bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent evolutionary origins of functional polyamine biosynthetic enzyme fusions catalysingde novodiamine to triamine formation
Authors: Green Robert , Hanfrey Colin C. , Elliott Katherine A. , McCloskey Diane E. , Wang Xiaojing , Kanugula Sreenivas , Pegg Anthony E. , Michael Anthony J.
Published: July 2011

We have identified gene fusions of polyamine biosynthetic enzymesS‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC,speD) and aminopropyltransferase (speE) orthologues in diverse bacterial phyla. Both domains are functionally active and we demonstrate the novelde novosynthesis of the triamine spermidine from the diamine putrescine by fusion enzymes from β‐proteobacteriumDelftia acidovoransand δ‐proteobacteriumSyntrophus aciditrophicus, in a ΔspeDEgene deletion strain ofSalmonella entericasv. Typhimurium. Fusion proteins from marine α‐proteobacteriumCandidatus Pelagibacter ubique, actinobacteriumNocardia farcinica, chlorobi speciesChloroherpeton thalassium, and β‐proteobacteriumD. acidovoranseach produce a different profile of non‐native polyamines includingsym‐norspermidine when expressed inEscherichia coli. The different aminopropyltransferase activities together with phylogenetic analysis confirm independent evolutionary origins for some fusions. Comparative genomic analysis strongly indicates that gene fusions arose by merger of adjacent open reading frames. Independent fusion events, and horizontal and vertical gene transfer contributed to the scattered phyletic distribution of the gene fusions. Surprisingly, expression of fusion genes inE. coliandS.Typhimurium revealed novel latent spermidine catabolic activity producing non‐native 1,3‐diaminopropane in these species. We have also identified fusions of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes agmatine deiminase andN‐carbamoylputrescine amidohydrolase in archaea, and ofS‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and ornithine decarboxylase in the single‐celled green algaMicromonas.
Two new effective semiselective crystal violet pectate media for isolation of Pectobacterium and Dickeya
Authors: Hélias V. , Hamon P. , Huchet E. , Wolf J. V. D. , Andrivon D.
Published: July 2011

Pectolytic bacteria, including Pectobacterium spp. and Dickeya spp., are best isolated on crystal violet pectate (CVP), a semiselective medium containing pectin. The source of pectin is essential, because pectolytic bacteria are not able to degrade all of them. The aims of this study were to identify a new pectin source and to perfect formulations of semiselective CVP media to isolate the pectolytic bacteria Pectobacterium spp. and Dickeya spp. from different environmental compartments (plants, soil and water). The AG366 pectin, selected after screening six different formulations, was incorporated into single‐layer (SL‐CVPAG366) and double‐layer (DL‐CVPAG366) CVP media. Both media were compared with those based on Bulmer, Sigma‐Aldrich and Slendid‐Burger pectins, using 39 Pectobacterium and Dickeya strains. All strains formed deep cavities on AG366‐CVPs, whereas nine did not produce cavities on Bulmer or Sigma‐Aldrich media. Recovery rates were similar on DL‐CVPAG366, Sigma‐Aldrich and Bulmer CVPs for a given taxon, and did not differ significantly between SL‐ and DL‐CVPAG366. Pectolytic bacteria were successfully isolated on both media from field samples of diseased potatoes, carrots, tobacco, onions, radishes and ornamentals. AG366 is thus a high‐performance pectin source for the elaboration of CVP media suitable to isolate Dickeya and Pectobacterium. It is also efficient for enrichment purposes in liquid medium. The validation of AG366 as an improved source of pectin to recover the polyphagous Pectobacterium and Dickeya in different environmental compartments is essential given the current worldwide emergence and recrudescence of these bacteria.
Neogene exhumation in the Outer Western Carpathians
Authors: Zattin Massimiliano , Andreucci Benedetta , Jankowski Leszek , Mazzoli Stefano , Szaniawski Rafal
Published: July 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 283–291, 2011

Apatite fission‐track analysis was used to investigate the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Polish sector of the Outer Western Carpathians, where thrusting was overlapped by extension in the last 10 Ma. The results show a general decrease of burial degree towards the European foreland and a range of cooling ages between 26 and 7 Ma. Younger ages (10–7 Ma) are confined to the eastern region, whereas exhumation in the central‐western region is about 10 Ma older and is characterized by no major age differences among structural units. Therefore, exhumation of the chain is inferred to have occurred since the Early Miocene, when it appears to have been essentially coeval with thrusting, whereas extensional tectonics is likely to have played an important role during Late Miocene exhumation.
Impact of temperature and precipitation on propagation of intestinal schistosomiasis in an irrigated region in Ethiopia: suitability of satellite datasets
Authors: Xue Zhao , Gebremichael Mekonnen , Ahmad Rais , Weldu Mekuria L. , Bagtzoglou Amvrossios C.
Published: July 2011

Objective  To assess the suitability of satellite temperature and precipitation datasets for investigating the dependence of Schistosoma mansoni disease transmission on meteorological conditions in an irrigated agricultural region in Ethiopia.

