bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streptococci and lactococci synthesize large amounts of HPr(Ser-P)(His~P)
Authors: Roy Denis J. , Casabon Israël , Vaillancourt Katy , Huot Jonathan L. , Vadeboncoeur Christian
Published: November 2008

HPr is a protein of the phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase transport system (PTS). In gram-positive bacteria, HPr can be phosphorylated on Ser-46 by the kinase/phosphorylase HprK/P and on His-15 by phospho-enzyme I (EI~P) of the PTS. In vitro studies with purified HPrs from Bacillus subtilis , Enterococcus faecalis , and Streptococcus salivarius have indicated that the phosphorylation of one residue impedes the phosphorylation of the other. However, a recent study showed that while the rate of Streptococcus salivarius HPr phosphorylation by EI~P is reduced at acidic pH, the phosphorylation of HPr(Ser-P) by EI~P, generating HPr(Ser-P)(His~P), is stimulated. This suggests that HPr(Ser-P)(His~P) synthesis may occur in acidogenic bacteria unable to maintain their intracellular pH near neutrality. Consistent with this hypothesis, significant amounts of HPr(Ser-P)(His~P) have been detected in some streptococci. The present study was aimed at determining whether the capacity to synthesize HPr(Ser-P)(His~P) is common to streptococcal species, as well as to lactococci, which are also unable to maintain their intracellular pH near neutrality in response to a decrease in extracellular pH. Our results indicated that unlike Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis, and E. faecalis, all the streptococcal and lactococcal species tested were able to synthesize large amounts of HPr(Ser-P)(His~P) during growth. We also showed that Streptococcus salivarius IIABLMan, a protein involved in sugar transport by the PTS, could be efficiently phosphorylated by HPr(Ser-P)(His~P).
Microhabitat selection in the potentially endangered wolf spider Donacosa merlini (Araneae, Lycosidae): implications for spider conservation
Authors: Fernández-Montraveta C. , Cuadrado M.
Published: November 2008

Habitat quality affects many components of animal fitness and animals are expected to be distributed in the space accordingly. Mismatch between habitat preferences and fitness may relate to scale-dependent effects and trade-offs between costs and benefits of moving to high-quality habitats. We investigated the effects of habitat quality and habitat selection in Donacosa merlini Alderweireldt and Jocqué, 1991, a burrowing wolf spider included in the Spanish Invertebrates Red Data Book. Particularly, we compared burrow size and density and analysed the relationship between burrow presence and vegetation at two different scales. At a regional scale, we found strong differences in burrow size and density. Burrow density affected burrow aggregation, which was utmost under mean densities. At both spatial scales, burrows were found at relatively clear (or low-covered) patches, as scrubs were lower and nearest vegetation was farther from burrows than randomly expected. Our results suggest habitat selection and effects of habitat quality on the life history of D. merlini. In spite of the recent expansion of the species distribution area, our data support the need for suitable habitat management programs. Information about ecological requirements is paramount to correctly assess spider conservation status. This topic has received little attention in spite of the diversity and the relevance of spider ecological roles.
SPIN POLARIZATION AND TUNNELING MAGNETORESISTANCE IN FERROMAGNETIC/SEMICONDUCTOR/FERROMAGNETIC HETEROSTRUCTURE
Authors: LIU DE , ZHANG HONGMEI
Published: November 2008

Based on the coherent quantum transport theory, the spin polarization and tunneling magnetoresistance for polarized electrons through ferromagnetic/semiconductor/ferromagnetic (FM/SM/FM) heterostructure are studied theoretically within the Landauer framework of ballistic transport. The significant quantum size, quantum coherent, angle between the magnetic moments of the left and right ferromagnets, and Rashba spin-orbit interaction are considered simultaneously. The results indicate that the spin polarization and tunneling magnetoresistance are periodic functions of the semiconductor channel length, quasiperiodic functions of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength, and depend on the relative orientation of the two magnetizations in the left and right ferromagnets. A moderate angle, semiconductor channel length, and Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength allow a giant spin polarization or tunneling magnetoresistance. The results may be of relevance for the implementation of quasi-one-dimensional spin-transistor devices.
Blockade of AT1 receptor partially restores vasoreactivity, NOS expression, and superoxide levels in cerebral and carotid arteries of hindlimb unweighting rats
Authors: Zhang Ran , Bai Yun-Gang , Lin Le-Jian , Bao Jun-Xiang , Zhang Yu-Yang , Tang Hao , Cheng Jiu-Hua , Jia Guo-Liang , Ren Xin-Ling , Ma Jin
Published: November 2008

