bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Vaccination Based on DNA-Chitosan Nanoparticles againstSchistosoma mansoniInfection
Authors: Oliveira Carolina R. , Rezende Cíntia M. F. , Silva Marina R. , Borges Olga M. , Pêgo Ana P. , Goes Alfredo M.
Published: April 2012

The development of a vaccine would be essential for the control of schistosomiasis, which is recognized as the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and mortality. A new approach of oral vaccination with DNA-chitosan nanoparticles appears interesting because of their great stability and the ease of target accessibility, besides chitosan immunostimulatory properties. Here we described that chitosan nanoparticles loaded with plasmid DNA encoding Rho1-GTPase protein ofSchistosoma mansoni, prepared at different molar ratios of primary amines to DNA phosphate anion (N/P), were able to complex electrostatically with DNA and condense it into positively charged nanostructures. Nanoparticles were able to maintain zeta potential and size characteristics in media that simulate gastric (SGF) and intestinal fluids (SIF). Furtherin vivostudies showed that oral immunization was not able to induce high levels of specific antibodies but induced high levels of the modulatory cytokine IL-10. This resulted in a significative reduce of liver pathology, although it could not protect mice of infection challenge withS. mansoniworms. Mice immunized only with chitosan nanoparticles presented 47% of protection against parasite infection, suggesting an important role of chitosan in inducing a protective immune response against schistosomiasis, which will be more explored in further studies.
The Acyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Synthetase from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Mediates Fatty Acid Import
Authors: von Berlepsch Simon , Kunz Hans-Henning , Brodesser Susanne , Fink Patrick , Marin Kay , Flügge Ulf-Ingo , Gierth Markus
Published: April 2012

The transfer of fatty acids across biological membranes is a largely uncharacterized process, although it is essential at membranes of several higher plant organelles like chloroplasts, peroxisomes, or the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we analyzed loss-of-function mutants of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a model system to circumvent redundancy problems encountered in eukaryotic organisms. Cells deficient in the only cytoplasmic Synechocystis acyl-acyl carrier protein synthetase (SynAas) were highly resistant to externally provided α-linolenic acid, whereas wild-type cells bleached upon this treatment. Bleaching of wild-type cells was accompanied by a continuous increase of α-linolenic acid in total lipids, whereas no such accumulation could be observed in SynAas-deficient cells (Ɗsynaas). When SynAas was disrupted in the tocopherol-deficient, α-linolenic acid-hypersensitive Synechocystis mutant Ɗslr1736, double mutant cells displayed the same resistance phenotype as Ɗsynaas. Moreover, heterologous expression of SynAas in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutants lacking the major yeast fatty acid import protein Fat1p (Ɗfat1) led to the restoration of wild-type sensitivity against exogenous α-linolenic acid of the otherwise resistant Ɗfat1 mutant, indicating that SynAas is functionally equivalent to Fat1p. In addition, liposome assays provided direct evidence for the ability of purified SynAas protein to mediate α-[14C]linolenic acid retrieval from preloaded liposome membranes via the synthesis of [14C]linolenoyl-acyl carrier protein. Taken together, our data show that an acyl-activating enzyme like SynAas is necessary and sufficient to mediate the transfer of fatty acids across a biological membrane.
Does light explain damselfish Chromis viridis abundances observed over coral colonies?
Authors: Ponton D. , Loiseau N. , Chabanet P.
Published: April 2012

A single autonomous video camera was used to record the abundances of Chromis viridis over a branching Acropora sp. colony eight times per day over a period of 50 days. The poor explanatory power of global radiation suggests the need for recording the light really available to the fish, especially in the UV range. The increasing number of C. viridis observed with increasing wind along shore and water level may correspond to individuals swimming further from their shelter in order to get closer to the food carried by the water currents.
Targeting IL‐23 by employing a p40 peptide‐based vaccine ameliorates murine allergic skin and airway inflammation
Authors: Guan Q. , Ma Y. , Aboud L. , Weiss C. R. , Qing G. , Warrington R. J. , Peng Z.
Published: April 2012

Background

Studies have found that the IL‐23/Th17 pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and severe and steroid‐resistant asthma. Targeting IL‐23/Th17 pathway with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has been successful in the reduction of skin and airway inflammation in animal models. However, the mAb has a short half‐life, requiring repeated administrations. For the long‐term suppression of IL‐23/Th17 pathway, we have previously developed an IL‐23p40 peptide‐based virus‐like particle vaccine, which induces long‐lasting autoantibodies to IL‐23.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the effects of this IL‐23p40 peptide‐based vaccine on the down‐regulation of allergic skin and airway inflammation in mice.

Methods

Mice were subcutaneously injected three times with the IL‐23p40 vaccine, or the vaccine carrier protein or saline as controls. Two weeks later, mice were epicutaneously sensitized with ovalbumin four times at a 2‐week interval. One week after the final sensitization, mice were nasally administrated with ovalbumin daily for 3 days. One day later, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF), sera, lung and skin tissues were obtained and analysed.

