bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL1B, IL4R, IL12RB1 and TNF gene polymorphisms are associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria in Brazil
Authors: Sortica Vinicius A , Cunha Maristela G , Ohnishi Maria Deise O , Souza Jose M , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea KC , Santos Ney PC , Callegari-Jacques Sídia M , Santos Sidney EB , Hutz Mara H
Published: December 2012

Background

Malaria is among the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide. In Brazil, malaria is concentrated in the northern region, where Plasmodium vivax accounts for 85% disease incidence. The role of genetic factors in host immune system conferring resistance/susceptibility against P. vivax infections is still poorly understood.

Methods

The present study investigates the influence of polymorphisms in 18 genes related to the immune system in patients with malaria caused by P. vivax. A total of 263 healthy individuals (control group) and 216 individuals infected by P. vivax (malaria group) were genotyped for 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL1B, IL2, IL4, IL4R, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12A, IL12B, IL12RB1, SP110, TNF, TNFRSF1A, IFNG, IFNGR1, VDR, PTPN22 and P2X7 genes. All subjects were genotyped with 48 ancestry informative insertion-deletion polymorphisms to determine the proportion of African, European and Amerindian ancestry. Only 13 SNPs in 10 genes with differences lower than 20% between cases and controls in a Poisson Regression model with age as covariate were further investigated with a structured population association test.

Results

The IL1B gene -5839C > T and IL4R 1902A > G polymorphisms and IL12RB1 -1094A/-641C and TNF -1031 T/-863A/-857 T/-308 G/-238 G haplotypes were associated with malaria susceptibility after population structure correction (p = 0.04, p = 0.02, p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Plasmodium vivax malaria pathophysiology is still poorly understood. The present findings reinforce and increase our understanding about the role of the immune system in malaria susceptibility.
Adult primary retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma: a case report
Authors: He Hang , Du Zunguo , Hao Sijie , Yao Lie , Yang Feng , Di Yang , Li Ji , Jiang Yongjian , Jin Chen , Fu Deliang
Published: December 2012

Primary retroperitoneal cavernous hemangioma (PRCH) in an adult is extremely rare. We report on the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with PRCH with subtle clinical features and atypical findings on imaging scans. A 38-year-old man was admitted to hospital with a 5-day history of epigastralgia after alcohol drinking. Using various imaging methods, we found a giant cyst-like retroperitoneal mass compressing the surrounding organs. Surgical resection of the tumor was performed, and the mass was found to be a cavernous hemangioma measuring 90 × 80 × 60 mm, with a thick fibrotic wall and extensive intracystic hemorrhage. Physicians should be aware that PRCH may mimic a cystic neoplasm, and that a large tumor size probably indicates intracystic hemorrhage. Surgical resection is a curative approach for PRCH.
The coupling between localized surface plasmons and excitons via Purcell effect
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Dongsheng , Yang Deren , Que Duanlin
Published: December 2012

The coupling between localized surface plasmons (LSPs) within silver nanostructures and excitons in a silicon-rich silicon nitride (SiN
x
) matrix has been demonstrated via the Purcell effect. A simple model is employed for the estimation of the Purcell factor as well as the average position of excitons within a luminescence matrix. The estimated average position of the excitons is located at approximately 40 nm beneath the top surface of the SiN
x
films. The approaches for further improving the optoelectrical properties of the luminescence matrix are anticipated based on the model we adopted. The optimization of the thickness of the luminescence matrix as well as the size and shape of metal nanostructures may be the alternative approaches. Besides, the application of multilayers with the luminescence matrix inserted between barrier layers (we defined it as confined structures here) may be also an available choice. Our work may provide a deep comprehension on the coupling between LSPs and excitons, which is not limited to a certain luminescence material but with unconfined structures.
Synchronization stability of delayed discrete-time complex dynamical networks with randomly changing coupling strength
Authors: Park MJ , Kwon OM , Park Ju H , Lee SM , Cha EJ
Published: December 2012

This paper addresses a delay-dependent synchronization stability problem for discrete-time complex dynamical networks with interval time-varying delays and randomly changing coupling strength. The randomly changing coupling strength is considered with the concept of binomial distribution. By constructing a suitable Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional and utilizing reciprocally convex approach and Finsler’s lemma, the proposed synchronization stability criteria for the networks are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities which can be easily solved by various effective optimization algorithms. The networks are represented by use of the Kronecker product technique. The effectiveness of the proposed methods will be verified via numerical examples.
Digital video stabilizer by adaptive fuzzy filtering
Authors: Tanakian Mohammad J , Rezaei Mehdi , Mohanna Farahnaz
Published: December 2012

Digital video stabilization (DVS) allows acquiring video sequences without disturbing jerkiness, removing unwanted camera movements. A good DVS should remove the unwanted camera movements while maintains the intentional camera movements. In this article, we propose a novel DVS algorithm that compensates the camera jitters applying an adaptive fuzzy filter on the global motion of video frames. The adaptive fuzzy filter is a simple infinite impulse response filter which is tuned by a fuzzy system adaptively to the camera motion characteristics. The fuzzy system is also tuned during operation according to the amount of camera jitters. The fuzzy system uses two inputs which are quantitative representations of the unwanted and the intentional camera movements. The global motion of video frames is estimated based on the block motion vectors which resulted by video encoder during motion estimation operation. Experimental results indicate a good performance for the proposed algorithm.
Protocol: Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) methodology to investigate histone modifications in two model diatom species
Authors: Lin Xin , Tirichine Leïla , Bowler Chris
Published: December 2012