Previous studies have demonstrated activation of the local renin-angiotensin system in hindlimb unweighting (HU) rat vasculature. The present study intended to identify the effects of blockade of angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 (AT1) receptors with losartan on vascular reactivity, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, and superoxide anion (O2•−) levels in 3-wk HU rat cerebral and carotid arteries. Three weeks later, vasoconstriction, vasodilatation, endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) protein, as well as O2•− levels in rat cerebral and carotid arteries were examined. We found that HU enhanced maximal response to KCl/5-hydroxytryptamine ( P < 0.01) in basilar arteries and KCl/phenylephrine ( P < 0.05) in common carotid arteries from HU rats. Acetylcholine induced concentration-dependent vasodilatation in all the artery rings, but with significantly smaller amplitude in basilar ( P < 0.01) and common carotid ( P < 0.05) arteries from HU rats than those from control rats. Chronic treatment with losartan partially restored response to vasoconstrictors and acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation in basilar ( P < 0.01) and common carotid ( P < 0.05) arteries from losartan-treated HU rats. Furthermore, iNOS content in cerebral arteries and eNOS/iNOS content in carotid arteries were significantly ( P < 0.01) increased in HU rats. Meanwhile, HU increased O2•− levels in all the layers of these arteries. However, losartan restored NOS content and O2•− levels toward normal. These results suggested that the HU-induced enhancement of vasoconstriction and reduction in endothelium-dependent relaxation involved alterations in O2•− and NOS content through an ANG II/AT1 receptor signaling pathway.
Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance, Early Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lindblad Ylva Tranæus , Axelsson Jonas , Bárány Peter , Celsi Gianni , Lindholm Bengt , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Carrea Alba , Canepa Alberto
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Still, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, common cardiovascular risk factors, are not extensively investigated in children with CKD. We hypothesize that insulin abnormalities are present also in pediatric mild to moderate CKD, and associated with inflammation and malnutrition. Methods: We enrolled 26 children with CKD, and 34 healthy controls for analyses of blood samples and body composition. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: The patients had higher insulin levels and HOMA-IR compared to the controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.005), and they correlated inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate (rho = –0.52, p < 0.01; rho = –0.37, p = 0.08). No association was found with inflammation or malnutrition. Conclusion: High insulin levels and HOMA-IR appear to be common in pediatric CKD patients, already in mild to moderate renal failure. We hypothesize that hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance alone might be important risk factors for cardiovascular disease in children with CKD.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Japan from Early Predictions to Current Facts
Authors: Iseki Kunitoshi
Published: November 2008

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a risk factor for both end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment of CKD is likely to be the key factor to prevent them. According to the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, the prevalence of treated ESRD has increased to >2,000 per million population. More than 40% of ESRD incidents are due to diabetes mellitus. The Japanese Society of Nephrology estimates the prevalence of a low GFR (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2) to be around 10% of the community-based screening participants. However, such a high CKD prevalence requires detailed and critical confirmatory studies and analyses, many of which are currently underway in Japan.
P53 Impairs Endothelium-Dependent Vasomotor Function Through Transcriptional Upregulation of P66shc
Authors: Kim Cuk-Seong , Jung Saet-Byel , Naqvi Asma , Hoffman Timothy A. , DeRicco Jeremy , Yamamori Tohru , Cole Marsha P. , Jeon Byeong-Hwa , Irani Kaikobad
Published: November 2008

The transcription factor, p53, and the adaptor protein, p66shc, both play essential roles in promoting oxidative stress in the vascular system. However, the relationship between the two in the context of endothelium-dependent vascular tone is unknown. Here, we report a novel, evolutionarily conserved, p53-mediated transcriptional mechanism that regulates p66shc expression and identify p53 as an important determinant of endothelium-dependent vasomotor function. We provide evidence of a p53 response element in the promoter of p66shc and show that angiotensin II-induced upregulation of p66shc in endothelial cells is dependent on p53. In addition, we demonstrate that downregulation of p66shc expression, as well as inhibition of p53 function in mice, mitigates angiotensin II-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, decrease in bioavailable nitric oxide, and hypertension. These findings reveal a novel p53-dependent transcriptional mechanism for the regulation of p66shc expression that is operative in the vascular endothelium and suggest that this mechanism is important in impairing endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation.
Glenn Gould, the Vanishing Performer and the Ambivalence of the Studio
Authors: Hecker Tim
Published: November 2008

This article examines Canadian pianist Glenn Gould's turn from performance to the recording studio as a means to realize music's utopian potential. What emerged from these post-performance years was a deep ambivalence engendered by the studio itself: a distinctly compelling vision of the studio as a monastic retreat, a site of total control in music and a technology of self-erasure.
Contesting Racism
Authors: Sutton Barbara
Published: November 2008

In Argentina, racism is a relatively hidden but entrenched social problem that has undermined democratic citizenship and social justice efforts. An analysis of ethno-racial discourses (by the state, in the media, and in self-identity representations) as well as political strategies for contesting racism reveals that civil society and governmental organizations have extended frameworks that already had resonance in Argentina, borrowed approaches from other places, and formulated strategies in the context of international dialogue.
Age and school-type differences in children's beliefs about school performance
Authors: Malmberg Lars-Erik , Wanner Brigitte , Little Todd D.
Published: November 2008