Methods  Data used were monthly number of patients infected with S. mansoni and seeking treatment at the local hospital, monthly maximum air temperature from a local weather station, monthly average land surface temperature from MODIS satellite data, monthly total precipitation from a local rain gauge and precipitation estimates from four widely used satellite products, namely, TMPA 3B42RT, TMPA 3B42, CMORPH and PERSIANN. The number of patients was used as proxy for vector abundance.

Results  Temperature and precipitation play a role in the transmission of S. mansoni disease. There is a weak but significant positive correlation between monthly maximum air temperature derived from a meteorological station (or average land surface temperature derived from MODIS satellite product) and the number of patients in the same month. There is a significant negative correlation between monthly precipitation volume (derived from rain gauge or satellite data) and number of patients at lags of 1 and 2 months.

Conclusion  Satellite temperature and precipitation products provide useful information to understand and infer the relationship between meteorological conditions and S. mansoni prevalence.
Neuropeptide Y signaling modulates the expression of ethanol‐induced behavioral sensitization in mice
Authors: Hayes Dayna M. , Fee Jon R. , McCown Thomas J. , Knapp Darin J. , Breese George R. , Cubero Inmaculada , Carvajal Francisca , Lerma‐Cabrera Jose Manuel , Navarro Montserrat , Thiele Todd E.
Published: July 2011

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and protein kinase A (PKA) have been implicated in neurobiological responses to ethanol. We have previously reported that mutant mice lacking normal production of the RIIβ subunit of PKA (RIIβ−/− mice) show enhanced sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol and increased behavioral sensitization relative to littermate wild‐type RIIβ+/+ mice. We now report that RIIβ−/− mice also show increased NPY immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and the ventral striatum relative to RIIβ+/+ mice. These observations suggest that elevated NPY signaling in the NAc and/or striatum may contribute to the increased sensitivity to ethanol‐induced behavioral sensitization that is a characteristic of RIIβ−/− mice. Consistently, NPY−/− mice failed to display ethanol‐induced behavioral sensitization that was evident in littermate NPY+/+ mice. To examine more directly the role of NPY in the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol, we infused a recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) into the region of the NAc core of DBA/2J mice. The rAAV‐fibronectin (FIB)‐NPY13–36 vector expresses and constitutively secretes the NPY fragment NPY13–36 (a selective Y2 receptor agonist) from infected cells in vivo. Mice treated with the rAAV‐FIB‐NPY13–36 vector exhibited reduced expression of ethanol‐induced behavioral sensitization compared with mice treated with a control vector. Taken together, the current data provide the first evidence that NPY signaling in the NAc core and the Y2 receptor modulate ethanol‐induced behavioral sensitization.
Successful deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens in severe alcohol dependence is associated with changed performance monitoring
Authors: Kuhn Jens , Gründler Theo O. J. , Bauer Robert , Huff Wolfgang , Fischer Adrian G. , Lenartz Doris , Maarouf Mohammad , Bührle Christian , Klosterkötter Joachim , Ullsperger Markus , Sturm Volker
Published: July 2011

Following recent advances in neuromodulation therapy for mental disorders, we treated one patient with severe alcohol addiction with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Before and one year following the surgery, we assessed the effects of DBS within the NAc on the addiction as well as on psychometric scores and electrophysiological measures of cognitive control. In our patient, DBS achieved normalization of addictive behavior and craving. An electrophysiological marker of error processing (the error‐related negativity) linked to anterior mid‐cingulate cortex (aMCC) functioning was altered through DBS, an effect that could be reversed by periods without stimulation. Thus, this case supports the hypothesis that DBS of the NAc could have a positive effect on addiction trough a normalization of craving associated with aMCC dysfunction.
Multiplexed, ligation‐dependent probe amplification for rapid and inexpensive HLA‐DQB1 allelotyping
Authors: Akers N. K. , Curry J. D. , Smith M. T. , Bracci P. M. , Skibola C. F.
Published: July 2011

Many effective options exist to accurately type DNA for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. However, most of the existing methods are excessively costly in terms of overall monetary costs, DNA requirements, and proprietary software. We present a novel assay capable of resolving heterozygous HLA‐DQB1 allelotypes at two digits, with even greater specificity for the HLA‐DQB1*06 allele family, by using the multiplexed ligation‐dependent probe amplification technology. This assay provides more specific allele data than genome‐wide analysis and is more affordable than sequencing, making it a useful intermediate for researchers seeking to accurately allelotype human DNA samples.
A new HLA‐B*52 allele, B*52:23, detected in a patient before bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Todorova K. , Schulze H. , Ciroki J. , Uharek L. , Salama A. , Schönemann C.
Published: July 2011

The new allele HLA‐B*52:23 differs from B*52:01:01 at position 208 in exon 2.
Dynamics of cell‐mediated immune responses to cytomegalovirus in pediatric transplantation recipients
Authors: Patel Manisha , Stefanidou Martha , Long Caroline B. , Fazzari Melissa J. , Tesfa Lydia , Del Rio Marcela , Lamour Jacqueline , Ricafort Rosanna , Madan Rebecca P. , Herold Betsy C.
Published: July 2011