Results

Mice immunized with the vaccine produced high levels of IgG antibodies to IL‐23, p40 and IL‐12 that in vitro inhibited IL‐23‐dependent IL‐17 production. The numbers of total cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils in BALF were significantly reduced in the vaccine group, compared with controls. The levels of IL‐13, IL‐5, IL‐23 and, IL‐17 in BALF and levels of serum ovalbumin‐specific IgE, IgG1, and total IgE were also significantly decreased. Histological analysis showed less inflammation of the lung and skin tissues in the vaccine group, compared with controls.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Administration of an IL‐23p40 peptide‐based vaccine down‐regulates allergic skin and airway inflammation, suggesting that this strategy may be a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of AD and asthma.
Use of juvenile salmon growth and temperature change indices to predict groundfish post age‐0 yr class strengths in the Gulf of Alaska and eastern Bering Sea
Authors: MARTINSON ELLEN C. , STOKES HOUSTON H. , SCARNECCHIA DENNIS L.
Published: April 2012

Juvenile marine growth (SW1) of salmon and a new temperature change (TC) index were evaluated as ecosystem indicators and predictors for the post age‐0 year class strength (YCS) of groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and eastern Bering Sea (EBS). Our hypothesis was that SW1, as measured on the scales of adult Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.), is a proxy for ocean productivity on the continental shelf, a rearing area for young salmon and groundfish. Less negative TC index values are the result of a cool late summer followed by a warm spring, conditions favorable for groundfish YCS. In the GOA, SW1 was a positive predictor of age‐1 pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), but not age‐2 sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) YCS, indicating that the growth of the Karluk River sockeye salmon that enter Shelikof Strait is a proxy for ocean conditions experienced by age‐0 pollock. Contrary to our hypotheses, the TC index was a negative predictor of GOA pollock YCS; and the SW1 a negative predictor of EBS pollock and cod YCS since the 1980s. Recent fisheries oceanography survey results provide insight into possible mechanisms to support the inverse SW1 and YCS relationship. For the EBS, the TC index was a significant positive predictor for pollock and cod YCS, supporting the hypothesis that a cool late summer followed by a warm spring maximizes the over‐wintering survival of pollock and cod (Gadus macrocephalus), especially since the 1980s. The TC and SW1 index showed value for the assessment of pollock and cod, but not sablefish.
The multi‐faceted nature of HLA class I dimer molecules
Authors: Campbell Elaine C. , Antoniou Antony N. , Powis Simon J.
Published: April 2012

The canonical role of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) molecules in antigen presentation involves the recognition of a short peptide of intracellular origin, bound to the upper surface of the class I molecule, by CD8+ T lymphocytes. Assembly and loading of the MHCI is a highly regulated, chaperone‐mediated process and only when the fully folded MHCI molecule is correctly loaded with peptide is it released from the endoplasmic reticulum for trafficking to the cell surface. Current models of the interactions of MHCI molecules with their cognate receptors visualize them functioning as monomeric entities. However, in recent years, new data have revealed MHCI molecules with the ability to form disulphide‐linked dimeric structures, with several distinct dimer entities being elucidated. We describe here three types of MHCI dimers; HLA‐B27 dimers formed predominantly through the possession of an unpaired cysteine within the peptide‐binding groove; HLA‐G dimers, which form through a cysteine on its external surface; and a novel population we term redox‐induced dimers, which can form between cysteine residues in the cytoplasmic tail domains. The characteristics of these dimeric MHCI molecules and their role in both normal immune responses and in disease pathogenesis are reviewed in this article.
Cyclosporin A and tacrolimus reduce T‐cell polyfunctionality but not interferon‐γ responses directed at cytomegalovirus
Authors: Fuhrmann Stephan , Lachmann Raskit , Streitz Mathias , Hetzer Roland , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Lehmkuhl Hans , Kern Florian
Published: April 2012

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) ‐specific immunity is often estimated by the number of in vitro CMV antigen‐inducible interferon‐γ‐positive (IFN‐γ+) T cells. However, recent work indicates that simultaneous production of IFN‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) (referred to as ‘polyfunctionality’) is more relevant for anti‐viral protection. Here, we compared polyfunctionality of CMV‐specific T cells (pp65 and IE‐1 proteins) in 23 solid‐organ transplant patients and seven healthy controls by flow cytometry. The proportions of TNF‐α+/IFN‐γ+/IL‐2 cells among the activated cells were significantly reduced in transplant patients but not the frequencies of IFN‐γ+ CD8+ T cells. Immunosuppression reduces polyfunctionality, which reflects the increased infection risk in this patient group.
Ecological networks act as extensions of protected areas for arthropod biodiversity conservation
Authors: Pryke James S. , Samways Michael J.
Published: April 2012

1. Landscape‐scale ecological networks (ENs) are composed of linear corridors and are widely used to mitigate the adverse effects of intensive land use. One drawback with ENs used for conservation is that being small or linear they result in more edge relative to interior than would be the case naturally. Furthermore, there is little evidence to date that ENs do conserve indigenous biodiversity.

