bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of domain extensions to a moderately stenosed patient‐specific carotid bifurcation
Authors: Bevan Rhodri , Nithiarasu P. , Sazonov Igor , van Loon Raoul , Luckraz Heyman , Collins Michael , Garnham Andrew
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to numerically study blood flow through a subject‐specific carotid artery with a moderately severe stenosis, also to thoroughly analyse the wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI) and WSS angular deviation (WSSAD). One of the important aspects of this study is the investigation on the influence of the extensions attached to the domain outlets.

Design/methodology/approach

The segmentation of the carotid artery is carried out using a deformable model based on a level set method. A geometric potential force (GPF) is employed to deform the level set to obtain the carotid artery geometry. The initial surface meshing is generated using an advanced marching cubes (MC) method, before improving the quality of the surface mesh via a number of mesh cosmetic steps. The volume mesh generation has two parts. In the first part, a quasi‐structured, boundary layer mesh is generated in the vicinity of the geometry walls. The second part of the meshing involves unstructured tetrahedral meshing of the inner part of the geometry. After the meshing stage, the flow boundary conditions are generated by numerically solving the Helmholtz equation in both space and time. Finally, the explicit characteristic‐based split (CBS) method is employed in a parallel environment to produce a detailed analysis of wall quantities.

Findings

In general, WSS is very high in the vicinity of the carotid artery apex and in the proximity of the stenosis. From the results obtained, it is clear that the influence of outlet domain extension is marginal. While the peak instantaneous WSS differs by a maximum of 5.7 per cent, the time‐averaged WSS difference due to extended domain is only 1.3 per cent. Two other derived parameters are also examined in the paper, the oscillating shear index and the WSSAD. Both these quantities also display minor or negligible differences due to domain extension.

Originality/value

It has been perceived that domain extension is essential to avoid wrong application of boundary conditions. The results obtained, however, conclusively show that the outlet domain extension has only a moderate influence on WSS. Thus, outlet extension to the domains may not be essential for arterial blood flows. It is also observed that the dramatic values of peak WSS obtained near the stenosis is the result of high resolution mesh along with boundary layers used in this study. Both the outcomes represent the originality of this paper.
A new PCA‐ANN algorithm for retrieval of rainfall structure in a precipitating atmosphere
Authors: Ramanujam Srinivasa , Chandrasekar R. , Chakravarthy Balaji
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an algorithm, using PCA‐based neural network, to retrieve the vertical rainfall structure in a precipitating atmosphere. The algorithm is powered by a rigorous solution to the plane parallel radiative transfer equation for the atmosphere with thermodynamically consistent vertical profiles of humidity, temperature and cloud structures, together with “measured” vertical profiles of the rain structure derived from a radar.

Design/methodology/approach

The raining atmosphere is considered to be a plane parallel, radiatively participating medium. The atmospheric thermodynamic profiles such as pressure, temperature and relative humidity along with wind speed at sea surface and cloud parameters corresponding to Nargis, a category 4 tropical cyclone that made its landfall on May 2, 2008 at the Republic of Myanmar, are obtained by solving the flux form of Euler's equations in three‐dimensional form. The state‐of‐the‐art community software Weather Research and Forecasting has been used for solving the set of equations. The three‐dimensional rain profiles for the same cyclone at the same instant of time are obtained from National Aeronautics and Space Administration's space borne Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission's precipitation radar over collocated pixels. An in‐house Micro‐Tropiques code is used to perform radiative transfer simulations for frequencies corresponding to a typical space borne radiometer, and hence to generate the database which is later used for training the neural network. The back propagation‐based neural network is optimized with reduced number of parameters using principal component analysis (PCA).

Findings

The results show that neural network is capable of retrieving the vertical rainfall structure with a correlation coefficient of over 0.99. Further, reducing the ill‐posedness in retrieving 56 parameters from just nine measurements using PCA has improved the root mean square error in the retrievals at reduced computational time.

Originality/value

The paper shows that combining numerically generated atmospheric profiles together with radar measurements to serve as input to a radiative transfer model brings in the much‐required synergy between numerical weather prediction, radar measurements and radiative transfer. This strategy can be gainfully used in satellite meteorology. Using principal components to reduce the ill‐posedness, thereby increasing the robustness in retrieving vertical rain structure, has been attempted for the first time. A well‐trained network can be used as one possible option for an operational algorithm for the proposed Indian climate research satellite Megha‐Tropiques, due to be launched in early 2011.
Electronic commerce‐enabled supply chain process integration and business value
Authors: Ghobakhloo Morteza , Sadegh Sabouri Mohammad , Sai Hong Tang , Amirizadeh Khosro
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model to analyze the relationships between three aspects of technical electronic commerce (EC)‐based information system (IS) resources; the supply chain process integration; and business value.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is consistent with the perspective on IS‐enabled organizational capabilities and resource based view of the firm. A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to collect data from 214 supply chain, logistics, or procurement/purchasing managers of leading manufacturing firms.