Patel M, Stefanidou M, Long CB, Fazzari MJ, Tesfa L, Del Rio M, Lamour J, Ricafort R, Madan RP, Herold BC. Dynamics of cell‐mediated immune responses to cytomegalovirus in pediatric transplantation recipients.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 18–28. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  CMI responses, combined with quantification of CMV DNA (DNAemia), may identify transplantation recipients at risk for invasive disease. PBMC were collected in pediatric transplantation candidates at one, three, and six months post‐transplant in 10 subjects (six renal, three cardiac, one stem cell) and at single time points in eight HC and 14 children greater than one yr post‐transplant (LTTx). Cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3mAb or CMV pp65 peptide pools and responses assessed by IFNG enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot assay and cytokine secretion. IFNG responses to anti‐CD3mAb were significantly lower pretransplant relative to HC and were further decreased at one and three months post‐transplant, but recovered to levels comparable to HC by six months. Responses to pp65 among CMV‐seropositive recipients followed a similar pattern but recovered by three months. CMV‐seropositive LTTx and HC showed a Th1 cytokine response to pp65 stimulation. Three LTTx subjects developed CMV DNAemia; two demonstrated decreased responses to anti‐CD3mAB (and pp65 in the CMV seropositive subject) at the onset of DNAemia, which recovered as DNAemia resolved. Monitoring CMI in children is feasible and may provide an adjunct biomarker to predict CMV progression and recovery.
Genomic selection strategies in dairy cattle: Strong positive interaction between use of genotypic information and intensive use of young bulls on genetic gain
Authors: Buch L.H. , Sørensen M.K. , Berg P. , Pedersen L.D. , Sørensen A.C.
Published: July 2011

We tested the following hypotheses: (i) breeding schemes with genomic selection are superior to breeding schemes without genomic selection regarding annual genetic gain of the aggregate genotype (ΔGAG), annual genetic gain of the functional traits and rate of inbreeding per generation (ΔF), (ii) a positive interaction exists between the use of genotypic information and a short generation interval on ΔGAGand (iii) the inclusion of an indicator trait in the selection index will only result in a negligible increase in ΔGAGif genotypic information about the breeding goal trait is known. We examined four breeding schemes with or without genomic selection and with or without intensive use of young bulls using pseudo‐genomic stochastic simulations. The breeding goal consisted of a milk production trait and a functional trait. The two breeding schemes with genomic selection resulted in higher ΔGAG, greater contributions of the functional trait to ΔGAGand lower ΔFthan the two breeding schemes without genomic selection. Thus, the use of genotypic information may lead to more sustainable breeding schemes. In addition, a short generation interval increases the effect of using genotypic information on ΔGAG. Hence, a breeding scheme with genomic selection and with intensive use of young bulls (a turbo scheme) seems to offer the greatest potential. The third hypothesis was disproved as inclusion of genomically enhanced breeding values (GEBV) for an indicator trait in the selection index increased ΔGAGin the turbo scheme. Moreover, it increased the contribution of the functional trait to ΔGAG, and it decreased ΔF. Thus, indicator traits may still be profitable to use even when GEBV for the breeding goal traits are available.
Pitfalls of using estimations of glomerular filtration rate in an intensive care population
Authors: Martin J. H. , Fay M. F. , Udy A. , Roberts J. , Kirkpatrick C. , Ungerer J. , Lipman J.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Accurate knowledge of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is imperative in the intensive care unit (ICU) as renal status is important for medical decisions, including drug dosing.

Aims:  Recently, an estimation of GFR (eGFR) was suggested as a method of estimating GFR. How well this formula predicts GFR in unwell patients with normal initial serum creatinine concentrations has not been examined.

Methods:  The accuracy of the eGFR (before and after adjustment for actual body surface area (BSA)) was compared with measured and with estimated creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft Gault (CG) formula adjusted for total and lean body weight.

Results:  A total of 237 observations was recorded in 47 subjects. These were initially analysed independently, and then using the first observation only. Overall the mean difference between measured creatinine clearance and eGFR was −12 mL/min (95% confidence interval (CI) −20 to −3), between measured creatinine clearance and CG +17 mL/min (95% CI 9–24), between measured creatinine clearance and CG adjusted for ideal body weight +12 mL/min (95% CI 4–21) and between measured creatinine clearance and eGFR ‘unadjusted’ for BSA 5 mL/min (95% CI −2–13).

Conclusions:  Using either eGFR or CG formulae to estimate renal function in ICU subjects with normal serum creatinine concentrations is inaccurate. Although correcting for BSA improves the eGFR, this requirement to measure height and weight removes a major attraction for its use. We suggest that eGFR should not be automatically calculated in the ICU setting.
Rationale for the use of immunomodulatory therapies in the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step V asthma other than oral glucocorticosteroids
Authors: Domingo C. , Moreno A. , Mirapeix R.
Published: July 2011