2. Here, we use five arthropod taxa at many sites over two geographical areas within South Africa with different elevations and grassland types to test the conservation value of remnant grassland ENs in a plantation forestry context. In particular, the relative value of arthropod biodiversity in exotic plantation blocks, their edges and the interiors of ENs among the plantations were compared with those in neighbouring protected areas (PAs). We use the effects that the plantation blocks have on the adjacent PAs as a reference for comparing the ENs among the plantations. Arthropods were selected to represent biodiversity, as they are small, diverse, habitat sensitive, resource dependent, ecologically important and can be sampled in large numbers.

3. In total, 10 422 individuals from 244 species were sampled. Importantly, there were no significant differences in species richness, abundance or assemblage composition between EN interior zones and PA interior zones in both geographical areas.

4. Using earlier established edge zones of 32 m, we found that plantation blocks had the lowest species richness and abundance compared with either grassland edge zones (<32 m from the edge) or grassland interior zones (≥ 32 m from the edge).

5. Synthesis and applications. Ecological networks are established to conserve biodiversity in areas of intensive land use. Provided that ecological networks are wide enough (i.e. >64 m) to overcome edge effects, they can support similar levels and quality of arthropod biodiversity as protected areas. Remnant grassland ecological networks in agroforestry can provide natural finger‐like extensions from neighbouring protected areas and therefore have conservation value.
The Association of Serum Neutrophil Markers and Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Alfakry Hatem , Sinisalo Juha , Paju Susanna , Nieminen Markku S. , Valtonen Ville , Tervahartiala Taina , Pussinen Pirkko J. , Sorsa Timo
Published: April 2012

An association exists between chronic infection‐induced inflammation, such as periodontitis, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We studied the association of serum neutrophil markers, myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 concentrations and MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 ratio, with the risk of recurrent ACS. Radiographic periodontal status was recorded from 141 patients with acute non‐Q‐wave infarction or unstable angina pectoris, who participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study with clarithromycin for 3 months. Serum samples were collected within arrival to the hospital, at 1 week, 3 months and 1 year. Recurrent ACS events were registered during the 1‐year follow‐up. In the whole population, high serum MPO concentrations at 1 week (fourth quartile versus quartiles 1–3) were associated with the risk of recurrent ACS with a relative risk (RR) of 2.52 (95% CI, 1.277–4.980; P = 0.008). In patients without periodontal disease, high MPO concentration at 1 week and 1 year predicted recurrent ACS with RRs of 3.54 (1.600–7.831; P = 0.002) and 2.87 (1.171–7.038; P = 0.021), respectively. In the placebo group, but not in the clarithromycin group, high serum MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 ratio at 1 week predicted recurrent ACS with an RR of 3.23 (1.295–8.063; P = 0.012). Our results suggest that high serum neutrophil markers reflect increased risk of recurrent ACS, especially in patients without periodontal disease and not receiving antimicrobial medication.
Phytochrome interacting factors 4 and 5 control seedling growth in changing light conditions by directly controlling auxin signaling
Authors: Hornitschek Patricia , Kohnen Markus V. , Lorrain Séverine , Rougemont Jacques , Ljung Karin , López‐Vidriero Irene , Franco‐Zorrilla José M. , Solano Roberto , Trevisan Martine , Pradervand Sylvain , Xenarios Ioannis , Fankhauser Christian
Published: April 2012

Plant growth is strongly influenced by the presence of neighbors that compete for light resources. In response to vegetational shading shade‐intolerant plants such as Arabidopsis display a suite of developmental responses known as the shade‐avoidance syndrome (SAS). The phytochrome B (phyB) photoreceptor is the major light sensor to mediate this adaptive response. Control of the SAS occurs in part with phyB, which controls protein abundance of phytochrome‐interacting factors 4 and 5 (PIF4 and PIF5) directly. The shade‐avoidance response also requires rapid biosynthesis of auxin and its transport to promote elongation growth. The identification of genome‐wide PIF5‐binding sites during shade avoidance revealed that this bHLH transcription factor regulates the expression of a subset of previously identified SAS genes. Moreover our study suggests that PIF4 and PIF5 regulate elongation growth by controlling directly the expression of genes that code for auxin biosynthesis and auxin signaling components.
Infection intensity and infectivity of the tick‐borne pathogen Borrelia afzelii
Authors: RÅBERG L
Published: April 2012

The ‘trade‐off’ hypothesis for virulence evolution assumes that between‐host transmission rate is a positive and saturating function of pathogen exploitation and virulence, but there are as yet few tests of this assumption, in particular for vector‐borne pathogens. Here, I show that the infectivity (probability of transmission) of the tick‐borne bacterium Borrelia afzelii from two of its natural rodent hosts (bank vole and yellow‐necked mouse) to its main tick vector increases asymptotically with increasing exploitation (measured as bacterial load in skin biopsies). Hence, this result provides support for one of the basic assumptions of the ‘trade‐off hypothesis’. Moreover, there was no difference in infectivity between bank voles and yellow‐necked mice despite bacterial loads being on average an order of magnitude higher in bank voles, most likely because ticks took larger blood meals from mice. This shows that interspecific variation in host resistance does not necessarily translate into a difference in infectivity.
Dietary supplementation of Zingiber officinale and Zingiber zerumbet to heat‐stressed broiler chickens and its effect on heat shock protein 70 expression, blood parameters and body temperature
Authors: Hasheimi S. R. , Zulkifli I. , Somchit M. N. , Zunita Z. , Loh T. C. , Soleimani A. F. , Tang S. C.
Published: April 2012

