‐Kyu , Yun Tae Jin , Rah Dong Kyun
Published: October 2011

Relaxin (RLX) has multiple vascular actions, including vasodilation and angiogenesis, which occur via induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. We generated a RLX‐expressing (dE1‐RGD/lacZ/RLX) adenovirus and investigated whether it enhances skin flap survival. Thirty Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups: RLX‐expressing adenovirus group, control virus group, and phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) group. Two days before surgery and immediately after flap elevation, the caudally based flap that was 3 × 9 cm in size was subdermally injected with the dE1‐RGD/lacZ/RLX virus (107 PFU), dE1‐RGD/lacZ virus (107 PFU), or PBS. The surviving area of the flap and the amount of blood flow were measured. On postoperative day 10, CD31‐positive vessels and VEGF protein expression were examined. We observed a significant increase in the survival area of the flap in the RLX group. Doppler measurement also showed significantly increased blood flow immediately after the operation and on postoperative days 7 and 10. CD31‐positive vessels and VEGF protein expression were significantly greater in the RLX group. Thus, administration of RLX‐expressing adenovirus into elevated skin flaps increased VEGF expression, the number of capillaries, and blood flow to the flap, thereby improving skin flap survival.
Fifteen Years’ Experience of Treating Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis by Interventional Nephrologists in India
Authors: Hegde Umapati , Rajapurkar Mohan , Gang Sishir , Khanapet Mallikarjun , Durugkar Santosh , Gohel Kalpesh , Aghor Nagesh , Ganju Anil , Dabhi Manish
Published: October 2011

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is an important cause of kidney disease, accelerated hypertension (HTN), and its treatment is controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes, safety, and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for ARAS. Retrospective analysis of ARAS was performed among 470 angiographies during 1995–2010. Patients with nonatherosclerotic RAS and renal transplant were excluded. We assessed preintervention and postintervention mean arterial pressure (MAP), antihypertensive medications, and renal function to classify as deteriorated (>10% increase in MAP/increase in drugs/>20% reduced GFR), improved (>10% reduced MAP/reduced drugs/>20% increased eGFR), or stabilized (<10% change in MAP/same antihypertensive drugs/<20% change in eGFR) at last follow‐up. A total of 220 subjects with mean age of 57.6 ± 10.4 years underwent PTA and/or stenting. The average follow‐up was 23.07 ± 21.2 months. Accelerated HTN, HTN onset >50 years, unexplained renal failure, and unilateral small kidney were the most common presentations. In all, 255 significant stenotic lesions in 220 patients (119 unilateral, 66 single functioning kidney, and 35 bilateral) were observed. In total, 255 PTA were performed, including 177 stenting. Technical success was seen in 220/243 (90.5%) subjects. Combined MAP and antihypertensive drugs improved in 154/220 (70%) patients. Renal function improved/stabilized in 175/220 (79.5%). Angioplasty and stenting are relatively safe and feasible tools for control of blood pressure (BP) in ARAS. Angioplasty produced improvement/stabilization of BP in 70%, and the renal function in 79.5% subjects.
The Enlightenment Kidney—Nephrology in and about the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Eknoyan Garabed , De Santo Natale G.
Published: October 2011

