bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of estrogen sulfation by SULT1E1 and PAPSS on the development of estrogen‐dependent cancers
Authors: Xu Yali , Liu Xiaoxia , Guo Fenghua , Ning Yanxia , Zhi Xiuling , Wang Xinhong , Chen Sifeng , Yin Lianhua , Li Xiaobo
Published: March 2012

Estrogens are involved in the complex regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis of hormone sensitive tumors including breast and endometrial cancers. Sulfation is the main pathway for estrogen metabolism, which is believed to be involved in the inactivation of estrogens in target tissues. SULT1E1 and PAPSS (PAPSS1 and PAPSS2) are responsible for the estrogen sulfation by providing catalyzing enzyme and universal sulfate donor. The present study showed the expression patterns of SULT1E1 and PAPSS in the breast and endometrial tissues by tissue array analysis and the assessment of clinical samples. The estrogen sulfation enzymes were comparatively higher in the tumorous tissues than their adjacent normal tissues. SULT1E1 overexpression inhibited the tumorigenesis in subcutaneous xenograft model. By CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry assay, overexpression of SULT1E1 and PAPSS1 by adenovirus blocked the estrogen pro‐proliferating effect and promoted cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 in MCF‐7 cells. By real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western‐blot assays, overexpression of SULT1E1 and PAPSS1 suppressed cell growth and triggered apoptosis by downregulating the levels of c‐myc, cyclin D1 and bcl‐2, meanwhile, upregulating bax expression. In conclusion, the discrepancies in expressions of SULT1E1 and PAPSS between breast and endometrial tumorous tissues and their adjacent normal tissues were prominent. Overexpression of SULT1E1 and PAPSS1 retarded MCF‐7 cells growth in vivo and in vitro by arresting cell cycles and inducing apoptosis. Thus, targeting SULT1E1 and PAPSS expressions might be an important approach for estrogen‐dependent cancers. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1000–1009)
Regulation of glioblastoma multiforme stem‐like cells by inhibitor of DNA binding proteins and oligodendroglial lineage‐associated transcription factors
Authors: Wu Yanjue , Richard Jean‐Philippe , Wang Shervin D. , Rath Prakash , Laterra John , Xia Shuli
Published: March 2012

Tumor‐initiating stem cells (also referred to as cancer stem cells, CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that play unique roles in tumor propagation, therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. It is increasingly important to understand how molecular signaling regulates the self‐renewal and differentiation of CSCs. Basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factors are critical for the differentiation of normal stem cells, yet their roles in neoplastic stem cells are not well understood. In glioblastoma neurosphere cultures that contain cancer stem cells (GBM‐CSCs), the bHLH family member inhibitors of DNA binding protein 2 and 4 (Id2 and Id4) were found to be upregulated during the differentiation of GBM‐CSCs in response to histone deacetylase inhibitors. In this study, we examined the functions of Id2 and Id4 in GBM neurosphere cells and identified Id proteins as efficient differentiation regulators of GBM‐CSCs. Overexpression of Id2 and Id4 promoted the lineage‐specific differentiation of GBM neurosphere cells as evidenced by the induction of neuronal/astroglial differentiation markers Tuj1 and GFAP and the inhibition of the oligodendroglial marker GalC. Id protein overexpression also reduced both stem cell marker expression and neurosphere formation potential, a biological marker of cancer cell “stemness.” We further showed that Id2 and Id4 regulated GBM neurosphere differentiation through downregulating of another bHLH family member, the oligodendroglial lineage‐associated transcription factors (Olig) 1 and 2. Our results provide evidence for distinct functions of Id proteins in neoplastic stem cells, which supports Id proteins and their downstream targets as potential candidates for differentiation therapy in CSCs. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1028–1037)
A novel A20 (TNFAIP3) antibody (Ber‐A20) can be used to detect unmutated A20 by immunohistology
Authors: Hirsch Burkhard , Grünbaum Maria , Wagner Florian , Bi Yingwen , Lucka Lothar , Du Ming‐Qing , Stein Harald , Dürkop Horst
Published: March 2012

Hirsch B, Grünbaum M, Wagner F, Bi Y, Lucka L, Du M‐Q, Stein H & Dürkop H

(2012) Histopathology 60, E19–E27

A novel A20 (TNFAIP3) antibody (Ber‐A20) can be used to detect unmutated A20 by immunohistology

Aims:  A20 (TNFAIP3) is a nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)‐inducible component of tumour necrosis factor and Toll‐like receptor intracellular signal transduction. It negatively regulates NF‐κB, and has been identified as a tumour suppressor. Several studies have described A20 inactivation by deletion of the A20 locus at 6q23, inactivating mutations, and/or methylation of the A20 promoter in various lymphoma entities.