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Zingiber officinale and Zingiber zerumbet and to heat‐stressed broiler chickens on heat shock protein (HSP) 70 density, plasma corticosterone concentration (CORT), heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (HLR) and body temperature. Beginning from day 28, chicks were divided into five dietary groups: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet +1%Z. zerumbet powder (ZZ1%), (iii) basal diet +2%Z. zerumbet powder (ZZ2%), (iv) basal diet +1%Z. officinale powder (ZO1%) and (v) basal diet +2%Z. officinale powder (ZO2%). From day 35–42, heat stress was induced by exposing birds to 38 ± 1 °C and 80% RH for 2 h/day. Irrespective of diet, heat challenge elevated HSP70 expression, CORT and HLR on day 42. On day 42, following heat challenge, the ZZ1% birds showed lower body temperatures than those of control, ZO1% and ZO2%. Neither CORT nor HLR was significantly affected by diet. The ZO2% and ZZ2% diets enhanced HSP70 expression when compared to the control groups. We concluded that dietary supplementation of Z. officinale and Z. zerumbet powder may induce HSP70 reaction in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress.
CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR COLORECTAL TUMORS
Authors: TANAKA SHINJI , TERASAKI MOTOMI , KANAO HIROYUKI , OKA SHIRO , CHAYAMA KAZUAKI
Published: April 2012

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows for en bloc tumor resection irrespective of the size of the lesion. In Japan, ESD has been established as a standard method for endoscopic ablation of malignant tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Although the use of colorectal ESD has been gradually spreading with the development of numerous devices, ESD has not yet been fully established as a standard therapeutic method for colorectal lesions. Currently, colorectal ESD is performed as an ‘advanced medical treatment’ without national health insurance coverage. With the recent accumulation of numerous cases, the safety and simplicity of colorectal ESD have improved remarkably. Currently in Japan, a prospective multicenter cohort study organized by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society is ongoing to clarify the safety and efficacy of colorectal ESD to obtain remuneration from national health insurance. In this report, we showed the outcome regarding safety and efficacy of colorectal ESD through a review of the published work. Of 2719 cases with colorectal ESD at 13 institutions, the complete en bloc resection and perforation rates were 82.8% (61–98.2%, 2082/2516) and 4.7% (1.4–8.2%, 127/2719), respectively. Additional surgery for perforation was very rare because perforations were tiny enough to be closed endoscopically by clips in most of the cases and treated conservatively. In the near future, colorectal ESD will be a common therapeutic method for early colorectal carcinoma.
CURRENT STATUS OF ENDOSCOPIC RESECTION IN CHINA
Authors: CAI MING‐YAN , ZHOU PING‐HONG , YAO LI‐QING
Published: April 2012

The early diagnosis of early gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is becoming easier than ever before, due to the rapid development of all kinds of endoscopic techniques, including chromoendoscopy, narrowband imaging, magnifying endoscopy, confocal microscopy and autofluorescence imaging. Endoscopic resection is gradually becoming the optimal choice, which is significantly less invasive than conventional surgical interventions. In China, endoscopic resection techniques have been developed very quickly after several pioneers learned from Japanese gastroenterologists. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has achieved remarkable initial outcomes, however, large‐scale, multicenter, retrospective studies of the long‐term follow up of ESD outcomes in China are still lacking. New endoscopic interventions are also being developed from the ESD technique, namely, endoscopic full‐thickness resection of gastric submucosal tumors, peroral endoscopic myotomy and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection techniques. Here, we discuss the current status of endoscopic resection in China and several problems: (i) the lack of guideline or consensus from academic society; (ii) approximately half of the ESD are performed on benign submucosal tumors, so the diagnosis of mucosal cancers needs to be increased; (iii) the standard technique used, results, management of complications and follow‐up should be standardized; and (iv) the minimum training requirements, the step‐by‐step approach should also need to be standardized.
ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT WITH INSIDE STENT FOR PROXIMAL BENIGN BILIARY STRICTURE AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Authors: SASAHIRA NAOKI , ISAYAMA HIROYUKI , KOGURE HIROFUMI , TSUJINO TAKESHI , KOIKE KAZUHIKO
Published: April 2012

Endoscopic placement of a plastic stent is the standard drainage for a symptomatic benign biliary stricture. Although a removable fully covered self‐expandable metal stent has been applied for distal benign biliary stricture, placement of a plastic stent remains the standard treatment for proximal benign biliary stricture. Placement of a plastic stent above the papilla (inside stent) is an alternative to the conventional method because of its preventive effect against the dysfunction of the stent in patients with proximal benign biliary stricture.
TEMPORARY PLACEMENT OF COVERED SELF‐EXPANDABLE METALLIC STENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN BILIARY STRICTURES
Authors: YASUDA ICHIRO , MUKAI TSUYOSHI , DOI SHINPEI , TOMITA EIICHI , MORIWAKI HISATAKA
Published: April 2012

Background and Aim:  Currently, endoscopic intervention is widely attempted as the first‐line treatment of benign biliary strictures because of its convenience and low morbidity. Plastic tube stents (PS) are usually used for such treatment; however, covered self‐expandable metallic stents (C‐SEMS) are becoming more commonly used at some institutions. The temporary placement of C‐SEMS may lead to better outcomes because of their larger diameter and, therefore, better dilation of the stricture, especially in refractory cases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the temporary placement of C‐SEMS in the management of benign biliary strictures.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed our endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) database (May 1996 to December 2010), and extracted the data of patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for benign biliary strictures. Then, the follow‐up data from patient charts were reviewed to determine the long‐term outcomes of those procedures.