Asthma is a major problem worldwide, which is estimated to affect 300 million individuals. The global prevalence ranges from 1% to 18% of the population. The incidence, morbidity and mortality of the condition have increased over the last 50 years despite the development of new anti‐asthmatic drugs. Fewer than 1% of the asthmatic population are steroid‐dependent, but these patients consume most of the resources and time at asthma units. The consensus documents published by professional societies all support a stepwise therapeutic approach for asthma. However, patients who require frequent or continuous oral corticosteroid administration have received little attention. Due to the severe side‐effects of oral corticosteroids when administered over long periods or at high doses, many drugs have been assessed in the search for a possible corticosteroid‐sparing agent. Recently, the update of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) introduced a new drug – omalizumab – as an alternative to oral corticosteroids in patients included in step V. Other alternatives include immunosuppressive drugs, among which methotrexate has been found to offer the best benefit/risk ratio. This paper will review, comment and criticize the evidence of the effectiveness of immunomodulatory drugs, as an alternative to oral glucocorticosteroid treatment in GINA step V asthma patients. The experience of the authors combined with the information of the literature will lead to the conclusion that methotrexate and omalizumab are the only advisable drugs and will clarify when and how these drugs should be used.
Can catch share fisheries better track management targets?
Authors: Melnychuk Michael C , Essington Timothy E , Branch Trevor A , Heppell Selina S , Jensen Olaf P , Link Jason S , Martell Steven J D , Parma Ana M , Pope John G , Smith Anthony D M
Published: July 2011

Fisheries management based on catch shares – divisions of annual fleet‐wide quotas among individuals or groups – has been strongly supported for their economic benefits, but biological consequences have not been rigorously quantified. We used a global meta‐analysis of 345 stocks to assess whether fisheries under catch shares were more likely to track management targets set for sustainable harvest than fisheries managed only by fleet‐wide quota caps or effort controls. We examined three ratios: catch‐to‐quota, current exploitation rate to target exploitation rate and current biomass to target biomass. For each, we calculated the mean response, variation around the target and the frequency of undesirable outcomes with respect to these targets. Regional effects were stronger than any other explanatory variable we examined. After accounting for region, we found the effects of catch shares primarily on catch‐to‐quota ratios: these ratios were less variable over time than in other fisheries. Over‐exploitation occurred in only 9% of stocks under catch shares compared to 13% of stocks under fleet‐wide quota caps. Additionally, over‐exploitation occurred in 41% of stocks under effort controls, suggesting a substantial benefit of quota caps alone. In contrast, there was no evidence for a response in the biomass of exploited populations because of either fleet‐wide quota caps or individual catch shares. Thus, for many fisheries, management controls improve under catch shares in terms of reduced variation in catch around quota targets, but ecological benefits in terms of increased biomass may not be realized by catch shares alone.
Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese individuals and cognitive function: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Siervo M. , Arnold R. , Wells J. C. K. , Tagliabue A. , Colantuoni A. , Albanese E. , Brayne C. , Stephan B. C. M.
Published: July 2011

High adiposity in middle age is associated with higher dementia risk. The association between weight loss and cognitive function in older adults is still controversial. A meta‐analysis was undertaken to estimate the effectiveness of intentional weight loss on cognitive function in overweight and obese adults. A structured strategy was used to search randomized and non‐randomized studies reporting the effect of intentional and significant weight loss on cognitive function in overweight and obese subjects. Information on study design, age, nutritional status, weight‐loss strategy, weight lost and cognitive testing was extracted. A random‐effect meta‐analysis was conducted to obtain summary effect estimates for memory and attention–executive domains. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Seven were randomized trials and the remaining five included a control group. A low‐order significant effect was found for an improvement in cognitive performance with weight loss in memory (effect size 0.13, 95% CI 0.00–0.26, P = 0.04) and attention/executive functioning (effect size 0.14, 95% CI 0.01–0.27, P < 0.001). Studies were heterogeneous in study design, sample selection, weight‐loss intervention and assessment of cognitive function. Weight loss appears to be associated with low‐order improvements in executive/attention functioning and memory in obese but not in overweight individuals.
The Contributions of the Health Decommodification Typologies to the Study of the East Asian Welfare Regime
Authors: Kam Yu Wai
Published: July 2011

Since Esping‐Andersen presented the three worlds of welfare typology thesis, the study of the classification of welfare regimes has been dominated by his work and the debates surrounding it. This article is concerned with two important responses to his work. The first response is the development of welfare typologies based on the principle of decommodification. The second response is the concern that East Asian countries are underrepresented in the 18 members of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) studied by Esping‐Andersen. As a result, there are calls for expanding the scope of the studies on the classification of welfare regimes to those in East Asia.

This article makes contributions to these two responses by presenting two analytical tasks. The first task is to develop two health decommodification typologies based on two different methods (cluster analysis and Esping‐Andersen's index‐based regime construction). Both of them cover the 18 OECD members studied by Esping‐Andersen and four tiger economies (Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore). The second task is to demonstrate that the two health decommodification typologies provide important information for the debate on the existence of two essential preconditions for the development of an all‐encompassing East Asian welfare regime, namely the existence of significant differences in the welfare systems between the East Asian countries and the 18 OECD countries studied by Esping‐Andersen (1990) and the existence of significant similarities in the welfare systems between East Asian countries.
Tolerance and Herd Behavior: Sophistication of Ideas under Payoff Complementarity
Authors: OIKAWA KOKI
Published: July 2011