The intellectual movement of inquiry by direct observation and inductive reasoning to acquire new knowledge matured in the Enlightenment. In medicine, personal observation as the prime mover of investigation began in anatomy, and gradually extended into studies of function, site of disease, and composition of body fluids. This led to the generation of new information on renal structure, function, and urine composition in health and to some extent in disease. Studies on the dissected, injected, and teased kidneys have left us with many of the eponymous renal structures described by Eustachio, Bellini, Malpighi, and Ferrein. Subsequent studies by Haller of the renal circulation and scrutiny of the separation of serous fluid from blood in the renal cortical glandular components established the beginnings of renal physiology. The movement to integrate chemistry into medicine championed by Boerhaave, which launched studies of urine composition in diabetes, urolithiasis, and gout led to the exploration of a chemical basis of other diseases. Albuminous precipitate in the urine of a dropsical case was described by Cotugno, but its association with kidney disease went unappreciated. Most of the new information on the kidney was communicated to and discussed in the increasing number of new scientific societies that were being formed, and transmitted to the eager members of the learned bourgeoisie of the period in the Encyclopédie of Diderot and d’Alembert.
Hydroa Vacciniforme‐like Epstein–Barr Virus‐associated Lymphoproliferative Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Zeng Yueping , Fu Lanqin , Jin Hongzhong , Sun Qiuning , Wang Baoxi
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  We report a case of hydroa vacciniforme‐like skin eruptions with chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection in a 16‐year‐old boy. The patient had repeated episodes of vesiculo‐necrotic eruptions on the face, trunk, and extremities for 13 years. General symptoms included fever, splenomegaly, and abnormal liver function. Histopathological examination of skin biopsy specimen demonstrated dense infiltration of lymphocytes, histocytes, and some neutrophils and plasma cells in the dermis. Immunohistochemical stain revealed that the lymphocytes were positive for T cell and B cell markers. Epstein–Barr virus infection studies and systemic presentation confirmed the diagnosis.
A Prospective Study of Infantile Hemangiomas with a Focus on Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Dickison Philippa , Christou Elizabeth , Wargon Orli
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common tumor of infancy and have been estimated to occur in 4% of infants. Only two previous incidence studies of IH in a healthy population have been published, and both of these were performed in the first week of life. The objective was to identify the incidence of IH in an Australian neonatal population and characterize the risk factors. All women who presented to the postnatal ward in a 200‐bed maternity hospital were asked to complete a questionnaire. Details of maternal history and birth details were recorded. Two follow‐up emails 3 and 6 weeks after discharge were sent to all mothers who consented, asking if their baby had developed an IH. Babies reported to have an IH were seen in clinic to confirm the diagnosis. Details were collected from 1,034 mothers of 1,065 babies; 28 (2.6%) of the infants developed IH. Babies that developed IH were more likely to be female (p < 0.001), have a low birth weight (p = 0.020), be born at a gestational age of <37 weeks (p = 0.005), and be conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) (p = 0.001) than those who did not. The incidence of IH at 6 weeks of life was 2.6%.
A novel mutation in the IRF6 gene associated with facial asymmetry in a family affected with Van der Woude Syndrome
Authors: Miñones‐Suárez Lorena , Mas‐Vidal Alberto , Fernandez‐Toral Joaquin , Llano‐Rivas Isabel , González‐García Manuel
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  This report describes a novel missense mutation in the interferon regulation factor 6 (IRF6) gene associated to facial asymmetry. This new feature widens the phenotype spectrum of Van der Woude syndrome (VWS).
Unemployment and Hospitalization Owing to an Alcohol‐Related Diagnosis Among Middle‐Aged Men in Sweden
Authors: Lundin Andreas , Backhans Mona , Hemmingsson Tomas
Published: October 2011

Background:  Unemployment is associated with alcohol‐related morbidity. However, the extent to which the association is causal is unclear, and it is not known whether other risk factors remain uncontrolled for. This study examines the association between unemployment and later alcohol‐related hospitalization, adjusted for preexisting alcohol disorders, psychiatric diagnoses, behavioral risk factors, and social factors.

Methods:  The study was based on a military conscription cohort (men born in 1949 to 1951), with information on psychiatric diagnosis and psychological assessment and from a drug‐use survey, which was then linked to national registers. The analyses were performed on data on the 37,798 individuals who were in paid employment in 1990 to 1991.

Results:  It was found that short‐ and long‐term unemployment (1 to 89 days and ≥90 days) were associated with hospitalization owing to an alcohol‐related diagnosis at 12‐year follow‐up (HRcrude = 2.25, 95% CI 1.64 to 3.09 and HRcrude = 2.95, 95% CI 2.51 to 3.48, respectively). After adjustment for confounders, the hazard ratios (HRs) decreased but were still significantly elevated (HRadjusted = 1.52, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.10 and HRadjusted = 1.61, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.92, respectively). When follow‐up was split into 3 time bands, it was found that the short‐ and medium‐term associations were about the same and independent of unemployment duration, with adjusted HRs ranging between 1.70 and 1.76. No significant long‐term associations were found after adjustment.