Methods and results:  We generated a monoclonal antibody against the C‐terminus of A20 (Ber‐A20) and investigated full‐length A20 expression of normal lymphoid tissue and lymphomas for the first time. We identified loss of A20 expression in tumour cells of 24% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma, 27% of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, 20% of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, 19% of follicular lymphoma, 13% of mantle cell lymphoma and 8% of primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma cases by immunohistology. Loss of A20 expression rarely occurred in T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusions:  Our data are in agreement with cytogenetic and molecular analyses. Among 21 cases of ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphomas with known A20 mutation status, we detected complete absence of A20 expression, whereas cases with wild‐type A20 were weakly A20‐positive. We demonstrate that A20 loss can be detected by immunohistology with a sensitivity similar to that of complex molecular and genetic methods.
Antigenic fractions of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: the immune response characterization of patients at the initial phase of disease
Authors: BRELAZ M. C. A. , De OLIVEIRA A. P. , De ALMEIDA A. F. , De ASSIS SOUZA M. , MEDEIROS Â. C. R. , De BRITO M. E. F. , PEREIRA V. R. A.
Published: March 2012

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) has different clinical manifestations and these manifestations are dependent on the immunological status of the host. As CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their mediators play a fundamental role in the host response to Leishmania and there is also a search for antigenic molecules to be used as future vaccines and tools for prognostic tests, this study characterized ACL patients’ immune response after stimulation with soluble and insoluble fractions of L. (V.) braziliensis. We demonstrated a prevailing production of the Th2 cytokines, IL‐4 and IL‐10 and a specific production of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in patients before treatment. There was also a predominance of CD4+ T cells and a small percentage CD8+ T cells. The insoluble antigenic fraction primarily stimulated CD4+ T cells, while the soluble antigenic fraction showed a mixed profile, with CD4+ T cells being the main responsible for Th2 cytokines and CD8+ T cells for Th1 cytokines. Therefore, our results showed that a down‐modulation of the Th1 type of response occurs in the initial phase of L. braziliensis disease, being the antigenic fractions capable of stimulating a specific immune response.
Withania somnifera chemotypes NMITLI 101R, NMITLI 118R, NMITLI 128R and withaferin A protect Mastomys coucha from Brugia malayi infection
Authors: KUSHWAHA S. , SONI V. K. , SINGH P. K. , BANO N. , KUMAR A. , SANGWAN R. S. , MISRA‐BHATTACHARYA S.
Published: March 2012

Withania somnifera is an ayurvedic Indian medicinal plant whose immunomodulatory activities have been widely used as a home remedy for several ailments. We recently observed immunostimulatory properties in the root extracts of chemotypes NMITLI‐101, NMITLI‐118, NMITLI‐128 and pure withanolide, withaferin A. In the present study, we evaluated the potential immunoprophylactic efficacies of these extracts against an infective pathogen. Our results show that administration of aqueous ethanol extracts (10 mg/kg) and withaferin A (0·3 mg/kg), 7 days before and after challenge with human filarial parasite Brugia malayi, offers differential protection in Mastomys coucha with chemotype 101R offering best protection (53·57%) as compared to other chemotypes. Our findings also demonstrate that establishment of B. malayi larvae was adversely affected by pretreatment with withaferin A as evidenced by 63·6% reduction in adult worm establishment. Moreover, a large percentage of the established female worms (66·2%) also showed defective embryogenesis. While the filaria‐specific immunological response induced by withaferin A and NMITLI‐101 showed a mixed Th1/Th2 phenotype, 118R stimulated production of IFN‐γ and 128R increased levels of IL‐4. Taken together, our findings reveal potential immunoprophylactic properties of W. somnifera, and further studies are needed to ascertain the benefits of this plant against other pathogens as well.
Three Arabidopsis AIL/PLT genes act in combination to regulate shoot apical meristem function
Authors: Mudunkothge Janaki S. , Krizek Beth A.
Published: March 2012

The shoot apical meristem, a small dome‐shaped structure at the shoot apex, is responsible for the initiation of all post‐embryonic shoot organs. Pluripotent stem cells within the meristem replenish themselves and provide daughter cells that become incorporated into lateral organ primordia around the meristem periphery. We have identified three novel regulators of shoot apical meristem activity in Arabidopsis thaliana that encode related AIL/PLT transcription factors: AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), AINTEGUMENTA‐LIKE6 (AIL6)/PLETHORA3 (PLT3) and AINTEGUMENTA‐LIKE7 (AIL7)/PLETHORA7 (PLT7). Loss of these genes results in plants that initiate only a few leaves prior to termination of shoot apical meristem activity. In 7‐day‐old ant ail6 ail7 seedlings, we observed reduced cell division in the meristem region, differentiation of meristematic cells and altered expression of the meristem regulators WUSCHEL (WUS), CLAVATA3 (CLV3) and SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM). Genetic experiments suggest that these three AIL genes do not act specifically in either the WUS/CLV or STM pathway regulating meristem function. Furthermore, these studies indicate that ANT, AIL6 and AIL7 have distinct functions within the meristem rather than acting in a strictly redundant manner. Our study thus identifies three new genes whose distinct functions are together required for continuous shoot apical meristem function.
Fair reckoning: a qualitative investigation of responses to an economic health resource allocation survey
Authors: Giacomini Mita , Hurley Jeremiah , DeJean Deirdre
Published: March 2012

Objective  To investigate how participants in an economic resource allocation survey construct notions of fairness.

Design  Qualitative interview study guided by interpretive grounded theory methods.

Setting and participants  Qualitative interviews were conducted with volunteer university‐ (n = 39) and community‐based (n = 7) economic survey participants.

Intervention or main variables studied  We explored how participants constructed meanings to guide or explain fair survey choices, focusing on rationales, imagery and additional desired information not provided in the survey scenarios.