In this report we describe a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) protocol for two fully sequenced model diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira pseudonana. This protocol allows the extraction of satisfactory amounts of chromatin and gives reproducible results. We coupled the ChIP assay with real time quantitative PCR. Our results reveal that the two major histone marks H3K4me2 and H3K9me2 exist in P. tricornutum and T. pseudonana. As in other eukaryotes, H3K4me2 marks active genes whereas H3K9me2 marks transcriptionally inactive transposable elements. Unexpectedly however, T. pseudonana housekeeping genes also show a relative enrichment of H3K9me2. We also discuss optimization of the procedure, including growth conditions, cross linking and sonication. Validation of the protocol provides a set of genes and transposable elements that can be used as controls for studies using ChIP in each diatom species. This protocol can be easily adapted to other diatoms and eukaryotic phytoplankton species for genetic and biochemical studies.
Early presentation of gait impairment in Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: Pickett Kristen A , Duncan Ryan P , Hoekel James , Marshall Bess , Hershey Tamara , Earhart Gammon M ,   And the Washington University Wolfram Study Group
Published: December 2012

Background

Classically characterized by early onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, deafness, diabetes insipidus, and neurological abnormalities, Wolfram syndrome (WFS) is also associated with atypical brainstem and cerebellar findings in the first decade of life. As such, we hypothesized that gait differences between individuals with WFS and typically developing (TD) individuals may be detectable across the course of the disease.

Methods

Gait was assessed for 13 individuals with WFS (min 6.4 yrs, max 25.8 yrs) and 29 age-matched, typically developing individuals (min 5.6 yrs, max 28.5 yrs) using a GAITRite ® walkway system. Velocity, cadence, step length, base of support and double support time were compared between groups.

Results

Across all tasks, individuals with WFS walked slower (p = 0.03), took shorter (p ≤ 0.001) and wider (p ≤ 0.001) steps and spent a greater proportion of the gait cycle in double support (p = 0.03) compared to TD individuals. Cadence did not differ between groups (p = 0.62). Across all tasks, age was significantly correlated with cadence and double support time in the TD group but only double support time was correlated with age in the WFS group and only during preferred pace forward (rs= 0.564, p = 0.045) and dual task forward walking (rs= 0.720, p = 0.006) tasks. Individuals with WFS also had a greater number of missteps during tandem walking (p ≤ 0.001). Within the WFS group, spatiotemporal measures of gait did not correlate with measures of visual acuity. Balance measures negatively correlated with normalized gait velocity during fast forward walking (rs = −0.59, p = 0.03) and percent of gait cycle in double support during backward walking (rs = −0.64, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Quantifiable gait impairments can be detected in individuals with WFS earlier than previous clinical observations suggested. These impairments are not fully accounted for by the visual or balance deficits associated with WFS, and may be a reflection of early cerebellar and/or brainstem abnormalities. Effective patient-centered treatment paradigms could benefit from a more complete understanding of the progression of motor and other neurological symptom presentation in individuals with WFS.
Similar temperature dependencies of glycolytic enzymes: an evolutionary adaptation to temperature dynamics?
Authors: Cruz AnaLuisa B , Hebly Marit , Duong Giang-Huong , Wahl Sebastian A , Pronk Jack T , Heijnen Joseph J , Daran-Lapujade Pascale , van Gulik Walter M
Published: December 2012

Background

Temperature strongly affects microbial growth, and many microorganisms have to deal with temperature fluctuations in their natural environment. To understand regulation strategies that underlie microbial temperature responses and adaptation, we studied glycolytic pathway kinetics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during temperature changes.

Results

Saccharomyces cerevisiae was grown under different temperature regimes and glucose availability conditions. These included glucose-excess batch cultures at different temperatures and glucose-limited chemostat cultures, subjected to fast linear temperature shifts and circadian sinoidal temperature cycles. An observed temperature-independent relation between intracellular levels of glycolytic metabolites and residual glucose concentration for all experimental conditions revealed that it is the substrate availability rather than temperature that determines intracellular metabolite profiles. This observation corresponded with predictions generated in silico with a kinetic model of yeast glycolysis, when the catalytic capacities of all glycolytic enzymes were set to share the same normalized temperature dependency.