Age and school-type differences (primary school and three types of secondary school) in self-related beliefs about ability, effort, and difficulty were investigated in a study of 1723 Berlin youth. Consistent with selective ability-stratified schooling, multi-group structural equation models revealed: (1) mean-level belief differences reflecting assimilation effects among secondary school students, (2) belief variances were mostly narrower among secondary school students reflecting restricted social comparison opportunities, and (3) school type moderated relationships between beliefs. Primary school students thought ability was fixed, that effort paid off, and they used normative task difficulty for gauging how effortful they were. Haupt-/Realschule and Gesamtschule students thought they were less effortful and put in less effort. Haupt-/Realschule student achievement was unrelated to their agency belief in ability and personal difficulty, reflecting a pattern of educational goal disengagement. Gymnasium school students seemed to maximize the use of their ability through effort.
Skin Conditions in the Athlete
Authors: Pecci Matthew , Comeau Douglas , Chawla Veena
Published: November 2008

Dermatologic conditions are a common presenting complaint in the athletic training room. There are many different causes for rashes, and treatment options vary depending on the condition and the severity. Bacterial infections of the skin have a variety of different appearances and can spread rapidly among individuals. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus when making the choice of antibiotics. Other infectious rashes, including tinea and herpes, are well-described conditions in wrestlers; however, these rashes can be seen in any athlete, especially those engaged in contact sports. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are important to clear the rash and reduce the spread to others. In addition to infectious rashes, athletes are prone to mechanical rashes and skin conditions due to friction and tight-fitting equipment. Sports medicine providers must not only diagnose and treat these conditions but also be aware of the return-to-play guidelines set forth by the governing bodies under which he or she operates.
Study on Preparation and Properties of Silane-crosslinked Polyethylene/ Magnesium Hydroxide/ Montmorillonite Nanocomposites
Authors: Lei Song  , Ming Li  , Yuan Hu  , Hongdian Lu
Published: November 2008

Silane-crosslinked polyethylene/magnesium hydroxide/organomontmorillonite nanocomposite is prepared from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), vinyltrimethoxysilane, magnesium hydroxide (MH), and organo-montmorillonite (OMT). The morphology is characterized by the X-ray diffraction and high resolution electron microscopy. It is indicated that the intercalated morphology is formed in the polymer matrix. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, flammability, and crystallization are investigated by tensile, limiting oxygen index, cone calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Results indicate that the crosslinked nanocomposite shows lower thermal-oxidative stability and fire safety than the crosslinked LLDPE/MH composite at the same additive level, the reason is postulated to be that the presence of MH and OMT decreases the crosslinking degree and the crosslinking network structure prevents the migration of OMT layers to the surface.
“Show Me an Ounce of Respect”
Authors: Deutsch Nancy L. , Jones Jeffrey N.
Published: November 2008

Authority is an important component of adult-youth relations. Little work has been done exploring authority outside of families and classrooms. This article consolidates findings from two studies of urban after-school programs. The article examines youths' experiences of authority in after-school programs, compares those with their reports of authority relations at school and explores how adult-youth relationships in these settings influence those experiences. A relational climate exists in the after-school programs which informs youths' experiences of authority. Respect emerged as an important construct which influences youths' perceptions of and relations to adult authority. This may be particularly salient for racial minority youth. Youth differentiate respecting rules from respecting people and highlight the importance of bidirectional respect. Findings suggest that as educators and youth practitioners attempt to balance adolescents' needs for autonomy with adults' needs for authority, they should be cognizant of how respect can work to enhance authority.
Understanding Comparison in Criminal Justice Research
Authors: Travers Max
Published: November 2008

This article explores some implications of interpretive philosophies of social science, developed by thinkers such as Max Weber and Peter Winch, for conducting comparative research in criminal justice. These address the meaningful character of human activities but, unlike constructionism and postmodernism, respect the objective and constraining character of institutional realities. Drawing on American empirical studies that employ qualitative methods to explain statistical variation, the article shows how interpretive traditions often find it difficult freeing themselves from positivist assumptions and fall short of investigating how social actors understand and engage in comparison in their everyday lives. A discussion of data collected in an ethnographic study of children's courts in Australia demonstrates how a more thorough-going and consistent approach to comparison is possible within this interpretive framework.
Political, Structural, and Cultural Influences on England's Youth Offending Team Practices
Authors: Stahlkopf Christina
Published: November 2008

Using varied qualitative methodologies, this research examines England's youth offending teams (YOTs) as an organization to better understand the realities of the translation of restorative justice from policy to practice. Specifically, this research examines the political, structural, and cultural influences on one YOT as an organization, on its practitioners, and on the production of restorative practice. Examining the referral order, which comprises one quarter of all youth justice court disposals, a discernable impact in practice was observed in all cases throughout this research. The analysis from the present study shows that the triad of politics, structure, and culture has combined in a way that has strained the ability of the YOT organization to succeed and created a lethal atmosphere for restorative practices.
PAX—FKHR Fusion Genes and AChR-γ in Chinese Patients With Rhabdomyosarcoma: Diagnosis Using Formalin-Fixed Archival Tissues
Authors: Bin Chang  , Li Juan Pang  , Yan Qi  , Chun Xia Liu  , Ying Cao  , Hong An Li  , Wen Hao Hu  , Jin Fang Jiang  , Wen Jie Zhang  , Feng Li
Published: November 2008