Results:  All patients (n = 56) initially had a PS placed, with or without balloon dilation. However, C‐SEMS placement was later attempted in 12 patients because the stricture was refractory to placement of the PS. During their follow‐up periods, two patients died of unrelated diseases after 15 and 17 months, and another two still had the C‐SEMS in place after 9 and 50 months. In the remaining eight patients, the C‐SEMS was removed after a median placement period of 6 months (range, 2–15). Seven patients in this group have not experienced a recurrence at a median follow‐up time of 48 months. However, in one patient, stenosis did recur 8 months after the C‐SEMS was removed.

Conclusions:  Temporary placement of C‐SEMS can be a treatment option for benign biliary strictures, especially in refractory cases.
Meeting the physical health‐care needs of people with substance misuse problems: Evaluation of a nurse‐led blood‐borne virus programme
Authors: Callaghan Patrick , Phillips Peter , Khalil Elizabeth , Carter Tim
Published: April 2012

People who inject substances are at high risk of many physical health problems. The Blood‐Borne Virus Programme (BBVP) is a nurse‐led health screening programme for blood‐borne conditions in substance misusers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the service delivery, organization, and outcomes of the BBVP. The researchers used a case study with three units of analysis: BBVP clinical activities during 1 year using a prospective audit; service users' (n = 20) and professional stakeholders' (n = 10) experiences of the BBVP using semistructured interviews; and service users' (n = 132) satisfaction with the BBVP using a satisfaction measure. The BBVP conducted 4450 consultations with 1940 service users; 847 of whom were new, and presented with many health problems compromising their physical health. The BBVP provided a range of interventions meeting its users' physical health needs. Users and other stakeholders were very satisfied with the service, and suggested ways in which the service might improve. The BBVP appeared to meet the physical health‐care needs of people dependent on drugs. Nurse‐led services, such as the BBVP, offer a solution that, in the view of users and professional stakeholders, is impacting significantly on the physical health and well‐being of people dependent on drugs.
HEDONIC PRICE INDEXES FOR RESIDENTIAL HOUSING: A SURVEY, EVALUATION AND TAXONOMY
Authors: Hill Robert J.
Published: April 2012

Every house is different. It is important that house price indexes take account of these quality differences. Hedonic methods which express house prices as a function of a vector of characteristics (such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and location) are particularly useful for this purpose. I consider here some developments in the hedonic methodology, as it is applied in a housing context, that have occurred in the last three decades. A number of hedonic house price indexes are now available. However, it is often difficult to see how these indexes relate to each other. For this reason I attempt to impose some structure on the literature by developing a taxonomy of hedonic indexes, and then show how existing indexes fit into this taxonomy. Also discussed are some promising areas for future research in the hedonic field. In particular, greater use needs to be made of spatial econometric and nonparametric methods to exploit the increased availability of geospatial data. The main criticisms of the hedonic approach are evaluated and compared with those of the repeat‐sales and stratified median methods. The overall conclusion is that the advantages of the hedonic approach outweigh its disadvantages.
Fine Motor Skills and Executive Function Both Contribute to Kindergarten Achievement
Authors: Cameron Claire E. , Brock Laura L. , Murrah William M. , Bell Lindsay H. , Worzalla Samantha L. , Grissmer David , Morrison Frederick J.
Published: April 2012

This study examined the contribution of executive function (EF) and multiple aspects of fine motor skills to achievement on 6 standardized assessments in a sample of middle‐socioeconomic status kindergarteners. Three‐ and 4‐year‐olds’ (n = 213) fine and gross motor skills were assessed in a home visit before kindergarten, EF was measured at fall of kindergarten, and Woodcock–Johnson III Tests of Academic Achievement were administered at fall and spring. Correlations indicated that EF and fine motor skills appeared distinct. Further, controlling for background variables, higher levels of both EF and fine motor skills, specifically design copy, predicted higher achievement on multiple subtests at kindergarten entry, as well as improvement from fall to spring. Implications for research on school readiness are discussed.
Relations Between Colorblind Socialization and Children’s Racial Bias: Evidence From European American Mothers and Their Preschool Children
Authors: Pahlke Erin , Bigler Rebecca S. , Suizzo Marie‐Anne
Published: April 2012