Main outcome measures  Data were transcribed and coded into qualitative categories. Analysis iterated with data collection iterated through three waves of interviews.

Results  Participants compared the survey dilemmas to domains outside the health system. Most compared them with other micro‐level, inter‐personal sharing tasks. Participants raised several fairness‐relevant factors beyond need or capacity to benefit. These included age, weight, poverty, access to other options and personal responsibility for illness; illness duration, curability or seriousness; life expectancy; possibilities for sharing; awareness of other’s needs; and ability to explain allocations to those affected. They also articulated a fairness principle little considered by equity theories: that everybody must get something and nobody should get nothing.

Discussion and conclusions  Lay criteria for judging fairness are myriad. Simple scenarios may be used to investigate lay commitments to abstract principles. Although principles are the focus of analysis and inference, participants may solve simplified dilemmas by imputing extraneous features to the problem or applying unanticipated principles. These possibilities should be taken into account in the design of resource allocation surveys eliciting the views of the public.
Effect of low temperature on chlorophyll biosynthesis in albinism line of wheat (Triticum aestivum) FA85
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Gang , Xu Hong , Zhang Jing‐Ya , Liang Guang‐Wang , Liu Ying‐Tuan , Guo Ai‐Guang
Published: March 2012

The ‘stage albinism line of winter wheat' FA85 exhibits a severe block in chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis with prolonged low‐temperature treatment. The correlations between leaf color and low temperature provide more comprehensive understanding of low temperature as an environmental signal that regulate the metabolic changes in the entire Chl‐synthesizing pathway. In this study, we investigated differences in Chl biosynthesis between leaves of Aibian1 and FA85 by measuring their Chl precursors and heme content, transcripts for key genes of Chl biosynthesis and key enzyme activities. With prolonged low‐temperature treatment, the Chl content gradually decreased, but Chl precursors, including protoporphyrin IX, Mg‐protoporphyrin IX and protochlorophyllide (Pchlide), simultaneously accumulated. Parallel to the decline in Chl content, the protoporphyrin IX distribution toward Chl synthesis was less than that in heme synthesis in the leaves of FA85. Corresponding to the change of protoporphyrin IX distribution, the relative changes in magnesium chelatase (EC 6.6.1.1) and ferrochelatase (EC 4.99.1.1) activities in the leaves of FA85 also indirectly reflected channeling of the metabolic flow into heme rather than Chl. A drastic loss in the transcripts for Pchlide oxidoreductase (EC 1.3.1.33) and Chl synthase (EC 2.5.1.62) accounted for a decrease in the metabolic flux and the re‐direction of metabolites. The high‐level accumulations of Chl precursors and traces of Chl in the leaves of FA85 suggest that a severe block between the steps from Pchlide to Chl formation during Chl biosynthesis is partially derived from the transcriptional downregulation of Pchlide oxidoreductase and Chl synthase.
Comparison of adherence between twice‐ and thrice‐daily regimens of oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
Authors: LLOR CARL , BAYONA CAROLINA , HERNÁNDEZ SILVIA , MORAGAS ANA , MIRAVITLLES MARC
Published: March 2012

Background and objective:  Few studies have analysed adherence with antibiotic treatment in patients with respiratory tract infections. The aim of this study was to compare the compliance of patients taking a pharmacokinetically enhanced formulation of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid twice daily with that of patients taking the standard formulation thrice daily.

Methods:  Patients with suspected bacterial lower respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis and dental infections were included. Adherence was assessed by electronic monitoring, which recorded every opening of the patient's bottle of pills. The outcome variables were compliance with taking the medication, taking the correct dose and with timing of the dose.

Results:  A total of 240 patients were enrolled (167 in the thrice‐daily group and 73 in the twice‐daily group). The percentage of doses taken was greater with the twice‐daily regimen (84.5 ± 22.8%) than with the thrice‐daily regimen (72.7 ± 20.1%; P < 0.001). Forty patients in the twice‐daily group opened the container every 12 ± 6 h during at least 80% of the course (54.8%), while only 19.6% of the patients assigned to the thrice‐daily formulation did so every 8 ± 4 h (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients who opened the container a satisfactory number of times per day was significantly higher among those taking the twice‐daily regimen on days three, four, five, six and seven. Moreover, the thrice‐daily group more frequently forgot to take the afternoon dose.

Conclusions:  The rate of compliance with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid therapy was very low. However, compliance with the new formulation that is taken twice‐daily was significantly better.
Both NKCC1 and anion exchangers contribute to Cl− accumulation in postnatal forebrain neuronal progenitors
Authors: Sun Lin , Yu Zhiyuan , Wang Wei , Liu Xiuxin
Published: March 2012