The majority of alveolar RMSs have t(2;13)(q35;q14) or (1:13)(p36;q14),which generate PAX3/7 -FKHR fusion genes. Here, the authors detected the PAX3/7-FKHR fusion transcripts in 17 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded RMSs and 26 other SRCTs using one-step RT-PCR. PAX3 -FKHR and PAX7-FKHR transcripts were positive in 4/8 and 2/8 cases of ARMS, respectively. 9 ERMSs and 26 other SRCTs were negative for PAX3/7-FKHR. In addition, AChR-γ and AChR-α mRNA were detected by semiquantitative duplex PCR in above cases and 3 normal muscles. 17 RMSs were found to have overexpression of AChR-γ, with an AChR-γ/-α ratio of ≥1; 3 cases of normal muscle had very weak AChR-γ expression, with an AChR- γ/-α ratio of <1. AChR-γ transcripts were not detectable in all 26 other SCRTs. The results demonstrated that detection of PAX3/7-FKHR fusion gene by one-step RT-PCR is useful in the diagnosis of RMS and that AChR-γ is overexpressed in Chinese RMS patients.
Effect of pulse current on microstructure and mechanical properties of variable polarity arc weld bead of 2219-T6 aluminium alloy
Authors: Qiu L. , Yang C. L. , Lin S. B. , Fan C. L.
Published: November 2008

Pulse current variable polarity arc welding of 2219-T6 aluminium alloy was carried out at different frequencies. The effects of pulse current on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were also investigated. Experimental results show that pulse current contributes to not only degree of grain coarsening, but also the distribution of the second phase particles. The tensile strength of joints increases with increasing frequency of the pulse current when the frequency is <10 kHz. The maximum tensile strength can reach 67% of that of the base material without any post-weld heat treatment at the pulse frequency of 10 kHz. When the frequency is >10 kHz the tensile strength decreases with increasing pulse frequency.
Acute graft-versus-host disease after unrelated donor umbilical cord blood transplantation: analysis of risk factors
Authors: MacMillan Margaret L. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Brunstein Claudio G. , Cao Qing , DeFor Todd E. , Verneris Michael R. , Blazar Bruce R. , Wagner John E.
Published: November 2008

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs less frequently after umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT). More recent investigations include the use of 2 partially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–matched UCB units, or double UCB graft, to meet the minimum cell-dose requirement. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the relative risk of acute GVHD in 265 consecutive patients receiving transplants with UCB graft composed of 1 (n = 80) or 2 (n = 185) units. The incidence of grade III-IV acute GVHD was similar between cohorts. However, the incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was higher among double UCBT recipients (58 vs 39%, P < .01). Three risk factors for grade II-IV acute GVHD were identified in multiple regression analysis: use of 2 UCB units, use of nonmyeloablative conditioning, and absence of antithymocyte globulin in the conditioning regimen. Transplantation-related mortality (TRM) at 1 year, however, was significantly lower after double UCBT (24 vs 39%, P = .02) even if recipients had grade II-IV acute GVHD (20 vs 39%, P = .05). These data suggest that, despite a higher incidence of grade II acute GVHD in recipients of 2 partially HLA-matched UCB units, there is no adverse effect on TRM. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov under the identifiers NCT00305682 and NCT00309842.
New prognostic scoring system for primary myelofibrosis based on a study of the International Working Group for Myelofibrosis Research and Treatment
Authors: Cervantes Francisco , Dupriez Brigitte , Pereira Arturo , Passamonti Francesco , Reilly John T. , Morra Enrica , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Mesa Ruben A. , Demory Jean-Loup , Barosi Giovanni , Rumi Elisa , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: November 2008

Therapeutic decision-making in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is becoming more challenging because of the increasing use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and new investigational drugs. To enhance this process by developing a highly discriminative prognostic system, 1054 patients consecutively diagnosed with PMF at 7 centers were studied. Overall median survival was 69 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61-76). Multivariate analysis of parameters obtained at disease diagnosis identified age greater than 65 years, presence of constitutional symptoms, hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL, leukocyte count greater than 25 × 109/L, and circulating blast cells 1% or greater as predictors of shortened survival. Based on the presence of 0 (low risk), 1 (intermediate risk-1), 2 (intermediate risk-2) or greater than or equal to 3 (high risk) of these variables, 4 risk groups with no overlapping in their survival curves were delineated; respective median survivals were 135, 95, 48, and 27 months (P < .001). Compared with prior prognostic models, the new risk stratification system displayed higher predictive accuracy, replicability, and discriminating power. In 409 patients with assessable metaphases, cytogenetic abnormalities were associated with shorter survival, but their independent contribution to prognosis was restricted to patients in the intermediate-risk groups. JAK2V617F did not cluster with a specific risk group or affect survival.
Genome-Wide Gene Expression Analysis Reveals a Dynamic Interplay between Luteotropic and Luteolytic Factors in the Regulation of Corpus Luteum Function in the Bonnet Monkey (Macaca radiata)
Authors: Priyanka S. , Jayaram P. , Sridaran R. , Medhamurthy R.
Published: November 2008