Findings

The findings suggest that supply chain process integration, a key EC‐enabled organizational capability, can enhance business value. We found that this capability serve as a catalyst in transforming technical EC‐based IS resources (technical quality of EC applications, EC advancements, and EC alignment) into higher value for a firm.

Research limitations/implications

Among other limitations, this paper does not address human IS resources as the other potential determinants of firm's supply chain capabilities. Moreover, this study relies on cross‐sectional data.

Practical implications

The results suggest that supply chain process integration is an important intermediate organizational capability through which value of EC‐based IS resources can be materialized. The technical aspects of EC‐based IS resources need to be developed to effectively form supply chain capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper is perhaps one of the first to show theoretically and empirically how firms, in particular in developing countries, can generate business value from EC‐enabled supply chain process integration; also it broadens the scope of EC alignment in relation to process integration and business value to the entire supply chain.
Large creditors and corporate governance: the case of Chinese banks
Authors: Hu Yiming , Li Siqi , Lin Thomas W. , Xie Shilei
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Banks are the major suppliers of external funds for companies in China. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether Chinese banks exercise effective monitoring over borrowers in two lending decisions, including loan interest rates and loan renewals.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of Chinese public industrial firms from 2000 to 2005, the authors perform multivariate regression analysis to investigate whether banks adjust their loan interest rates and consider loan renewal decisions in response to borrowers financial performance. The authors also examine these bank lending decisions before and after 2003, when the major banking reforms started to take place in China.

Findings

A negative relation was found between the loan interest rate spread and the financial performance of borrowers. However, a negative relation was found between loan renewals and the financial performance of borrowers, consistent with firms in financial difficulties being in need of more funding and hence more likely to get its bank loans renewed. Additionally, it was found that the factors banks consider when making loan decisions vary before and after 2003.

Originality/value

The authors' findings suggest that Chinese banks play a limited role in monitoring and disciplining borrowers through adjustments of loan interest rates, and that their loan renewal decisions for firms with poor financial performance highlight banks' financing, instead of monitoring role in this transition economy. These findings provide empirical evidence on bank governance in a transition economy dominated by state‐owned enterprises. The paper contributes to the literature by constructing an alternative loan renewal measure using financial statement information.
Acquisition and integration of fair value information on liabilities into investors' judgments
Authors: Lachmann Maik , Wöhrmann Arnt , Wömpener Andreas
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board allow fair value measurement of liabilities. Previous findings from the literature on recognition versus disclosure indicate that recognition of fair value information better serves investors' needs, because it is more likely to facilitate the incorporation of the information into their judgment. In cases of credit risk changes for own liabilities, however, many authors doubt that fair value measurement is beneficial due to its potential counter‐intuitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into non‐professional investors' processing of fair value information for liabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A between‐subjects laboratory experiment was employed. Subjects received financial information on three different companies. The authors manipulated the accounting treatment of liabilities between the three groups. Subjects ranked three companies according to their economic performance. The authors then compared these rankings to the companies' actual performance.

Findings

The results of the experiment indicate that non‐professional investors are less likely to acquire the information of credit risk changes when liabilities are not measured at fair value. Additionally, evidence was found that fair value measurement is to some extent counter‐intuitive for non‐professional investors.

Research limitations/implications

A main limitation is that our experiment concentrates on liabilities and abstracts from interactions of both sides of the balance sheet.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze in detail non‐professional investors' information processing of liabilities measured at fair value.
Corporate derivatives and foreign exchange risk management
Authors: Afza Talat , Alam Atia
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting firms' decision to use foreign exchange (FX) derivative instruments by using the data of 86 non‐financial firms listed on Karachi Stock Exchange for the period 2004‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

Required data were collected from annual reports of listed firms of Karachi Stock Exchange. Non‐parametric test was used to examine the mean difference between users and non‐users operating characteristics. Logit model was applied to analyze the impact of firm's financial distress costs, underinvestment problem, tax convexity, profitability, managerial ownership and foreign exchange exposure on firms' decision to use FX derivative instruments for hedging.

Findings

Results explain that firms having higher foreign sales are more likely to use FX derivative instruments to reduce exchange rate exposure. Moreover, financially distressed large‐size firms with financial constraints and fewer managerial holdings are more likely to use FX derivatives.

Research limitations/implications

Incomplete financial instrument disclosure requirements restricted researchers to using binary variable as a dependent variable instead of notional value or fair value of derivative usage.