Conclusions

From an evolutionary perspective, such similar temperature dependencies allow cells to adapt more rapidly to temperature changes, because they result in minimal perturbations of intracellular metabolite levels, thus circumventing the need for extensive modification of enzyme levels.
Algal biomass accrual in relation to nutrient availability and limitation along a longitudinal gradient of a karst riverine system
Authors: Penick Mary D , Grubbs Scott A , Meier Albert J
Published: December 2012

Nutrient availability influences growth, productivity, and community structure of primary producers. Nutrient limitation, however, results from a deficiency mainly in nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) levels relative to cellular growth needs. Limitation is a function of biotic and abiotic factors, the latter including land-use activities (e.g., agriculture, septic systems) and underlying bedrock features. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to assess the relationship between algal biomass and ambient nutrient levels along the longitudinal course of a river through a transition from weak to well-developed underlying karst bedrock and (2) experimentally assess if periphyton was N- or P-limited between weak and well-developed karst reaches. Sestonic and Cladophora biomass (=chlorophyll-a) levels increased sharply along the longitudinal gradient. Cladophora biomass, in particular, was strongly correlated with nitrate levels. In contrast, periphyton biomass (=chlorophyll-a) levels were sporadic and did not display a longitudinal pattern. With the exception of ammonia, individual nutrient levels generally increased longitudinally and were higher in the downstream karst reaches. Total N/total P ratios also increased longitudinally and were >25 throughout the study region, suggesting P limitation. The results of the nutrient limitation studies, however, coupled with high concentrations of both N and P throughout the study reach in excess of eutrophication thresholds, suggest that total nutrients are not limiting within the study region. Overall, Kentucky's upper Green River appears to be a nutrient-enriched, eutrophic system and particularly in the downstream, well-developed karst reaches.
Cell-extrinsic consequences of epithelial stress: activation of protumorigenic tissue phenotypes
Authors: Fordyce Colleen A , Patten Kelley T , Fessenden Tim B , DeFilippis RosaAnna , Hwang E Shelley , Zhao Jianxin , Tlsty Thea D
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Tumors are characterized by alterations in the epithelial and stromal compartments, which both contribute to tumor promotion. However, where, when, and how the tumor stroma develops is still poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that DNA damage or telomere malfunction induces an activin A-dependent epithelial stress response that activates cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic consequences in mortal, nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs and vHMECs). Here we show that this epithelial stress response also induces protumorigenic phenotypes in neighboring primary fibroblasts, recapitulating many of the characteristics associated with formation of the tumor stroma (for example, desmoplasia).

Methods

The contribution of extrinsic and intrinsic DNA damage to acquisition of desmoplastic phenotypes was investigated in primary human mammary fibroblasts (HMFs) co-cultured with vHMECs with telomere malfunction (TRF2-vHMEC) or in HMFs directly treated with DNA-damaging agents, respectively. Fibroblast reprogramming was assessed by monitoring increases in levels of selected protumorigenic molecules with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunocytochemistry. Dependence of the induced phenotypes on activin A was evaluated by addition of exogenous activin A or activin A silencing. In vitro findings were validated in vivo, in preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions by using immunohistochemistry and telomere-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Results

HMFs either cocultured with TRF2-vHMEC or directly exposed to exogenous activin A or PGE2 show increased expression of cytokines and growth factors, deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and a shift toward aerobic glycolysis. In turn, these "activated" fibroblasts secrete factors that promote epithelial cell motility. Interestingly, cell-intrinsic DNA damage in HMFs induces some, but not all, of the molecules induced as a consequence of cell-extrinsic DNA damage. The response to cell-extrinsic DNA damage characterized in vitro is recapitulated in vivo in DCIS lesions, which exhibit telomere loss, heightened DNA damage response, and increased activin A and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. These lesions are surrounded by a stroma characterized by increased expression of α smooth muscle actin and endothelial and immune cell infiltration.

Conclusions

Thus, synergy between stromal and epithelial interactions, even at the initiating stages of carcinogenesis, appears necessary for the acquisition of malignancy and provides novel insights into where, when, and how the tumor stroma develops, allowing new therapeutic strategies.
The risk of contralateral breast cancer in patients from BRCA1/2 negative high risk families as compared to patients from BRCA1 or BRCA2 positive families: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rhiem Kerstin , Engel Christoph , Graeser Monika , Zachariae Silke , Kast Karin , Kiechle Marion , Ditsch Nina , Janni Wolfgang , Mundhenke Christoph , Golatta Michael , Varga Dominic , Preisler-Adams Sabine , Heinrich Tilman , Bick Ulrich , Gadzicki Dorothea , Briest Susanne , Meindl Alfons , Schmutzler Rita K
Published: December 2012

Introduction

While it has been reported that the risk of contralateral breast cancer in patients from BRCA1 or BRCA2 positive families is elevated, little is known about contralateral breast cancer risk in patients from high risk families that tested negative for BRCA1/2 mutations.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter cohort study was performed from 1996 to 2011 and comprised 6,235 women with unilateral breast cancer from 6,230 high risk families that had tested positive for BRCA1 (n = 1,154) or BRCA2 (n = 575) mutations or tested negative (n = 4,501). Cumulative contralateral breast cancer risks were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and were compared between groups using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was applied to assess the impact of the age at first breast cancer and the familial history stratified by mutation status.