Conclusions:  Unemployment was related to becoming hospitalized owing to an alcohol‐related diagnosis. A substantial part of the elevated relative risk of alcohol‐related hospitalization related to unemployment was found to be associated with already existing individual risk factors.
Do People Believe Combined Hazards Can Present Synergistic Risks?
Authors: Dawson Ian G. J. , Johnson Johnnie E. V. , Luke Michelle A.
Published: October 2011

The risk attributable to some hazard combinations can be greater than the sum of the risk attributable to each constituent hazard. Such “synergistic risks” occur in several domains, can vary in magnitude, and often have harmful, even life‐threatening, outcomes. Yet, the extent to which people believe that combined hazards can present synergistic risks is unclear. We present the results of two experimental studies aimed at addressing this issue. In both studies, participants examined synergistic and additive risk scenarios, and judged whether these were possible. The results indicate that the proportion of people who believe that synergistic risks can occur declines linearly as the magnitude of the synergistic risk increases. We also find that people believe, despite scientific evidence to the contrary, that certain hazard combinations are more likely to present additive or weakly synergistic risks than synergistic risks of higher magnitudes. Furthermore, our findings did not vary as a simple function of hazard domain (health vs. social), but varied according to the characteristics of the specific hazards considered (specified vs. unspecified drug combinations). These results suggest that many people’s beliefs concerning the risk attributable to combined hazards could lead them to underestimate the threat posed by combinations that present synergistic risks, particularly for hazard combinations that present higher synergistic risk magnitudes. These findings highlight a need to develop risk communications that can effectively increase awareness of synergistic risks.
The Fuzzy Front‐End of Discontinuous Innovation: Insights for Research and Management
Authors: de Brentani Ulrike , Reid Susan E.
Published: October 2011

In an article by Reid and de Brentani, a theoretical model of the process and structure for the fuzzy front‐end (FFE) of new product development (NPD) for discontinuous innovations was proposed. Its basic premise is that information flow in the early development of such innovations moves from the environment into the firm, facilitated by individuals playing three key roles at three decision‐making interfaces: (1) the boundary spanner at the boundary interface, (2) the gatekeeper at the gatekeeping interface, and (3) what is identified in this paper as the “project broker” at the project interface. The current paper builds on and augments the ideas presented in this theoretical model with the primary objective of formulating a set of propositions detailing factors affecting the flow of information, and thus role effectiveness at each of these interfaces for discontinuous innovations. The focus is on radically new innovations both because this type of innovation has the highest level of uncertainty during the FFE and because the development of products resulting from such innovations entails the greatest lack of understanding and the fewest strategies for effective management. To achieve this objective, individual, social system, and environmental factors, which promote and/or inhibit the effectiveness of the roles played during the three FFE phases, are examined in terms of both the speed and the quality of information flow. This is done with the goal of substantially improving NPD information as it proceeds through the FFE. In turn, it can help researchers, managers, and team players to better anticipate and meet the navigational challenges of this intrinsically complex, risky, but high potential, NPD scenario.
Beta Adrenergic Receptor Blockade Causing Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction during Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in a Patient with No Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Okada David R. , Okada Robert D. , Bonow Robert O.
Published: October 2011