Practical implications

The study shows that in the presence of amateur derivative market, Pakistani corporations possessing higher agency costs of debt, agency costs of equity, and financial constraints will benefit more by defining hedging policies coherent with the firm's investment and financing policies in order to enhance firm value.

Originality/value

Until now, no earlier empirical study focused on the determinants of a firm's hedging policies in Pakistan, in the presence of volatile exchange rates,. The current study, therefore, attempts to identify the factors which affect the firm's decision to use derivative instruments for hedging FX exposure of non‐financial firms in Pakistan.
Perceptions of bullying‐like phenomena in South Korea: a qualitative approach from a lifespan perspective
Authors: Lee Seungha , Smith Peter K. , Monks Claire P.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This study aims to investigate perceptions of bullying‐like behaviours in South Korea, from young children to adults; why they happen and how people judge them.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups were conducted across different age ranges, from preschool to workplace employees, in Seoul. A total of 113 participants were shown cartoons or descriptions of negative behaviours and asked “why these happened”, and “what do you think about them?” Interview transcripts were analysed by grounded theory.

Findings

Similarities and differences across ages were found for two themes, origins and judgments of behaviours. Situational and interpersonal factors were seen as important in causing the behaviours, both in school and the workplace. Pupils aged 15‐17 and mothers considered the behaviours less acceptable than younger pupils; whereas, ten to 15‐year‐old pupils and workplace employees gave more justification of the behaviours and were more likely to attribute the situation to victim's responsibility.

Originality/value

This is the first study investigating perceptions of bullying‐like behaviour from a life‐span perspective and also provides findings on the particular nature of Korean bullying or wang‐ta.
Aclarubicin enhances tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐induced apoptosis through death receptor 5 upregulation
Authors: Horinaka Mano , Yoshida Tatsushi , Nakata Susumu , Shiraishi Takumi , Tomosugi Mitsuhiro , Yoshikawa Sae , Wakada Miki , Sakai Toshiyuki
Published: November 2011

Anthracycline drugs are potent anti‐tumor agents. Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death ligand with promising anti‐cancer effects. However, some tumor types develop resistance to TRAIL. We examined the effect of aclarubicin (ACR), an anthracycline, in combination with TRAIL. The combination of TRAIL and ACR synergistically induced apoptosis in human acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells and human lung cancer A549 cells. In contrast, another anthracycline, doxorubicin (DOX), only slightly sensitized Jurkat cells and A549 cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis, with weaker enhancement of death receptor 5 (DR5) expression than ACR. The RNase protection assay, real time RT‐PCR and western blot demonstrated that ACR upregulated the expression of a TRAIL receptor, DR5. Caspase inhibitors and dominant negative DR5 efficiently reduced the apoptotic response to the treatment with ACR and TRAIL, indicating that the combined effect depends on caspase activities and the interaction between TRAIL and its receptor. ACR but not DOX increased the activity of the DR5 gene promoter in Jurkat cells carrying a mutation in the p53 gene, suggesting that ACR upregulates DR5 expression through p53‐independent transcription. These results suggest the combination of TRAIL and ACR to be a promising treatment for malignant tumors. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 282–287)
Attitudinal and demographic determinants of diet quality and implications for policy targeting
Authors: Traill W. B. , Chambers S. A. , Butler L.
Published: November 2011

Background:  Poor diet quality is a major public health concern that has prompted governments to introduce a range of measures to promote healthy eating. For these measures to be effective, they should target segments of the population with messages relevant to their needs, aspirations and circumstances. The present study investigates the extent to which attitudes and constraints influence healthy eating, as well as how these vary by demographic characteristics of the UK population. It further considers how such information may be used in segmented diet and health policy messages.

Methods:  A survey of 250 UK adults elicited information on conformity to dietary guidelines, attitudes towards healthy eating, constraints to healthy eating and demographic characteristics. Ordered logit regressions were estimated to determine the importance of attitudes and constraints in determining how closely respondents follow healthy eating guidelines. Further regressions explored the demographic characteristics associated with the attitudinal and constraint variables.

Results:  People who attach high importance to their own health and appearance eat more healthily than those who do not. Risk‐averse people and those able to resist temptation also eat more healthily. Shortage of time is considered an important barrier to healthy eating, although the cost of a healthy diet is not. These variables are associated with a number of demographic characteristics of the population; for example, young adults are more motivated to eat healthily by concerns over their appearance than their health.