Results

The cumulative risk of contralateral breast cancer 25 years after first breast cancer was 44.1% (95%CI, 37.6% to 50.6%) for patients from BRCA1 positive families, 33.5% (95%CI, 22.4% to 44.7%) for patients from BRCA2 positive families and 17.2% (95%CI, 14.5% to 19.9%) for patients from families that tested negative for BRCA1/2 mutations. Younger age at first breast cancer was associated with a higher risk of contralateral breast cancer. For women who had their first breast cancer before the age of 40 years, the cumulative risk of contralateral breast cancer after 25 years was 55.1% for BRCA1, 38.4% for BRCA2, and 28.4% for patients from BRCA1/2 negative families. If the first breast cancer was diagnosed at the age of 50 or later, 25-year cumulative risks were 21.6% for BRCA1, 15.5% for BRCA2, and 12.9% for BRCA1/2 negative families.

Conclusions

Contralateral breast cancer risk in patients from high risk families that tested negative for BRCA1/2 mutations is similar to the risk in patients with sporadic breast cancer. Thus, the mutation status should guide decision making for contralateral mastectomy.
Analysis of Student Performance in Large-Enrollment Life Science Courses
Authors: Creech Leah Renée , Sweeder Ryan D.
Published: December 2012

This study examined the historical performance of students at Michigan State University in 12 life sciences courses over 13 yr to find variables impacting student success. Hierarchical linear modeling predicted 25.0–62.8% of the variance in students’ grades in the courses analyzed. The primary predictor of a student's course grade was his or her entering grade point average; except for the second course in a series (i.e., Biochemistry II), in which the grade for the first course in the series (i.e., Biochemistry I) was often the best predictor, as judged by β values. Student gender and major were also statistically significant for a majority of the courses studied. Female students averaged grades 0.067–0.303 lower than their equivalent male counterparts, and majors averaged grades were 0.088–0.397 higher than nonmajors. Grades earned in prerequisite courses provided minimal predictive ability. Ethnicity and involvements in honors college or science residential college were generally insignificant.
Functional modeling in zebrafish demonstrates that the atrial-fibrillation-associated geneGREM2regulates cardiac laterality, cardiomyocyte differentiation and atrial rhythm
Authors: Müller Iris I. , Melville David B. , Tanwar Vineeta , Rybski Witold M. , Mukherjee Amrita , Shoemaker Benjamin M. , Wang Wan-Der , Schoenhard John A. , Roden Dan M. , Darbar Dawood , Knapik Ela W. , Hatzopoulos Antonis K.
Published: December 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and carries a significant risk of stroke and heart failure. The molecular etiologies of AF are poorly understood, leaving patients with limited therapeutic options. AF has been recognized as an inherited disease in almost 30% of patient cases. However, few genetic loci have been identified and the mechanisms linking genetic variants to AF susceptibility remain unclear. By sequencing 193 probands with lone AF, we identified a Q76E variant within the coding sequence of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin-2 (GREM2) that increases its inhibitory activity. Functional modeling in zebrafish revealed that, through regulation of BMP signaling, GREM2 is required for cardiac laterality and atrial differentiation during embryonic development. GREM2 overactivity results in slower cardiac contraction rates in zebrafish, and induction of previously identified AF candidate genes encoding connexin-40, sarcolipin and atrial natriuretic peptide in differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells. By live heart imaging in zebrafish overexpressing wild-type or variant GREM2, we found abnormal contraction velocity specifically in atrial cardiomyocytes. These results implicate, for the first time, regulators of BMP signaling in human AF, providing mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and identifying potential new therapeutic targets.
Pore-size Tuning of Highly Selective Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Silica Membranes by Solid-phase Post-treatment at Low Temperature
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Gong Genghao , Kanezashi Masakoto , Yoshioka Tomohisa , Ito Kenji , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: December 2012

Highly selective organic–inorganic hybrid membranes were prepared at low temperature (less than 100 °C) from 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE) with HCl-assisted solid-phase post-treatment, which increased pervaporation dehydration selectivity dramatically from 4 to 2900.
Structural Insights for Design of Inhibitors against RISC Function
Authors: Yamayoshi Asako , Yamada Yukiko , Kobori Akio , Murakami Akira
Published: December 2012

For functional inhibition of RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), we examined inhibitors called “twist-silencing oligonucleotides (TSO)” containing a linker moiety at the center position of oligonucleotides targeting guide strands in RISC. We found that TSO enhanced the inhibitory effects against RISC function. The concept described in this study may be promising and applicable to regulate small RNA functions.
Desorption of Cs+ Ions Intercalated in Vermiculite Clay through Cation Exchange with Mg2+ Ions
Authors: Morimoto Kazuya , Kogure Toshihiro , Tamura Kenji , Tomofuji Saki , Yamagishi Akihiko , Sato Hisako
Published: December 2012

Cesium ions (Cs+) strongly adsorbed in vermiculite clay (Verm) were efficiently desorbed by reacting with magnesium ions (Mg2+). 70–90% removal of adsorbed Cs+ ions was achieved when Verm loaded with 0.1–100 µmol g−1 Cs+ (corresponding to 0.016–16% of the saturation amount) was mixed with 3.0 mol L−1 aqueous Mg(NO3)2. X-ray analyses and powder X-ray diffraction measurements on solid samples confirmed that ion exchange occurred between Cs+ ions in the interlayer space and Mg2+ ions.
Offshoring and the Role of Trade Agreements
Authors: Antràs Pol , Staiger Robert W
Published: December 2012