Although LH is essential for survival and function of the corpus luteum (CL) in higher primates, luteolysis occurs during nonfertile cycles without a discernible decrease in circulating LH levels. Using genome-wide expression analysis, several experiments were performed to examine the processes of luteolysis and rescue of luteal function in monkeys. Induced luteolysis with GnRH receptor antagonist (Cetrorelix) resulted in differential regulation of 3949 genes, whereas replacement with exogenous LH (Cetrorelix plus LH) led to regulation of 4434 genes (1563 down-regulation and 2871 up-regulation). A model system for prostaglandin (PG) F2α-induced luteolysis in the monkey was standardized and demonstrated that PGF2α regulated expression of 2290 genes in the CL. Analysis of the LH-regulated luteal transcriptome revealed that 120 genes were regulated in an antagonistic fashion by PGF2α. Based on the microarray data, 25 genes were selected for validation by real-time RT-PCR analysis, and expression of these genes was also examined in the CL throughout the luteal phase and from monkeys treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to mimic early pregnancy. The results indicated changes in expression of genes favorable to PGF2α action during the late to very late luteal phase, and expressions of many of these genes were regulated in an opposite manner by exogenous hCG treatment. Collectively, the findings suggest that curtailment of expression of downstream LH-target genes possibly through PGF2α action on the CL is among the mechanisms underlying cross talk between the luteotropic and luteolytic signaling pathways that result in the cessation of luteal function, but hCG is likely to abrogate the PGF2α-responsive gene expression changes resulting in luteal rescue crucial for the maintenance of early pregnancy.

Results of genome-wide analyses suggest that curtailment of expression of LH target-genes through PGF2α action in corpus luteum involves cross talk between luteotropic and luteolytic signaling pathways.
S-Glutathionylation Impairs Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Activation and Signaling
Authors: Xie Yi , Kole Sutapa , Precht Patricia , Pazin Michael J. , Bernier Michel
Published: November 2008

S-glutathionylation is a physiological, reversible protein modification of cysteine residues with glutathione in response to mild oxidative stress. Because the key cell growth regulator signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is particularly susceptible to redox regulation, we hypothesized that oxidative modification of cysteine residues of STAT3 by S-glutathionylation may occur. Herein, we show that the cysteine residues of STAT3 are modified by a thiol-alkylating agent and are the targets of S-glutathionylation. STAT3 protein thiol reactivity was reversibly attenuated with concomitant increase in the S-glutathionylation of STAT3 upon treatment of human HepG2 hepatoma cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, glutathione disulfide, or diamide. Under these conditions there was a marked reduction in IL-6-dependent STAT3 signaling, including decreased STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, loss in nuclear accumulation of STAT3, and impaired expression of target genes, such as fibrinogen-γ. In a cell-free system, diamide induced glutathionylation of STAT3, which was decreased upon addition of glutaredoxin (GRX)-1, a deglutathionylation enzyme, or the reducing agent, dithiothreitol. Glutathionylated STAT3 was a poor Janus protein tyrosine kinase 2 substrate in vitro, and it exhibited low DNA-binding activity. Cellular GRX-1 activity was inhibited by diamide and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate treatment; however, ectopic expression of GRX-1 was accompanied by a modest increase in phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and DNA-binding ability of STAT3 in response to IL-6. These results are the first to show S-glutathionylation of STAT3, a modification that may exert regulatory function in STAT3 signaling.

Reversible S-glutathionylation of STAT3 regulates its activity as transcription factor.
Fgf8a induces neural crest indirectly through the activation of Wnt8 in the paraxial mesoderm
Authors: Hong Chang-Soo , Park Byung-Yong , Saint-Jeannet Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2008

Two independent signals are necessary for neural crest (NC) induction in Xenopus: a Bmp signal, which must be partially attenuated by Bmp antagonists, and a separate signal mediated by either a canonical Wnt or an Fgf. The mesoderm underlying the NC-forming region has been proposed as a source of this second signal. Wnt8 and Fgf8a are expressed in this tissue around the time of NC induction and are therefore good candidate NC inducers. Loss-of-function studies indicate that both of these ligands are necessary to specify the NC; however, it is unclear whether these signaling molecules are operating in the same or in parallel pathways to generate the NC. Here, we describe experiments addressing this outstanding question. We show that although Wnt8 expression can restore NC progenitors in Fgf8a-deficient embryos, Fgf8a is unable to rescue NC formation in Wnt8-depleted embryos. Moreover, the NC-inducing activity of Fgf8a in neuralized explants is strongly repressed by co-injection of a Wnt8 or a β-catenin morpholino, suggesting that the activity of these two signaling molecules is linked. Consistent with these observations, Fgf8a is a potent inducer of Wnt8 in both whole embryos and animal explants, and Fgf8a knockdown results in a dramatic loss of Wnt8 expression in the mesoderm. We propose that Fgf8a induces NC indirectly through the activation of Wnt8 in the paraxial mesoderm, which in turn promotes NC formation in the overlying ectoderm primed by Bmp antagonists.
Corporate Venture Capital as a Window on New Technologies: Implications for the Performance of Corporate Investors When Acquiring Startups
Authors: Benson David , Ziedonis Rosemarie H.
Published: November 2008