In this paper, I first show that there may be inefficient herd behavior even with a continuous choice set and a continuous loss function if there is payoff complementarity. Then, I show that the probability of inefficient herd behavior is asymptotically zero and the choice sequence converges to the optimal one almost surely if people have even a small amount of tolerance that they are willing to accept one another as a partner in joint work. This result is closely related to the argument in J. S. Mill’s On Liberty, where he states that tolerance for others’ ideas is essential for sophistication of ideas.
Family Policies: What Does the Standard Endogenous Fertility Model Tell Us?
Authors: BAUDIN THOMAS
Published: July 2011

Very few studies have explored the optimality properties of the “standard model” of fertility where parents must determine their optimal trade‐off between quality and quantity. The present paper works to fill that gap and find three main results. First, when there exist positive externalities in the accumulation of human capital, it is optimal to subsidize education and to tax births. Second, when the Social Welfare Function does not consist of the average utility, the social returns on educational investments can be weaker than the private returns when the optimal population growth rate is negative. In this case, the optimal economic policy consists in subsidizing births and taxing education. Finally, when the health expenditure is introduced as another source of positive externalities, it can be optimal to tax the parental health expenditure to decentralize the first‐best path even if this expenditure is always too low at the laissez‐faire equilibrium.
New Orleans Business Recovery in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: LeSage James P. , Kelley Pace R. , Lam Nina , Campanella Richard , Liu Xingjian
Published: July 2011

We analyse decisions to reopen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina made by business establishments on major business thoroughfares in New Orleans by using a spatial probit methodology. Our approach allows for interdependence between decisions to reopen by one establishment and those of its neighbours. There is a large literature on the role that is played by spatial dependence in firm location decisions, and we find evidence of strong dependence in decisions by firms to reopen in the aftermath of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina. This interdependence has important statistical implications for how we analyse business recovery after disasters, as well as government aid programmes.
Statistical Methods for the Prospective Detection of Infectious Disease Outbreaks: A Review
Authors: Unkel Steffen , Farrington C. Paddy , Garthwaite Paul H. , Robertson Chris , Andrews Nick
Published: July 2011

Unusual clusters of disease must be detected rapidly for effective public health interventions to be introduced. Over the past decade there has been a surge in interest in statistical methods for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks. This growth in interest has given rise to much new methodological work, ranging across the spectrum of statistical methods. The paper presents a comprehensive review of the statistical approaches that have been proposed. Applications to both laboratory and syndromic surveillance data are provided to illustrate the various methods.
Cerebral microbleeds and white matter disease: separated at birth?
Authors: Fisher M.
Published: July 2011

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Habitat preferences of Eurasian Bitterns Botaurus stellaris booming in ricefields: implications for management
Authors: LONGONI VIOLETTA , RUBOLINI DIEGO , AMBROSINI ROBERTO , BOGLIANI GIUSEPPE
Published: July 2011

The Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris suffered declines in western Europe during the 20th century, partly because of wetland reclamation. The species has been traditionally considered a reedbed specialist but recent studies identified a greater ecological plasticity than previously believed. We investigated habitat associations of a Eurasian Bittern population that has started to breed in the ricefields of northwest Italy since the early 1990s. Booming Bitterns had a higher probability of occurring in ricefields with taller rice plants, more vegetated field banks, more weeds, a larger surface and closer to remaining natural wetlands. The positive effect of field bank vegetation height on the probability that a ricefield hosted a booming Bittern declined late in the season, in contrast to the effects of weeds and ricefield area, which were stronger later in the season. A decreasing importance of vegetation on field banks to booming Bitterns may be a consequence of seasonal changes in habitat structure through the Bittern’s breeding period. The degree of flooding did not affect the probability of occurrence of booming Bitterns, probably because most ricefields were homogeneously flooded during the peak breeding season (June–July). Our findings have important implications for the management of Bittern populations breeding in the ricefields of northwest Italy. We propose simple conservation actions that may favour the occurrence of booming Bitterns and help the species spread in this novel habitat.
Synthesis and Infrared Characterization of a Series of Pyrazolone Colorants Part I ‐ On the Structure of Arylazo Pyrazolones
Authors: PARENT RICHARD A.
Published: July 2011

Past efforts to characterize the chemical structure of pyrazolone dyes have been extensive but confusing to follow. This paper is an attempt to summarize past efforts chronologically thereby giving the reader insight into the reasoning behind conflicting data and interpretation. The next paper will discuss infrared characterization of the pyrazolone dyes and provide support for the conclusions presented here.
Textile applications of photochromic dyes. Part 3: factors affecting the technical performance of textiles screen‐printed with commercial photochromic dyes
Authors: Little Anna F , Christie Robert M
Published: July 2011