The rise of offshoring of intermediate inputs raises important questions for commercial policy. Do the distinguishing features of offshoring introduce novel reasons for trade policy intervention? Does offshoring create new problems of global policy cooperation whose solutions require international agreements with novel features? In this paper we provide answers to these questions, and thereby initiate the study of trade agreements in the presence of offshoring. We argue that the rise of offshoring will make it increasingly difficult for governments to rely on traditional GATT/WTO concepts and rules—such as market access, reciprocity and non-discrimination—to solve their trade-related problems. (JEL F12, F13, L24)
Information and Employee Evaluation: Evidence from a Randomized Intervention in Public Schools
Authors: Rockoff Jonah E , Staiger Douglas O , Kane Thomas J , Taylor Eric S
Published: December 2012

We examine how employers learn about worker productivity in a randomized pilot experiment which provided objective estimates of teacher performance to school principals. We test several hypotheses that support a simple Bayesian learning model with imperfect information. First, the correlation between performance estimates and prior beliefs rises with more precise objective estimates and more precise subjective priors. Second, new information exerts greater influence on posterior beliefs when it is more precise and when priors are less precise. Employer learning affects job separation and productivity in schools, increasing turnover for teachers with low performance estimates and producing small test score improvements. (JEL D83, I21, J24, J45)
Estimating Time Preferences from Convex Budgets
Authors: Andreoni James , Sprenger Charles
Published: December 2012

Experimentally elicited discount rates are frequently higher than what seems reasonable for economic decision-making. Such high rates are often attributed to present-biased discounting. A well-known bias of standard measurements is the assumption of linear consumption utility. Attempting to correct this bias using measures of risk aversion to identify concavity, researchers find reasonable discounting but at the cost of exceptionally high utility function curvature. We present a new methodology for identifying time preferences, both discounting and curvature, from simple allocation decisions. We find reasonable levels of both discounting and curvature and, surprisingly, dynamically consistent time preferences. (JEL C91, D12, D81)
Exports, Export Destinations, and Skills
Authors: Brambilla Irene , Lederman Daniel , Porto Guido
Published: December 2012

This paper explores the links between exports, export destinations, and skill utilization. We identify two mechanisms behind these links: differences across destinations in quality valuation and in exporting required services, activities that are intensive in skilled labor. Depending on the characteristics of the source country (income, language), the theories suggest a skill-bias in export destinations. We test the theory using a panel of Argentine manufacturing firms. We find that Argentine firms exporting to high-income countries hired more skilled workers than other exporters and domestic firms. Instead, we cannot identify any causal effect of exporting per se on skill utilization. (JEL F14, F16, J24, L60, O14, O19)
Loss Leading as an Exploitative Practice
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Rey Patrick
Published: December 2012

We show that large retailers, competing with smaller stores that carry a narrower range, can exercise market power by pricing below cost some of the products also offered by the smaller rivals, in order to discriminate multistop shoppers from one-stop shoppers. Loss leading thus appears as an exploitative device rather than as an exclusionary instrument, although it hurts the smaller rivals as well; banning below-cost pricing increases consumer surplus, rivals' profits, and social welfare. Our insights extend to industries where established firms compete with entrants offering fewer products. They also apply to complementary products such as platforms and applications. (JEL L11, L13, L81)
Innovation and Foreign Ownership
Authors: Guadalupe Maria , Kuzmina Olga , Thomas Catherine
Published: December 2012

This paper uses a rich panel dataset of Spanish manufacturing firms (1990–2006) and a propensity score reweighting estimator to show that multinational firms acquire the most productive domestic firms, which, on acquisition, conduct more product and process innovation (simultaneously adopting new machines and organizational practices) and adopt foreign technologies, leading to higher productivity. We propose a model of endogenous selection and innovation in heterogeneous firms that explains both the observed selection patterns and the innovation decisions. Further, we show in the data that innovation upon acquisition is associated with the increased market scale provided by the parent firm.
Self-Fulfilling Risk Panics
Authors: Bacchetta Philippe , Tille Cédric , Wincoop Eric van
Published: December 2012

Recent crises have seen large spikes in asset price risk. We propose an explanation for such panics based on self-fulfilling shifts in beliefs about risk. A negative link between the current level and the future risk of an asset price leads to a circular relationship between the stochastic process of asset price risk and the price itself. Self-fulfilling shifts in perceived risk can be coordinated around a pure sunspot or around a macro fundamental. In a risk panic, a macro fundamental can be a focal point that affects both the magnitude of the panic and subsequent shifts in perceived risk.
The Economic Impacts of Climate Change: Evidence from Agricultural Output and Random Fluctuations in Weather: Comment
Authors: Fisher Anthony C , Hanemann W. Michael , Roberts Michael J , Schlenker Wolfram
Published: December 2012