Gaining a “window” on new technologies is a prominent motive for corporate venture capital (CVC) investing. Recent studies suggest that information gained through CVC-related activities can improve the internal R&D productivity of established firms. This study investigates an alternative means by which information gained through CVC investing could improve firm performance—by increasing the returns to corporate investors when acquiring startups. We provide new insights based on an event study of the returns to 34 corporate investors from acquiring 242 technology startups. Consistent with predictions drawn from the absorptive capacity literature, we find that the effect of CVC investing on acquisition performance hinges critically on the strength of the acquirer's internal knowledge base: as CVC investments increase relative to an acquirer's total R&D expenditures, acquisition performance improves at a diminishing rate. We also find that firms consistently engaged in venture financing earn greater returns when acquiring startups than do firms with more sporadic patterns of investing, even controlling for firm profitability, size, and acquisition experience. These findings suggest that corporate investors systematically differ in their abilities to derive added benefits from external venturing as acquirers of entrepreneurial firms.
Are Technology-Intensive Industries More Dynamically Competitive? No and Yes
Authors: Vaaler Paul M. , McNamara Gerry
Published: November 2008

A substantial body of research in management and related public policy fields concludes that recent decades saw greater dynamic competition throughout technology-intensive (TI) industries, with widespread steady increase in TI industry and business performance instability as key implications. We set this conclusion within a broader framework of purportedly increasing dynamic competition among TI industry businesses, and then test for evidence of its performance implications in a large sample of U.S. businesses operating from 1978 to 1997 in 31 industries, with high average research and development expenditure-to-sales ratios. In the full sample, we find no evidence of sustained increase in TI industry and business performance instability, nor any evidence of significant cross-sectional differences in performance instability between TI and non-TI industry businesses over these 20 years. For a small segment of very high-performing businesses from TI industries, however, we do uncover evidence of declining performance stability and cross-sectional differences in performance stability. We conclude that assumptions of widespread long-term increase in dynamic competition lack robust evidentiary support. It is premature to embrace and apply broadly new theoretical perspectives, management practices, and public policies to TI industry competitive dynamics that may be slightly changed since the late 1970s. Yet, there may be increasing dynamic competition among very high-performing TI industry businesses. In that small realm, careful application of new perspectives, practices, and policies may lead to deeper insight on business behavior and performance in TI industries.
Discovering Valuable Growth Opportunities: An Analysis of Equity Alliances with IPO Firms
Authors: Reuer Jeffrey J. , Tong Tony W.
Published: November 2008

Firms often use alliances to access external resources and explore new market or technological opportunities, yet they also can face obstacles to discovering these opportunities in the first place. In this paper, we examine how firms can overcome these obstacles and form equity alliances with newly public companies to obtain valuable growth opportunities. Specifically, we build on real options theory and develop the argument that the visibility of firms having an initial public offering (IPO) can shape investors' recognition of the embedded growth opportunities and therefore channel their alliance activities. The evidence shows that firms are more likely to partner with IPO firms possessing more valuable growth opportunities. Furthermore, this relationship is magnified for IPO firms that have obtained more visibility, either through various interorganizational relationships or media coverage on going public.
Predictors of Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection in Drug Users
Authors: Reed Carrie , Stuver Sherri O. , Tumilty Sheila , Nunes David , Murray Jessica E. , Graham Camilla S. , Koziel Margaret James , Craven Donald E. , Skolnik Paul R. , Horsburgh C. Robert
Published: November 2008

Documented treatment rates for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are low. Within this cohort of HCV-infected patients (N = 373), participants who were not actively injecting drugs or not co-infected with HIV were most likely to initiate HCV treatment. Persons of white race and HIV-infected participants with a CD4 count above 200 were also more likely to have initiated HCV treatment. We defined five factors as potentially modifiable, and found almost all (90%) of the cohort had at least one such factor. Participants with more than one of these factors were least likely to initiate treatment. The proportion of patients receiving treatment increased as their number of modifiable risk factors decreased (p < 0.01, for trend). Focused strategies to overcome these potentially modifiable factors may be indicated to increase HCV treatment in affected populations.
Medical Students’ Experiences with Addicted Patients
Authors: Midmer Deana , Kahan Meldon , Wilson Lynn
Published: November 2008