Conclusions:  The approach employed in the present study could be used to inform future healthy eating campaigns. For example, messages to encourage the young to eat more healthily could focus on the impact of diets on their appearance rather than health.
DNA fingerprinting and new tools for fine‐scale discrimination of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions
Authors: Simon Matthieu , Simon Adeline , Martins Fréderic , Botran Lucy , Tisné Sébastien , Granier Fabienne , Loudet Olivier , Camilleri Christine
Published: November 2011

One of the main strengths of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model species is the impressive number of public resources available to the scientific community. Exploring species genetic diversity – and therefore adaptation – relies on collections of individuals from natural populations taken from diverse environments. Nevertheless, due to a few mislabeling events or genotype mixtures, some variants available in stock centers have been misidentified, causing inconsistencies and limiting the potential of genetic analyses. To improve the identification of natural accessions, we genotyped 1311 seed stocks from our Versailles Arabidopsis Stock Center and from other collections to determine their molecular profiles at 341 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. These profiles were used to compare genotypes at both the intra‐ and inter‐accession levels. We confirmed previously described inconsistencies and revealed new ones, and suggest likely identities for accessions whose lineage had been lost. We also developed two new tools: a minimal fingerprint computation to quickly verify the identity of an accession, and an optimized marker set to assist in the identification of unknown or mixed accessions. These tools are available on a dedicated web interface called ANATool (https://www.versailles.inra.fr/ijpb/crb/anatool) that provides a simple and efficient means to verify or determine the identity of A. thaliana accessions in any laboratory, without the need for any specific or expensive technology.
Roles of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript in the central nervous system
Authors: Zhang Meijuan , Han Lijuan , Xu Yun
Published: November 2011

1. Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART), first isolated from the ovine hypothalamus, is a potential neurotransmitter widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in endocrine cells in the pituitary and adrenal glands, pancreatic islets and stomach.

2. Numerous studies have established the role of CART in food intake, maintenance of bodyweight, stress control, reward and pain transmission. Recently, it was demonstrated that CART, as a neurotrophic peptide, had a cerebroprotective against focal ischaemic stroke and inhibited the neurotoxicity of β‐amyloid protein, which focused attention on the role of CART in the central nervous system (CNS) and neurological diseases.

3. In fact, little is known about the way in which CART peptide interacts with its receptors, initiates downstream cascades and finally exerts its neuroprotective effect under normal or pathological conditions. The literature indicates that there are many factors, such as regulation of the immunological system and protection against energy failure, that may be involved in the cerebroprotection afforded by CART.

4. The present review provides a brief summary of the current literature on CART synthesis and active fragments, its distribution in the CNS and, in particular, the role of CART peptide (and its receptors and signalling) in neurological diseases.
Vagal nerve modulation: A promising new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Zhao Mei , Sun Lei , Liu Jin‐Jun , Wang Hao , Miao Yi , Zang Wei‐Jin
Published: November 2011

1. The physiological activities of the mammalian heart are regulated by the autonomic nervous system. An imbalanced autonomic nervous system with increased sympathetic tone and reduced vagal tone has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases.

2. Experimental and clinical reports have demonstrated that vagal nerve activation is able to improve outcomes for multiple cardiovascular diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia and hypertension.

3. In this paper, we mainly focus on the potential cardioprotective mechanisms of vagal nerve activation. Based on the knowledge gained from our experiments and other published reports, vagal activation results in cardioprotection is not only associated with heart rate, anti‐adrenergic effect but also related to anti‐inflammatory activity, regulation of cellular redox states and regulation of mitochondrial targets.

4. In conclusion, vagal nerve activation may be a promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Efficacy and safety of topical WBI‐1001 in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis: results from a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled, phase II trial
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Bolduc C. , Maari C. , Nigen S. , Webster J.M. , Tang L. , Lyle M.
Published: November 2011

Background  There is a need for the development of novel non‐steroidal topical drugs for the treatment of psoriasis.

Objective  To assess the efficacy and safety of topical 1.0% WBI‐1001 in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.

Methods  A total of 61 patients with 1–10% body surface area (BSA) covered with plaque psoriasis and a physician’s global assessment score (PGA) of 2–4 were randomized (2 : 1) to receive either 1% WBI‐1001 in a cream formulation or placebo, applied twice daily for 12 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using PGA, BSA and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The primary endpoint was the change from baseline (Day 0) in PGA at week 12.

Results  The improvement in PGA at week 12 was 62.8% for patients randomized to WBI‐1001 when compared with 13.0% for patients randomized to placebo (P < 0.0001). At week 12, the proportion of patients who achieved a PGA of clear or almost clear and the mean improvement in BSA were 67.5% and 79.1%, respectively, for patients randomized to WBI‐1001, when compared with 4.8% (P < 0.0001) and an increase of 9.4% (P < 0.0001), respectively, for patients randomized to placebo. More application site adverse drug reactions were observed in patients randomized to WBI‐1001 than in those randomized to placebo. These adverse drug reactions were all mild or moderate in intensity.