To examine European American parents’ racial socialization, mothers (n = 84) were videotaped while reading 2 race‐themed books to their 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children and completed surveys concerning their racial attitudes and behaviors. Children completed measures of their racial attitudes and both groups (mothers and preschoolers) predicted the others’ racial attitudes. Results indicated that nearly all mothers adopted “colormute” and “colorblind” approaches to socialization. Furthermore, neither children nor mothers accurately predicted the others’ views. Children’s racial attitudes were unrelated to their mothers’ attitudes but were predicted by their mothers’ cross‐race friendships; those children whose mothers had a higher percentage of non‐European American friends showed lower levels of racial biases than those children whose mothers had a lower percentage of non‐European American friends.
Exact Meromorphic Stationary Solutions of the Real Cubic Swift‐Hohenberg Equation
Authors: Conte Robert , Ng Tuen‐Wai , Wong Kwok‐Kin
Published: April 2012

We show that all meromorphic solutions of the stationary reduction of the real cubic Swift‐Hohenberg equation are elliptic or degenerate elliptic. We then obtain them all explicitly by the subequation method, and one of them appears to be a new elliptic solution.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 regulates dopaminergic neuron development in vivo
Authors: Ratzka Andreas , Baron Olga , Stachowiak Michal K. , Grothe Claudia
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 94–105.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) is a neurotrophic factor participating in regulation of proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and neuroprotection in the central nervous system. With regard to dopaminergic (DA) neurons of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), which degenerate in Parkinson’s disease, FGF‐2 improves survival of mature DA neurons in vivo and regulates expansion of DA progenitors in vitro. To address the physiological role of FGF‐2 in SNpc development, embryonic (E14.5), newborn (P0) and juvenile (P28) FGF‐2‐deficient mice were investigated. Stereological quantification of DA neurons identified normal numbers in the ventral tegmental area, whereas the SNpc of FGF‐2‐deficient mice displayed a 35% increase of DA neurons at P0 and P28, but not at earlier stage E14.5. Examination of DA marker gene expression by quantitative RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization revealed a normal patterning of embryonic ventral mesencephalon. However, an increase of proliferating Lmx1a DA progenitors in the subventricular zone of the ventral mesencephalon of FGF‐2‐deficient embryos indicated altered cell cycle progression of neuronal progenitors. Increased levels of nuclear FgfR1 in E14.5 FGF‐2‐deficient mice suggest alterations of integrative nuclear FgfR1 signaling (INFS). In summary, FGF‐2 restricts SNpc DA neurogenesis in vivo during late stages of embryonic development.
The neuroprotective and neurogenic effects of neuropeptide Y administration in an animal model of hippocampal neurodegeneration and temporal lobe epilepsy induced by trimethyltin
Authors: Corvino Valentina , Marchese Elisa , Giannetti Stefano , Lattanzi Wanda , Bonvissuto Davide , Biamonte Filippo , Mongiovì Adriana Maria , Michetti Fabrizio , Geloso Maria Concetta
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem.(2012)122, 415–426.

The effects of intracerebroventricular administration of neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is believed to play an important role in neuroprotection against excitotoxicity and in the modulation of adult neurogenesis, were evaluated in an animal model of hippocampal neurodegeneration and temporal lobe epilepsy represented by trimethyltin (TMT) intoxication. A single TMT injection (8 mg/kg) causes, in the rat brain, massive neuronal death, selectively involving pyramidal neurons, accompanied by glial activation and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis. Our data indicate that intracerebroventricular administration of exogenous NPY (at the dose of 2 μg/2 μL, 4 days after TMT‐administration), in adult rats, exerts a protective role in regard to TMT‐induced hippocampal damage and a proliferative effect on the hippocampal neurogenic niche through the up‐regulation of Bcl‐2, Bcl2l1, Bdnf, Sox‐2, NeuroD1, Noggin and Doublecortin genes, contributing to delineate more clearly the role of NPY inin vivoneurodegenerative processes.
Work experiences among nurses and physicians in the beginning of their professional careers – analyses using the effort–reward imbalance model
Authors: Birgit Enberg , Gunnevi Sundelin , Ann Öhman
Published: April 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 36–43

Work experiences among nurses and physicians in the beginning of their professional careers – analyses using the effort–reward imbalance model

The aim of the study was to scrutinise how nurses and physicians, employed by the county councils in Sweden, assess their work environment in terms of effort and reward at the start of their career. The aim was also to estimate associations between work satisfaction and the potential outcomes from the effort–reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire. The study group, 198 nurses and 242 physicians who graduated in 1999, is a subsample drawn from a national cross‐sectional survey. Data were collected in the third year after graduation among the nurses and in the fourth year after graduation among registered physicians. The effort–reward imbalance questionnaire, together with a question on work satisfaction, was used to evaluate psychosocial factors at work. The results reveal that nurses scored higher on effort, lower on reward and experienced higher effort–reward imbalance, compared with physicians. Women scored higher on work‐related overcommitment (WOC) compared with men. Among the physicians, logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between WOC and ERI, sex, effort and reward. Logistic regression analysis also revealed a statistically significant association between WOC and ERI and between WOC and effort among the nurses. Dissatisfaction with work was significantly higher among those who scored worst on all three ERI subscales (effort, reward and WOC) and also among those with the highest ERI ratios compared with the other respondents. In conclusion, to prevent future work‐related health problems and work dissatisfaction among nurses and physicians in the beginning of their professional careers, signs of poor psychosocial working conditions have to been taken seriously. In future work‐related stress research among healthcare personnel, gender‐specific aspects of working conditions must be further highlighted to develop more gender‐sensitive analyses.
EXPLAINING THE SAVING PUZZLES IN URBAN CHINA
Authors: ZHOU SHAOJIE
Published: April 2012