Neuronal progenitors are continuously generated in the postnatal rodent subventricular zone and migrate along the rostral migratory stream to supply interneurons in the olfactory bulb. Nonsynaptic GABAergic signaling affects the postnatal neurogenesis by depolarizing neuronal progenitors, which depends on an elevated intracellular Cl− concentration. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for Cl− accumulation in these cells still remains elusive. Using confocal Ca2+ imaging, we found that GABA depolarization‐induced Ca2+ increase was either abolished by bumetanide, a specific inhibitor of the Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter, or reduced by partial replacement of extracellular Na+ with Li+, in the HEPES buffer but not in the CO2/ buffer. GABA depolarization‐induced Ca2+ increase in CO2/ buffer was abolished by a combination of bumetanide with the anion exchanger inhibitor DIDS or with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetozalimide. Using gramicidin‐perforated patch‐clamp recording, we further confirmed that bumetanide, together with DIDS or acetozalimide, reduced the intracellular chloride concentration in the neuronal progenitors. In addition, with BrdU labeling, we demonstrated that blocking of the Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter, but not anion exchangers, reduced the proliferation of neuronal progenitors. Our results indicate that both the Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter and anion exchangers contribute to the elevated intracellular chloride responsible for the depolarizing action of GABA in the postnatal forebrain neuronal progenitors. However, the Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter displays an additional effect on neuronal progenitor proliferation.
The unfolded protein response in models of human mutant G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Prell T. , Lautenschläger J. , Witte O. W. , Carri M. T. , Grosskreutz J.
Published: March 2012

Recent studies indicate that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the pathogenesis of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ER stress occurs when the ER–mitochondria calcium cycle (ERMCC) is disturbed and misfolded proteins accumulate in the ER. To cope with ER stress, the cell engages the unfolded protein response (UPR). While activation of the UPR has been shown in some ALS models and tissues, ER stress elements have not been studied directly in motor neurons. Here we investigated the expression of XBP1 and ATF6α and phosphorylation of eIF2α, and their modulation, in mutated SOD1G93A NSC34 and animal model of ALS. Expression of XBP1 and ATF6α mRNA and protein was enhanced in SOD1G93A NSC34 cells. Activation of ATF6α and XBP1 and phosphorylation of eIF2α were detectable in mutated SOD1G93A motor but not in wild‐type motor neurons. Treatment with the ER stressor thapsigargin enhanced phosphorylation of eIF2α and activated proteolysis of ATF6α and splicing of XBP1 in NSC34 and motor neurons in a time‐dependent manner. The present study thus provides direct evidence of activated UPR in motor neurons which overexpress human pathogenic mutant SOD1G93A, providing evidence that ER stress plays a major role in ALS.
Reappraisal of the options for colorectal cancer screening in England
Authors: Whyte S. , Chilcott J. , Halloran S.
Published: March 2012

Aim  The aim was to use newly available data to estimate the cost effectiveness and endoscopy requirements of screening options for colorectal cancer (CRC) to inform screening policy in England.

Methods  A state transition model simulated the life experience of a cohort of individuals in the general population of England with normal colon/rectal epithelium through to the development of adenomas and CRC and subsequent death. CRC natural history model parameters and screening test characteristics were estimated simultaneously by a process of model calibration. This process was fitted to observed data on CRC incidence in the absence of screening, data from existing screening programmes, and data from the UK flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening trial. The costs, effects and resource impact were evaluated for a range of screening options involving the guaiac or immunochemical faecal occult blood test (gFOBT/iFOBT) and FS.

Results  The model suggests that screening strategies involving FS or iFOBT may produce additional benefits compared with the current policy of biennial gFOBT for 60–74‐year‐olds. The age at which a single FS screen results in the greatest quality‐adjusted life year gain was 55, with similar gains for ages between 52 and 58. Strategies which combined FS and iFOBT showed further benefits and improved economic outcomes.

Conclusions  Strategies which combine different screening modalities may provide greater clinical and economic benefits. The collection of comprehensive screening data using a uniform format will enable comparative analysis across screening programmes in different countries, will improve our understanding of the disease and will allow identification of optimal screening modalities.
Complete mesocolic excision in colon cancer surgery: a comparison between open and laparoscopic approach
Authors: Gouvas N. , Pechlivanides G. , Zervakis N. , Kafousi M. , Xynos E.
Published: March 2012

Background  Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vessel ligation (CVL) as performed in Erlangen offers the best long‐term outcome for colon cancer. The aim of this study was to assess specimens after laparoscopic vs open CME‐CVL macroscopically and morphometrically in patients with left and right colon cancers.

Method  All specimens were freshly photographed. Precise tumour morphometry and grading of the surgical plane were performed as described by pathologists in Leeds, UK.

Results  Thirty‐four specimens from right‐sided cancers were divided into 18 transverse colon cancers (nine laparoscopic vs nine open) and 16 caecum–ascending colon cancers (seven laparoscopic vs nine open) and 56 specimens from left‐sided cancers (33 laparoscopic vs 23 open). There was no difference between laparoscopically and open acquired left‐ and right‐sided specimens. Specimens of transverse colon displayed differences in length of central ligation to tumour (open 11.67 cm vs laparoscopic 8.72 cm, P = 0.049), length of central ligation to bowel wall (open 9.11 cm vs laparoscopic 6.5 cm, P = 0.015) and lymph node clearance (open 46.33 vs laparoscopic 39.33, P = 0.033).

Conclusion  Laparoscopy seems to offer specimens of similar quality after CME‐CVL surgery for colon cancer to the open approach. Issues of completeness of excision from laparoscopy are raised for tumours located in the transverse colon.
Response of glutathione S‐transferase Pi (GSTP1) to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bedford M. R. , Anathhanam S. , Saleh D. , Hickson A. , McGregor A. K. , Boyle K. , Burke D.
Published: March 2012

Aim  The response of rectal adenocarcinoma to neoadjuvant therapy is variable. Accurate prediction of response would enable selective administration of therapy. The enzyme glutathione S‐transferase Pi (GSTP1) has been shown to influence response to therapy in some solid tumours. Few data are available for rectal cancer.