Project CREATE was an initiative to strengthen undergraduate medical education in addictions. As part of a needs assessment, forty-six medical students at Ontario's five medical schools completed a bi-weekly, interactive web-based survey about addiction-related learning events. In all, 704 unique events were recorded, for an average of 16.7 entries per student. The most commonly discussed topic was alcohol withdrawal and the complications of alcohol use. The most common learning venues were lectures and clinical encounters in the emergency department or hospital. The proportion of advice-related topics (e.g., advice to drinkers and smokers) to advice plus non-advice related topics (e.g., medical complications) was greater for outpatient and community settings than for acute care and didactic settings (ratio 1.29, chi sq 15.85, p < 0.01). Students reacted strongly to the psychosocial impact of addictions on patients, yet they viewed addiction as a personal choice, not an illness. Conclusion: Medical students are not being trained to diagnose addiction or provide advice and counseling. Medical schools need to provide students with positive clinical experiences supervised by physicians experienced in addictions.
Relationship of Age of First Drink to Alcohol-Related Consequences among College Students with Unhealthy Alcohol Use
Authors: Rothman Emily F. , Dejong William , Palfai Tibor , Saitz Richard
Published: November 2008

This study investigated the relationship between age of first drink (AFD) and a broad range of negative alcohol-related outcomes among college students exhibiting unhealthy alcohol use. We conducted an anonymous on-line survey to collect self-report data from first-year college students at a large northeastern university. Among 1,792 respondents who reported ever drinking, 14% reported an AFD before age 14. These early onset drinkers were more likely than later onset drinkers to report frequent drinking, heavy drinking, and other unhealthy alcohol use behaviors. Among the subset of drinkers with unhealthy alcohol use (36%), early drinkers were more likely than later onset drinkers to report experiencing five out of 13 alcohol-related consequences, including driving while intoxicated, missing work or school due to drinking, getting into trouble at work or school due to drinking, receiving lower grades than they should have due to drinking, and developing a tolerance to alcohol.
Boothmates forever? — On teamwork in a simultaneous interpreting booth
Authors: Chmiel Agnieszka
Published: November 2008

Simultaneous interpreting (SI) is a cognitively demanding task. This is why there are typically two interpreters working in a booth and taking turns every 30 minutes or so. Interpreters work in pairs not only to be able to overcome fatigue, but also to cooperate and help each other. This article is an attempt to shed some light on the process of booth teamwork. Cooperation in the booth is examined in the professional context, which leads to conclusions regarding the incorporation of this skill in conference interpreter training.A survey was conducted among 200 free-lance interpreters associated in AIIC and working on various markets to find out more about their expectations and needs as regards assistance from their booth partners. The respondents were asked about their mode of operation, activities in the booth when off-mike and their perception of the need to teach cooperation to interpretation trainees. It turns out that there are some factors that may impede teamwork in the simultaneous interpreting booth. Interpreters who are off-mike can engage in last-minute preparation using materials supplied by the organizers shortly before the commencement of a conference. Additionally, fatigue may prevent them from actively listening to the input and assisting their boothmate. The results of the survey may help answer the question if teamwork and turn-taking should be part of simultaneous interpreting courses.
Stable isotope methods in groundwater engineering
Authors: Bottrell S. , Bartlett R.
Published: November 2008

During the past two decades there has been a major expansion in the number of environmental studies making use of stable isotopes as tracers, either of sources of material or of processes. Some of these studies have produced techniques, approaches or findings of interest and practical application in the engineered management of contaminated land or groundwater. Perhaps the most important application of stable isotopic techniques in this context is their ability to distinguish contaminant mass loss owing to beneficial subsurface biodegradation from decreased contaminant concentration resulting from dilution or sorption, processes that do not lead to a reduction in the total contaminant burden. This arises from changes in the carbon isotopic composition of organic contaminants that accrue during biodegradation. There are analogous changes in the isotopic composition of electron acceptors used to drive microbial respiration during contaminant biodegradation. These can be used to ascertain the microbial processes responsible for biodegradation and constrain the biodegradation potential. Stable isotopes can also be used to ‘fingerprint’ different sources of solutes and enable discrimination of contaminant source and flow pathways.
Influence of Different Ceramics on Resin Cement Knoop Hardness Number
Authors: Borges G. A. , Agarwal P. , Miranzi B. A. S. , Platt J. A. , Valentino T. A. , Santos P. H.
Published: November 2008

Clinical Relevance

Polymerization of a dual resin cement is significantly affected by type of ceramic, activation modes and post-activation times.
Effects of Early Progressive Eccentric Exercise on Muscle Size and Function After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A 1-Year Follow-up Study of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Gerber J Parry , Marcus Robin L , Dibble Leland E , Greis Patrick E , Burks Robert T , LaStayo Paul C
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose

The authors previously reported that focused eccentric resistance training during the first 15 weeks following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) induced greater short-term increases in muscle volume, strength, and measures of function relative to standard rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of early progressive eccentric exercise on muscle volume and function at 1 year after ACL-R.