The technical performance of five selected commercial photochromic dyes applied by screen‐printing on textiles was evaluated using a colour measurement methodology that has previously been established and validated. The results of wash fastness assessments were distinctly unusual. With the selected spirooxazine dyes, the degree of photocoloration increased with initial washing and decreased with subsequent washings, while the naphthopyrans behaved more normally, showing a consistent marginal decrease in photocoloration with repeated washing. An explanation is proposed consistent with scanning electron microscopy examination of the binder film degradation and with the structural differences between the dye classes. The dyes in this application showed limited photostability. The incorporation of ultraviolet absorbers was found to increase photostability only to an extent specific to particular ultraviolet absorber/dye combinations. However, the presence of the ultraviolet absorber led to a consistent reduction in the degree of photocoloration of the dyes. In contrast, the incorporation of hindered amine light stabilisers significantly enhanced the photostability of the dyes, providing an increase in resistance to photodegradation of up to fivefold.
Validity of the Hangover Symptoms Scale: Evidence from an Electronic Diary Study
Authors: Robertson Brandon M. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Slutske Wendy S. , Wood Phillip K. , Sher Kenneth J. , Shiffman Saul , Heath Andrew C.
Published: July 2011

Background:  The Hangover Symptoms Scale (HSS) assesses the frequency of 13 symptoms experienced after drinking in the past year. Cross‐sectional analyses in college drinkers showed preliminary evidence for the validity of the HSS (Slutske et al., 2003). The current investigation extended this work by examining the construct validity of the HSS in an ecological momentary assessment investigation.

Methods:  Frequent drinkers (N = 404) carried electronic diaries to track their daily experiences over 3 weeks. Each morning, the diary assessed prior‐night drinking behaviors, the presence of current hangover, and intensity of current headache and nausea.

Results:  Adjusting for sex and body mass, the HSS significantly predicted diary endorsement of hangover (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.78 to 2.49, p < 0.001). Participants who endorsed the HSS headache and nausea items were especially likely to report the elevations of corresponding symptoms in diary records made the morning after drinking. HSS scores incrementally predicted hangover when the number of drinks consumed in the episode was covaried but did not moderate the relationship between the number of drinks and diary hangover reports.

Conclusions:  The HSS appears to be a valid tool for hangover research. Higher HSS scores identify individuals who complain of “real world” hangovers and who may be especially likely to display particular symptoms after a night of drinking. Past hangovers predicted future hangovers, suggesting hangovers do not necessarily discourage or inhibit future drinking, at least across the several‐week time interval studied here. There is a need to develop and evaluate complementary measures that can more directly index individual differences in hangover susceptibility in survey designs.
PPARγ Ligands Regulate NADPH Oxidase, eNOS, and Barrier Function in the Lung Following Chronic Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Wagner Matthew C. , Yeligar Samantha M. , Brown Lou Ann , Michael Hart C.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Chronic alcohol ingestion increases the incidence and severity of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where reactive species contribute to alveolar‐capillary barrier dysfunction and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Previous studies demonstrated that chronic alcohol ingestion increased lung NADPH oxidase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and that ligands for the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) reduced NADPH oxidase expression. Therefore, we hypothesized that the PPARγ ligand, rosiglitazone, would attenuate alcohol‐induced NADPH oxidase expression and pulmonary barrier dysfunction.

Methods:  C57Bl/6 mice were treated ± alcohol in drinking water (20% w/v) for 12 weeks. During the final week of alcohol treatment, mice were gavaged with rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg/d) or vehicle. Selected animals were treated twice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 mg/kg IP) prior to sacrifice. Pulmonary barrier dysfunction was estimated from protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.

Results:  LPS treatment increased BAL protein in alcohol‐fed but not control mice, and rosiglitazone attenuated LPS and alcohol‐induced pulmonary barrier dysfunction. Alcohol‐ and LPS‐induced increases in lung eNOS, Nox1, and Nox4 expression were attenuated by rosiglitazone. In vitro, alcohol (0.10% w/v) increased H2O2 production, barrier dysfunction, eNOS, Nox1, and Nox4 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers, effects also attenuated by rosiglitazone (10 μM). Alcohol‐induced HUVEC barrier dysfunction was attenuated by inhibition of NOS or addition of the eNOS cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that PPARγ activation reduced expression of eNOS, Nox1, Nox4, the production of reactive species, and barrier dysfunction caused by chronic alcohol ingestion and suggest that PPARγ represents a novel therapeutic target for strategies designed to reduce the risk of lung injury in patients with a history of chronic alcohol ingestion.
Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload after plasma transfusion
Authors: Narick Christina , Triulzi Darrell J. , Yazer Mark H.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: In 2010, transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) was the second most common cause of transfusion‐related mortality reported to the Food and Drug Administration. We sought to determine the rate of TACO caused by plasma transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was conducted in two parts: 1) A retrospective analysis to determine the prevalence of TACO reactions caused by plasma at a tertiary care hospital from 2003 to 2010 was performed by analyzing the blood bank's electronic transfusion reaction records and 2) active surveillance of plasma recipients to determine if unreported TACO reactions had occurred over a 1‐month period at the same hospital.

RESULTS: Eighty‐seven reactions to plasma had been reported to the blood bank from 2003 through 2010. Of these reactions 23% (20/87) were TACO. The historical prevalence rate of TACO was 1 in 1566 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1:2564‐1:1014). During the prospective 1‐month surveillance period, 84 patients received a total of 272 units of plasma, and four TACO reactions in separate patients (4.8%) were identified, none of which were reported to the blood bank. The prevalence rate of TACO in the prospective study was 1 in 68 (95% CI, 1:250‐1:27). In total, most patients (14/24) were in the intensive care unit when they experienced TACO and on average they had received 4.0 ± 2.3 units of plasma at an average rate of 647 ± 315 mL/hr before the TACO reaction.