Method  The GSTP1 levels in rectal adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal mucosa were quantified before and after exposure to neoadjuvant therapy. Venous blood samples and biopsies of normal rectal mucosa and tumour were prospectively obtained from patients with primary rectal cancer. Patients were stratified by exposure to neoadjuvant therapy or surgery alone. GSTP1 was quantitatively measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results  Ninety‐two patients (54 men; median age 68 years) were recruited. The median GSTP1 level was significantly higher in rectal adenocarcinoma than in matched normal mucosa [6.59 μg/mg vs 4.57 μg/mg; P < 0.001]. The median tumour GSTP1 level was significantly lower in the therapy group compared with unmatched samples from the no‐therapy group [4.47 μg/mg vs 7.76 μg/mg; P < 0.001].

Conclusion  The GSTP1 level is increased in rectal adenocarcinoma compared with adjacent normal mucosa. It decreases following neoadjuvant therapy. Future studies correlating pre‐therapy GSTP1 levels with pathological response would be of interest.
Molecular systematics of the ‘Navanax aenigmaticus’ species complex (Mollusca, Cephalaspidea): coming full circle
Authors: Ornelas‐Gatdula Elysse , Camacho‐García Yolanda , Schrödl Michael , Padula Vinicius , Hooker Yuri , Gosliner Terrence M. , Valdés ÁNgel
Published: March 2012

Ornelas‐Gatdula, E., Camacho‐García, Y., Schrödl, M., Padula, V., Hooker, Y., Gosliner, T. M. & Valdés, Á. (2012). Molecular systematics of the ‘Navanax aenigmaticus’ species complex (Mollusca, Cephalaspidea): Coming full circle. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 374–385.

Molecular evidence from the mitochondrial COI and 16S genes and the nuclear H3 gene indicate that the traditionally recognized cephalaspidean sea slug species Navanax aenigmaticus consists of three deeply divergent lineages with disjunct ranges in the eastern Pacific, western Atlantic and eastern Atlantic. Each of these allopatric lineages is highly variable in colour and body size, which hampers identification of some possible consistent differences between them. Some conchological differences between the three lineages seem to be correlated with the groupings resulting from the analyses of molecular data, but the results of the morphological studies are inconclusive. Because of the presence of well‐supported divergences and molecular synapomorphies, these lineages are herein considered to be three separate cryptic species. A review of the literature and available type material was conducted to determine the valid name for each of the three species. In other to promote nomenclatural stability, the oldest name with a description that allows a positive identification was selected over older, taxonomically ambiguous names. The conclusion of this revision is that the valid names for the species are Navanax nyanyanus (Edmunds 1968) – eastern Atlantic, Navanax gemmatus (Mörch 1863) – western Atlantic and Navanax aenigmaticus (Bergh 1893) – eastern Pacific.
Trade Marks and Performance in Services and Manufacturing Firms: Evidence of Schumpeterian Competition through Innovation
Authors: Greenhalgh Christine , Rogers Mark
Published: March 2012

We develop Lancaster's model of consumer behaviour under product differentiation to analyse Schumpeterian creative destruction. Launching new products with novel characteristics enables firms to temporarily steal market share from rivals. Product launch is monitored by using trade marks, patents and research and development. The dataset covers a large sample of UK service and manufacturing firms. We find that stock market value is positively associated with own trade mark activity and trade mark‐active firms achieve significantly higher value‐added. Greater trade mark activity by competitors reduces net output of firms, but raises their stock market value. This is consistent with the Schumpeterian process of competition through innovation.
Policy Forum: Designing a Carbon Price Policy: Empirical Uncertainties in Climate Policy Implementation
Authors: Pearce David
Published: March 2012

Despite the passing of the carbon price legislation, implementation of climate policy must confront a number of challenges. These include the uncertain nature of benefits from the policy, uncertainty surrounding the cost of abatement within Australia, uncertainties about international action and challenges in the interaction between policy instruments (for example, between the carbon price and large subsidies to renewable energy). Each of these issues implies a substantial empirical challenge for the Australian Government and the independent agencies charged with implementation. Effort should be focused on increasing the knowledge base, rather than relying on simplified scenarios from a narrow range of economic models.
Ethnic Minority Women in the Scottish Labour Market: Employers' Perceptions
Authors: Kamenou Nicolina , Netto Gina , Fearfull Anne
Published: March 2012

This paper contributes to an under‐researched area through investigating employers' perceptions of ethnic minority women in the Scottish labour market. Adopting a social constructionist approach which acknowledges agency and structure and incorporates insights relating to organizational and social group culture, the study highlights the influence of individual (micro), organizational (meso) and contextual (macro) factors on ethnic minority women's participation in the labour market. The paper is based on qualitative research involving Scottish employers in the public and private sectors to examine perceptions and practices related to the employment of ethnic minority women. Institutional commitment to equality issues is questioned, although individual instances of engagement with key equality issues were sometimes evident. Proactive recruitment strategies and career support for ethnic minority women and men were not in evidence, and there was low awareness of the unique position of ethnic minority women in employment and society. We argue that these findings call for a multi‐level approach to advancing human resources management policy, practice and research within a wider socio‐political environment in which the responsibilities and duties of public sector organizations are clarified and more support is provided for organizational promotion of equal opportunities.
TOP SECURITY
Authors: Dearlove Des
Published: March 2012