Conclusion  Topical WBI‐1001 induces rapid and significant improvement in patients with plaque psoriasis.
BRCA2 is a mediator of RAD51‐ and DMC1‐facilitated homologous recombination inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Seeliger Katharina , Dukowic‐Schulze Stefanie , Wurz‐Wildersinn Rebecca , Pacher Michael , Puchta Holger
Published: November 2011

Mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2) are correlated with hereditary breast cancer in humans. Studies have revealed that mammalian BRCA2 plays crucial roles in DNA repair. Therefore, we wished to define the role of the BRCA2 homologs in Arabidopsis in detail.

As Arabidopsis contains two functional BRCA2 homologs, an Atbrca2double mutant was generated and analyzed with respect to hypersensitivity to genotoxic agents and recombination frequencies. Cytological studies addressing male and female meiosis were also conducted, and immunolocalization was performed in male meiotic prophase I.

The Atbrca2double mutant showed hypersensitivity to the cross‐linking agent mitomycin C and displayed a dramatic reduction in somatic homologous recombination frequency, especially after double‐strand break induction. The loss of AtBRCA2 also led to severe defects in male meiosis and development of the female gametophyte and impeded proper localization of the synaptonemal complex protein AtZYP1 and the recombinases AtRAD51 and AtDMC1.

The results demonstrate that AtBRCA2 is important for both somatic and meiotic homologous recombination. We further show that AtBRCA2 is required for proper meiotic synapsis and mediates the recruitment of AtRAD51 and AtDMC1. Our results suggest that BRCA2 controls single‐strand invasion steps during homologous recombination in plants.
A pilot project of school‐based intervention integrating drama and language awareness
Authors: Rousseau Cecile , Armand Françoise , Laurin‐Lamothe Audrey , Gauthier Marie‐France , Saboundjian Rita
Published: November 2011

Background:  To help immigrant and refugee adolescents experiencing a severe academic delay cope with adversity, a school‐based intervention combining drama workshops and language awareness activities was piloted in two classrooms.

Method:  A qualitative analysis of participant observations was performed and the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire and its Impairment Supplement was administered before and after the intervention. The observations were carried out in two Montreal high schools serving an underprivileged neighbourhood of immigrants, involving two classrooms of underschooled adolescents (n = 27) and two classes of similarly underschooled adolescents chosen among other teachers interested in the intervention, who accepted to participate as a comparison group (n = 28).

Results:  The adolescents shared their experiences of adversity and felt empowered by the workshops. Self‐reported impairment decreased in the intervention groups.

Conclusion:  The protective effect of creative language activities for immigrant and refugee youth should be further investigated.
Policy and Organizational Change in the Federal Aviation Administration: The Ontogenesis of a High‐Reliability Organization
Authors: O'Neil Patrick D. , Krane Dale
Published: November 2011

Although the high‐reliability organization (HRO) literature identifies several attributes that differentiate HROs from other types of organizations, these studies do not explain how an HRO comes into being, nor do they provide a means to gauge or measure the extent to which an organization exhibits the specified features. This article reports the results of a 97‐year longitudinal case study tracking the emergence and continuation of HRO characteristics in the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control operations to answer the following questions: how do HRO functions emerge in public organizations, and do policy changes lead administrative changes, or is there little relation between policy and organizational change? The analysis shows that (1) HRO characteristics emerged incrementally over an extremely long period of time, and (2) policy changes preceded organizational changes early in the process of HRO development, but the relationship of policy change to organizational change decreased in later stages.
How Credible Is the Evidence, and Does It Matter? An Analysis of the Program Assessment Rating Tool
Authors: Heinrich Carolyn J.
Published: November 2011

This research empirically assesses the quality of evidence that agencies provided to the Office of Management and Budget in the application of the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART), introduced in 2002 to more rigorously, systematically, and transparently assess public program effectiveness and hold agencies accountable for results by tying them to the executive budget formulation process and program funding. Evidence submitted by 95 programs administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the PART assessment is analyzed using measures that capture the quality of evidence and methods used by programs and information on characteristics of agencies that might relate to program results and government funding decisions. The study finds that of those programs offering some evidence, most was internal and qualitative, and about half did not assess how their performance compared to other government or private programs with similar objectives. Programs were least likely to provide externally generated evidence of their performance relative to long‐term and annual performance goals. Importantly, overall PART and results scores were (statistically) significantly lower for programs that failed to provide quantitative evidence and did not use long‐term measures, baseline measures or targets, or independent evaluations. Although the PART program results ratings and overall PART scores had no discernible consequences for program funding over time, the PART assessments appeared to take seriously the evaluation of evidence quality, a positive step forward in recent efforts to base policy decisions on more rigorous evidence.
The Politics of Possession: The Proliferation of Partnerships in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Zanotti Laura
Published: November 2011