A 41‐year‐old woman with a history of neurocardiogenic syncope treated with beta‐blockers was admitted with chest pain. Dobutamine echocardiogram images demonstrated decreased global LV systolic wall motion and thickening. Coronary angiograms were normal. Beta‐blockers were stopped and dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) was repeated. Dobutamine images demonstrated increased global LV systolic wall motion and thickening. Beta‐blockers were restarted and again dobutamine produced global LV dysfunction. This case suggests that DSE wall motion response may be falsely abnormal in a patient on beta‐blockers. Physicians should be aware of this possibility when interpreting dobutamine echocardiography in patients taking beta‐blockers. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E39‐E42)
Unusual Presentation of Cardiac Tamponade after Biventricular Assist Device Implantation: Diastolic Collapse of the Outflow Graft
Authors: Paluszkiewicz Lech , Kitzner Lukas , Aissaoui Nadia , Gummert Jan , Koertke Heinrich
Published: October 2011

(Echocardiography 2012;29:E20‐E21)
Internal Flow Characteristics of a Plastic Kaolin Suspension During Extrusion
Authors: Rabideau Brooks D. , Moucheront Pascal , Bertrand François , Rodts Stéphane , Mélinge Yannick , Lanos Christophe , Coussot Philippe
Published: October 2011

The internal flow characteristics of a kaolin suspension were examined via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a flow regime for which the material behaves as an almost pure plastic material. The paste also showed a significant tendency toward liquid phase migration under squeezing tests. The MRI measurements produced a 2D slice of the 3D velocity field near the entrance of the cylindrical extrusion die, as well as the relative liquid–solid ratio within the cylindrical extrusion cartridge. Finite element simulations were also carried out using a simple yield stress fluid model, i.e. Herschel–Bulkley model, which was fit to rheometrical data obtained from independent experiments. A relatively good agreement between numerical simulations and the measured velocity field was obtained. In addition, the clay concentration of the paste within the extrusion column was imaged before and after extrusion experiments displaying a migration of water from the dead zones toward the entrance of the die. It is remarkable, however, that this phenomenon does not significantly affect the velocity distribution.
Does Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Add to the Predictive Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography for Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Low‐risk Chest Pain Patients?
Authors: Chang Anna Marie , Le Jeffrey , Matsuura Asako C. , Litt Harold I. , Hollander Judd E.
Published: October 2011

Academic Emergency Medicine 2011; 18:1065–1071 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Coronary angiography calcium score (CACS) is included for patients who receive coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) as part of diagnostic testing for low‐risk chest pain. Both tests add radiation exposure, and it is unclear whether the combination provides more information than either test alone. The objective was to asses if CACS = 0 determines freedom from coronary artery disease (CAD) and whether the addition of CACS to coronary CT angiography provides additional risk stratification information or helps predict 30‐day cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods:  This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study at an urban university hospital emergency department (ED), of patients with symptoms suggestive of potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and low Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk scores who received coronary CTA. Data collected included demographics and medical history. The main outcome was CAD, defined as the presence of a maximal stenosis >50% on coronary CTA, stratified by CACS results. The secondary outcome was cardiovascular events including death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization at 30 days. Data were analyzed with standard descriptive techniques and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:  A total of 1,049 patients were enrolled (median age = 48.1 years; interquartile range [IQR] = 42.4 to 53.3 years); 55% were female, and 63% were black or African American. Of these, 17 of 795 (2.1%) with CACS of 0 had CAD, 16 of 169 patients (9.5%) with CACS of 0.1 to 99 had CAD, 53.3% (32 of 60) with CACS between 100 and 399 had CAD, and 10 of 23 (43.5%) with CACS ≥ 400 had CAD. There was a higher likelihood of significant CAD with increased CACS. Patients who had a calcium score of 0 but still had CAD were more likely to be young (50 years old or less; RR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.96). For the secondary outcome, there were 15 cardiovascular events within 30 days: one patient with CACS = 0 and no CAD (1 of 733; 0.1%), one patient with CACS > 0 and no CAD (1 of 182; 0.5%), four patients with CACS = 0 and CAD (4 of 17; 23.5%), and nine patients with CACS > 0 and CAD (9 of 58; 15.5%), with a net reclassification index of −0.001 (p = 0.32).

Conclusions:  In the study sample, elevated CACS was associated with a higher likelihood of underlying CAD on coronary CTA, but the addition of CACS to coronary CTA did not help predict 30‐day cardiovascular events.