Peter Hawksworth, CEO of Security Products from Siemens, is at the innovative end of the booming security market. He talks to Des Dearlove.
Globalization, Tax Distortions, and Public‐Sector Retrenchment*
Authors: Andersen Torben M. , Sørensen Allan
Published: March 2012

It is widely perceived that globalization inevitably leads to a retrenchment of tax‐financed public‐sector activities. The argument is that tax distortions increase when production is more easily relocated across countries (the elasticity argument). We question this perception in a model that captures standard mechanisms from trade and open‐economy models. Importantly, the retrenchment argument overlooks the fact that the basic effect of integration (i.e., gains from trade) tends to lower the marginal costs of public funds. Moreover, the elasticity argument is not unambiguously supported, and there is no race to the bottom as a result of the perceived terms‐of‐trade effects of non‐cooperative fiscal policies.
A tale of two probabilities
Authors: Falk Ruma , Kendig Keith
Published: March 2012

Two contestants debate the notorious probability problem of the sex of the second child. The conclusions boil down to explication of the underlying scenarios and assumptions. Basic principles of probability theory are highlighted.
Pigeons, facebook and the birthday problem
Authors: Russell Matthew
Published: March 2012

The unexpectedness of the birthday problem has long been used by teachers of statistics in discussing basic probability calculation. An activity is described that engages students in understanding probability and sampling using the popular Facebook social networking site.
Facets of Right‐Wing Authoritarianism Mediate the Relationship Between Religious Fundamentalism and Attitudes Toward Arabs and African Americans
Authors: Johnson Megan K. , Labouff Jordan Paul , Rowatt Wade C. , Patock‐Peckham Julie A. , Carlisle Robert D.
Published: March 2012

Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, hate crimes against Arabs have increased in the United States. Despite recent increases in anti‐Arab attitudes, little psychological research has been conducted to understand this prejudice. Across two studies, we tested a theoretical model of Arab and African‐American prejudice. We found the aggression facet of right‐wing authoritarianism mediated the relationship between religious fundamentalism (RF) and prejudice toward Arabs and African Americans. Results are interpreted in light of previous research on cognitive rigidity, RF, and prejudice, and implications are made for political leaders conversing about Arab nations and peoples.
The Deliberative Pulpit? The Democratic Norms and Practices of the PCUSA
Authors: Djupe Paul A. , Calfano Brian R.
Published: March 2012

In contrast to typical approaches that view religion as problematic or benign, thicker conceptions of religion's place in promoting and sustaining democratic politics are possible. This includes religious organizations modeling democratic practices and engaging in debate on common terms. We initiate this program of inquiry with data from a survey of Presbyterian Church, USA clergy gathered during the late summer and fall of 2009. We asked explicitly about clergy commitment to democratic norms and practices as reflected in their public speech and small group activities in their congregations. We use this article to explain variance in the results, looking especially to see if democratic commitments fall at the expense of religious competition, organizational maintenance, and personal preference and increased conservatism.
Validation of a Buddhist Coping Measure Among Primarily Non‐Asian Buddhists in the United States
Authors: Phillips Russell E. , Michelle Cheng Clara , Oemig Carmen , Hietbrink Lisa , Vonnegut Erica
Published: March 2012

Researchers have developed scales to measure religious coping among Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus. However, there is no quantitative measure of religious coping for Buddhists. The present study describes the development and initial validation of a scale of Buddhist coping (BCOPE). Eight hundred sixty participants in the United States completed the BCOPE along with demographic information and scales of adjustment to stress. Construct validity of the BCOPE is demonstrated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, which reveals 14 types of Buddhist coping. BCOPE subscales exhibited criterion validity through significant correlations with outcome measures. The BCOPE has incremental validity, predicting adjustment over and above demographic and global religious measures. The research and practical implications of the BCOPE are discussed.
Agricultural lands as ecological traps for grizzly bears
Authors: Northrup J. M. , Stenhouse G. B. , Boyce M. S.
Published: March 2012

Human–carnivore conflicts on agricultural lands are a global conservation issue affecting carnivore population viability, and human safety and livelihoods. Locations of conflicts are influenced by both human presence and carnivore habitat selection, although these two aspects of conflict rarely have been examined concurrently. Advances in animal tracking have facilitated examination of carnivore habitat selection and movements affording new opportunities to understand spatial patterns of conflict. We reviewed 10 years of data on conflicts between grizzly bears and humans in southwestern Alberta, Canada. We used logistic regression models in a geographic information system to map the probability of bear–human conflict from these data, and the relative probability of grizzly bear habitat selection based on global positioning system radiotelemetry data. We overlaid these maps to identify ecological traps, as well as areas of secure habitat. The majority of the landscape was seldom selected by bears, followed by ecological traps where most conflicts occurred. Only a small portion of the landscape was identified as secure habitat. Such mapping methods can be used to identify areas where conflict reduction strategies have the greatest potential to be effective. Our results highlight the need for comprehensive management to reduce conflicts and to identify areas where those conflicts are most problematic. These methods will be particularly useful for carnivores known to be in conflict with agriculture, such as large carnivores that prey on livestock, or pose a threat to human safety.
Cross‐scale predictions allow the identification of local conservation priorities from atlas data
Authors: Bombi P. , Salvi D. , Bologna M. A.
Published: March 2012