Centered on one village, Aukre, this article discusses new types of intervillage ties and coordination in the Kayapó lands in Brazil. Present‐day village politics are animated by a diverse array of old and emergent partnerships in the Amazon region. The Kayapó effort to preserve their homeland has resulted in communities’ networking, articulating, and partnering with many different types of stakeholders as a response to the territorialization of their homeland and the increased bureaucratization of their livelihoods. Ethnographic data from one village suggests that current community relationships are part of a multilayered political and social landscape. Now, village ties are forged and maintained because of ramped‐up transportation and communication within the territory, bureaucratic structures that demand consistent intervillage diplomacy, economic incentives that offer Kayapó communities opportunities for engagement and competition, and ongoing alliances to protect and defend the integrity of the Kayapó lands and their territorial boundaries.
The association between social phobia, social anxiety cognitions and paranoid symptoms
Authors: Schutters S. I. J. , Dominguez M.‐d.‐G. , Knappe S. , Lieb R. , van Os J. , Schruers K. R. J. , Wittchen H.‐U.
Published: November 2011

Schutters SIJ, Dominguez M‐d‐G, Knappe S, Lieb R, van Os J, Schruers KRJ, Wittchen H‐U. The association between social phobia, social anxiety cognitions and paranoid symptoms.

Objective:  Previous research suggests high levels of comorbidity between social phobia and paranoid symptoms, although the nature of this association remains unclear.

Method:  Data were derived from the Early Developmental Stages of Psychopathology study, a 10‐year longitudinal study in a representative German community sample of 3021 participants aged 14–24 years at baseline. The Munich‐Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess social phobia and paranoid symptoms, along with data on social phobia features. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted. Differential associations with environmental risk factors and temperamental traits were investigated.

Results:  Lifetime social phobia and paranoid symptoms were associated with each other cross‐sectionally (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.31–2.47). Lifetime paranoid symptoms were associated specifically with social anxiety cognitions. Lifetime cognitions of negative evaluation predicted later onset of paranoid symptoms, whereas onset of social phobia was predicted by cognitions of loss of control and fear/avoidance of social situations. Lifetime social phobia and paranoid symptoms shared temperamental traits of behavioural inhibition, but differed in environmental risks.

Conclusions:  The present study showed that paranoid symptoms and social phobia share similarities in cognitive profile and inhibited temperament. Avoidance appears to be important in the development of social phobia, whereas cannabis use and traumatic experiences may drive paranoid thinking in vulnerable individuals.
Prognostic role of integrin β1, E‐cadherin, and rac1 expression in small cell lung cancer
Authors: CHANG MYUNG HEE , LEE KYUNGJI , LEE KYO‐YOUNG , KIM YEON SIL , KIM YOUNG KYOON , KANG JIN‐HYOUNG
Published: November 2011

Chang MH, Lee K, Lee K‐Y, Kim YS, Kim YK, Kang J‐H. Prognostic role of integrin β1, E‐cadherin, and rac1 expression in small cell lung cancer. APMIS 2012; 120: 28–38.

Integrin β1 mediates cellular adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and is correlated with highly invasive and metastatic behavior in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). E‐cadherin (ECAD) is a calcium‐dependent cell–cell adhesion receptor that restricts invasion of cells and reduces metastasis. Rac1 is involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, adhesion, migration, invasion, and tumor metastasis. The aim of this study was to examine integrin β1, ECAD and rac1 expression in SCLC and to analyze the prognostic value of these markers in patients with SCLC. We analyzed integrin β1, ECAD, and rac1 expression in 112 SCLC tissues by immunohistochemical staining. Correlative analyses between integrin β1, ECAD, and rac1 expression and cliniopathological factors were performed. A total of 65 patients had extensive disease (ED) (58%), and 47 had limited disease (LD) (42%). The median follow‐up duration was 61 months (range: 14–117 months), and the median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.1 months (range: 4.8–7.4 months) and 9.7 months (range: 8.1–11.3 months), respectively. The expression of integrin β1, ECAD, and rac1 protein was observed in 64, 73, and 99 of SCLC tissues, respectively. The correlative analyses between integrin β1, ECAD, or rac1 expression and various clinical parameters did not show any statistical significance. However, the ECAD expression was associated with OS in the entire cohort. In contrast, the expression of integrin β1 and rac1 was not associated with PFS or OS. In a subgroup analysis, patients with less than two metastasis had significantly longer OS (p = 0.047) if their tumors expressed integrin β1 compared to those without integrin β1 expression. In addition, OS was longer for patients with ECAD positive tumors compared to those whose tumors did not express ECAD in males (p = 0.032) and patients who never smoked (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that LD (p = 0.004), overall response rate (p = 0.003), and expression of ECAD (p = 0.015) were the independent good prognostic factors for OS. LD (p = 0.024), overall response rate (p < 0.001), and less than two metastasis (p = 0.003) were prognostic factors for longer PFS. These results suggest that ECAD expression may be useful as a prognostic indicator in patients with SCLC.
Immunological mechanisms of contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: CHRISTENSEN ANNE DEEN , HAASE CLAUS
Published: November 2011

Christensen AD, Haase C. Immunological mechanisms of contact hypersensitivity in mice. APMIS 2012; 120: 1–27.