Participants and Methods

Forty patients who had undergone an ACL-R were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a group that received early progressive eccentric exercise (n=20) and a group that received standard rehabilitation (n=20). Seventeen participants in the eccentric exercise group and 15 participants in the standard rehabilitation group completed a 1-year follow-up. Magnetic resonance images of the thighs were acquired 1 year after ACL-R and compared with images acquired 3 weeks after surgery. Likewise, routine knee examinations, self-report assessments, and strength and functional testing were completed 1 year after surgery and compared with previous evaluations. A 2-factor analysis of variance for repeated measures (group × time) was used to analyze the data.

Results

Compared with the standard rehabilitation group, improvements in quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle volume in the involved lower extremity from 3 weeks to 1 year following ACL-R were significantly greater in the eccentric exercise group. Improvements in quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle volume were 23.3% (SD=14.1%) and 20.6% (SD=12.9%), respectively, in the eccentric exercise group and 13.4% (SD=10.3%) and 11.6% (SD=10.4%), respectively, in the standard rehabilitation group. Improvements in quadriceps femoris muscle strength and hopping distance also were significantly greater in the eccentric exercise group 1 year postsurgery.

Discussion and Conclusions

A 12-week focused eccentric resistance training program, implemented 3 weeks after ACL-R, resulted in greater increases in quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle volume and function compared with standard rehabilitation at 1 year following ACL-R.
Lower-Extremity Strength Differences Predict Activity Limitations in People With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Kluding Patricia , Gajewski Byron
Published: November 2008

Background

Body system impairments following stroke have a complex relationship with functional activities. Although gait and balance deficits are well-documented in people after stroke, the overlapping influence of body impairments makes it difficult to prioritize interventions.

Objective

This study examined the relationship between prospectively selected measures of body function and structure (body mass index, muscle strength, sensation, and cognition) and activity (gait speed, gait endurance, and functional balance) in people with chronic stroke.

Design

This was a cross-sectional, observational study.

Methods

Twenty-six individuals with mean (SD) age of 57.6 (11) years and time after stroke of 45.4 (43) months participated. Four variables (body mass index, muscle strength difference between the lower extremities, sensation difference between the lower extremities, and Mini-Mental Status Exam score) were entered into linear regression models for gait speed, Six-Minute Walk Test distance, and Berg Balance Scale score.

Results

Lower-extremity strength difference was a significant individual predictor for gait speed, gait endurance, and functional balance. Cognition significantly predicted only gait speed.

Limitations

The authors did not include all possible factors in the model that may have influenced gait and balance in these individuals.

Conclusions

Strength deficits in the hemiparetic lower extremity should be an important target for clinical interventions to improve function in people with chronic stroke.
Crisis Intervention: Theoretical and Methodological Considerations
Authors: Raphael Beverley
Published: November 2008

This paper is a theoretical and methodological dissertation on the concept of crisis intervention as an instrument of primary prevention; appropriate current literature is reviewed. The concepts of crisis are discussed briefly, and a concept emphasizing the intrapsychic state of the individual is proposed. The relevance of crisis with its period of disturbed functioning and its potential immediate and long-term sequelae for mental and physical health and social adaptation is reviewed.

The concepts of crisis intervention are explored and dealt with. Each is looked at from the aspects of epidemiologically established basis, forms of intervention, both actual and hypothesized, and methodology of evaluation of effectiveness.
A Survey of Practising Psychiatrists' Views on the Treatment of Agoraphobia
Authors: Hall Wayne , Weekes Penny , Harvey Robin , Andrews Gavin
Published: November 2008

The views of practising psychiatrists on the treatment of agoraphobia were investigated as part of a Quality Assurance Project. A one in six random sample of psychiatrists was mailed a questionnaire. This asked for treatment recommendations for each of three case descriptions of patients with agoraphobia and respondents were asked to choose three treatments from a predetermined list of treatments. Eighty-six percent of the sample responded. Behavioural psychotherapy was recommended most often, usually in conjunction with psychodynamic psychotherapy. Recommendations varied across the three cases and were also marginally affected by the format of the question used to elicit them.
Sex Differences in Psychiatric Morbidity: An Analysis of Victorian Data
Authors: Berah E. F.
Published: November 2008

This study examined relevant Victorian data in the light of overseas findings on sex differences in psychopathology and utilisation of psychiatric treatment resources. Data sources included community health surveys and treatment statistics from the State psychiatric services, general hospitals and general practitioners. It was revealed that more Victorian women than men reported and were treated for psychiatric problems, and that women were most often diagnosed as depressed and otherwise neurotic, whereas men more often had alcohol and personality disorders. Married women had higher rates of mental illness than married men, whereas single and divorced men had higher rates of psychiatric morbidity than their female counterparts. Occupational status was related to men's, but not women's mental health. Various explanations for the findings are discussed, with some stress on the possible contribution of the sex role socialisation and cultural expectations of men and women.
Transsexual Sisters
Authors: Joyce Peter R. , Ding Les
Published: November 2008

The first documented case of sisters with transsexualism is reported. Given the low incidence of female transsexualism this is a most unlikely event and suggests that familial factors may be of aetological importance.