In a series of studies employing a variety of approaches, we have found that the potential impact of climate change on US agriculture is likely negative. Deschênes and Greenstone (2007) report dramatically different results based on regressions of agricultural profits and yields on weather variables. The divergence is explained by (1) missing and incorrect weather and climate data in their study; (2) their use of older climate change projections rather than the more recent and less optimistic projections from the Fourth Assessment Report; and (3) difficulties in their profit measure due to the confounding effects of storage.
Allegorie und Figuration. Figuraler Realismus bei Heinrich Seuse und Erich Auerbach
Authors: Largier Niklaus
Published: December 2012

In this essay I discuss the ways in which a Christian spiritual tradition negotiates the challenges of negative theology and the impossibility to access divine truth through the use of images and allegories. This use of images, however, remains paradoxical since it negates the representational character of the – seemingly highly mimetic and concrete – images in order to produce a specific presence of the divine word below the horizon of meaning and semantics. “Figural realism” refers to this practice of figuration, as it can be found, among others, in the writings of Henry Suso.
sîner frâge maht and the Question in the Quest. Verfügbarkeit of the Grail in Wolfram’s Parzival?
Authors: Greenfield John
Published: December 2012

The basic premise of this article is the hypothesis that questions in Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Parzival are used as a narrative strategy. They produce an area of tension which is dominated by the possibility – and at the same time the impossibility – of having something at one’s disposal. This area of tension not only involves aspects of the content, but also problems of perception and knowledge, as well as structural aspects of narrative technique. In Parzival questions are connected to exploring the environment, with a wish to know, but also a wish to control; however, at the same time they set limits to these endeavours.
Können wir über unser Sprechen verfügen?
Authors: Gebauer Gunter
Published: December 2012

Through recourse to Wittgenstein’s concept of language games, the Unverfügbarkeit which determines the relationship of the self to language is outlined; simultaneously, however, the possibility of our disposal of language in language use is gauged. Thus, this article is directed against those positions which deny this possibility. While the ability to dispose of language is in itself not transparent, that which is unverfügbar in our own language is not fully unknown: on the contrary, it shows itself as a game in its manifold usages.
Willkürliche Rechtssprechung. Ovids verhüllte Augustuskritik in der Tieropfer-Passage der Fasti (1, 349–456)
Authors: Pieper Christoph
Published: December 2012

The passage in Ovid’s Fasti that deals with animal sacrifice implicitly criticizes the legal system of the late Augustan period. In particular, it is the increasing arbitrariness of the emperor’s judgments that is addressed in a metaphorical way. In order to make explicit the hidden criticism, this article first compares the passage to the parallel section in the 15th book of the Metamorphoses, then reads it within the context of the first book of the Fasti and finally places it in the context of Ovid’s exile poetry. It emerges that the gods’ behaving more and more unjustly can be connected to the emperor himself, whereas the slaughtered birds recall the implicit author of the Fasti, who in his exile poetry constantly presents himself as the miserable victim of an unjust relegation to the Black Sea.
Der Trevi-Brunnen, Statius und Homer. Das Modell Nicola Salvis und die Bauten Clemens’ XII
Authors: Simons Benedikt
Published: December 2012

Recent studies have shown that Nicola Salvi the architect of the Trevi Fountain intended to present the “potenza non limitata” of water as an existential element of nature, focusing the whole appearance of the fountain on the person in the center, Oceanus. But Salvi’s principal, pope Clement XII., claimed in his other projects such as the restoration of the arch of Constantine or like the new eastern fascade of S. Giovanni in Laterano, which refer especially to Constantine, like this emperor the leader of Christianity. Thus Salvi’s philosophical purpose seems not to be in line with to the intentions of the pope. But how could Salvi convince the pope let him build the prestigious fountain? This paper tries to show that Salvi’s model was influenced by the epiphanies of Neptun or Poseidon in the first book of the Achilleis of Statius and in the 13th book of the Iliad. Transferring these on the epiphany of Oceanus in the Trevi Fountain, Salvi was able to combine his thoughts about the power of water with the metaphorical presentation of a universal ruler, as the pope wanted to present himself.
Physics, Emotion, and the Scientific Self: Merle Tuve’s Cold War
Authors: Wang Jessica
Published: December 2012

This essay brings together and builds upon histories of cold war American science and studies of objectivity, scientific personae, and the self by exploring the physicist Merle A. Tuve‘s career in the late 1940s and 1950s as a history of selfhood and the emotional dimensions of scientific identity. As director of the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism at the Carnegie Institution of Washington after World War II, Tuve followed a convoluted path through the institutions, politics, identities, and sensibilities of science in the cold war, and he struggled to preserve a sense of meaning and identity centered on the humanistic and aesthetic possibilities of scientific inquiry in an era of rapidly growing instrumentalism. His predicament highlights not just the political and institutional shifts within postwar science, but also the intricate entanglements between feeling, selfhood, and the cold war order.
Umbilical cord levels of sclerostin, placental weight, and birth weight are predictors of total bone mineral content in neonates
Authors: Godang Kristin , Frøslie Kathrine Frey , Henriksen Tore , Isaksen Gunhild A , Voldner Nanna , Lekva Tove , Ueland Thor , Bollerslev Jens
Published: December 2012

Context

During pregnancy, changes occur in the maternal calcium homeostasis to fulfill fetal demand. We hypothesized that the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) system and Wnt signaling pathway are important for normal skeletal development in the offspring.