CONCLUSIONS: Passive reporting of TACO grossly underestimates its actual prevalence. Educational efforts are needed to enhance physician recognition of TACO reactions.
“Openness Must Be the Norm”
Authors: SCHMIDT ERIC
Published: July 2011

The other great transformation in the world besides the rising power of the emerging economies has been the ever deeper penetration of the Internet in civil society and the economy. Alone among world leaders, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has sought to address the sticky issue of how to “civilize the Internet” in the G‐8, a key forum of global governance which France chairs this year. As a kind of historical document, in this section we publish Sarkozy's speech to the leading information technologists and entrepreneurs he gathered in Paris in May for the first “e‐G‐8” Summit. Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google, was among the attendees. We include his report to the 21st Century Council of the Nicolas Berggruen Institute.
Mini‐lateralism Will Get Us Nowhere
Authors: BROWN GORDON
Published: July 2011

The further we get from the crisis moment of the global financial meltdown in 2008–2009, the weaker the momentum to establish an effective system of global governance. Gordon Brown, the former prime minister of Great Britain who hosted the most successful G‐20 conclave in London at the apex of the crisis, laments the complacency that has taken over. With the scandalous departure of Dominique Strauss‐Kahn as head of the International Monetary Fund, a global debate has opened up over whether the emerging economies should have a greater voice in that institution. Nobel laureate Michael Spence comments.
The Arab Spring After Osama
Authors: RAMADAN TARIQ
Published: July 2011

Just as the Arab Spring blossomed, the al‐Qaeda‐led era of terrorism came to an end with the killing of Osama Bin Laden in his Pakistani lair by American special forces. We asked two of the most contentious experts on all things Islamic—Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Tariq Ramadan—to assess the meaning of these historic moments on the future. Amr Moussa, the leading candidate for Egypt's presidency, and Ehud Barak, Israel's defense minister, also offer their views. Two top former intelligence agents from MI6 and the CIA look at the next turn of events—the Saudi counter‐revolution.
A Vibrant Post‐Revolutionary Egypt Needs World Support
Authors: EL‐ERIAN MOHAMMED
Published: July 2011

Just as the Arab Spring blossomed, the al‐Qaeda‐led era of terrorism came to an end with the killing of Osama Bin Laden in his Pakistani lair by American special forces. We asked two of the most contentious experts on all things Islamic—Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Tariq Ramadan—to assess the meaning of these historic moments on the future. Amr Moussa, the leading candidate for Egypt's presidency, and Ehud Barak, Israel's defense minister, also offer their views. Two top former intelligence agents from MI6 and the CIA look at the next turn of events—the Saudi counter‐revolution.
The International Community Must Intervene—in Japan
Authors: ATTALI JACQUES
Published: July 2011

Months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the real truth hidden by incompetence and dissembling by Japanese authorities has emerged: Three of the four nuclear power plants at Fukushima suffered a meltdown. Japan's leading anti‐nuclear crusader and two French public figures worried about the impact on the future of nuclear technology respond.
The Japanese Nuclear Industry: A Regrettable Exception
Authors: LOUIS DOMINIQUE
Published: July 2011

Months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the real truth hidden by incompetence and dissembling by Japanese authorities has emerged: Three of the four nuclear power plants at Fukushima suffered a meltdown. Japan's leading anti‐nuclear crusader and two French public figures worried about the impact on the future of nuclear technology respond.
Who Are We? Who Are They? The Real Facts of a Globalized Chimerica
Authors: NOLAN PETER
Published: July 2011

China's remarkable progress has shown that modernity does not only belong to the West. At the same time, China's modernization has been largely fueled by direct investment of foreign firms which also dominate key technologies and critical positions in the global supply chain. In this section we get the real facts on the interpenetration of China and the global economy. A leading Chinese entrepreneur and thinker puts modernization with Chinese characteristics in historical perspective. One of China's leading dissidents assesses the arrest of Ai Weiwei.
A Return to the Cultural Revolution in China?
Authors: JINGSHENG WEI
Published: July 2011

China's remarkable progress has shown that modernity does not only belong to the West. At the same time, China's modernization has been largely fueled by direct investment of foreign firms which also dominate key technologies and critical positions in the global supply chain. In this section we get the real facts on the interpenetration of China and the global economy. A leading Chinese entrepreneur and thinker puts modernization with Chinese characteristics in historical perspective. One of China's leading dissidents assesses the arrest of Ai Weiwei.
Risk factors for progression of aortic arch calcification in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
Authors: KIM Hyun Gyung , SONG Sun Wha , KIM Tae Yun , KIM Young Ok
Published: July 2011