For planning practical measures aimed at biodiversity protection, conservation priorities must be identified at a local scale. Unfortunately, identifying local conservation priorities requires high‐resolution data on species distribution, and these are often unavailable. Atlases of species distribution provide data for several groups of organisms in many different areas but are often too coarse in resolution to provide valuable information. We explored the possibility of cross‐scale modelling species distributions and we clarified, for the first time, its effect on prioritization exercises. We used different modelling techniques for scaling down atlas data forSardinian reptiles, validated the outcomes with detailed, field‐sampled data, and compared conservation priorities deriving from atlas maps and downscaled models. Doing this, we obtained as a further result the identification of priority species and areas for future conservation strategies. Our results encourage us to experiment further with this approach. Through the downscaling procedure, we obtain high‐resolution models with strong variations in predictive performances, although most of the models show satisfactory/excellent scores. This testifies that low‐resolution data can be downscaled maintaining low rates of omission and commission errors. Increasing the resolution of distribution maps used for prioritization influences the spatial patterns of priority but does not modify the evaluation of species representation. Overall, we show that atlases can meet the large demand for distribution data by decision makers if appropriate downscaling procedures are adopted. In addition, we provide practical instruments for the conservation of reptiles inSardinia by identifying priority species and areas that require strict management.
Variation in terrestrial mammal abundance on pastoral and conservation land tenures in north‐eastern Australian tropical savannas
Authors: Kutt A. S. , Gordon I. J.
Published: March 2012

The introduction of domestic cattle into systems that have had little historical grazing by large herbivores, such as the case in Australia, can lead to both direct and indirect changes in native flora and fauna. In this study, we investigate the differences in native mammal abundance between pastoral land managed for cattle production and conservation land in Australian tropical savannas. We systematically sampled 68 sites for mammals in north‐eastern Queensland representing the two land tenures, which represent land with introduced stock and native herbivores present, and land where only native herbivores occur. We recorded 17 species of mammals representing five families and two functional groups (small mammals and macropods). Generalized linear mixed effects models identified that there was a significant positive relationship between increasing total ground cover and small mammal abundance and also the abundance of two species, Pseudomys desertor and P. gracilicaudatus. We recorded a reduction in abundance on pastoral land for macropods and small mammals, and four species, M. robustus, M. rufus, Leggadina lakedownensis, P. gracilicaudatus. Total ground cover and perennial grass cover was lower on pastoral land. Small mammal abundance on pastoral land was less even with increasing ground cover. Our results suggest that on pastoral land, native mammal abundance is affected and this has some relationship to ground cover changes. We recognize that there are other confounding management differences between pastoral and conservation lands such fire use, dingo baiting, and the manner of weed invasion and control that could influence mammal pattern. We conclude that conservation strategies for mammals in Australia's tropical savannas need to include a variety of land management schemes and tenures including land free from grazing by domestic livestock.
Associations between Polymorphisms Related to Calcium Metabolism and Human Height: The Tromsø Study
Authors: Jorde Rolf , Svartberg Johan , Joakimsen Ragnar Martin , Grimnes Guri
Published: March 2012

A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to height have been detected. Calcium metabolism is important for the skeleton and accordingly also for adult height. Therefore, in the present study, nine SNPs related to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were related to height in 9471 subjects. Relation with height was evaluated with linear regression for trend across SNP genotypes with age and gender as covariates. After correcting for multiple testing, significant associations with height were found for two SNPs related to the VDR gene (rs1544410 (Bsml) and rs7975232 (Apal)), one SNP related to serum 25(OH)D (rs3829251 at the DHCR7/NADSYN1 gene), one SNP related to serum calcium (rs1459015 at the PTH gene) and one SNP related to serum phosphate (rs1697421 at the ALPL gene). For rs3829251, the mean differences in height between major and minor homozygotes were 1.5–2.0 cm (P < 0.01) and were seen in both genders and all age groups tested, whereas for the other SNPs, the differences were less than 1 cm. In conclusion, several SNPs related to calcium metabolism are associated with height, in particular rs3829251 at the DHCR7/NADSYN1 gene.
Further evidence of validity of the Modified Melbourne Assessment for neurologically impaired children aged 2 to 4 years
Authors: RANDALL MELINDA , IMMS CHRISTINE , CAREY LEEANNE
Published: March 2012

Aim  This paper reports the second phase of a study to extend the Melbourne Assessment for use with children with neurological impairment aged 2 to 4 years. The aim was to establish if (1) children’s scores on the Modified Melbourne Assessment (MMA) and the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) showed a moderate to high, positive relation, (2) children had comparable behaviours for task and time demands on both tools, and (3) scores on the MMA could discriminate between children with mild, moderate, and severe levels of upper limb impairment.

Method  An observational study of 30 children (19 males, 11 females) with neurological impairment aged 2 to 4 years. Twenty‐four children had spasticity (20 with a unilateral and four with a bilateral impairment) and two children presented with athetosis, two with ataxia, and two with hypotonia.