Aims

Circulating α-klotho, FGF23, sclerostin, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) at the fetal and maternal sides of the placenta were measured to investigate associations with newborn bone mass independent of maternal BMI, calcium and phosphate levels, placental weight, and birth weight.

Methods

In a prospective cohort of healthy pregnant women, the total body bone mineral content (BMC) in 202 newborns was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maternal circulating levels of the biomarkers were measured at gestational weeks 30–32 and in umbilical cord plasma (UCP) at birth.

Results

Mean α-klotho and sclerostin concentrations in the UCP were significantly higher than maternal levels (3004 vs 1077 pg/ml;P<0.001 and 629 vs 346 pg/ml;P<0.001 respectively), and mean 25(OH)D was lower (31 vs 45 nmol/l;P<0.001). The UCP and maternal FGF23 levels were similar. No significant effects of maternal biomarkers on BMC were found in regression analyses. Among UCP biomarkers, only UCP sclerostin was significantly associated with BMC in univariate analyses, and the effect remained significant after adjustment for birth weight and other confounders.

Conclusions

We found that UCP sclerostin levels, birth weight, and placental weight were significant predictors of neonatal BMC but found no evidence for a main role of maternal levels of α-klotho, FGF23, sclerostin, or 25(OH)D nor of UCP levels of α-klotho, FGF23, or 25(OH)D.
Comparison of traditional and sensor-based electronic stethoscopes in beagle dogs
Authors: Szilvási Viktória , Vörös Károly , Manczur Ferenc , Reiczigel Jenő , Novák István , Máthé Ákos , Fekete Dániel
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to compare the auscultatory findings using traditional and electronic sensor-based stethoscopes. Thirty-three adult healthy Beagles (20 females, 13 males, mean age: 4.8 years, range 1.4–8 years) were auscultated by four investigators with different experiences (INVEST-1, -2, -3 and -4) independently with both stethoscopes. Final cardiological diagnoses were established by echocardiography. Mitral murmurs were heard with both stethoscopes by all investigators and echocardiography revealed mild mitral valve insufficiency in 7 dogs (21%, 4 females, 3 males). The statistical sensitivity (Se) in recognising cardiac murmurs proved to be 82% using the traditional stethoscope and 75% using the electronic one in the mean of the four examiners, whilst statistical specificity (Sp) was 99% by the traditional and 100% by the electronic stethoscope. The means of the auscultatory sensitivity differences between the two stethoscopes were 0.36 on the left and 0.59 on the right hemithorax, demonstrating an advantage for the electronic stethoscope being more obvious above the right hemithorax (P = 0.0340). The electronic stethoscope proved to be superior to the traditional one in excluding cardiac murmurs and especially in auscultation over the right hemithorax. Mitral valve disease was relatively common in this clinically healthy research Beagle population.
Granulomatous pneumonia and hepatitis associated with Providencia rettgeri infection in a crocodile monitor lizard (Varanus salvadorii)
Authors: Kycko Anna , Kozaczyński Wojciech , Jasik Agnieszka , Kędrak-Jabłońska Agnieszka , Borkowska-Opacka Bogna , Reichert Michał
Published: December 2012

The present report describes a case of granulomatous pneumonia and hepatitis in a male crocodile monitor lizard (Varanus salvadorii). During the necropsy of the monitor lizard, multifocal to coalescing pale yellow lesions were observed in both lung lobes, as well as similar, though milder, changes in the liver, and an ulcerative lesion on the food pad of the right hindlimb. Histopathologically, the presence of multiple necrotising, chronic granulomas containing bacterial clumps were observed in the parenchyma of the lung and the liver. By microbiological examination of the pathologically altered lung tissues, Providencia rettgeri was identified. Altogether, our findings indicate that the bacterial infection resulting in extensive chronic necrotising granulomatous inflammation was the primary cause of the reptile’s death. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Providencia rettgeri-associated granulomatous pneumonia and hepatitis in the monitor lizard.
Molecular identification and phylogenetic characterisation of Thelohanellus kitauei — short communication
Authors: Shin Sang , Kim Ji , Choresca Casiano , Han Jee , Jun Jin , Park Se
Published: December 2012

Thelohanellus kitauei was isolated from the koi Cyprinus carpio haematopterus, and the 18S rRNA gene of T. kitauei was amplified by optimised nested-PCR. The PCR product was sequenced and compared with other 18S rRNA genes of Thelohanellus species to investigate the relationships between their host specificities and infection sites. Based on the 18S rRNA sequences, T. kitauei is most closely related to T. hovorkai (which can infect the intestine). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that T. kitauei was clustered with other Thelohanellus spp. infecting Cyprininae. The present study suggests that the infection site and the host specificity (subfamily level) are reflected in the genetic relationships among Thelohanellus species.
Emergence and characterisation of pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses in Hungarian swine herds
Authors: Bálint Ádám , Kiss István , Bányai Krisztián , Biksi Imre , Szentpáli-Gavallér Katalin , Magyar Tibor , Jankovics István , Rózsa Mónika , Szalai Bálint , Takács Mária , Tóth Ádám , Dán Ádám
Published: December 2012