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is an animal model in which the immunological mechanisms of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in humans can be studied but is also widely used in the study of many basic immunological mechanisms. In CHS, a pre‐sensitized animal is re‐exposed to an antigen, thereby eliciting an immunological reaction at the site of antigen exposure. CHS consists of two phases: sensitization and elicitation phase. In the sensitization phase, the first contact of the skin with a hapten leads to binding of the hapten to an endogenous protein in the skin where they form hapten‐carrier complexes which are immunogenic. The hapten‐carrier complex is taken up by Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal dendritic cells (dDCs) which migrate from the epidermis to the draining lymph node. Here, they present the haptenated peptides to naive T cells which are subsequently activated. The newly activated T cells proliferate and migrate out of the lymph node and into circulation. In the elicitation phase, re‐exposure of the skin to the hapten activates the specific T cells in the dermis and triggers the inflammatory process responsible for the cutaneous lesions. Originally CHS was regarded as being solely driven by T cells but recently other cell types such as B1 cells, natural killer (NK) T cells and NK cells have shown to mediate important functions during the response as well. Here, we have described the molecular and cellular pathways in the development of CHS and have focused on recent advances and novel knowledge in the understanding of the immunoregulatory mechanisms involved in CHS.
Primary cutaneous amyloidosis of the external ear: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 17 cases
Authors: Wenson Scott F. , Jessup Chad J. , Johnson Matthew M. , Cohen Lisa M. , Mahmoodi Mandana
Published: November 2011

Primary cutaneous amyloidosis includes several forms of localized amyloidosis characterized by superficial amyloid deposits occurring at or near the dermal–epidermal junction in the absence of systemic involvement. Primary cutaneous amyloidosis of the auricular concha and external ear represents a rarely described variant. There have been 27 cases reported in the English language literature, and herein we report 17 additional cases. This article demonstrates that the amyloid observed in this context is generally positive for Congo red, crystal violet and thioflavin T. It also expresses cytokeratin 34ßE12 via immunohistochemistry. Our immunohistochemical results and review of the literature suggest that the amyloid in amyloidosis of the external ear is the result of basal keratinocyte degeneration and does not signify deposition from a systemic or generalized process.

Wenson SF, Jessup CJ, Johnson MM, Cohen LM, Mahmoodi M. Primary cutaneous amyloidosis of the external ear: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 17 cases.
Effect of stressful life events on the onset and duration of recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Huling Laura B. , Baccaglini Lorena , Choquette Linda , Feinn Richard S. , Lalla Rajesh V.
Published: November 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 149–152

Background:  Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common and painful oral mucosal disease. Possible etiologies include genetics, vitamin deficiencies, trauma, immune dysfunction, and stress. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between the occurrence, type, and magnitude of stressful events and the onset and duration of RAS episodes.

Methods:  One hundred and sixty subjects with a history of RAS completed a weekly phone survey for up to 1 year, providing data on the occurrence of RAS episodes and details of any stressful events they experienced during the previous week. During RAS episodes, subjects also completed daily paper diaries that recorded incidence and duration of the RAS episode. Stressful events were quantified using the validated Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) and were classified as mental or physical stressors.

Results:  Stressful life events were significantly associated with the onset of RAS episodes (P < 0.001), however, not with the duration of the RAS episodes. Experiencing a stressful life event increased the odds of an RAS episode by almost three times (OR = 2.72; 95% CI = 2.04–3.62). When controlled for each other, mental stressors had a larger effect (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.54–4.72) than physical stressors (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.04–1.99) on the occurrence of RAS episodes. RAS episodes did not occur more frequently or last longer with increasing stress severity.

Conclusions:  In patients with a history of RAS, stressful events may mediate changes involved in the initiation of new RAS episodes. Mental stressors are more strongly associated with RAS episodes than physical stressors.
Restricted joint range of motion in patients with MPS II: correlation with height, age and functional status
Authors: Marucha Jolanta , Jurecka Agnieszka , Syczewska Małgorzata , Różdżyńska‐Świątkowska Agnieszka , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna
Published: November 2011

Aim:  The aims of the study were to assess shoulder range of motion (ROM) in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) and to correlate joint mobility with patients’ height, age and functional status.