Results  A high, positive relation was found between children’s scores on the MMA and the QUEST (ρ=0.90; p=0.001). The clinical use of the MMA was comparable to the QUEST. MMA scores were able to discriminate between children’s levels of upper limb impairment as determined by clinicians’ ratings (F2,27=67.76, p=0.001).

Interpretation  These findings suggest the MMA can be clinically useful for children as young as 2.5 years and has the advantage of being valid for use with older children. Scores from the tool can also provide therapists with a quantitative means of consistently reporting level of upper limb impairment.
The Commodification of Bluefin Tuna: The Historical Transformation of the Mediterranean Fishery
Authors: LONGO STEFANO B. , CLARK BRETT
Published: March 2012

Employing a political–economic approach, we examine the Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean. In doing so, we highlight historical transformations in fishing operations given the commodification of bluefin tuna and the growth imperative of capitalism. Fieldwork in Sicily and Sardinia, in‐depth interviews, and primary and secondary data inform this analysis. Within the global agro‐food system, traditional trap fisheries that operated for centuries have diminished. Industrialized fishing and tuna‐ranching operations – that make use of high‐tech, capital‐intensive methods – have reorganized production, including the labour process, the capture of fish and the lifecycles of bluefin tuna. In an attempt to profit from the exploitation of the most prized fish in the world, capitalist fishing operations are harvesting bluefin tuna at a rate that exceeds the reproductive capabilities of the existing stock, which has had negative consequences for the traditional trap fishery and may lead to the collapse of this fishery. Modern capitalist social relations have destabilized an ecological system that has long been coupled with human systems within a few decades, with extensive socio‐ecological consequences. Aquaculture, as a proposed solution, is a technological fix, which cannot resolve fundamental ecological contradictions.
9‐Methyl‐β‐carboline‐induced cognitive enhancement is associated with elevated hippocampal dopamine levels and dendritic and synaptic proliferation
Authors: Gruss Michael , Appenroth Dorothea , Flubacher Armin , Enzensperger Christoph , Bock Jörg , Fleck Christian , Gille Gabriele , Braun Katharina
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 924–931.

β‐Carbolines (BCs) belong to the heterogenous family of carbolines, which have been found exogenously, that is, in various fruits, meats, tobacco smoke, alcohol and coffee, but also endogenously, that is, blood, brain and CSF. These exogenous and endogenous BCs and some of their metabolites can exert neurotoxic effects, however, an unexpected stimulatory effect of 9‐methyl‐β‐carboline (9‐me‐BC) on dopaminergic neurons in primary mesencephalic cultures was recently discovered. The aim of the present study was to extend our knowledge on the stimulatory effects of 9‐me‐BC and to test the hypothesis that 9‐me‐BC may act as a cognitive enhancer. We found that 10 days (but not 5 days) of pharmacological treatment with 9‐me‐BC (i) improves spatial learning in the radial maze, (ii) elevates dopamine levels in the hippocampal formation, and (iii) results after 10 days of treatment in elongated, more complex dendritic trees and higher spine numbers on granule neurons in the dentate gyrus of 9‐me‐BC‐treated rats. Our results demonstrate that beyond its neuroprotective/neurorestorative and anti‐inflammatory effects, 9‐me‐BC acts as a cognitive enhancer in a hippocampus‐dependent task, and that the behavioral effects may be associated with a stimulatory impact on hippocampal dopamine levels and dendritic and synaptic proliferation.
Retinoic acid mediates the expression of glutamate transporter‐1 in rat astrocytes through genomic RXR action and non‐genomic protein kinase C signaling pathway
Authors: Chan Ti‐Ju , Her Lu‐Shiun , Liaw Hung‐Jiun , Chen Mei‐Chun , Tzeng Shun‐Fen
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 537–550.

Astrocytic glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1) is responsible for 90% of forebrain glutamate uptake in the adult CNS. Retinoic acid (RA) is a potent regulator of neural cell differentiation and neuronal maturation in the developing CNS through activation of RA receptors/retinoic X receptors (RXRs) or non‐genomic mechanisms. Although rat GLT‐1 contains several RXR binding regions, RA‐triggered RXR mechanisms regulating GLT‐1 expression remain unknown. RA applied at submicromolar concentrations for 24 h significantly reduced GLT‐1 mRNA and membrane levels in astrocytes and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP)‐primed astrocytes. An RXR agonist reduced astrocytic GLT‐1 mRNA expression, whereas an RXR antagonist blocked the effects of RA on the reduction of astrocytic GLT‐1 mRNA expression. Electrophoresis motility shift assay indicated that RA‐treatment increased astrocytic RXR‐DNA binding activity. RA‐induced reduction in GLT‐1 mRNA expression was also observed in dbcAMP‐primed astrocytes. Through lentivirus‐mediated astrocytic over‐expression of rat GLT‐1, levels of GLT‐1 in the processes of dbcAMP‐treated astrocytes were attenuated by exposure to RA. The protein kinase C inhibitor, Bis I, restored GLT‐1 distribution in the processes of RA‐treated dbcAMP‐primed astrocytes. These results suggest that RA reduces astrocytic GLT‐1 levels through both RXR‐mediated inhibition at the transcriptional level and triggering activation of protein kinase C which reduces cell surface GLT‐1 levels.