In 2010, two novel porcine H1N1 influenza viruses were isolated from pigs with influenza-like illness in Hungarian swine herds. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of these strains revealed that they shared molecular features with the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus strains, which emerged globally during 2009. The PB2, HA and NA genes contained unique amino acid changes compared to the available new H1N1 influenza virus sequences of pig origin. Furthermore, the investigated strains could be separated with respect to parallel amino acid substitutions affecting the polymerase genes (PB2, PB1 and PA) and the nucleoprotein (NP) gene, supporting the proposed complementarities between these proteins, all required for the viral fitness. Molecular characterisation of two Hungarian human pandemic H1N1 isolates was also performed, so that we could compare contemporaneous strains of different host species origins. Shared molecular motifs in various genes of animal and human influenza strains suggested that the Hungarian porcine strains could have originated from humans through direct interspecies transmission. This study is among the few that support the natural human-to-pig transmission of the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.
On invariant convex subsets in algebras defined on a locally compact group G
Authors: Ghaffari Ali
Published: December 2012

Suppose that A is either the Banach algebra L1(G) of a locally compact group G, or measure algebra M(G), or other algebras (usually larger than L1(G) and M(G)) such as the second dual, L1(G)**, of L1(G) with an Arens product, or LUC(G)* with an Arenstype product. The left translation invariant closed convex subsets of A are studied. Finally, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for LUC(G)* to have 1-dimensional left ideals.
The largest family of subsets satisfying sequential-evaluation convergence
Authors: Chen Aihong , Li Ronglu
Published: December 2012

Suppose X is a locally convex space, Y is a topological vector space and λ(X)βY is the β-dual of some X valued sequence space λ(X). When λ(X) is c0(X) or l∞(X), we have found the largest M ⊂ 2λ(X) for which (Aj) ∈ λ(X)βY if and only if Σ
j=1∞Aj(xj) converges uniformly with respect to (xj) in any M ∈ M. Also, a remark is given when λ(X) is lp(X) for 0 < p < + ∞.
Gestão comunicativa para redes cooperativas de ciência, tecnologia e inovação em saúde
Authors: Martins Wagner de Jesus , Artmann Elizabeth , Rivera Francisco Javier Uribe
Published: December 2012

O objetivo do artigo foi propor um modelo de gestão comunicativa de redes para o Sistema de Inovação em Saúde. Para isso discute-se o complexo produtivo da saúde em sua relação com o desenvolvimento e apresentam-se algumas sugestões para o formato mais operacional da proposta. Utilizaram-se teóricos da linguagem, especialmente Habermas, e exemplos de outros países. Enfoques comunicativos e de negociação de compromissos, que ajudam a criar formas de coordenação e consensos fundamentados na argumentação crítica, poderiam contribuir para a consolidação de redes democráticas.
Mudanças no consumo alimentar e atividade física de escolares de Florianópolis, SC, 2002 - 2007
Authors: Costa Filipe Ferreira da , Assis Maria Alice Altenburg de , Leal Danielle Biazzi , Campos Vanessa Caroline , Kupek Emil , Conde Wolney Lisboa
Published: December 2012

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a mudança em cinco anos do consumo alimentar e nível de atividade física em escolares. MÉTODOS: Estudo com amostra representativa (n = 4.168) de escolares de sete a dez anos de idade de Florianópolis, SC. Medidas do consumo alimentar e atividade física foram realizadas em dois estudos de base escolar em 2002 (n = 2.936; 51% meninos; idade média = 8,5 anos) e 2007 (n = 1.232; 50,7% meninos; idade média = 8,6 anos), utilizando questionários ilustrados. O teste do qui-quadrado foi utilizado para avaliar a mudança no consumo de oito alimentos/grupos de alimentos, no atendimento às recomendações do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira e no nível de atividade física (avaliado segundo os terços de distribuição do escore e o tipo de deslocamento para a escola). As análises foram realizadas segundo a rede de ensino. RESULTADOS: Houve redução da proporção de crianças que relatou o consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes, feijão, carnes, guloseimas, pizza, batata frita e refrigerantes. Maior proporção de escolares da rede privada atendeu às recomendações de restrição de consumo de refrigerantes, pizzas e batata frita, e de maior consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes, em ambos os estudos. Por outro lado, maior proporção de escolares da rede pública atendeu às recomendações para o consumo de carnes em 2007. Os valores medianos do escore de atividade física diminuíram em 2007. Em ambos os anos escolares da rede privada foram mais ativos. A proporção de escolares que se deslocou ativamente para a escola reduziu de 49% para 41% (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Houve redução no consumo de alimentos marcadores de dieta saudável (feijão, carnes/peixes, frutas, legumes e verduras) e de alimentos de alta densidade energética e baixo valor nutricional (refrigerantes, guloseimas e pizza/batatas fritas). Também houve decréscimo da proporção de escolares que relataram deslocamento ativo para a escola.