Methods:  Passive ROM and Z‐score of height were followed in 29 patients with MPS II (mean age 11.5 years, range 2–29 years) between the years 2005 and 2010. Passive ROM was measured by a goniometer, and height, by a stadiometer. Functional status was assessed by an age‐appropriate health assessment questionnaire (HAQ).

Results:  (i) A strong correlation was observed between patients’ age and Z‐score of patients’ height (R = 0.78, p < 0.001). (ii) A medium correlation was observed between Z‐score of patients’ height and passive shoulder flexion and abduction (R = 0.697, p < 0.001 and R = 0.63, p < 0.001, respectively). The progression of restriction was slower in attenuated patients. (iii) Restrictions in shoulder flexion and abduction were already observed before the second year of life. (iv) ROM limitations intensified and became more severe with age. (v) Activities of daily living depended on cognitive impairment of patients with MPS II.

Conclusion:  Range of motion limitations in patients with MPS II correlate with patients’ height, increase with patients’ age and are more pronounced in a severe form of MPS II.
Cu(I)‐ and proton‐binding properties of the first N‐terminal soluble domain of Bacillus subtilis CopA
Authors: Zhou Liang , Singleton Chloe , Hecht Oliver , Moore Geoffrey R. , Le Brun Nick E.
Published: November 2011

CopA, a P‐type ATPase transporter involved in copper detoxification in Bacillus subtilis, contains two soluble Atx1‐like domains separated by a short linker at its N‐terminus, an arrangement that occurs widely in copper transporters from both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Both domains were previously found to bind Cu(I) with very high affinity. Above a level of 1 Cu(I) per CopAab, dimerization occurred, leading to a highly luminescent multinuclear Cu(I) species [Singleton C & Le Brun NE (2009) Dalton Trans, 688–696]. To try to understand the contributions of each domain to the complex Cu(I)‐binding behaviour of this and related proteins, we purified a wild‐type form of the first domain (CopAa). In isolation, the domain bound Cu(I) with very high affinity (K = ∼ 1 × 1018 m−1) and underwent Cu(I)‐mediated protein association, resulting in a mixture of dimer and tetramer species. Addition of further Cu(I) up to 1 Cu(I) per CopAa monomer led to a weakly luminescent species, whereas further additions [2 Cu(I) per CopAa monomer] resulted in protein unfolding. Analysis of the MTCAAC binding motif Cys residue acid–base properties revealed pKa values of 5.7 and 7.3, consistent with the pH dependence of Cu(I) binding, and with the proposal that low proton affinity is associated with high Cu(I) affinity. Finally, Cu(I) exchange between CopAa and the chelator bathocuproine sulfonate revealed rapid exchange in both directions, demonstrating an interaction between the protein and the chelator that catalyses metal ion transfer. Overall, CopAa exhibits similarities to CopAab in terms of affinity and complexity of Cu(I) binding, but the details of Cu(I) binding are distinct.

Structured digital abstract

 CopA and CopA bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)

 CopA and CopA bind by cosedimentation in solution (View interaction)
Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1/CXCL12) gene polymorphisms in pulmonary tuberculosis patients of south India
Authors: Selvaraj P. , Alagarasu K. , Singh B.
Published: November 2011

CXCL12 gene polymorphisms influence CXCL12 levels and may be associated with the outcome of host–pathogen interaction. Hence, the present study was carried out to find out whether CXCL12 gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility or resistance to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Intron and 3′ untranslated region (UTR) polymorphisms of CXCL12 gene were investigated among 184 patients with PTB and 187 healthy controls (HC) using polymerase chain reaction‐based methods. The results revealed an increased frequency of G/A genotype of In2 +5887 [P = 0.034; odds ratio (OR) 1.66; 95% confidence intervals 1.04–2.66] and a decreased frequency of G/A genotype of 3′UTR +12197 polymorphisms (P = 0.051; OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.4–1.00) among patients than HCs. When the study subjects were categorized based on sex, significantly increased frequencies of G/A genotype (P = 0.013 Pc = 0.039; OR 2.41) of In2 +5887 and G/G genotype (P = 0.005, Pc = 0.015; OR 2.48) of 3′UTR +12197 polymorphisms were observed among female patients with PTB as compared to female HC. A significantly decreased frequency of the haplotype G‐C‐A‐T (P = 0.006, Pc = 0.030; OR 0.48) was noticed among female patients with PTB as compared to female HC. The study suggests that G/A genotype of In2 +5887 and G/G genotype of 3′UTR +12197 polymorphisms may be associated with susceptibility to PTB among females, and the haplotype G‐C‐A‐T of CXCL12 gene may be associated with protection in females.