This paper identifies two saving puzzles obtained from the Chinese Urban Household Survey data from 1990 to 2006. The first saving puzzle is identified by the time trend of household saving rates, which were stable before 1998, but surged subsequently. The second saving puzzle is associated with the various age profiles of household saving rates, which are not only inconsistent with the prediction of the Life Cycle Hypothesis, but also different from the patterns observed in other economies. This paper constructs pseudo‐panel data and empirically examines the applicability of the habit‐formation model in solving the second saving puzzle through the existence of saving rates and the effects of income‐related variables. On the other hand, the parametric changes of such variables help explain the first saving puzzle. The parametric changes possibly stem from the adjustment of habit stock, the rising transitory shocks of income, and the higher expenditure needs for housing.
Textile colour matching using linear and exponential weighted principal component analysis
Authors: Mohtasham Jalil , Nateri Ali Shams , Khalili Hale
Published: April 2012

In this work, linear and exponential weighted principal component analysis techniques based on spectral similarity were employed for the prediction of dye concentration in coloured fabrics, which had been dyed with three component dye mixtures. The matching strategy was based on the equalisation of the first three principal component coordinates of the weighted reflectance curves of the predicted and target sample in a dynamic 3D eigenvector space. The performance of the proposed algorithm was evaluated by the root mean square differences of the reflectance curves and the relative error of the concentration prediction, as well as the metamerism index. The obtained results indicated that the developed exponential weighted principal component analysis method is more accurate than the spectrophotometric method and the simple principal component analysis matching strategy.
The use and accuracy of manual and electronic gestational age calculators
Authors: Smout Elizabeth M. , Seed Paul T. , Shennan Andrew H.
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The accuracy of gestational age (GA) wheels has been shown to be poor, yet they remain commonly used. We surveyed their use within our institution and determined the inter‐observer and inter‐device variability of a range of devices. We have devised a procedure for validating device accuracy.

Methods

All clinicians within our maternity unit were asked their most recent method of calculating GA and whether they felt this was accurate to within one day. Ten clinicians assessed 16 devices: 14 manual, 2 electronic. Five dates represented the last menstrual period (LMP) and were used to calculate the estimated date of delivery (EDD) of the 5 dates for each device compared to a 280 day control. ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results

73% last used a manual device to calculate GA. Seventy‐two per cent believed their method was accurate. There was a significant bias (difference in the mean) between device‐calculated and control EDD for all manual devices except one, with individual differences of up to 4 days. Variability altered throughout the year. Electronic devices consistently had no error. Inter‐observer variability was insignificant.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of the inaccuracy of manual devices. Electronic devices are recommended. Manual devices should be validated before use by comparing the device‐calculated EDD with a 280 day control at five points throughout the year.
Reinforcing cerclage in the prevention of preterm birth in women at high risk: a retrospective case–controlled study
Authors: Simcox Rachael , Shennan Andrew
Published: April 2012

Background

Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length is useful after suture insertion in predicting preterm delivery. However, there is little evidence to guide practice in the clinical scenario when fetal membranes are seen on ultrasound to be prolapsing distal to a cervical suture.

Aim

To determine whether a reinforcing cerclage reduced preterm delivery in those women with ultrasound evidence of fetal membranes prolapsing distal to the first suture.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on women with a cervical suture in situ plus ultrasound evidence of fetal membranes prolapsing through the first suture. Exposed patients were those managed with a reinforcing cerclage. The unexposed group were women who were managed expectantly, without a reinforcing cerclage.

Results

Those women with a reinforcing cerclage were significantly more likely to deliver at an earlier gestation compared with those managed expectantly: 26+0 (±5+1) compared with 31+1 (±7+0) weeks, P = 0.047. More women in the reinforcing cerclage group delivered at <32 completed weeks' gestation: 12/13 (92%) versus 5/12 (42%), P = 0.01. There was no significant difference in the rate of second‐trimester miscarriages between the expectant management group and those with a reinforcing cerclage: 2/12 (17%) versus 5/13 (38%), P = 0.38.