Vascular calcification is accelerated during dialysis and is known to be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Progression of aortic arch calcification (AoAC) can be simply estimated with an AoAC score (AoACS) using plain chest radiography. The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for AoAC progression. The enrolled subjects were 125 newly treated hemodialysis patients and 59 peritoneal dialysis patients. In the patients who had undergone chest radiography before initial dialysis therapy and every year, we estimated AoACS and then divided the patients into two groups based on the presence or absence of AoAC progression. We also compared the baseline clinical and biochemical profiles in the two groups. Eighty‐five (46.2%) were men (mean age, 58.6 ± 12.7 years). Seventy‐six patients (41.3%) had AoAC before initial dialysis, with a mean AoACS of 13.0 ± 20.4%. The mean duration of follow‐up was 2.7 ± 1.0 years. Half of the patients (50%) had progressive AoAC. Age >65 years (p = 0.003), dialysis duration (p = 0.004), diabetes (p = 0.015), and the presence of AoAC at baseline (p = 0.001) were related to AoAC progression. No significant association was found between AoAC progression and the baseline clinical parameters, including gender, obesity, hypertension, and dialysis modality. In a multivariate analysis, dialysis duration (p = 0.003) and the presence of AoAC at baseline (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for AoAC progression in patients undergoing dialysis. The duration of dialysis and the presence of AoAC before initial dialysis were significantly related to the progression of AoAC in these patients. The results suggest that patients should be carefully managed from the predialysis stage to prevent AoAC progression and to reduce cardiovascular morbidity.
Des fonctions et limites des administrations du travail en Afrique subsaharienne: actualité de la convention n° 150 de l'OIT
Authors: AUVERGNON Philippe , LAVIOLETTE Sandrine , OUMAROU Moussa
Published: July 2011

Partant de la lettre des législations et d'observations de terrain, les auteurs font le point sur l'application, dans un échantillon de pays d'Afrique, des principes de la convention (n° 150) de l'OIT sur l'administration du travail, 1978. Les trois axes de leur recherche sont: le poids relatif des diverses fonctions de cette administration; l'extension nécessaire de ces fonctions aux travailleurs non salariés; la faiblesse des moyens humains et matériels disponibles. Ils soulignent en conclusion l'actualité et la modernité de cet instrument, surtout à propos de l'extension des activités de l'administration du travail au secteur informel.
Défaillances du syndicalisme d'entreprise en Chine: conséquences sur la sécurité dans les houillères, et au‐delà
Authors: LIU Chaojie
Published: July 2011

Les accidents fréquents survenus ces dernières années dans les houillères chinoises ont mis en évidence les lacunes législatives qui empêchent les syndicats d'entreprise d'exercer efficacement les fonctions que leur confère la loi en matière de sécurité au travail. Toutefois, les causes de ce dysfonctionnement ont des répercussions beaucoup plus profondes. L'auteur analyse la loi sur les syndicats et préconise de la modifier pour donner aux travailleurs le droit de constituer d'authentiques syndicats d'entreprise: clarification des procédures de constitution; interdiction faite aux cadres supérieurs de l'entreprise d'en être membres et d'y exercer des fonctions de direction; garanties d'indépendance financière par rapport à la direction; garanties relatives à l'élection et à la destitution des dirigeants syndicaux; reconnaissance du droit de grève.
The administration and financing of paid sick leave
Authors: SCHLIWEN Anke , EARLE Alison , HAYES Jeff , HEYMANN S. Jody
Published: July 2011

Decision‐makers in countries considering adoption or reform of paid sick leave policies need to understand the mechanisms used to finance sick leave provision. Using global data on sick leave legislation, the authors find the type of model used – employer liability, social insurance, social assistance, or a combination thereof – has significant implications for the duration and generosity of sickness benefits. However, they find no significant relationship between the duration or generosity of sick leave and economic indicators such as per capita GDP, unemployment rates, or national competitiveness. Potential mechanisms enabling both effective sick leave policies and strong economic outcomes are discussed.
Tight junction proteins expression and modulation in immune cells and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mandel Ilana , Paperna Tamar , Glass‐Marmor Lea , Volkowich Anat , Badarny Samih , Schwartz Ilya , Vardi Pnina , Koren Ilana , Miller Ariel
Published: July 2011

The tight junction proteins (TJPs) are major determinants of endothelial cells comprising physiological vascular barriers such as the blood–brain barrier, but little is known about their expression and role in immune cells. In this study we assessed TJP expression in human leukocyte subsets, their induction by immune activation and modulation associated with autoimmune disease states and therapies. A consistent expression of TJP complexes was detected in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), predominantly in B and T lymphocytes and monocytes, whereas the in vitro application of various immune cell activators led to an increase of claudin 1 levels, yet not of claudin 5. Claudins 1 and 5 levels were elevated in PBLs of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in relapse, relative to patients in remission, healthy controls and patients with other neurological disorders. Interestingly, claudin 1 protein levels were elevated also in PBLs of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Following glucocorticoid treatment of MS patients in relapse, RNA levels of JAM3 and CLDN5 and claudin 5 protein levels in PBLs decreased. Furthermore, a correlation between CLDN5 pre‐treatment levels and clinical response phenotype to interferon‐β therapy was detected. Our findings indicate that higher levels of leukocyte claudins are associated with immune activation and specifically, increased levels of claudin 5 are associated with MS disease activity. This study highlights a potential role of leukocyte TJPs in physiological states, and autoimmunity and suggests they should be further evaluated as biomarkers for aberrant immune activity and response to therapy in immune‐mediated diseases such as MS.