Conclusion

Our study found that a reinforcing cerclage following primary cerclage failure hastened preterm delivery. The role of transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length postsuture is debatable if the possible intervention is not beneficial and may be detrimental.
A Two‐Piece Sectional Interim Obturator. A Clinical Report
Authors: Popli Sachet , Parkash Hari , Bhargava Akshay , Gupta Sharad , Bablani Deepika , Kumar Kar Aswini
Published: April 2012

Prosthetic rehabilitation of acquired maxillary defects can be achieved satisfactorily if all facets of treatment planning and design considerations are taken into account before the rehabilitation process. Complications associated with maxillary defects limit treatment protocols to a great extent. The prosthodontist has to identify these problem areas and suitably devise feasible options and incorporate them in the design. In this report, an acquired maxillary defect with unfavorable undercuts in the defect was successfully treated by making a two‐piece sectional obturator. The two pieces were connected by the use of double‐die pin system. The methodology greatly reduced chairside time and number of visits, and effective obturation was satisfactorily achieved.
Robust Climate Policies Under Uncertainty: A Comparison of Robust Decision Making and Info‐Gap Methods
Authors: Hall Jim W. , Lempert Robert J. , Keller Klaus , Hackbarth Andrew , Mijere Christophe , McInerney David J.
Published: April 2012

This study compares two widely used approaches for robustness analysis of decision problems: the info‐gap method originally developed by Ben‐Haim and the robust decision making (RDM) approach originally developed by Lempert, Popper, and Bankes. The study uses each approach to evaluate alternative paths for climate‐altering greenhouse gas emissions given the potential for nonlinear threshold responses in the climate system, significant uncertainty about such a threshold response and a variety of other key parameters, as well as the ability to learn about any threshold responses over time. Info‐gap and RDM share many similarities. Both represent uncertainty as sets of multiple plausible futures, and both seek to identify robust strategies whose performance is insensitive to uncertainties. Yet they also exhibit important differences, as they arrange their analyses in different orders, treat losses and gains in different ways, and take different approaches to imprecise probabilistic information. The study finds that the two approaches reach similar but not identical policy recommendations and that their differing attributes raise important questions about their appropriate roles in decision support applications. The comparison not only improves understanding of these specific methods, it also suggests some broader insights into robustness approaches and a framework for comparing them.
Risk Communication, Public Engagement, and Climate Change: A Role for Emotions
Authors: Roeser Sabine
Published: April 2012

This article discusses the potential role that emotions might play in enticing a lifestyle that diminishes climate change. Climate change is an important challenge for society. There is a growing consensus that climate change is due to our behavior, but few people are willing to significantly adapt their lifestyle. Empirical studies show that people lack a sense of urgency: they experience climate change as a problem that affects people in distant places and in a far future. Several scholars have claimed that emotions might be a necessary tool in communication about climate change. This article sketches a theoretical framework that supports this hypothesis, drawing on insights from the ethics of risk and the philosophy of emotions. It has been shown by various scholars that emotions are important determinants in risk perception. However, emotions are generally considered to be irrational states and are hence excluded from communication and political decision making about risky technologies and climate change, or they are used instrumentally to create support for a position. However, the literature on the ethics of risk shows that the dominant, technocratic approach to risk misses the normative‐ethical dimension that is inherent to decisions about acceptable risk. Emotion research shows that emotions are necessary for practical and moral decision making. These insights can be applied to communication about climate change. Emotions are necessary for understanding the moral impact of the risks of climate change, and they also paradigmatically provide for motivation. Emotions might be the missing link in effective communication about climate change.
Supply Chain Inventory Replenishment: The Debiasing Effect of Declarative Knowledge
Authors: Tokar Travis , Aloysius John A. , Waller Matthew A.
Published: April 2012

Previous experimental research demonstrates that inefficient replenishment decision making in the supply chain can be caused by specific judgment and decision biases. Based on the literature we use controlled experiments involving both student subjects and supply chain managers to test debiasing interventions that provide declarative knowledge, which is theorized to enhance the acquisition of procedural knowledge. We first investigate the effects of three debiasing components in a single‐echelon setting: knowledge of bullwhip, inventory position (IP), and use of a target order‐up‐to quantity. Experiment 1 (N = 1,608 decisions by 67 student subjects) using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design for the three components finds that the conceptual understanding of IP is salient for efficient replenishment decisions. We next examine the effects of the components in a simulated, multi‐echelon, serial supply chain, which introduces the additional complexity of coordination risk. Experiment 2 (N = 3,072 decisions by 128 student subjects) using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design finds that although subjects benefit from training components, there is evidence of cognitive overload with an increased quantity of information. Finally we test whether these debiasing components may be an effective training program for practicing supply chain managers who can be expected to have higher levels of procedural knowledge through experience gained in the field. Experiment 3 (N = 864 decisions by 36 supply chain managers) using a 2 × 1 design investigates the effects of an instructional training intervention which includes all three debiasing components and finds the intervention to reduce costs by 14%. We provide avenues for future research and successful practice.
Cardioversion of Intraatrial Reentrant Tachycardia Using Rate Response
Authors: THOMAS VINCENT C. , LAW IAN H. , EVANS WILLIAM N.
Published: April 2012

Intraatrial reentrant tachycardia (IART) is the most common long‐term, surgical arrhythmia sequela in patients with complex congenital heart disease. The management of IART is challenging. Medications, catheter ablation therapy, and pacemaker therapy have all been utilized as treatment options. Slower tachycardia cycle lengths and 1:1 atrioventricular conduction provide even more challenges with regard to detection and antitachycardia pacing. We describe the use of the rate response feature as a means of patient‐initiated cardioversion. (PACE 2012;XX:1–4)